Podcast Summary: Times Square Church – Sermons

Episode: It’s Going to Get Darker and Brighter at the Same Time
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: November 9, 2025

Episode Overview

In this sermon, Pastor Tim Dilena shares a prophetic and encouraging message with Times Square Church and its global audience. As New York City faces significant change—including a controversial new mayor—Pastor Tim explores the biblical pattern of darkness and light coexisting during challenging times. Drawing from the story of Israel in Egypt (particularly the region of Goshen during the plagues), he shares two key promises for Christians: even as society becomes more difficult, God’s miraculous light and protection will shine all the more brightly on His people. The message is both a call to courage and unwavering faith, and a rallying cry for prayer, spiritual renewal, and trust in Jesus above all political solutions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Global Community and Current Events (00:00–10:45)

Pastor Tim enthusiastically welcomes attendees from around the world, highlighting over 65 countries and several U.S. universities tuning in online.
He references the recent city election and the global turmoil, establishing the context of uncertainty and change.

“We have just finished an election. I want to speak to our new mayor and what we can expect in the coming days. I have a word of encouragement for you today and for those around the world… It's going to get darker and brighter at the same time.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (09:38)

The Example of Jonathan Edwards and a Legacy of Truth (10:45–17:10)

Pastor Tim recounts the legacy of Jonathan Edwards—the preacher of the First Great Awakening—emphasizing the plaque inscribed with Malachi 2:6 about truth and turning many from sin.
He prays that such a legacy would define the church: a place of true instruction, peace, uprightness, and transformation.

Goshen: Light in Darkness (17:10–24:58)

Drawing from the ninth plague in Exodus, Pastor Tim explains how God gave light to the Israelites in Goshen while Egypt was plunged into total, “felt” darkness.
He asserts this as a prophetic pattern: as the world grows darker, the church will stand out with hope and light.

“There is a darkness that can be felt… but there is a new horizon that God will begin to show, spots of light of what He is getting ready to do.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (23:25)

He recalls Leonard Ravenhill’s words about having God and the angels on your side as an antidote to fear.

Singing on the ‘Right Side’: Faith Before the Miracle (24:58–32:15)

Pastor Tim reflects on a 2009 sermon by David Wilkerson, noting that Israel sang the right song of victory only after the Red Sea miracle—not before.
He stresses the importance of praising God before we see answers—a lesson he applies to the congregation’s present challenges.

“Anyone can sing after the miracle… But who can sing when there's a Red Sea in front of you? Who can sing when the battle is straight, when darkness comes, who still has a song inside of them?”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (29:35)

Honest Confession: Leadership Fatigue and God’s Response (32:15–38:40)

Pastor Tim shares transparently about his exhaustion—pandemics, riots, elections, wars—praying for just a moment of peace.
Instead, God speaks two promises to him (rooted in Exodus 7–8):
1. God will make TSC ‘Goshen’—a light in NYC.
2. Hardness will increase so miracles can come.
Pastor Tim reads an affirming text from a young European pastor, independently praying for TSC to be Goshen.

The Pattern: Hardness, Miracles, and God’s Distinction (38:40–45:20)

He outlines how each Egyptian plague attacked an idol and how from the fourth plague forward, God set Goshen apart, visibly protecting His people.
The sermon details how increasing opposition (hardening of hearts) sets the stage for multiplied miracles.

“I will harden Pharaoh's heart that I may multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt... It will get harder so I can do more.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (41:15)

Call to Vision: Light in Times Square and Prayer Revival (45:20–51:09)

Pastor Tim updates the congregation on initiatives like a 24-hour gospel LED billboard in Times Square and expanded global ministry.
He describes financial challenges (notably the need for a costly fire alarm system update) but models faith: “I’ll sing a song. God will provide.”
He recounts the historic 1857 Fulton Street Prayer Revival in NYC, advocating for the Wednesday noon prayer meeting at TSC as a new ‘Goshen’ for the city—a beacon of hope.

“Folks, I’m telling you that prayer works… If you can stay in prayer, it becomes Goshen that God begins to do something.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (50:47)

Testimonies and Miracles: Harder and More Miraculous (51:09–54:14)

Shares a powerful congregant testimony (Linda from Florida) to illustrate that miracles flourish amid difficulty.
Declares: “When things get hard, miracles get multiplied and people will get saved.” (53:41)

Applying the Lessons: City Challenges and Spiritual Solutions (54:14–59:40)

Expresses heartbreak—not anger—over the leadership and people of NYC “groping for answers” in politics and policy.
Stresses that neither liberal nor conservative nor socialist mayors have solutions; only Jesus does.

“None of them are getting it right. The only person that gets it right are those that live for Jesus Christ.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (58:50)

Describes revival as “the intensification of God”—when God Himself intervenes because the church has failed to intercede.

Scriptural Anchor: God’s “I Will” Promises (59:40–61:08)

Recounts Moses’ despair before the plagues (Exodus 5:22–23) and God’s emphatic response in Exodus 6: “I will…”
The heart of the message: God—not human effort—brings deliverance and breakthrough.

“God says, I will… I'm the one who's gonna do it, not you… I'll bury them in the Red Sea in one day. I'll take care. While you're trying to do it one by one, I'll take care of this whole army in a moment, in the middle of a miracle, I will do what only I can do.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (60:34)

Corporate Worship and Declaration (61:08–63:40)

Congregation sings “Through It All,” affirming trust in God through every trial.

Call to Salvation and Realignment (63:40–end)

Pastor Tim gently calls listeners to faith in Christ—a relationship, not religion—as the only lasting answer amid darkness and uncertainty.
Leads the congregation in the salvation prayer, offering hope, new life, and a “second birth.”
Recaps the two prophetic promises: that it will get darker and brighter at once, and harder and more miraculous at once—but God will keep His people and His promises.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Fear and Confidence:
“I have the Father on my side, Jesus on my side, the Holy Spirit and 2/3 of angels of heaven on my side. What do you think I’m gonna do? Sit down and cry? I’ve got joy. I’ve got the power of God and the presence of God.”
— Quoting Leonard Ravenhill (22:25)
On Political Solutions:
“None of them can get it right… The best of men are even men at best. There is a man that I flee to. I get on my knees at that point. Some of you have been groping for answers, trying to figure it all out. I’m telling you, today is the day. Come to that man, Jesus Christ.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (58:50, 59:52)
On Standing for Truth:
“We will always stand for what this book says. We will stand with Israel. We will stand with the Jewish people… I believe there’s one way to heaven and it’s through Jesus Christ. I am not budging on any of that. Well, what if they protest? Let them protest.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (57:40)
On Revival:
“What’s revival? It’s when God gets sick and tired of being misrepresented that he shows up himself.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (56:52)
On Miracles in Difficulty:
“When things get hard, miracles get multiplied and people will get saved.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (53:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00–10:45: Global greetings, acknowledgment of current events
10:45–17:10: Jonathan Edwards, legacy of truth, Malachi 2:6
17:10–24:58: Light in Goshen: Biblical and prophetic insight
24:58–32:15: The lesson of singing before the miracle; “right song, wrong side”
32:15–38:40: Pastor Tim’s honest struggle, God’s two promises for the church
38:40–45:20: The plagues, idolatry, and God’s distinction of His people
45:20–51:09: Vision for Times Square, prayer revival, practical church challenges
51:09–54:14: Testimonies of God’s miracles in hard times
54:14–59:40: Addressing NYC’s need for spiritual, not just political, awakening
59:40–61:08: God’s “I will” promises; the futility of human efforts, focus on divine intervention
61:08–63:40: Congregational worship: “Through It All”
63:40–end: Salvation call, prayer, concluding encouragement

Final Thoughts

Pastor Tim Dilena’s sermon weaves a scriptural, historical, and highly contemporary message: that as darkness closes in, God’s light shines more brightly on those who trust Him. The session is rich with biblical teaching, honest confession, vision for community action, and a clear gospel invitation. The audience is challenged to pray, to trust, and to be confident that God is at work—even as society becomes both harder and more miraculous at the same time.

For more information and updates, visit TSC.NYC

Podcast Summary: Times Square Church – Sermons

Episode: It’s Going to Get Darker and Brighter at the Same Time
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: November 9, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Global Community and Current Events (00:00–10:45)

Pastor Tim enthusiastically welcomes attendees from around the world, highlighting over 65 countries and several U.S. universities tuning in online.
He references the recent city election and the global turmoil, establishing the context of uncertainty and change.

“We have just finished an election. I want to speak to our new mayor and what we can expect in the coming days. I have a word of encouragement for you today and for those around the world… It's going to get darker and brighter at the same time.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (09:38)

The Example of Jonathan Edwards and a Legacy of Truth (10:45–17:10)

Pastor Tim recounts the legacy of Jonathan Edwards—the preacher of the First Great Awakening—emphasizing the plaque inscribed with Malachi 2:6 about truth and turning many from sin.
He prays that such a legacy would define the church: a place of true instruction, peace, uprightness, and transformation.

Goshen: Light in Darkness (17:10–24:58)

Drawing from the ninth plague in Exodus, Pastor Tim explains how God gave light to the Israelites in Goshen while Egypt was plunged into total, “felt” darkness.
He asserts this as a prophetic pattern: as the world grows darker, the church will stand out with hope and light.

“There is a darkness that can be felt… but there is a new horizon that God will begin to show, spots of light of what He is getting ready to do.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (23:25)

He recalls Leonard Ravenhill’s words about having God and the angels on your side as an antidote to fear.

Singing on the ‘Right Side’: Faith Before the Miracle (24:58–32:15)

Pastor Tim reflects on a 2009 sermon by David Wilkerson, noting that Israel sang the right song of victory only after the Red Sea miracle—not before.
He stresses the importance of praising God before we see answers—a lesson he applies to the congregation’s present challenges.

“Anyone can sing after the miracle… But who can sing when there's a Red Sea in front of you? Who can sing when the battle is straight, when darkness comes, who still has a song inside of them?”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (29:35)

Honest Confession: Leadership Fatigue and God’s Response (32:15–38:40)

Pastor Tim shares transparently about his exhaustion—pandemics, riots, elections, wars—praying for just a moment of peace.
Instead, God speaks two promises to him (rooted in Exodus 7–8):
1. God will make TSC ‘Goshen’—a light in NYC.
2. Hardness will increase so miracles can come.
Pastor Tim reads an affirming text from a young European pastor, independently praying for TSC to be Goshen.

The Pattern: Hardness, Miracles, and God’s Distinction (38:40–45:20)

He outlines how each Egyptian plague attacked an idol and how from the fourth plague forward, God set Goshen apart, visibly protecting His people.
The sermon details how increasing opposition (hardening of hearts) sets the stage for multiplied miracles.

“I will harden Pharaoh's heart that I may multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt... It will get harder so I can do more.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (41:15)

Call to Vision: Light in Times Square and Prayer Revival (45:20–51:09)

Pastor Tim updates the congregation on initiatives like a 24-hour gospel LED billboard in Times Square and expanded global ministry.
He describes financial challenges (notably the need for a costly fire alarm system update) but models faith: “I’ll sing a song. God will provide.”
He recounts the historic 1857 Fulton Street Prayer Revival in NYC, advocating for the Wednesday noon prayer meeting at TSC as a new ‘Goshen’ for the city—a beacon of hope.

“Folks, I’m telling you that prayer works… If you can stay in prayer, it becomes Goshen that God begins to do something.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (50:47)

Testimonies and Miracles: Harder and More Miraculous (51:09–54:14)

Shares a powerful congregant testimony (Linda from Florida) to illustrate that miracles flourish amid difficulty.
Declares: “When things get hard, miracles get multiplied and people will get saved.” (53:41)

Applying the Lessons: City Challenges and Spiritual Solutions (54:14–59:40)

Expresses heartbreak—not anger—over the leadership and people of NYC “groping for answers” in politics and policy.
Stresses that neither liberal nor conservative nor socialist mayors have solutions; only Jesus does.

“None of them are getting it right. The only person that gets it right are those that live for Jesus Christ.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (58:50)

Describes revival as “the intensification of God”—when God Himself intervenes because the church has failed to intercede.

Scriptural Anchor: God’s “I Will” Promises (59:40–61:08)

Recounts Moses’ despair before the plagues (Exodus 5:22–23) and God’s emphatic response in Exodus 6: “I will…”
The heart of the message: God—not human effort—brings deliverance and breakthrough.

“God says, I will… I'm the one who's gonna do it, not you… I'll bury them in the Red Sea in one day. I'll take care. While you're trying to do it one by one, I'll take care of this whole army in a moment, in the middle of a miracle, I will do what only I can do.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (60:34)

Corporate Worship and Declaration (61:08–63:40)

Congregation sings “Through It All,” affirming trust in God through every trial.

Call to Salvation and Realignment (63:40–end)

Pastor Tim gently calls listeners to faith in Christ—a relationship, not religion—as the only lasting answer amid darkness and uncertainty.
Leads the congregation in the salvation prayer, offering hope, new life, and a “second birth.”
Recaps the two prophetic promises: that it will get darker and brighter at once, and harder and more miraculous at once—but God will keep His people and His promises.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Fear and Confidence:
“I have the Father on my side, Jesus on my side, the Holy Spirit and 2/3 of angels of heaven on my side. What do you think I’m gonna do? Sit down and cry? I’ve got joy. I’ve got the power of God and the presence of God.”
— Quoting Leonard Ravenhill (22:25)
On Political Solutions:
“None of them can get it right… The best of men are even men at best. There is a man that I flee to. I get on my knees at that point. Some of you have been groping for answers, trying to figure it all out. I’m telling you, today is the day. Come to that man, Jesus Christ.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (58:50, 59:52)
On Standing for Truth:
“We will always stand for what this book says. We will stand with Israel. We will stand with the Jewish people… I believe there’s one way to heaven and it’s through Jesus Christ. I am not budging on any of that. Well, what if they protest? Let them protest.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (57:40)
On Revival:
“What’s revival? It’s when God gets sick and tired of being misrepresented that he shows up himself.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (56:52)
On Miracles in Difficulty:
“When things get hard, miracles get multiplied and people will get saved.”
— Pastor Tim Dilena (53:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00–10:45: Global greetings, acknowledgment of current events
10:45–17:10: Jonathan Edwards, legacy of truth, Malachi 2:6
17:10–24:58: Light in Goshen: Biblical and prophetic insight
24:58–32:15: The lesson of singing before the miracle; “right song, wrong side”
32:15–38:40: Pastor Tim’s honest struggle, God’s two promises for the church
38:40–45:20: The plagues, idolatry, and God’s distinction of His people
45:20–51:09: Vision for Times Square, prayer revival, practical church challenges
51:09–54:14: Testimonies of God’s miracles in hard times
54:14–59:40: Addressing NYC’s need for spiritual, not just political, awakening
59:40–61:08: God’s “I will” promises; the futility of human efforts, focus on divine intervention
61:08–63:40: Congregational worship: “Through It All”
63:40–end: Salvation call, prayer, concluding encouragement

Final Thoughts

For more information and updates, visit TSC.NYC

It’s Going to Get Darker and Brighter at the Same Time

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Times Square Church – Sermons

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Global Community and Current Events (00:00–10:45)

The Example of Jonathan Edwards and a Legacy of Truth (10:45–17:10)

Goshen: Light in Darkness (17:10–24:58)

Singing on the ‘Right Side’: Faith Before the Miracle (24:58–32:15)

Honest Confession: Leadership Fatigue and God’s Response (32:15–38:40)

The Pattern: Hardness, Miracles, and God’s Distinction (38:40–45:20)

Call to Vision: Light in Times Square and Prayer Revival (45:20–51:09)

Testimonies and Miracles: Harder and More Miraculous (51:09–54:14)

Applying the Lessons: City Challenges and Spiritual Solutions (54:14–59:40)

Scriptural Anchor: God’s “I Will” Promises (59:40–61:08)

Corporate Worship and Declaration (61:08–63:40)

Call to Salvation and Realignment (63:40–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: Times Square Church – Sermons

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Global Community and Current Events (00:00–10:45)

The Example of Jonathan Edwards and a Legacy of Truth (10:45–17:10)

Goshen: Light in Darkness (17:10–24:58)

Singing on the ‘Right Side’: Faith Before the Miracle (24:58–32:15)

Honest Confession: Leadership Fatigue and God’s Response (32:15–38:40)

The Pattern: Hardness, Miracles, and God’s Distinction (38:40–45:20)

Call to Vision: Light in Times Square and Prayer Revival (45:20–51:09)

Testimonies and Miracles: Harder and More Miraculous (51:09–54:14)

Applying the Lessons: City Challenges and Spiritual Solutions (54:14–59:40)

Scriptural Anchor: God’s “I Will” Promises (59:40–61:08)

Corporate Worship and Declaration (61:08–63:40)

Call to Salvation and Realignment (63:40–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts