Cathedral
Welcome to the podcast of Cathedral, a church for the people of Los Angeles and Nashville. Our lead Pastors are Jake and Nicole Sweetman and we pray these episodes leave you encouraged, strengthened, and confident in God’s love and good plan for your life. To connect with us or find out more about Cathedral, visit www.cathedral-church.com/
The Second Beast (Revelation 13:11-18) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this sermon from Revelation 13:11–18, we explore the “second beast” and how Satan uses ideology, propaganda, and cultural pressure to lure people into idolatry. Building on the earlier vision of the first beast (Revelation 13:1–10), this message shows how the dragon (Revelation 12:9) forms an “unholy trinity” of dragon, sea beast, and land beast—a dark parody of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; John 14:16–17).
We consider how the second beast looks “like a lamb” but speaks “like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11), echoing Jesus’ warning about “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15) and Satan’s pattern of masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13...
The Beast (Revelation 13:1-10) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this sermon from Revelation 12:17–13:10, we explore how Satan, the dragon (Revelation 12:9), wages war against the church not only through obvious persecution, but through deceptive political powers, ideologies, and false promises of human flourishing.
Drawing from the Old Testament background of the sea and Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1; Psalm 74:13–14; Job 41) and Daniel’s vision of the beasts (Daniel 7:1–8, 17–27), we see how John’s “beast from the sea” (Revelation 13:1–4) is a composite symbol of every idolatrous empire that demands the loyalty, obedience, and worship that belong only to God (Exodus 20:3–5; Deuteronomy 6:13).
Key themes in this message:
The dragon’s rage agains...Rehearsing for Heaven | Elijah Lamb
This powerful exploration of communion and community challenges us to see the church not merely as a building or organization, but as a living rehearsal for eternity. Drawing from Matthew 22 where Jesus identifies loving God and loving our neighbor as the greatest commandments, we're invited to understand that these aren't separate callings but beautifully intertwined realities. The message unpacks how communion isn't just a backward glance at Christ's sacrifice, but a forward-looking rehearsal for the marriage supper of the Lamb described in Revelation 19. Every time we gather around the table, we're practicing for the eternal feast where Jesus will...
When Love Becomes Visable | Pastor Nicole Sweetman
Hospitality isn’t just good manners or a home‑cooked meal—it’s a core expression of the gospel.
In this message on biblical hospitality, we explore how God uses open doors, shared tables, and inconvenient love to make His love visible in a hurting world.
Rooted in 1 Peter 4:8–9, we see that “loving each other deeply” (agape) and “offering hospitality without grumbling” are not separate virtues, but two sides of the same calling. Hospitality becomes the concrete, sacrificial form of love that stretches us to our limits—mirroring Jesus’ own love on the cross (John 15:13...
The Bible, The Brain, Becoming Like Jesus | Pastor Jake Sweetman
Why do our first reactions so often look nothing like Jesus, even though we love Him and know His Word? In this sermon, we explore how Scripture and brain science together reveal God’s strategy for true transformation—from the inside out.
Drawing from passages like Psalm 27:8, Ezekiel 36:27, Leviticus 20:7–8, and 2 Corinthians 4:6, we see that Christlike character is not primarily built by sheer willpower or more information, but through God’s joyful, relational presence—His “face” turned toward us (Num. 6:24–26; Ps. 16:11).
Key themes covered in this message:
Why your “automatic” reactions reveal your real character (Luke 6:43–45; Matt...Between Two Worlds | Elijah Lamb
🌐 Follow Us:
- Website: cathedral-church.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/cathedral.church
- New to faith? Sign up for our 5 week daily devotional!
The King You Wanted (Just Not How You Expected) | Pastor James Crocker
On this Palm Sunday message, we walk through Matthew 21:1–11 and ask a piercing question: Do we want Jesus as King, or do we just want control with a little bit of Jesus on the side?
Tracing Jesus’ intentional journey from Galilee to Jerusalem (cf. Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:51), we see how His entry on a donkey fulfills Zechariah 9:9 and reveals Him as the promised, righteous, victorious, yet lowly King. Instead of arriving on a war horse like the kings of this world, He chooses a humble donkey, redefining what authority, leadership, and lordship truly mean (Philippians 2:5–11; Mark 10:42–45).
This ser...
The One Thing That Changes Everything (Revelation 11: 1-13) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this message, we walk through Revelation 11 and discover “the one thing that changes everything” in the Christian life: self-giving, sacrificial love that shapes us into Christlikeness and propels us into mission.
Drawing from Revelation 11:1–13, we explore the church symbolized as the temple, the altar, its worshipers, and the two witnesses—prophetic images of God’s people living between the first and second coming of Jesus (Revelation 11:2–3; cf. Revelation 12:6, 14; Daniel 7:25).
Key themes in this sermon:
Sanctification: From Clean to HolyWhat it means to be holy: not just morally upright, but fully devoted to G...Prophets not Hermits (Revelation 10) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this sermon, we continue our series through the book of Revelation, “The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse,” by slowing down in Revelation 10 to see what it means for the church to live as a prophetic people in a chaotic world.
Drawing from Revelation 10:1–11, we explore:
The meaning of “apokalupsis” (Revelation 1:1) as an unveiling of spiritual realityThe mighty angel with pillars of fire and echoes of God’s presence in Exodus 13:21–22 and Exodus 14:19–24The opened scroll first seen in Revelation 5:1–7, now handed to John as a picture of the church’s participation in God’s redemptive planHow the judgments...The Winner's Worldview | Elijah Lamb
In this sermon, we explore what it means to see the world “right side up” through the lens of the gospel, drawing deeply from Romans 8 and the wider sweep of Scripture.
Using Dallas Willard’s upside‑down fighter jet, J.I. Packer’s imagery of inverted living, and Jesus’ own shocking values in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), we confront the reality that sin has distorted our vision so completely that what feels “normal” is actually life lived on our heads (Ephesians 2:1–3).
Centering on Romans 8:1–39, this message unpacks:
No Condemnation in ChristRomans 8:1–4; Romans 3:21–26; 2 Corint...
The Apocalypse | Dr. Chris Palmer
In this message from the book of Revelation, Dr. Chris Palmer reveals how God is “closing the loops” of history—and of your life. Through four powerful images—the Faithful and True, the Prison, the Smoke, and the Street—he shows that God sees every detail, remembers every prayer, and will vindicate every act of faithfulness, even when suffering feels unnoticed and prayers seem unanswered.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Does God really see me? Do my prayers matter? Is this suffering worth it?” this sermon invites you to rediscover Revelation as a book of hope, justice, and ultimate glo...
The Hope of the Nations (Revelation 8:6-9:21) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In Revelation 8–9 we see trumpet blasts, plagues, demonic locusts, and global shaking—and yet Scripture ends that section with a chilling line: “The rest of mankind… still did not repent” (Revelation 9:20–21). If righteous judgment doesn’t lead the world to repentance, what will?
This sermon, “The Hope of the Nations,” walks through Revelation 8–9 (and connects into Revelation 10–11) to show:
- God is acting in judgment throughout this present age (Revelation 8:6–13; 9:1–6, 13–19)
- God is *restraining* His judgment in mercy, symbolized by the repeated “third” (Revelation 8:7–12; 9:15, 18), giving space and time for repentance (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4)
- Humanity tragically refuses to repen...
30 Minutes To Change The World (Revelation 8:1-5) - Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this powerful message, “30 Minutes to Change the World,” we continue our series The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse by diving into Revelation 8:1–5 and exploring how God weaves the prayers of His people into His cosmic redemptive plan.
Drawing on the Old Testament background behind Revelation’s imagery—especially the “day of the Lord” and the call for all flesh to be silent before God (Habakkuk 2:20; Zephaniah 1:7; Zechariah 2:13)—we look at what it means that “there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1). We consider how this “half hour” functions like the broken “three and a half...
Come Out Of Hiding (Revelation 6 + 7) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this message, Pastor Jake continues our series through the book of Revelation, unpacking Revelation 6:12–17 and Revelation 7 to answer a crucial question raised at the end of chapter 6:
“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” (Revelation 6:17)
Revelation 7 serves as a powerful interlude between the sixth and seventh seals, revealing:
The 144,000 servants of God, sealed on their foreheads (Revelation 7:1–8)A great multitude that no one could count, from “every nation, tribe, people and language” standing bef...The Unsealing Of The Book (Revelation 6) | Dr. David Campbell
In this rich message on Revelation 4–6, Dr. David Campbell helps listeners recover the true pastoral and hopeful heart of the book of Revelation. Drawing deeply from the Old Testament, he shows how John’s vision of the heavenly throne room (Revelation 4–5) fulfills and unifies earlier prophetic visions from Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1–3, and Daniel 7, 9, and 12.
Key themes in this sermon include:
- The heavenly scroll in God’s hand (Revelation 5:1) as the unsealed fulfillment of Ezekiel’s scroll of judgment (Ezekiel 2:9–10) and Daniel’s sealed book (Daniel 12:4, 9), now opened because “the time is near” (Revelation 1:1–3).
- Jesus as the “Lion of t...
As Above So Below Pt. 2 (Revelation 4 + 5) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this insightful message, we journey through the powerful themes of Revelation chapters 4 and 5. This sermon invites you to embrace the divine invitation extended to John the Apostle, as he witnesses an open door in heaven (Revelation 4:1) and hears Jesus' call to "Come up here."
Explore how these chapters reveal the cosmic movements of the Holy Spirit and the expansion of worship from heaven to earth. Uncover how the gospel of Jesus Christ bridges the gap between heaven’s beauty and earthly chaos, as highlighted in Revelation 5:6. We’ll draw comparisons with the Old Testament, including Ezekiel 36:26-27...
As Above So Below Pt. 1 (Revelation 4 + 5) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Jake takes us on an enlightening journey through Revelation chapters 4 and 5 as part of the series, "The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse." Delve deep into the rich imagery and profound teachings that reveal God's sovereign rule and the enduring triumph of His love and mercy.
Through this message, Pastor Jake unpacks the invitation to "come up here" and challenges us to anchor our lives in the eternal truth of God's throne. Discover how to align your earthly experiences with heavenly realities, and embrace the invitation to be part of God's mission to...
The Eucharist | Pastor Dylan Ciamacco
In this sermon, we delve into the profound mystery of communion, also known as the Eucharist, and its transformative power as a sacred encounter with the living God. This message sheds light on how communion serves as more than just a ritual, inviting believers into a transcendent experience of divine love, beauty, and purpose.
Through insightful reflections on scripture, including passages from Luke 22 and Exodus, and drawing on the wisdom of C.S. Lewis and other theologians, we explore the deep connections between communion and the Passover, and the fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Jesus Christ.<...
Dream Big | Elijah Lamb
In this powerful sermon, we explore the concept of dreaming big through a fresh lens—looking beyond worldly views of success to embrace a definition grounded in servitude, humility, and love. Join us as we delve into how Jesus' life and teachings offer a revolutionary perspective on greatness and encourage us to align our dreams with God's vision.
Discover how to resist cultural pressures and the common pursuit of self-exaltation, in favor of adopting a mindset that values community, connection, and self-giving. Learn how your ambitions, when anchored in Christ, can lead to a life full of me...
The King Of The Cosmos | Caleb Schmitt
Welcome to our latest sermon, where we embark on a journey to explore the supremacy of God and the profound mystery of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In this message, we dive deep into the Scriptures from Colossians 1 and John 1, unraveling the significance of Christ's birth and His role as the King of the Cosmos.
Through captivating imagery and powerful biblical insights, we uncover how the vastness of God's creation and the depth of His love offer us redemption and a pathway to being united with Him. Discover the transformative power of faith as we reflect on...
The Gift, The Verdict, & The Invitation | Pastor James Crocker
In this impactful sermon, we delve into the profound significance of Christmas beyond its familiar rituals and comforting traditions. Join us as we explore the transformative narrative of Jesus' arrival on earth, examining the important questions it poses about God's love for the world and His desires for our lives.
Through a thoughtful analysis of John 3:16-21, we uncover the essence of Christmas as a divine gift given, a verdict revealed, and an invitation extended. Discover how this moment in history does more than commemorate—it reveals, divides, and invites each of us into a deeper understanding of...
Love Means Saying You're Lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this compelling sermon, we delve into the timeless lessons found in Revelation 3, specifically addressing the Church in Laodicea. Explore the themes of faithful witness, self-sufficiency, and how they resonate with us today. Discover the transformative power of embracing humility and dependence on Jesus, stepping away from self-reliance and into a life modeled after Christ's self-sacrifice. Join us as we examine what it truly means to find spiritual wealth and worth through the lens of the cross. This message will challenge and encourage you to realign your life with the kingdom of God, fostering deeper devotion and intentionality in...
Holy To The Lord (Revelation 3:7-13) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this enlightening sermon from our series, "The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse," we dive into the meaningful discussion of holiness and devotion as depicted in Revelation 3. This message sheds light on Jesus' prophetic message to the church in Philadelphia, redefining holiness as an intimate invitation into God's presence rather than just moral perfection.
Explore how Jesus emphasizes true devotion over worldly measures of success and how choosing holiness opens doors to lasting hope and divine blessing. Through stories of unwavering faith, discover the incredible power of a life devoted to Jesus Christ and how it transforms...
Grace Makes Us Family | Sarah Escandon
In this enlightening podcast sermon, we journey through the concept of grace and its powerful role in forming us into a family within God's kingdom. Drawing from personal experiences and the profound truths in Galatians 4:4-7, we unpack the themes of identity, adoption, and mission.
This message sheds light on how grace changes our lives—not through striving or achievements, but by embracing our identity as God's beloved children. You’ll be inspired to live with confidence, love others deeply, and serve as Christ’s ambassadors in the world. Through engaging stories and scriptural insights, discover how to app...
Surprised Like Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this powerful message, we dive into the fifth letter of Revelation, addressing the church in Sardis. Drawing lessons from the ancient city’s tragic history, Pastor delves into the prophetic words of Jesus, urging us to awaken and recognize our spiritual vulnerabilities. Discover how Sardis’ false sense of security led to downfall, not due to known weakness but because of ignored strengths. Unpack the importance of humility, submission, and community in navigating our spiritual journeys. Explore how pride and neglected vulnerabilities can lead us away from Jesus’ path of righteousness. Through scripture and historical reflection, learn how to streng...
The Liturgies We Live By (Revelation 2:18-29) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
Dive into our latest sermon, "The Liturgies We Live By," part of the series "The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse," where we explore the profound teachings of the Book of Revelation. In this message, we focus on Revelation chapter 2, examining Jesus's words to the church in Thyatira and their relevance to our lives today. Discover the significance of the liturgies—habits and patterns—that influence us, and learn how to shape them to align with a life Jesus commends.
Gain insights on maintaining spiritual integrity, resisting negative influences, and cultivating habits that lead to spiritual growth in both...
Where Money Finds It's Meaning | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this insightful sermon, we explore the profound themes of Revelation 21 and uncover the true meaning of wealth within the framework of God's kingdom. Listen in as we discuss how the faithful witness of the church can transform adversaries into allies and how the material benefits of this world are meant to glorify God and expand His temple.
Journey with us through biblical history, from the Israelites' Exodus and return from exile to the early church's mission, and learn how God continually redeems and repurposes earthly wealth for worship and mission. This message challenges us to reflect...
Leave the Fortress. Keep the Faith. (Revelation 2:12-17) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this powerful sermon from the series on the book of Revelation, the speaker explores the themes of faith, identity, and spiritual fortresses in the context of the Church in Pergamum. As the sermon delves into Revelation chapter two, listeners are challenged to examine the "fortresses" they may be hiding behind, whether political, social, or personal, and are called to focus on faithful living through Christ. This message highlights the importance of discerning truth in a world filled with idolatry, and it encourages believers to leave behind false senses of security to truly follow Jesus. With a blend of...
Re-Storying Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
Join us for an inspiring sermon in our series, "The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse," as we explore the profound message to the church in Smyrna from the Book of Revelation. In this message, we delve into the concept of "restoring" and how Jesus calls us to align our stories with His. Discover the powerful parallels between the myths that resonate with humanity and the true story of the Gospel, where myth becomes fact in Jesus Christ.
We journey through Smyrna's unique narrative, uncovering the significance of their afflictions and their spiritual richness, despite material poverty. From...
Bring Both Beams (Revelation 2:1-7) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this compelling sermon, we delve into the heart of Revelation 2:1-7, exploring the critical balance between truth and love in our Christian walk. Discover how Jesus calls us to carry both beams of the cross, representing orthodoxy and orthopraxy, to truly embody His presence among us. This message challenges us to uphold the purity of the gospel while actively engaging in sacrificial love for others. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to faithfully walk in the footsteps of Christ and experience the transformative power of embracing both truth and love. Don’t miss this opportunity to...
Ducks, The Dragon, and The Lamb | Pastor Nicole Sweetman
Welcome to a captivating sermon titled "The Ducks, The Dragon, and The Lamb," where we delve into the transformative journey of discovering our true identity in Christ.
In this insightful message, we unpack the teachings from Ephesians and Galatians, emphasizing the incredible gift of salvation that reshapes our identity as believers. Understand the importance of guarding this newfound identity against the world's pressures and how easily we can slip back into old habits and thinking patterns.
Through biblical narratives, explore the struggles faced by the Israelites and the Galatians and gain wisdom on how to na...
Worship, Formation & Glory (Philippians 4:10-20) | Pastor James Crocker
In this compelling sermon, we explore the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, uncovering the profound insights on Worship, Formation, and Glory. Through this message, we examine how generosity and giving are deeply intertwined with our spiritual formation and alignment with God's mission. Discover the true essence of contentment and how it transcends our circumstances, calling us to a life of faith and trust in Christ. As Paul shares his experiences from imprisonment, learn how his teachings challenge common misconceptions about money and inspire us to view generosity as worship and participation in the gospel. Whether you're...
On An Island, In The Spirit, On A Sunday (Revelation 1:9-20) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
Welcome to our latest sermon, "On an Island in the Spirit on a Sunday," where we dive into the profound opening vision of the book of Revelation. Journey with us as we explore John's exile on Patmos and the transformative encounter that offers a clearer vision of Jesus. Through insightful storytelling, we uncover how seeing Jesus anew equips us to navigate modern-day Babylon without compromise. Reflect on the roles of consolation and correction in our faith journey, and discover how enduring trials can reveal the kingdom of God within us. This message is a call to embrace our royal...
The Anatomy Of Deliverance (Psalm 40) | Joel Milgate
Join us in this impactful sermon as we delve into the theme of deliverance found within Psalm 40. Through personal experiences and biblical insights, our speaker brings to light the reality of the pits we face in life—whether emotional, spiritual, or circumstantial—and how waiting on God can lead to miraculous rescue and renewal. Discover the actions and attributes of God that lift us out of despair and set our feet on solid ground. This message is perfect for anyone seeking hope, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of God's saving grace. Tune in and be inspired to trust in God...
A Short Summary (Revelation 1:4-6) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this powerful sermon, we delve into the profound themes of faithful witness, grace, and peace from the book of Revelation. Reflecting on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, we explore the courage and conviction required to testify to Jesus with our whole lives. This message examines how the concepts of grace and peace are integral to facing persecution and challenges as followers of Christ. Journey with us as we uncover the boundless grace and peace offered by God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. Discover how history, both biblical and contemporary, offers us insight and inspiration...
How to Navigate the End of the World (Revelation 1:1-3) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
Welcome to a thought-provoking sermon that invites you to journey through the book of Revelation, delving into themes of time, blessing, and vision. In this message, we explore Revelation 1:1-3 and uncover the eternal truths that guide us through life's chaos.
Discover the significance of "inclusio" and other literary features that biblical authors use to illuminate God's plan for us. Learn how to remain steadfast by understanding time's urgency and the role of God's sovereignty in our lives. Experience the profound blessing of discipleship and obedience, revealing the true path to happiness and flourishing in Christ.
Transformed Through Worship | Elijah Lamb
Join us for a powerful sermon on the true essence of worship and its profound impact on our transformation as followers of Christ. Dive deep into the insights from the book of Revelation, as we explore how every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Christ is Lord is not only significant but transformative.
In this message, we'll uncover eye-opening teachings from the Apostle Paul about sanctification and how worship is more than a mere experience—it's a catalyst for personal transformation. Discover the importance of rightly placed worship and how it shapes our identity as image-bearers of...
The Rage of the Dragon & The Reign Of God (Revelation 12:13-17)
In this powerful sermon, we delve into Revelation chapter 12:13-17 to uncover the spiritual battle between the dragon and the church. Explore the depths of God's protection and provision as His people navigate the wilderness of life's trials. Discover how to hold fast to Jesus, finding strength and significance even as the enemy attempts to deceive and distract. Whether you are new to the faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this message will inspire you to live a life of faithful witness to Christ. Tune in for a transformational journey that reveals the importance of embracing your role...
Heaven's Side Of The Story (Revelation 12:7-12) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this compelling sermon, we journey through Revelation Chapter 12, revealing the celestial clash between divine forces and the powers of darkness. This message sheds light on the visionary drama within the text, introducing us to the key figures and exploring the heart of the prophetic plot. Discover the triumph of Christ over the dragon and how this victory provides profound implications for our lives. Gain insights into how we can overcome deception and remain resilient in faith, aligning ourselves with heaven's perspective. Tune in to explore themes of truth, redemption, and the unfolding of God's eternal kingdom. Subscribe for...
The Woman, The Wilderness, and the Weapon that Slays the Dragon (Revelation 12:1-6) | Pastor Jake Sweetman
In this sermon, we launch into a captivating exploration of the book of Revelation, beginning our series titled "The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse." Dive into Revelation chapter 12 as we uncover the rich symbolism of the heavenly woman and the menacing dragon, unveiling the spiritual truths that shape the narrative of our faith.
This message invites believers to look beyond the surface, challenging us to understand the heavenly perspective of our earthly struggles. Through this teaching, discover how Revelation is not just about future events but is profoundly relevant to every generation of the church. Gain insights...