Hill City Church Podcast

As Jesus enters Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna,” the crowd expects a political liberator, but He comes as a humble Savior riding on a donkey, bringing a kingdom not of this world. Will we still worship Him when He doesn’t fit our plans? Discover how Jesus fulfills prophecy, defeats sin through the cross, and invites us to receive Him as our true Savior King—and consider who in your life needs to hear this good news today.   Title: Hosanna Series: For the One Text: John 12:12-19 Speaker: Josh Branham

What is the purpose of your life? Does your life revolve around your own comfort or around the mission of Jesus? In Pastor Jake's final sermon at Hill City Downtown, we look at the story of Zacchaeus and the powerful truth that defined Jesus’s mission: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He didn’t come to make us comfortable. He came to reach the lost. And if you follow Him, He calls you to join Him on that mission. This message is both personal and missional, sharing the heart behind launching Hill City East and the calling to leave comfort for something greater… for the one. Who is your one?    Title: Seek & Save Text: Luke 19:1–10 Speaker: Jake Wright

Jesus’ longest parable reveals two ways to be lost: the younger brother who rebels and runs from the Father, and the older brother who obeys outwardly but harbors pride and self-righteousness. Both ultimately need the same thing—grace. This sermon highlights the heart of the Father who runs to embrace repentant sinners, challenges legalism that keeps people from the feast, and points to Jesus as the true older brother who left heaven, sought us in our lostness, and paid the price to bring us home. No matter who you are or where you’ve been, there is room for you in the Kingdom of God.   Title: Lost & Found Series: For the One Text: Luke 15:11-32 Speaker: Josh Branham

After seven weeks on sabbatical, Pastor Josh returns to share lessons from the life of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Following the dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah flees in fear, collapses under a broom tree, and encounters God—not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This message explores how God meets us in exhaustion, ministers with compassion, and reminds us that the journey is too great for us alone. If you’re weary or longing to hear God’s voice, this sermon is an invitation to be still and listen for His whisper.   Title: Stillness Series: The Secret Place Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18 Speaker: Josh Branham

What if one of the most neglected spiritual practices in Western Christianity is actually one of the most powerful? Do you want to experience real spiritual change in your life? Do you long to see revival? In this message from Matthew 4–6, Pastor Jake explores the power of fasting—what it is, what it does, and how to practice it.  If you’re ready to grow closer to God, overcome sin, and see revival begin in your own life, this message will challenge and encourage you to take your next step.   Text: Matthew 6:16–18 Speaker: Jake Wright

Have you ever felt like giving is about obligation. Join us today to see how it was always meant to be about trust, joy, and expectation for God's continued redemption of our world. Title: Giving in Secret Series: The Secret Place Text: Matthew 6:1-4 Speaker: Jordan Carter

Developing a genuine prayer life starts in the secret place, where we get alone with God and discover that the greatest reward of prayer is deeper communion with Him. Title: Praying in Secret Text: Matthew 6:5-6 Speaker: Cheryl Clutter

This Sunday, we’re doing something a little different. Our short-term missions team just returned from Uganda, and instead of a sermon, they’ll be sharing personal stories about how God met them in unexpected places—through simplicity, discomfort, and daily dependence. They’re not just telling stories from Africa—they’re inviting all of us to experience transformation here at home. God doesn’t only show up in the mountaintop moments, but in the mess, the mundane, and the things that make us uncomfortable. He calls us beyond what’s easy so we can see and love people like Jesus does.   Title: Sacred Discomfort Series: The Secret Place Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Speaker: The Uganda Team  

God often does His deepest work not through constant activity but through waiting, surrender, and rest. Before there was witness, there was waiting; before there was power, there was surrender. This message challenges the church to enter the new year by waiting on the Lord, walking by the Spirit, and trusting that when Christ builds His church, He can do far more than we could ever imagine.   Title: Filled with Fire Series: Dreams Text: Acts 2:17-39 Speaker: Josh Branham

God often does His deepest work not through constant activity but through waiting, surrender, and rest. Before there was witness, there was waiting; before there was power, there was surrender. This message challenges the church to enter the new year by waiting on the Lord, walking by the Spirit, and trusting that when Christ builds His church, He can do far more than we could ever imagine.   Title: Filled with Fire Series: Dreams Text: Acts 2:17-39 Speaker: Josh Branham

From the pit to slavery, from prison to the palace, Joseph’s life shows the tension between expectation and reality, and how God’s faithfulness remains constant in every season. We’ll explore the meaning of troubling dreams, years of plenty and famine, and God’s ability to use hardship to prepare salvation for many. The message reaches its climax as Joseph’s brothers bow before him and Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin—foreshadowing Jesus, the Lion of Judah, who would one day give His life in exchange for ours. Through Joseph’s journey, we are reminded that what others intend for evil, God intends for good, and that God redeems every season for His glory and our salvation.   Title: Redemption Series: Dreams Text: Genesis 40-50 Speaker: Josh Branham

Jacob’s ladder is one of the most iconic dreams in the Bible. In Jacob’s dream, God tears open heaven to show that we don’t climb our way up to Him — He comes down to us. Centuries later, this dream would find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ – The true Ladder between heaven and earth.   Speaker: Jake Wright Text: Genesis 28:10–22  

In Genesis 15, God meets Abram in a vision of the night—reassuring him with promises of countless descendants, a covenant sealed in sacrifice, and the assurance of God’s presence even through suffering. As we trace Abraham’s journey of faith, we’re reminded that God still invites us to trust His word, cling to His promises, and follow Him even when the vultures circle and the path grows difficult. If God is stirring something in you—or even awakening dreams—pay attention. Write it down. And step into a deeper, covenant relationship with the God who is faithful, purposeful, and always present.   Title: Promises Series: Dreams Text: Genesis Speaker: Josh Branham

In a world obsessed with upgrades, achievements, and endless comparison, Jesus invites us into a different economy—one where true wealth isn’t measured in dollars. God offers us a better treasure—one that can’t rust or be stolen. In this message, we explore how contentment frees us from comparison, how gratitude interrupts the grind, and how generosity loosens the grip of greed. It’s time to trade fool’s gold for lasting treasure and start investing in what matters most. Title: Kingdom Currency Text: Matthew 6:19-24 Speaker: Andrew Branham

Special guests Brook Mosser and Phil Comer of Intentional join us to share a message about raising children who love Jesus.

Just as a helmet protects your head in a crash, salvation protects your mind and heart in the battles of life. Through Ephesians 2, we discover what we’re saved from, by, through, and for. Our salvation gives us protection, perspective, and confidence to live courageously for Christ. Whether you’re discovering faith for the first time or being reminded of the joy of your salvation, this message will encourage you to fix your mind on Jesus, walk boldly in His grace, and remember that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.   Title: Salvation Series: Stand Firm Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 Speaker: Josh Branham

Spiritual warfare is real—and it’s happening every day. Discover 5 subtle ways the enemy attacks your faith, and 5 powerful ways to fight back with the Shield of Faith. Title: Truth Series: Stand Firm Text: Ephesians 6:16 Speaker: Jake Wright

In Ephesians 6, Paul calls us to put on the “sandals of peace” — to be ready to move, not just defend. The Gospel isn’t meant to be stored away; it’s meant to be shared. This message challenges believers to stop standing on the sidelines, to take ground for the Kingdom, and to bring the good news of peace to a world still living in captivity.

Speaker: Riley Smith

In this kickoff message of our Armor of God series, we explore what it means to stand firm in a spiritual battle many don’t even realize they’re in. The devil’s primary weapon is deception—and God’s first defense is truth. Discover how to identify the lies of the enemy, why truth is essential for spiritual victory, and how the “belt of truth” holds everything together in your faith. This is not a playground. It’s a battleground. And God has given us everything we need to fight for victory.   Title: Truth Series: Stand Firm Text: Ephesians 6:10-14 Speaker: Josh Branham