The City Gates Church

Studies in the Psalms Keys to the Joyful Life Part 5 Aug 08, 2021

The joyful life involves singing and hearing worship of a worthy God.

Studies in the Psalms Keys to the Joyful Life Part 4 Aug 01, 2021

The joyful life is found by people whose hearts are oriented toward God and whose lives are fueled by His strength.

Studies in the Psalms Keys to the Joyful Life Part 3 Jul 25, 2021

The joyful life involves knowing that God cares for the poor and weak and modeling it yourself.

Studies in the Psalms Keys to the Joyful Life Part 2 Jul 18, 2021

The joyful life includes trusting God’s character in the face of adversity.

Studies in the Psalms - Keys to the Joyful Life Jul 11, 2021

In order to find the greatest joys in life, delight in God’s view of things, admit your failures, and receive forgiveness.

After You Have Suffered Jul 04, 2021

There is suffering in this life, but there is also a gracious God who calls you to glory.

Resist the Roaring Lion Jun 27, 2021

Christians must know Satan is stalking them and five tactics for resisting him.

A Call To Christian Humility Jun 20, 2021

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble; therefore, Christians should live in humble submission to God and each other.

Shepherd the Flock of God Jun 13, 2021

God entrusts the church to men who are called to love and lead like Christ.

Life’s Hard, Do Good Jun 06, 2021

When trials come your way don’t think it’s strange or be ashamed, commit your soul to God, rejoice and keep doing good.

Turn Aside Episode 43 - John 6, Lesson 6 May 24, 2021

Join Madeline and Jeff as they discuss and conclude the study of sixth chapter of the Book of John.

John 1:1-18 May 23, 2021

This morning, we will be examining how Jesus is the Expression of God in John 1:1-18.

Turn Aside Episode 43 - John 6, Lesson 5 May 17, 2021

Jeff and Madeleine Schlenz sit down to discuss some “hard things” with Matt and Peg Pottenger.

Numbers 28 May 16, 2021

By following the prescription of God’s biblical rhythms for His people we can learn how to better draw near to God and establish a pattern of healthy living for ourselves.

Turn Aside Episode 42 - John 6, Lesson 4 May 10, 2021

Join Jeff and Madeleine as the discuss the meaning of ‘life.’

Christ’s Suffering Produces Blessing For Us May 09, 2021

In one of the most hard-to-understand passages in the Bible one thing is clear: Christ’s suffering produces blessing for us.

Turn Aside Ep 40 John Chapter 6 Lesson Three May 03, 2021

Join Madeline and Jeff for another hour packed full of fun, fellowship and insight as they discuss the sixth chapter of the Book of John.

Christian Conduct in Suffering May 02, 2021

When you sanctify Christ as Lord you know what is true, do what is good, and endure without fear.

Turn Aside Ep 39 John Chapter 6 Lesson Two Apr 26, 2021

Grab some coffee or tea, your guide book and your Bible and join Madeline and Jeff as they discuss the sixth chapter of the Book of John.

Be a Source of Blessing in Your Relationships Apr 25, 2021

Knowing it’s your divine duty to be a blessing, choose unity and righteousness over insults and evil.

Turn Aside Ep 38 John Chapter 6 Introduction Apr 19, 2021

Join Madeline and Jeff as they introduce and discuss the sixth chapter of the Book of John.

Submission in Marriage Part 2 Apr 18, 2021

God gives specific instruction on how wives and husbands should live because our present relationships can have an eternal impact.

Submission in Marriage Part 1 Apr 11, 2021

Defining what submission is and is not in Christian marriage.

Christ Sees Your Suffering - Easter 2021 Apr 04, 2021

Christians are called to righteous submission in difficult circumstances as we follow the example of Christ who suffered and died for us.

Relationship With the World and Government Mar 28, 2021

Peter calls us to live holy lives, even in difficult times and challenges us to submit to government leaders for God’s glory.

Building a Spiritual House Mar 21, 2021

God has set a Stone in place - you either reject Him and stumble or receive Him and discover your status and purpose.

Turn Aside Ep 37 Joseph Lesson Nine Mar 15, 2021

In this episode we wrap up our study and see Joseph’s monumental confession: you meant it for evil, but God used it for good

Love Others & Desire the Word Mar 14, 2021

Peter encourages Christians living in difficult times to grow spiritually by emphasizing a community of love driven by the Word of God.

Turn Aside Ep 36 Joseph Lesson Eight Mar 08, 2021

In this episode we cover Genesis 47-49 as Jacob sets his affairs in order and offers a final blessing to his family.

Think of all you have in Christ Mar 07, 2021

Think of all you have in Christ, then be hopeful and holy.

Turn Aside Ep 35 Joseph Lesson Seven Mar 01, 2021

Lesson Seven in our study of the life of Joseph.

The Role of Trials Feb 28, 2021

Christians are able to rejoice in trials because they test, focus, and strengthen our faith.

Turn Aside Ep 34 Joseph Lesson Six Feb 22, 2021

In this episode we discuss adoption with our guest Mignon Matthews and dig into questions from lesson 6 of the study.

The Future Hope of Christians Feb 21, 2021

Christians are given a living hope while enduring this hostile world, because God is aggressively at work on their behalf.

Turn Aside Ep 33 Joseph Lesson Five Feb 15, 2021

In this study we cover the events of Genesis 42 and 43 and learn why Jacob may have been a little jaded

Love Suffers and Serves Feb 14, 2021

True love suffers for others instead of asking others to suffer for us

Turn Aside Ep 32 Joseph Lesson Four Feb 08, 2021

In this study we cover the events of Genesis 41 and gain a chaplain’s insights into the spiritual life of an inmate like Joseph.

Do Good for Others Feb 07, 2021

God calls us to spend our lives pursing the good of others promising that we will reap what we sow.

Turn Aside Ep 31 Joseph Lesson Three Feb 01, 2021

In this episode we cover Genesis chapters 38-39 from our study in the life of Joseph.

Connecting with the Family of Faith Jan 31, 2021

Walking in the Spirit produces harmonious, helpful, lives and relationships.

Turn Aside BONUS Episode Jan 25, 2021

Genesis 38 Costs and Consequences

Turn Aside Ep 30 Joseph Lesson Two Jan 25, 2021

In this episode we cover Genesis chapters 38-39 from our study in the life of Joseph.

Walk in the Spirit Jan 24, 2021

There is much more to the Christian life than just forgiveness of sins - God wants to produce qualities like love, joy, and patience in us by leading us to walk in the Spirit.

Turn Aside Ep 29 Joseph Lesson One Jan 18, 2021

Join us for the kickoff of our study in Genesis 37-50 covering the life of Joseph

Compelled by Love Jan 17, 2021

Jesus has set us free to know Him and love others, keeping extra religious rules just gets in the way but be warned: people will try to persuade otherwise.

Sons or Slaves? Jan 10, 2021

You can live by your own plotting and planning or by faith in the promises of God, both require effort and both produce results, but only one is pleasing to God.

Be Patient Jan 03, 2021

Vic Ransom speaks on James chapter five

Where Do We Go From Here? Dec 27, 2020

In light of their mutual history and affection Paul compels the Galatians to persist in Christ and not go back to dry religion.

Turn Aside Birth of City Gates Church Pt 3 Dec 23, 2020

A podcast series focusing on the birth of the City Gates Church

In the Fullness of Time Dec 20, 2020

In Christ we are given a multidimensional relationship with God and discover our place among His people.

Turn Aside Birth of City Gates Church Pt 2 Dec 17, 2020

A podcast series focusing on the birth of the City Gates Church

A Promise Given Dec 13, 2020

Religious rules help us see how much we need God to make and fulfill promises to us.

Women's Christmas Tea 2020 Dec 12, 2020

I Am Redeemed

Turn Aside Birth of City Gates Church Pt 1 Dec 09, 2020

A podcast series focusing on the birth of the City Gates Church

The Just Shall Live by Faith Dec 06, 2020

Only a fool would try to live a good life in their own strength when you could receive grace fully, freely, and forever from God in Christ.

Slipping Away From Scripture Nov 29, 2020

Christians who have known the power and presence of the Holy Spirit can still be tempted to drift away by the claim that they must do more to truly please God.

The Cost of Compromise Nov 22, 2020

When people look to other people for affirmation and approval instead of Jesus, division and departure and from the gospel follow.

Turn Aside Ep 28 - James Wrap-Up Nov 16, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss and wrap-up the Turn Aside Bible Study for James

Nothing Is Added To The Gospel Nov 15, 2020

You don’t have to add anything to make salvation work, but you can do many good works once you’re saved.

Turn Aside Ep 27 - James Lesson 9 Nov 09, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss the Turn Aside Bible Study for James, Lesson 9

The Gospel Changes Lives Nov 08, 2020

Total life transformation is possible through the gospel.

Turn Aside Ep 26 - James Lesson 8 Nov 02, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss the Turn Aside Bible Study for James, Lesson 8

There’s Only One Gospel Nov 01, 2020

Other popular gospels compete for your allegiance in life, but they lead to a curse instead of God’s grace.

Turn Aside Ep 25 - James Lesson 7 Oct 26, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss the Turn Aside Bible Study for James, Lesson 7

The Core of the Gospel Oct 25, 2020

We live in an age characterized by evil, but God rescues us offering grace and peace in Jesus Christ.

Turn Aside Ep 24 - James Lesson 6 Oct 19, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss the Turn Aside Bible Study for James, Lesson 6

Conduct in a Crisis, Pt 3 Oct 18, 2020

When you are facing a crisis look for encouragement in fellowship, seek peace but stand on the truth, and persist with confidence in Christ.

Turn Aside Ep 23 - James Lesson 5 Oct 12, 2020

Listen in as the crew discuss the Turn Aside Bible Study for James, Lesson 5

Conduct in a Crisis, Pt 2 Oct 11, 2020

Crises present opportunities for ministry if we’re willing to take them.

Turn Aside Bible Study 22 - James Lesson 4 Oct 05, 2020

Turn Aside Bible Study 22 - James Lesson 4

Conduct in a Crisis, Pt 1 Oct 04, 2020

In the middle of a crisis Paul is still concerned about others and comforted by God.

Turn Aside Ep 21 - James 2 Sep 28, 2020

Turn Aside Bible Study - James 2

How Do People Change? Sep 27, 2020

After meeting Jesus Paul became compassionate toward others and shared a message of repentance, turning to God, and doing good works.

Turn Aside Ep 20 - James 1 Pt 2 Sep 21, 2020

James Chapter 1Pt 2

Paul’s Big Pivot Sep 20, 2020

God is at work calling individuals to change and be a part of His work changing others

Turn Aside Ep 19 - James 1 Sep 14, 2020

The book of James - Roots and Their Fruits

Living with Integrity Sep 13, 2020

Christians are able to live with integrity in multiple spheres of life by following King Jesus.

No Jesus, No Justice Sep 06, 2020

Paul receives no justice because the people accusing him and the man judging him both resist Jesus.

Lament, Listen & Love Aug 30, 2020

1 Samuel 1-3

How Should I Define Myself? Aug 23, 2020

Christian Identity may include, but always supersedes, every other identity.

Figuring Out Friendships Aug 16, 2020

Christians are meant to have friends. How does that happen?

God's Wisdom Revealed Aug 09, 2020

God's Wisdom Revealed

The Challenges of Living for Christ Aug 02, 2020

What do you need to survive trials? Three things: Learning, Leadership, and the Lord

The Life of a Servant Jul 26, 2020

Paul knew the one thing worth accomplishing in life – do we?

Finding Joy In Trials Jul 25, 2020

Finding Joy In Trials

A Famine of God's Word Jul 19, 2020

A look at the Book of Amos and walking out your faith in a land and time that is dry. Guarding your heart for the things of the Kingdom of God.

Turn Aside Ep 18 - Daniel 12 Jul 13, 2020

Join us for a discussion of Daniel 12 for this week’s Turn Aside study.

A Riot And A Resuscitation Jul 12, 2020

Do you defend your god, or does God defend you?

Turn Aside Ep 17 - Daniel 11 Jul 06, 2020

Listen In as we dig into Daniel 11 for this week’s Turn Aside Bible Study.
Visit our website https://thecitygateschurch.com/media/daniel-study/ for more study materials and podcasts.

Have You Received the Holy Spirit? Jul 05, 2020

What difference does the Holy Spirit make in my life?

Turn Aside Ep 16 - Daniel 10 Jul 04, 2020

Listen in as the group discusses Daniel 10 from this week’s Turn Aside Bible Study.

Turn Aside Ep 15 - Daniel 9 Jun 29, 2020

Our weekly roundup of reflections on Daniel chapter 9

Transience + Discipleship = Growth Jun 28, 2020

Paul invests into people who invest into others and Kingdom of God expands.

Turn Aside Ep 14 - Daniel 8 Jun 22, 2020

Thoughts on the weekly passage from this week’s Turn Aside Study.

Jesus Among Other gods Jun 21, 2020

Paul enters a city full of ideas and tells them the God they haven’t discovered yet is Creator, Judge, and Savior

Turn Aside Ep 13 - Daniel 7 Jun 15, 2020

Weekly roundup of thoughts on the passage from this week’s study.

Turning the World Upside Down Jun 14, 2020

The message of Jesus is disruptive and some people embrace it, but others resist it violently.

Turn Aside Bonus Edition - How to Study Your Bible Jun 10, 2020

In this bonus edition Pastor Jeff and Madeleine sit down to discuss how to get the most out of reading and studying your Bible, how to approach prophecy, and how to use the tools found in most study Bibles.
How do you get all this out of your Bible - how do you see all this stuff or understand?

Pray
Read and re-read
Read in other translations
Read it out loud
Read out parts of the Bible - copiousness - when you’ve done a study in Daniel and then you read Hebrews 11 you see the connection
Sit in the unknown for a bit
Study Bible (link to pictures)
- notes in margin
- cross-references - look them up
- footnotes
- If you’ve never read the front section in you Bible, do it. You’ll learn all kinds of things about why some words are in italics, why LORD is in all caps in the OT, and other things that will help you understand you Bible even more.
Understand genres: history, letters, wisdom and poetry, prophecy
- How to interpret Prophecy
- look for explanations, sometimes it’s explained or interpreted for you - Rev 1:19
- Sometimes the NT explains it
- Near and Distant fulfillment
- Isaiah 7:14 - immediate fulfillment was a son for king Ahaz, but ultimately we see it as Christ
- Exodus - passover was a lamb, eventually became the Lamb of God
So Bible Study in Community
- Ask a friend/spouse/mom dad
- Ask a pastor or teacher - Eph 4:12 God has given them to the church as a gift to help you understand, “able to teach” is the one qualification for being an elder or pastor that is based on what you can do.

Turn Aside Ep 12 - Daniel Wrap Up Jun 10, 2020

As we come to the end of our study we reflect on God’s faithfulness to Daniel and His faithfulness to us.

What Happens When I'm Mistreated? Jun 07, 2020

Paul and Silas were not looking for conflict but when it came, their Christ-centered response brought salvation and encouragement to many

Turn Aside Ep 11 - Daniel 6 Jun 03, 2020

In this chapter we talk about taking a stand for righteousness and conviction, even when it’s hard and discuss the fact that things don’t always turn out the way you hoped, even when you take that stand.

How Do Christians Handle Conflict? Jun 01, 2020

At some point, we’re all going to disagree with someone, then what?

Turn Aside Ep 10 Daniel 5 May 27, 2020

The Handwriting on the Wall - In this chapter we spend time thinking about our affections and how we express them, the importance of finishing our lives well, and draw encouragement from the fact that God holds us in His hands.

What Do Christians Have To Do? May 24, 2020

The Bible has a lot of rules in it, how many of them do I have to follow?

Turn Aside Ep 9 Daniel 4 May 20, 2020

Daniel 4 – Humility is precious to God

The Many Tribulations of Life May 17, 2020

Serving the Lord involves both joy and suffering because the Kingdom of God is opposed as it expands in the world, and in us.

Turn Aside Ep 8 Daniel 3 May 13, 2020

Daniel 3 - Taking a stand for God

Reacting to the Gospel May 10, 2020

Paul shares the Gospel, the good news that God has been at work launching a rescue mission for us and while some receive the news with joy, others resist.

Turn Aside Ep 07 - Daniel 2 May 06, 2020

Ever had a weird dream? In this episode we cover Chapter Two/Lesson Two of our study in Daniel and an angry king's demand that his dream be interpreted.

The Power of the Gospel May 03, 2020

Paul and Barnabas face spiritual opposition in bringing the good news to Cypress, but they triumph through the power of the Holy Spirit and lead the local ruler, who was “astonished at the teaching” to Christ.

Turn Aside Ep 06 - Daniel 1 Apr 29, 2020

Discovering the presence of God when it seems the whole world is against you.

How Can I Know My Calling? Apr 26, 2020

Saul and Barnabas sensed a calling from God that was confirmed by the church and empowered by the Spirit.

Turn Aside Ep 05 - Fighting Fear with Relationships Apr 22, 2020

Genesis 3

Why Do Christians Suffer? Apr 19, 2020

Christians suffer from spiritual attacks, personal choices, our fallen world, and the sinful choices of others, but Scripture teaches us to work hard, trust God, and rest well.

Turn Aside Ep 04 - John 6 Pt 3 Apr 15, 2020

A Turn Aside Study looking at the life of Jesus in light of Easter.
Today we suggest resources from past Women's Breakfasts:
Tiffany Simons asked what are the traits we see in other women that make us want what they have? Are they Biblical or wordly things?
Peggy Pottenger takes us through Colossians and challenges how we see ourselves and how we talk to ourselves about what we see in the mirror in light of the gospel of Jesus

Resurrection Power in a Pandemic - Easter 2020 Apr 12, 2020

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential to our salvation and gives us a framework to understand this pandemic, a calling to serve in it, and the hope to endure it

Turn Aside Ep 03 - John 6 Pt 2 Apr 08, 2020

A Turn Aside Study looking at the life of Jesus in light of Easter.
In this episode the ladies mention some of their favorite sources of Scripture Songs.
Check out Seeds Family Worship.
And songs by Sheri Youngward which you can find for FREE (and even download) on Blue Letter Bible, our favorite Bible Study website!

Establishing the Church Apr 05, 2020

The church expands on the heels of a crisis displaying four essential elements: worship, relationship, discipleship, and stewardship, the very same things we need today.

Turn Aside Ep 02 - John 6 Apr 01, 2020

A Turn Aside Study looking at the life of Jesus in light of Easter.

Today we recommended worship music by CityAlight, Matt Boswell, and Norton Hall (from Boyce College). Check them out and let us know what else is blessing you!

God’s Seal of Approval Mar 29, 2020

God is expanding His kingdom, who are we resist?

Encouragement for Your Heart Mar 22, 2020

Turn Aside Ep 01- Lessons from the life of Gideon - Judges 6 Mar 21, 2020

Discovering the presence of God in a hopeless situation.

God Isn’t Prejudiced Mar 15, 2020

God saves people of all ages and stages of life, people of all ranks and roles, they all need the gospel.

Persecution, Pain, and the Presence of God Mar 08, 2020

All People experience resistance and pain in life; Christians experience Jesus in the midst of it.

A Collision With Christ Mar 01, 2020

What happens when a man riding high on power and ambition runs into Christ?

The Kingdom Expands Feb 23, 2020

The Kingdom Expands as the Gospel calls outsiders in with joy.

Relentlessly Resisting God Feb 16, 2020

God has a long history of doing amazing things with unexpected people and being resisted along the way, but the Kingdom always advances.

The Man God Uses Feb 09, 2020

As the church grows it needs additional leaders with specific qualifications and conduct who can thrive in the face of resistance.

Church Leadership: The Diversity of Ministry in a Healthy Church Pt 2 Feb 02, 2020

Needs occur in any healthy, growing church but the gifts to meet them are often there too, after all, they come from Jesus.

Church Leaders Pt1 Jan 26, 2020

Discrimination can tear a group apart, but so can disorganization, wise leaders involve diverse co-workers because they know they cannot accomplish the mission alone.

Quenching the Spirit Pt 2 Jan 19, 2020

The cycle of internal division and external opposition continues in the church as Peter and others remain loyal to God and His calling.

Women's Breakfast 18Jan2020 Jan 18, 2020

Quenching the Spirit Pt 1 Jan 12, 2020

Having passed the test of external opposition, the early church now faces an insider threat as God exposes a couple’s hypocrisy and brings judgment.

Trusting God For Strength Jan 05, 2020

After facing a crisis, the disciples share their situation with others, pray to God, and then receive exactly what they requested and get back to work.

What Can God Do Through You? Dec 29, 2019

God does extraordinary things through unlikely people, but you must choose to submit or resist.

The Search for Joy at Christmas Dec 22, 2019

God sent us a gift of peace and joy in Jesus, but each Christmas we risk missing it because we feel the crunch, the crash, and the crush of the season.

Women's Christmas Tea 2019 Dec 19, 2019

Women's Christmas Tea 2019

Why Did Jesus Come? Dec 15, 2019

Peter seizes the opportunity to speak to a crowd gathering in response to a miracle; he explains that faith in Jesus’ name enabled the miracle, explains who Jesus is, and calls the crowd to respond to this news by turning from their sin and embracing the salvation found in Christ.

Facing Expectations Dec 08, 2019

How do you respond when God disrupts what you expected would be another average day?

Joshua 1:1-9 Dec 01, 2019

Joshua 1:1-9

How To Choose a Church: Perseverance Pt 7 Nov 24, 2019