The City of God

Responding to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk | Ep. 137

In this special episode of The City of God podcast, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Lauren Cooley, Vice President of the Institute for Faith & Culture and one of the original staff members of Turning Point USA, to memorialize their friend Charlie Kirk. Together, they unpack why this is not only a political crisis, but a spiritual wake-up call that requires a bold response from the people of God.

Drawing from Scripture and cultural insight, Rob and Lauren explain how Charlie’s bold stance for truth made him a target and why Christians today must recognize the deeper battle raging beneath the headlines.

From Romans 1 to John 15, the Word of God tells us that those who stand for truth will be hated. But now is not the time to retreat. It’s time to rise as faithful ambassadors for Christ in a world at war with reality.

This episode offers clarity, courage, and a challenge to all believers: live unashamed of the Gospel, no matter the cost.

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

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Learn more about TPUSA

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#CityofGod #CharlieKirk #RIPCharlie #TPUSA #BiblicalWorldview #ChristianPodcast

From Pulpit to Courtroom: Mat Staver’s Fight for Religious Liberty | Ep. 136

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, for an inspiring conversation on conviction, calling, and cultural engagement.

Mat tells the story of how he went from being a young preacher who knew nothing about abortion to becoming a passionate defender of life and liberty in the courtroom. Moved by the conviction that Christians must engage in the cultural battle, he went to law school and ultimately launched Liberty Counsel, a national legal ministry defending biblical values in America’s legal system.

Now on the front lines of today’s most pressing court battles, Mat outlines the key threats to religious freedom and parental rights and explains why the church must not retreat from the legal and cultural fight—but rise with boldness and truth.

📘 Learn more about Liberty Counsel:
 https://www.lc.org/

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

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#CityOfGod #ReligiousLiberty #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

From Cuba to the Capitol: Pastor Rafael Cruz’s Personal Testimony and Public Faith | Ep. 135

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Pastor Rob Pacienza is joined by Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of Senator Ted Cruz, for a riveting conversation on faith, freedom, and civic responsibility. Born in Cuba, Pastor Cruz lived through the rise of Fidel Castro and the brutal onset of communism. His firsthand experience with tyranny shaped a lifelong commitment to liberty—and a deep conviction that the church must speak into every sphere of society, including government.

Pastor Cruz recounts his dramatic salvation story, his early role in mobilizing Christian voters for Ronald Reagan, and his God-given calling to awaken pastors across America to their responsibility as watchmen on the wall. Together, he and Rob explore why Marxism stands in direct opposition to biblical truth, why silence in the pulpit is a danger to the nation, and why the next generation is America’s greatest hope for revival.

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

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#CityOfGod #RafaelCruz #TedCruz #Communism #ChristianCitizenship #Cuba #FaithAndPolitics #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

The Gay Affair: Academic Integrity's Death with Dr. Carol Swain | Ep. 134

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by Dr. Carol Swain for a raw and candid conversation about her explosive new book, The Gay Affair: Harvard, Plagiarism, and the Death of Academic Integrity. Dr. Swain, a distinguished scholar and former professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt, shares how Harvard’s first Black president, Claudine Gay, rose to power despite a pattern of serial plagiarism, including lifting material from Swain’s own groundbreaking work.

After Gay’s now-infamous congressional testimony on antisemitism and her January 2024 resignation, The Gay Affair pulls back the curtain on how elite institutions protect power over truth. In this interview, Dr. Swain, also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Faith and Culture, recounts her attempts to hold Harvard accountable, the threats she faced for speaking out, and what this scandal means for the future of higher education.

📘 Order The Gay Affair here: https://carolmswain.com/books/

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/

 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/

#CityOfGod #CarolSwain #Plagiarism #Harvard #ClaudineGay #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

Why Christianity Is the Only True Religion with Alex McFarland | Ep. 133

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by apologist, author, and educator Alex McFarland for a compelling conversation on the uniqueness of the Christian faith. In an age of relativism, confusion, and religious pluralism, McFarland boldly declares what Scripture makes clear: Christianity alone is true.

Alex explains how the Gospel message offers unmatched clarity, hope, and assurance—and how the historical and theological claims of Christianity stand apart from every other belief system. Drawing from his work answering 100 of the toughest Bible questions, he shows how God's Word speaks into all of life, from morality and meaning to suffering and salvation.

Whether you're a skeptic, seeker, or believer, this episode will challenge and encourage you to trust the Bible, anchor yourself in truth, and share the good news of Jesus with confidence.

📘 Explore Alex McFarland’s work and resources:
 https://alexmcfarland.com/

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

📲 Follow us on Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/

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#CityOfGod #AlexMcFarland #Christianity #Apologetics #BiblicalWorldview #GospelTruth #ChristianPodcast #CRPC #CRM #IFC

The City of God Families Ep. 11 | Navigating Technology in a Christian Home

In this episode of City of God Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza helps parents and kids think biblically about the role of screens and devices in everyday life. As a new school year begins, families face more digital distractions than ever. But instead of fearing technology, Christians are called to steward it wisely.

You’ll learn:

• Why technology isn’t neutral—and how it shapes our hearts
  
  
• How biblical wisdom applies to digital habits
  
  
• Practical ways to set healthy boundaries as a family
  
  
• How to become a “Digital Disciple” and use tech for God’s glory
  
  

Rob reminds us that whether we're watching, scrolling, or posting, everything we do should reflect that we belong to Jesus. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being intentional.

📲 Subscribe and listen with your whole family!
 🔗 cityofgodpodcast.com

City of God: Families is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

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Surviving a Brutal Shark Attack with Jameson Reeder & Jameson Jr. | Ep. 132

In this gripping episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza sits down with Jameson Reeder and his son Jameson Jr. to recount the unforgettable day a family outing in the Florida Keys turned into a life‑or‑death battle.

Jameson Jr. was attacked by a shark while snorkeling near a reef. In their new book, Rescue at the Reef, they share the dramatic rescue, the heroic actions that saved Jameson’s life, and the miraculous ways God showed His presence in the midst of the chaos.

This powerful conversation is more than a survival story. It’s a testimony of courage, community, and unwavering faith. The Reeders reflect on God’s providence, the road to recovery, and their mission to inspire others to trust God in life’s most frightening storms.

📘 Order Rescue at the Reef:

https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Reef-Miraculous-Story-Little/dp/1546007806

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

📲 Follow us on Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/

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#CityOfGod #SharkAttack #SharkAttackSurvivor #SurvivalStory #OceanRescue #SharkWeek #FloridaKeys #FaithOverFear #BraveLikeJameson #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

Gen Z, Divine Providence, and the Future of America with Ryan Helfenbein | Ep. 131

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by Ryan Helfenbein, Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University, for a powerful conversation on faith, culture, and the future of America.

Ryan explains why Gen Z is the most cause-driven generation in decades, and why their election-winning support for Donald Trump should not be ignored. He addresses the significance of the July 13 assassination attempt on President Trump’s life, drawing parallels to the miraculous preservation of leaders like George Washington—and why he believes God’s providence was once again on display.

The conversation turns to the cultural and spiritual implications of the second Trump Administration, especially for religious liberty, education, and the family. But both Rob and Ryan issue a strong warning: complacency is the enemy. Even if policies improve, the deeper need is revival.

They conclude with a stirring vision for a 21st-century Great Awakening, and why now is the time for the church to rise, lead, and proclaim truth with boldness and clarity.

📘 Learn more about the Standing for Freedom Center:
 https://www.standingforfreedom.com/

The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media
 https://www.crm.tv/

Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture
 https://institutefc.org/

🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363

📲 Follow us on Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/

🌐 Visit our website
 http://cityofgodpodcast.com/

#CityOfGod #LibertyUniversity #LibertyU #GenZ #DonaldTrump #ReligiousLiberty #ChristianPodcast #CRPC #CRM #IFC