If the church is supposed to represent Jesus, why do so many people experience hypocrisy, judgment, and hurt from those who claim to follow Him?
In the first week of our Big Questions series, we tackle one of the most common criticisms of Christianity: Is the church just full of hypocrites?
Looking at Matthew 23, we see that Jesus didn’t ignore religious hypocrisy. He confronted it. He called out religious leaders who cared more about appearances, power, and rules than showing people God’s love and grace.
But there’s an important distinction between hypocrisy and the everyday struggles of imperfect people learning to follow Jesus. While hypocrisy causes real damage, spiritual immaturity and inconsistency are often part of the growing process.
Whether you’ve been hurt by the church, struggled with your own faith, or questioned the authenticity of Christianity, this message offers an important reminder: Don’t miss Jesus because of His imperfect followers.
The church is made up of imperfect people, but our hope isn’t found in their perfection. It’s found in Jesus.
12 Oct 2026
Exodus 35-40 | In God’s Presence
In the final message of our journey through Exodus, we arrive at the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 35–40 and see the heart behind the entire story: God wants to dwell with His people.
After rescuing Israel from slavery, providing for them in the wilderness, and remaining faithful even through their rebellion, God gives His people a place where His presence will dwell among them. The tabernacle becomes a powerful picture of God’s holiness, humanity’s sin, and the sacrifice required for sinful people to approach a holy God.
But the tabernacle was always pointing toward something greater.
In this message, we trace the story from the tabernacle and the Day of Atonement to Jesus, the Lamb of God and our great High Priest. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity has been torn down. What Israel experienced through priests, sacrifices, and the tabernacle is now offered to us through Christ: forgiveness, grace, and direct access to the presence of God.
God has made a way for us to dwell with Him. The question is how we will respond.
5 Oct 2026
Exodus 32 | No Other gods
What do we turn to when God seems distant?
In Exodus 32, Israel grows impatient waiting for Moses and trades trust in God for something they can see, control, and worship: a golden calf. While our idols may look different today, the temptation remains the same.
In this message, Pastor Amos explores how good things can take God’s place in our lives, why religious activity alone doesn’t protect us from idolatry, and how the seriousness of sin points us to our need for Jesus. Through Christ, God provides the forgiveness and atonement we could never provide for ourselves.
May we learn from Israel’s warning, flee idolatry, and surrender every part of our lives to Jesus.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Host of City Lights Church?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
