The City of God

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 📲 Follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website  http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #RafaelCruz #TedCruz #Communism #ChristianCitizenship #Cuba #FaithAndPolitics #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

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

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/ 🌐 Visit our website  http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #AlexMcFarland #Christianity #Apologetics #BiblicalWorldview #GospelTruth #ChristianPodcast #CRPC #CRM #IFC

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 📲 Follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website  http://cityofgodpodcast.com/

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/ 🌐 Visit our website  http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #SharkAttack #SharkAttackSurvivor #SurvivalStory #OceanRescue #SharkWeek #FloridaKeys #FaithOverFear #BraveLikeJameson #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

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

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza welcomes author and cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey for a powerful conversation recorded live at the Kingdom Come Conference in Fort Lauderdale. Allie unpacks the concept of toxic empathy—a counterfeit compassion that prioritizes feelings over truth and distorts Christian love. Whether it’s gender ideology, abortion, or same-sex marriage, many believers are being emotionally manipulated into affirming lies in the name of “kindness.” Drawing from her book Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion, Allie shows how well-meaning Christians are being swept into secular narratives that sound loving on the surface—but ultimately deny God’s design for truth, justice, and order. This episode is a call to courage, clarity, and conviction in an emotionally charged age. 🎟️ Get your Early Access tickets to Kingdom Come 2026:  https://institutefc.org/KCC 📖 Learn more about Toxic Empathy or follow Allie’s work:  https://alliebethstuckey.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 to us 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 #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza #KingdomCome #ChristianPodcast #ToxicEmpathy

As kids face increasing cultural confusion and spiritual pressure, they need more than protection, they need preparation. In this episode of City of God: Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza walks through Ephesians 6 and unpacks each piece of the armor—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Whether you’re raising young ones, tweens, or teens, this conversation will encourage your entire family with confidence and help parents raise kids who are grounded in God’s Word. 🎧 Listen to the full City of God: Families series:  https://cityofgodpodcast.com/families 📖 Read Ephesians 6 with your family this week and start a habit of praying on the Armor of God together! 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 📲 Follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website  http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #ArmorOfGod #ChristianParenting #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianKids

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza sits down with Emily Huseman—winner of the inaugural Institute for Faith & Culture Student Essay Contest. Emily shares core insights from her award-winning essay, “Mind Over Matter: The Danger of Transgenderism,” and reflects on how the next generation of Christians should thoughtfully engage today’s cultural challenges with a biblical worldview. Drawing from her training in Christian Apologetics and her work toward a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Emily discusses how secular materialism elevates the mind over the body, and why Christians must resist that by aligning our thinking with Christ’s wisdom Read Emily’s winning essay here: https://institutefc.org/mind-over-matter-the-danger-of-transgenderism/   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 to us 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 #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza sits down with author and cultural commentator Samuel Sey for a powerful conversation recorded live at the Kingdom Come Conference in Fort Lauderdale. Samuel critiques DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), calling it a modern form of Marxism that dishonors God and dehumanizes people. He exposes how DEI ideology promotes abortion, fuels anti-white racism, and undermines biblical justice by rejecting the sanctity of life and the image of God in every person. They also discuss the rise of Christless conservatism, the fight for the family, and why Christians must stay politically engaged—not as partisans, but as defenders of truth, justice, and the gospel. Samuel issues a clear warning: “DEI isn’t dead. It’s just asleep.” 🎟️ Get your tickets for Kingdom Come 2026: https://institutefc.org/KCC 🖊️ Follow Samuel’s writing: https://slowtowrite.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 to us 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 #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza #KingdomCome #DEI