City Church OTR Messages
By City Church OTR
City Church OTR MessagesJun 19, 2021
God So Loved: Whoever
This week, Dave Workman visited us at City Church OTR and spoke on the word "Whoever." Does whoever really mean whoever? The message of reconciliation is the key. How can we, as the church, utilize the message of reconciliation to minister to the "whoevers" of the world.
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
God So Loved: His One and Only Son
This week, Brandon McCauley shared with us on the words "His One and Only Son" from John 3:16. The old testament law was only meant to cover our sin, not atone for them. That is why we needed the Messiah, Jesus Christ!
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
God So Loved: That He Gave
As we continue through John 3:16, Chris taught on the phrase "That He Gave" and how God giving to us paved the way for us to receive his grace and mercy, all because He is a just God who holds up His end of every promise.
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
God So Loved: The World
This week Rob focused on the words "The World" from the most famous verse in the Bible. What exactly does "the world" refer to? How can we be in the world without conforming to it? The way we understand "the world" impacts how we live within it, and the way we love reflects God's love to those around us.
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
God So Loved: So Loved
This week Chris focused on the significance of the words "so loved." Love is an action, feeling, and identity for God. The past tense of this passage doesn't contradict the rest of Scripture about God's love; instead, it provides a deeper context and understanding of His love for us.
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
God So Loved: For God
This week, Chris taught on the first two words of the most renowned verse in the Bible. God reveals His name to us through scripture and instructs us on how we are to address Him. While we may gain knowledge of His name through those passages, there is a big difference between studying theology and knowing God.
“The biggest enemy of learning is knowing” John 3:16 is a verse we may all know, but what if there’s way more here for us to learn and obey? Join us for God So Loved, a series through the twenty-four words of John 3:16 to discover the full meaning behind one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time.
Easter Celebration 2024: It Changed Everything
This week, City Church OTR celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chris shared how this redemption story changed the world on a cosmic level. Yet this story, that none of us are the main characters of, also changes us on a personal level. Six verses, one event; it changed everything!
Ruth: The Story of God
This week, Kristen taught about the role God played in Ruth's story. God often partners with His creation in amazing and unexpected ways. Ruth and Boaz's story leads to the restoration of Israel through the genealogy of Jesus. How could God be wanting to partner with us?
The book of Ruth is often known as the Cinderella story of the Bible. It's a love story, but not in the way we've typically read it. Instead of being an unrelatable fairytale, Ruth is a story that we can all connect to and learn from. J
Ruth: The Story of Boaz
This week, Chris shared the story of Boaz. The relationship between Ruth and Boaz acts as a great reminder of the importance of initiation in leadership and honor in response. There is so much we can learn from his story. It's a beautiful example of how we can operate more like Jesus as humans.
The book of Ruth is often known as the Cinderella story of the Bible. It's a love story, but not in the way we've typically read it. Instead of being an unrelatable fairytale, Ruth is a story that we can all connect to and learn from.
Ruth: The Story of Ruth
This week, Chris taught on the namesake of our series, Ruth. Ruth's story is one that teaches us to do the right thing, even when no one is watching!
The book of Ruth is often known as the Cinderella story of the Bible. It's a love story, but not in the way we've typically read it. Instead of being an unrelatable fairytale, Ruth is a story that we can all connect to and learn from.
Ruth: The Story of Naomi
The book of Ruth is often known as the Cinderella story of the Bible. It's a love story, but not in the way we've typically read it. Instead of being an unrelatable fairytale, Ruth is a story that we can all connect to and learn from.
This week, Rob Groves taught on Naomi's story. Naomi was a victim of her circumstances. We can be both inspired by her faithfulness and cautioned by her words.
Yours: The Spirit of Mammon
We live in a culture that trains us to "work hard for the money", and then do whatever we want with it because we earned it. God has a different view of what it means to live abundantly, and it starts with living generously...like He does to us. When we shift our view of what's ours versus His, we find the way to more trust, peace, and joy.
This week, Rob Groves teaches on the Spirit of Mammon. Is money really the root of all evil? In our culture, we struggle with pride or poverty mindset surrounding money. The Spirit of Mammon could be what's stopping you from stewarding your money the way God calls us to do.
Yours: The Principles of First
We live in a culture that trains us to "work hard for the money", and then do whatever we want with it because we earned it. God has a different view of what it means to live abundantly, and it starts with living generously...like He does to us. When we shift our view of what's ours versus His, we find the way to more trust, peace, and joy.
This Sunday, Michelle Santora teaches that from the beginning of creation, God has always been first. He deserves our first. He cannot be second, and He is unchanging. What would it look like for us to give Him our first?
Yours: Tithing
We live in a culture that trains us to "work hard for the money", and then do whatever we want with it because we earned it. God has a different view of what it means to live abundantly, and it starts with living generously...like He does to us. When we shift our view of what's ours versus His, we find the way to more trust, peace, and joy.
This week, Pastor Chris Marlin addresses some common questions about tithing: Who does the first 10% belong to, us or God? Was it ever ours to begin with? And what does Jesus think about the Old Testament laws surrounding tithing? Exploring these questions can deepen our understanding of faith and generosity.
Yours: It's All About the Heart
We live in a culture that trains us to "work hard for the money", and then do whatever we want with it because we earned it. God has a different view of what it means to live abundantly, and it starts with living generously...like He does to us. When we shift our view of what's ours versus His, we find the way to more trust, peace, and joy.
This week, Pastor Chris Marlin teaches on the importance posture of our hearts and how obedience can create a generous and grateful heart.
Change: Pray Until Something Happens
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Every January, we set ambitious resolutions and lofty goals but only 10% of them have a lasting impact. Join us as we uncover the key to lasting Change in Ourselves, Our City, and Our Church.
In situations where we have been praying and not receiving answers from the Lord, it's easy to give up on the power of prayer. This week Pastor Chris Marlin introduces the idea of praying until something happens. As we faithfully persist in prayer, the Lord can cultivate maturity in our faith.
Change: Prayer Changes Our City
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Every January, we set ambitious resolutions and lofty goals but only 10% of them have a lasting impact. Join us as we uncover the key to lasting Change in Ourselves, Our City, and Our Church.
This week, Pastor Paul Taylor of Rivers Crossing Church teaches on the profound impact of obedience and prayer. Through unity in prayer, we have the potential to spark a transformative movement for Christ in our city.
Change: Prayer Changes Our Church
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Every January, we set ambitious resolutions and lofty goals but only 10% of them have a lasting impact. Join us as we uncover the key to lasting Change in Ourselves, Our City, and Our Church.
This week, Pastor Andy Ziegenfuss from All Church shared with us about how prayer, fellowship, and keeping Jesus at the center is critical to the body of Christ.
Change: Prayer Changes Ourselves
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Every January, we set ambitious resolutions and lofty goals but only 10% of them have a lasting impact. Join us as we uncover the key to lasting Change in Ourselves, Our City, and Our Church.
This week, Chris Marlin teaches that prayer is formative in our relationship with God and that's spending time in His presence could be the change that we need this year.
The Gift(s): Myrrh
Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. Unusual gifts for a baby born in unusual circumstances. But there's more to these gifts than meets the eye, each one a unique telling of this child's true identity. A baby himself born to be a gift to a world in need.
This week, Chris Marlin teaches on the gift of myrrh and poses the question: When did Mary know that her baby's story would be powerful and tragic?
The Gift(s): Frankincense
Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. Unusual gifts for a baby born in unusual circumstances. But there's more to these gifts than meets the eye, each one a unique telling of this child's true identity. A baby himself born to be a gift to a world in need.
This week, Chris Marlin teaches on frankincense and the power of intercession.
The Gift(s): Gold
Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. Unusual gifts for a baby born in unusual circumstances. But there's more to these gifts than meets the eye, each one a unique telling of this child's true identity. A baby himself born to be a gift to a world in need.
Join us at City Church OTR in December as we explore The Gift(s).
This week, Rob Groves kicks off the series teaching about the gift of gold, generosity, and giving.
Presence: “It Changes Everything!” | What Happens When God Walks in the Room?
What if the point of all we do is to be in the presence of God? The thing that changes everything for us. It brings healing, peace, restoration, and wholeness. What if more than anything else, His presence is all we need? And, what if it’s more accessible than you think?
This week, during our annual Sermon Slam, Cole Martin, Jason, Bart, Lena, and Kristen share on their personal experience with the presence of God.
Presence: “It Changes Everything” | The Veil
What if the point of all we do is to be in the presence of God? The thing that changes everything for us. It brings healing, peace, restoration, and wholeness. What if more than anything else, His presence is all we need? And, what if it’s more accessible than you think?
This week, Chris Marlin teaches that we need to believe that we can go after the presence of God, and that we should be going after it relentlessly.
Presence: “It Changes Everything” | Manifest Presence
What if the point of all we do is to be in the presence of God? The thing that changes everything for us. It brings healing, peace, restoration, and wholeness. What if more than anything else, His presence is all we need? And, what if it’s more accessible than you think? This week, Rob Groves speaks on manifest presence: God breaking into our present reality.
Presence: “ It Changes Everything” | How We Invite God’s Presence
What if the point of all we do is to be in the presence of God? The thing that changes everything for us. It brings healing, peace, restoration, and wholeness. What if more than anything else, His presence is all we need? And, what if it’s more accessible than you think? This week, Chris Marlin teaches on fight cynicism, choosing a position of hunger for the presence of God, and the ministry of Peter.
The Weeping Prophet
This week, Dwight Young talks about Jeremiah, The Weeping Prophet. Similar to Jesus’ ministry in many ways, Jeremiah’s story teaches us the power of Purpose, Passion, and Hope.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 6
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. This week, Chris Marlin wraps up our Galatians series with a look at the old creation vs. new creation.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 5
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. This week special guest teacher, Dave Workman, unpacks the two kingdoms at war in show in Galatians 5: the flesh vs the spirit.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 4
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. Chris Marlin explores the tension of slave versus free in Galatians 4. A special prayer exercise follows the message by Kristin Scott of Activation Ministries.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 3
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. Looking at Galatians 3, Rob Groves explores the opposition of grace versus the law.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 2
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. This week, Chris Marlin teaches from Galatians chapter 2 where it's Paul versus Peter.
VERSUS: A Study of Galatians | Galatians 1
In a world of both/and, sometimes Jesus confronts us with an either/or. Sometimes we hold the tension of the AND, and sometimes choosing one thing is good. Paul writes the letter of Galatians to a church living in the tension of navigating opposing ideologies. This week Chris Marlin explores THE Gospel versus the American Gospel.
Happy 3rd Birthday City Church OTR
As we celebrate City Church's 3rd birthday and all that God has done here, Chris Marlin reflects on who we are, where we've been, and where we're going.
For the One: Serving
Like Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, we are called to run after the “one” in our lives and our spheres of influence. The New Testament Church experienced the power of the Gospel, miracles, testimony, and service to others as ways to introduce people to the love, mercy, and power of Jesus. This week Michelle Santora unpacks how a lifestyle and a heart of serving can be used to introduce the one to Jesus.
For the One: Testimony
Like Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, we are called to run after the “one” in our lives and our spheres of influence. The New Testament Church experienced the power of the Gospel, miracles, testimony, and service to others as ways to introduce people to the love, mercy, and power of Jesus. This week Rob Groves shares how our unique testimony reflects God's kindness and power and is worth sharing to reach the one.
For the One: Miracles
Like Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, we are called to run after the “one” in our lives and our spheres of influence. The New Testament Church experienced the power of the Gospel, miracles, testimony, and service to others as ways to introduce people to the love, mercy, and power of Jesus. This week Chris Marlin shows how God has used the supernatural for centuries to bring about the greatest miracle of all - our redemption.
For the One: The Gospel
Like Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, we are called to run after the “one” in our lives and our spheres of influence. The New Testament Church experienced the power of the Gospel, miracles, testimony, and service to others as ways to introduce people to the love, mercy, and power of Jesus. This week Chris Marlin shares why and how we take courage to share the Gospel to reach the one.
For the One: Why We Care for the One
Like Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after the one, we are called to run after the “one” in our lives and our spheres of influence. The New Testament Church experienced the power of the Gospel, miracles, testimony, and service to others as ways to introduce people to the love, mercy, and power of Jesus. This week Chris Marlin introduces this new series and shares our "why" for going after the one.
James: Chapter 5
Through the month of July, we are exploring the book of James to learn how we turn faith into action. True saving faith is a life changing faith - a faith that will transform us. This week, Caitlin Snyder shares from James 5 how faith empowers us to persevere through challenges.
James: Chapter 4
Through the month of July, we are exploring the book of James to learn how we turn faith into action. True saving faith is a life changing faith - a faith that will transform us. This week, Dwight Young challenges and encourages us from James 4 to end the wars among us, within us, and above us that ruin the testimony of our faith and our ability to love God and our neighbors.
James: Chapter 3
Through the month of July, we are exploring the book of James to learn how we turn faith into action. True saving faith is a life changing faith - a faith that will transform us. This week, Michelle Santora shares how the way we use our tongue exposes us, forms us, and shows us our need for healing.
James: Chapter 2
Through the month of July, we are exploring the book of James to learn how we turn faith into action. True saving faith is a life changing faith - a faith that will transform us. This week, Megan Baird explores James chapter 2 and what it means for us to live out a life-changing faith where mercy triumphs over judgement.
James: Chapter 1
Through the month of July, we are exploring the book of James to learn how we turn faith into action. True saving faith is a life changing faith - a faith that will transform us. This week, Rob Groves digs into James chapter 1 and how our faith changes the way we view and walk through suffering.
(note: there is background music playing for the first couple minutes but it will end after that. Thanks for your grace for our oops!)
Father: The Sacrificial Love of the Father
As the Father series comes to close, Chris Marlin shows how the lovingkindness of God the Father, displayed in the sacrificing of his own Son Jesus on our behalf, allows us to exhale and breathe deep.
Father: The Protecting Love of the Father
In the next edition of our "Father" series, exploring the loving kindness of God the Father, Chris Marlin shows us how we can truly exhale and rest because our Father is Jehovah-nissi, our Banner and Protector.
Father: The Father Will See to It
As we begin a new series focused on exploring the loving kindness of God the Father, Chris Marlin introduces us to the deep and incomprehensible love of our Jehovah Jireh.
Jesus According to Jesus: I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life
In this series, we explore the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the book of John--seven ways that Jesus described himself--as we seek to understand and experience who Jesus really is. This week, Chris Marlin unpacks the scandal Jesus started when he claimed, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Jesus According to Jesus: I AM the Bread of Life
In this series, we explore the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the book of John--seven ways that Jesus described himself--as we seek to understand and experience who Jesus really is. This week, Chris Marlin shares why Jesus says, "I AM the Bread of Life" and how he satisfies like nothing else can.
Jesus According to Jesus: I AM the True Vine
In this series, we explore the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the book of John--seven ways that Jesus described himself--as we seek to understand and experience who Jesus really is. This week, Chris explores what Jesus meant when he said "I AM the True Vine".