City Rev Life Podcast

Easter: Preparing Your Heart

In Part 2 of our Easter series, Jeremy Agosto sits down with Pastor Craig Stephens to explore how we can truly prepare our hearts for Easter—not just celebrate it. This conversation dives into the meaning of Lent, its roots in the early church, and why more believers today are rediscovering practices like fasting, prayer, and generosity. Pastor Craig breaks down how Lent isn’t about obligation or religious routine, but about creating intentional space for Jesus in our everyday lives. Whether you’ve never observed Lent or are looking for a deeper, more meaningful Easter, this episode offers practical steps, spiritual insight, and a fresh invitation to refocus your heart on the power of the resurrection.

Easter: The Truth Behind the Tradition

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Jeremy Agosto sits down with Pastor Craig Stephens to unpack the true meaning of Easter—moving beyond cultural traditions like eggs and the Easter Bunny to rediscover the power of the resurrection of Jesus. Together, they explore the historical and biblical roots of Easter, its connection to Passover, and how Christians can faithfully engage with modern traditions without losing sight of what matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to celebrate Easter in a way that honors Christ while navigating today’s culture, this conversation brings clarity, perspective, and a renewed focus on keeping Jesus at the center of it all.

From Skeptic to Seeker: Ricardo Diaz's Story

In this powerful episode of From Skeptic to Seeker, Ricardo Diaz shares his honest journey from doubt to faith and the quiet persistence that helped lead him there. For years, Ricardo wrestled with skepticism about God and the claims of Christianity, while his wife faithfully loved him, followed Jesus, and continued praying for his heart to change. Through real-life struggles, meaningful conversations, and the unwavering prayers of a devoted spouse, Ricardo slowly began to reconsider the faith he once doubted. In this conversation, he opens up about the turning points that shifted his perspective and the moment he encountered the hope of the gospel for himself. Whether you’re exploring faith, carrying questions about God, or praying for someone you love to come to Christ, Ricardo’s story is a powerful reminder that persistence, prayer, and God’s timing can transform even the most skeptical heart.

From Skeptic to Seeker: Dennis Valentin's Story

In this episode of From Skeptic to Seeker, host Angelica Barros sits down with longtime City Rev attender Dennis Valentin to hear the powerful story of his journey from doubt to faith. Dennis shares honestly about the questions, skepticism, and life experiences that once kept him distant from God, and the moments that began to shift his perspective. Through personal stories and reflection, Dennis explains how encountering Jesus transformed his life and gave him a new sense of purpose and hope. His story is a reminder that faith often begins with honest questions—and that God is faithful to meet us right where we are.

From Skeptic to Seeker: The Palmers' Story

In Episode 2 of From Skeptic to Seeker, host Angelica Barros sits down with Jeff and Korrie Palmer to share their powerful journey back to faith and how it transformed their marriage, parenting, and home. Jeff, who was raised in church, reconnected with Jesus after moving to South Florida, while Korrie rediscovered her faith through watching her children experience church in a fresh and personal way. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to lead your family spiritually, model prayer and repentance, teach your kids the Bible, and rely on God’s grace instead of perfection. This honest conversation tackles common misconceptions about Christianity and shows how daily faith, intentional parenting, and a Christ-centered home can impact the next generation. If you’re exploring faith, rebuilding your walk with God, or wondering how to disciple your children well, this episode will encourage and challenge you.

From Skeptic to Seeker: The Marcy Bussell Story

What happens when the person who has the most questions about God becomes the one searching for Him?

In the first episode of our new series Skeptic to Seeker, Pastor Craig Stephens sits down with Marcy Bussell to unpack her deeply personal journey from doubt to belief. Marcy didn’t grow up blindly accepting faith. She wrestled with it. Questioned it. Pushed back against it. For a long time, skepticism felt more honest than belief.

But something shifted.

In this conversation, Marcy shares what challenged her assumptions, what softened her resistance, and the moments that moved her from standing on the outside looking in… to actively seeking truth for herself.

This isn’t a polished, perfect story. It’s real. It’s thoughtful. It’s the kind of journey that many people quietly relate to.If you’ve ever had doubts, wrestled with faith, or wondered whether your questions disqualify you from belief — this episode is for you.

Listen in and discover how skepticism can sometimes be the first step toward something deeper.

Dating 101: Dating Your Spouse

In this episode Dating 101: Dating Your Spouse, Host Angelica Barros and Pastor Craig Stephens talk about why dating shouldn’t stop at “I do.” Drawing from Angelica’s 25 years of marriage (including a memorable snorkeling date) and Pastor Craig’s honest retelling of a birthday dinner gone wrong, they share both practical wisdom and real-life humor about keeping romance intentional. Rooted in Proverbs 5 and Ephesians 5, the conversation reminds couples that pursuing your spouse is more than a good idea — it’s a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Whether your dates are simple or elaborate, this episode will challenge you to plan with purpose, express love clearly, and choose to keep showing up for the one you said yes to.

Dating 101: Should You Live With Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend?

We’re throwing it back to this City Rev Life episode where Pastor Craig Stephens and Jeremy Agosto talk through a question a lot of people are quietly asking: Should you live together before marriage? In this conversation, they unpack what Scripture actually says, why this decision matters more than culture lets on, and how it can shape your faith and future relationships—for better or worse. If you’re dating, thinking about taking the next step, or just want biblical clarity in a confusing moment, this episode is worth a listen.

Dating 101: Should You Marry Someone of the Opposite Faith?

As we’re walking through a marriage series and heading toward Valentine’s Day, we’re throwing it back to this City Rev Life episode where Pastor Craig Stephens and Jeremy Agosto talk honestly about dating and one of the most important questions you’ll ever face: Who should I build my life with? In this conversation, they unpack why faith matters so much in relationships, the challenges that come with dating someone who doesn’t share your beliefs, and why alignment in faith is about more than preference—it’s about direction. If you’re dating, thinking about marriage, or just wanting wisdom as you navigate relationships, this one is worth revisiting. 🎧

Hell, Part 2: The Story Jesus Told

In Hell, Part 2, Pastor Craig Stephens and Pastor Josh Slautterback walk through Jesus’ sobering parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, unpacking what it reveals about hell, eternity, and our response today. Rather than focusing on fear or speculation, this conversation centers on the relational separation from God that defines hell and the choices that shape our spiritual direction. Drawing insights from thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller, the episode explores idolatry, repentance, and why understanding hell actually deepens our appreciation for God’s love and fuels the urgency of sharing the gospel. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation for anyone wrestling with what Jesus taught about judgment, mercy, and eternity.