City Church OTR Messages

This week, we began a new series called Scars: Every Scar Has a Story. Rob Groves opened with a message on shame—how it distorts our identity and isolates us from both God and others. Shame can leave us stuck, striving for perfection or paralyzed by our past. But Jesus doesn't meet us with condemnation. He comes with grace, truth, and the power to restore.

This week Chris concluded our series The Throne Room by teaching on Revelation 7 and the seal God places on His people. He walked through different interpretations of who the 144,000 might be, and reminded us that we, too, are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

This week Chris continued our series The Throne Room by walking through the opening of the first four seals and the arrival of the Four Horsemen. We explored what they represent, why they come, and how their presence reveals something deeper about the way God's Kingdom breaks in. At the center of it all is a powerful word spoken in heaven: “Come.” It's a cry for Jesus to come and bring His Kingdom—a cry we're invited to echo here and now.

This week, Chris continued part three of our Revelation series, The Throne Room, by teaching on the scroll. He explored the three leading interpretations of what the scroll represents: The Bible, God's last will and testament, or a land deed to the earth. Regardless of which view one holds, the key takeaway is the same—God is victorious. The scroll ultimately signifies God's triumph, bringing with it the promise of redemption and re-creation for the earth. Things will not always be as they are, because God's plan ends in restoration.

This week, Chris continued our Revelation series with Part 3: The Throne Room. In John's vision, all is not as it seems. When told to “look,” he sees a Lamb that appears to have been slain. The Lamb is the only one worthy to open the scroll. Because of His death and blood, we are now made priests—and we are called to live out our priesthood.

This week, we began part 3 of our Revelation series, The Throne Room. Chris's teaching was all about the throne at the center of heaven. The paradox of the throne is that the more we realize we are not at the center of everything, the more stress and fear begin to fall away. There is a strange relief in insignificance—because we're not holding the universe together, and we were never meant to.

This week, guest speaker Clay Harrington from Vineyard Cincinnati concluded the 64 Series by teaching on the coming of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. Pentecost marked the establishment of the Church—the moment the Holy Spirit was released from heaven to dwell with God's people. Through the Spirit, we're empowered with authority and equipped to be ambassadors for Christ.

This week, Dave Workman preached on "the in-between times"—the seasons of waiting where God's timing feels mysterious but is filled with purpose. The disciples found themselves in one of these in-between times, waiting between Jesus's resurrection and Pentecost. In every period of waiting, we are invited to trust God in the process, believing that He is leading us into a greater depth on the other side.

This Easter, Chris shared that the resurrection is for everyone. We looked at the story of Peter—how he blew it in a big way, denying Jesus when it mattered most. And still, after rising from the dead, Jesus calls Peter out by name—not to shame him, but to restore him. If the resurrection can bring hope to someone like Peter, then it can bring hope to anyone.

This week, Chris spoke on the first Palm Sunday when Jesus was hailed King….but not the kind of King that He really was. We took a fresh, contextual look at Palm Sunday and answered the question, “How did they hail Him king one day and want to crucify Him the next?”

Beginning our new series 64, Chris taught on the story of Lazarus, focusing on how his resurrection wasn't just another one of Jesus' incredible miracles—it was the pivotal moment that triggered Jesus' crucifixion. This miracle foreshadowed the kind of faith required and the hope that is now available to all believers. It points to the resurrection power of Jesus, not just in a physical sense but also in the spiritual transformation He offers to everyone.

This week, as we wrapped up part two of our Revelation Series, The Letters, Chris read a letter to City Church OTR. Our church may not be one of the seven in Revelation, but God is writing a pretty unique story over us. We want to be amazed again at all God has brought us through and dream about what He might be doing in the future.

This week, Kristen taught from the letter Jesus wrote to the church in Laodicea. Jesus wants us to have effective faith full of passion, purpose and zeal. His challenge to the Laodiceans was that they compromised and diminished their faith while being self-reliant. They are spiritually sick and the only remedy for that is Jesus himself. He's waiting for us to let Him into every aspect of our lives.

This week, Chris taught from Jesus' letter to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation, one of the two letters where Jesus offered no correction. Jesus commended their faithfulness, saying, "See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." This "open door" symbolizes opportunities for service and spreading the Gospel. This challenges us to recognize and take action on the opportunities God provides in our own neighborhood, becoming living invitations of Jesus's love to our neighbors.

This week, Evan Doyle unpacked Jesus' letter to the city of Sardis in Revelation 3. Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but in reality, they were dead. Jesus calls them to wake up because His work in them isn't finished. The same is true for us—it's easy to build a reputation while slowly letting small compromises creep in, dulling what was once pure. But Jesus invites us to walk closely with Him, to be renewed, and to live with a reputation that reflects true life in Him.

This week , Chris taught on the letter written to the city of Thyatira. Jesus's critique of the Christians there wasnthat they were tolerating a woman leading them into compromise. Jesus isn't just concerned with what we do, but also what we tolerate. Syncretism is the game of the day, where we merge religious systems. It's what we are tempted towards, but it's God OR something else, not God AND something else.

This week, Dwight Young taught on the letter Jesus wrote through John to the church in Pergamum. Jesus calls out the false teaching that led the Christians there to drift from the truth. It's a reminder for us today—how easy it is to compromise and lose focus with all the distractions this world throws at us. But we're called to keep our eyes above and choose no compromise.

This week, Chris taught on Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna. In the letter, Jesus acknowledges the struggles of the Christians in Smyrna and calls them to stay faithful through trials, choosing faith over fear.

Jumping back into Revelation, we're starting Part 2, The Letters. Chris taught us through the letter to the church in Ephesus. In this letter, Jesus honors the steadfastness and firm foundation of Ephesus and encourages them. But like Jesus does with those He loves, He also calls them out of the rut they've fallen into - they've forgotten their first love and allowed the love of other things to overshadow Jesus. Jesus invited Ephesus then--and invites us now--to remember our first love, to repent, and to be refreshed with Him.

This week, Dave Workman share with us about The Art of Becoming. What are the desires of your heart? Nothing can truly satisfy them like the Lord. Is your desire for Him deep enough?

Rob wrapped up our If series with a word on Repentance. Repentance is where your will and faith collide. The most important miracle you will ever witness is the miracle of change from the inside out. Churches across the world are desperate for a move of God. We want to see our cities radically transformed by His presence — His Kingdom come to earth. We believe that's God's desire too, and He gives us a clear path to get there.  The way to revival starts with us, His people. IF we turn to Him, then He will pour out His Spirit. Our “IF” series, alongside the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, will help us discover how we position ourselves for God to make His move.

This week, Chris spoke on the topic of Hunger. We can give the façade of obedience, or we can have hunger like Josiah, who smashed the high places—he didn't just avoid them. What would it look like if we lived a Psalm 27 life? Even if an army is surrounding us and war is breaking out around us, the one thing we're still thinking about is God's presence and being with Him. Churches across the world are desperate for a move of God. We want to see our cities radically transformed by His presence — His Kingdom come to earth. We believe that's God's desire too, and He gives us a clear path to get there.  The way to revival starts with us, His people. IF we turn to Him, then He will pour out His Spirit. Our “IF” series, alongside the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, will help us discover how we position ourselves for God to make His move.

This week, Chris taught on the biblical narrative of God inviting us to co-heir and reign with Him. When Jesus taught us to pray, he told us to pray that “THAT place would look like THIS place”. Prayer is our best tool to see earth look more like heaven. Churches across the world are desperate for a move of God. We want to see our cities radically transformed by His presence — His Kingdom come to earth. We believe that's God's desire too, and He gives us a clear path to get there.  The way to revival starts with us, His people. IF we turn to Him, then He will pour out His Spirit. Our “IF” series, alongside the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, will help us discover how we position ourselves for God to make His move.

This Sunday, Chris kicked off our "IF" series, highlighting the things God loves as described in 2 Chronicles 7:14—humility, prayer, hunger, and repentance. He also shared practical ways to fast biblically, outlining three primary reasons for our fast this January: to subdue sin, to long for more of God, and to seek His awakening in both us and our city. Churches across the world are desperate for a move of God. We want to see our cities radically transformed by His presence — His Kingdom come to earth. We believe that's God's desire too, and He gives us a clear path to get there.  The way to revival starts with us, His people. IF we turn to Him, then He will pour out His Spirit. Our “IF” series, alongside the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, will help us discover how we position ourselves for God to make His move.

This week, Rob wrapped up our Advent series, The King Has Come, focusing on the topic of Love. God is love and love changes things. Love cannot start with us. Love always starts with God. This season, we look back and remember when the King first came—a baby in a manger, born to redeem the world. As we reflect on that first coming, we're reminded of our place in His story now: living in the tension of experiencing His Kingdom in part, but not yet in full. So, as we celebrate what has already happened, let's prepare our homes and our hearts in  anticipation of the King coming.

This week, Chris continued our Advent series, The King Has Come, focusing on the theme of Peace. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and He brings us both peace with God and the peace of God. Perfect peace is available to us, as long as our minds remain steadfast and trusting in Him. This season, we look back and remember when the King first came—a baby in a manger, born to redeem the world. As we reflect on that first coming, we're reminded of our place in His story now: living in the tension of experiencing His Kingdom in part, but not yet in full. So, as we celebrate what has already happened, let's prepare our homes and our hearts in  anticipation of the King coming.

This week, Kristen continued our Advent series, The King Has Come, focusing on the topic of joy. As we see countless times in the Bible, hope is most needed in a season of waiting. We continue to hope by holding on to truth, knowing God's Word, surrendering to His heart for us, drawing near to Him, and inviting others into the journey with us. This season, we look back and remember when the King first came—a baby in a manger, born to redeem the world. As we reflect on that first coming, we're reminded of our place in His story now: living in the tension of experiencing His Kingdom in part, but not yet in full. So, as we celebrate what has already happened, let's prepare our homes and our hearts in  anticipation of the King coming.

This week, Chris began our Advent series, The King Has Come. He taught on Joy. In Luke 2, the angels brought good news that would bring joy to all people. They told a story similar to one that had been told before but made the joy accessible to everyone and brought it first to the lowest of the low. This season, we look back and remember when the King first came—a baby in a manger, born to redeem the world. As we reflect on that first coming, we're reminded of our place in His story now: living in the tension of experiencing His Kingdom in part, but not yet in full. So, as we celebrate what has already happened, let's prepare our homes and our hearts in  anticipation of the King coming.

This week, Chris taught on the topic of Women in the Church. He addressed some of the most debated questions on the subject and highlighted examples of women in leadership in the early church. The context of scripture is incredibly important and remains relevant to us in many ways today.

This week, one of our friends and favorite guest speakers, Beth Guckenberger from Back2Back Ministries, shared a powerful message about stories. She reminded us that stories and testimonies of faith serve as fuel for future generations. In moments of darkness or uncertainty, we can draw strength from the stories of those who came before us and from the accounts of the faithful found in God's Word.

This week, Chris wrapped up chapter one of Revelation with a focus on The Voice. The Voice is the central figure of Chapter one. What drowns out the voice for you? Are you putting Jesus at the center of your life? Revelation is one of the most read, and yet least understood books of the Bible. It wasn't just for the early church, and it's not just preparing us for what's to come. This 5-part series will unlock some of the mystery of this book to discover a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity while equipping you to live with more hope, courage, and faith, in a world filled with uncertainty.

This week, Chris continued the Revelation series, The King, with a focus on John, the one whom Jesus loved. There is more historical and cultural context in the book of Revelation than is usually considered. After following faithfully for over 60 years, John was alone on an island when God gave him these visions, which he wrote as a call to a spiritual minority. Revelation is one of the most read, and yet least understood books of the Bible. It wasn't just for the early church, and it's not just preparing us for what's to come. This 5-part series will unlock some of the mystery of this book to discover a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity while equipping you to live with more hope, courage, and faith, in a world filled with uncertainty.

This week, Chris continued our Revelation Series, focusing on The Revelation of Jesus Christ. The reason we are studying this book is because Jesus is being unveiled. What has been hidden, is finally being revealed! Revelation is one of the most read, and yet least understood books of the Bible. It wasn't just for the early church, and it's not just preparing us for what's to come. This 5-part series will unlock some of the mystery of this book to discover a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity while equipping you to live with more hope, courage, and faith, in a world filled with uncertainty.

This week, Chris kicked off the first part of our five part series on Revelation, The King. He shared that Revelation is teaching us how to be faithful in the midst of Earth, not how do we escape Earth. The King is coming... So, how do we, in preparation, live as if his kingdom is colliding with this one? How do we be faithful until He arrives? Revelation is one of the most read, and yet least understood books of the Bible. It wasn't just for the early church, and it's not just preparing us for what's to come. This 5-part series will unlock some of the mystery of this book to discover a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity while equipping you to live with more hope, courage, and faith, in a world filled with uncertainty. The book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus, by Jesus, and for Jesus. Part 1 will serve as the foundation for the rest of the parts of the series and reveal the main point of the entire book: Jesus.

This week, Dave Workman delivered an impactful message at City Church OTR about Mission and Power. He emphasized that the power of the kingdom of God fuels our mission. As a church, we are called to empower one another, working together to renew both our city and the world around us.

This week, Rob gave a message on how our witness is our purpose. Our witness serves as proof of the Kingdom, of which we can testify. As believers, we are called to be a representation of Christ on the earth.

This week, Chris taught on our final value, Formation. The church's goal is our maturity, becoming more like Jesus together. Formation and presence are meant to move together, holding the tension between the Bible and the Spirit. When they drift apart, we miss out on who Jesus is shaping us to be. A blueprint shows us how a building is to be designed or constructed. Our desire is to cultivate the kind of family Jesus introduced to the world, and we do that through experiencing family, partnering in God's mission, seeking His presence, and in all of that pursuing formation through a growing relationship with Jesus and others.Four values that guide everything we do—Family, Mission, Presence, Formation—this is what we want to experience in all aspects of our church.We are partnering with God to build His Kingdom here, and this is the specific blueprint we believe He's given City Church OTR to follow.

This week, Chris taught on our third value, Presence. He asked the question, "Are you open to God's presence changing the plan?" The mark of this church will be that pursues the presence of God. We will be a church that allows the plan to be changed for the sake of being in His presence. A blueprint shows us how a building is to be designed or constructed. Our desire is to cultivate the kind of family Jesus introduced to the world, and we do that through experiencing family, partnering in God's mission, seeking His presence, and in all of that pursuing formation through a growing relationship with Jesus and others.Four values that guide everything we do—Family, Mission, Presence, Formation—this is what we want to experience in all aspects of our church.We are partnering with God to build His Kingdom here, and this is the specific blueprint we believe He's given City Church OTR to follow.Join us as we explore the Values of City Church OTR and discover how we were uniquely designed to operate together, this Sunday morning at 9am and 11am.

This week, we celebrated 4 years of City Church OTR! God has brought us through some amazing and challenging seasons. In his message, Chris reminds us what it means to live on mission while holding the tension of our other three values: Family, Presence, and Formation." A blueprint shows us how a building is to be designed or constructed. Our desire is to cultivate the kind of family Jesus introduced to the world, and we do that through experiencing family, partnering in God's mission, seeking His presence, and in all of that pursuing formation through a growing relationship with Jesus and others.Four values that guide everything we do—Family, Mission, Presence, Formation—this is whatwe want to experience in all aspects of our church.We are partnering with God to build His Kingdom here, and this is the specific blueprint we believe He's given City Church OTR to follow.Join us as we explore the Values of City Church OTR and discover how we were uniquely designed to operate together, this Sunday morning at 9am and 11am.

This Sunday, we kicked off the Blueprint series, exploring the four core values of City Church OTR. Chris introduced our first value: Family. Family serves as the foundation where our other values—mission, presence, and formation—are lived out. As we pursue these, we aim to do so alongside people we love and trust. Imagine what it would look like if the City Church OTR family played a key role in sparking revival in Cincinnati. A blueprint shows us how a building is to be designed or constructed. Our desire isto cultivate the kind of family Jesus introduced to the world, and we do that through experiencing family, partnering in God's mission, seeking His presence, and in all of that pursuing formation through a growing relationship with Jesus and others.Four values that guide everything we do—Family, Mission, Presence, Formation—this is whatwe want to experience in all aspects of our church.We are partnering with God to build His Kingdom here, and this is the specific blueprint we believe He's given City Church OTR to follow.Join us as we explore the Values of City Church OTR and discover how we were uniquely designed to operate together, this Sunday morning at 9am and 11am.

This Sunday was our annual Sermon Slam at City Church OTR. We invited five members of our church family—Katherine Marlin, Linnea Buttrey, Jaren Groves, Annie Francis, and Evan Doyle—to each deliver a five-minute message inspired by one of our stained glass windows. Each other them brought a new and beautiful perspective of the Father's heart to the stage. Each Sunday, light shines through our beautiful stained glass windows, telling the timeless stories of Jesus' life. These windows are 130 years old, but the stories they tell are the foundation of a movement that began more than 2,000 years ago and continues to thrive today. Join us as we explore the stained glass windows, each story coming together to build a holistic view of who Jesus is and reminding us that we are part of a Church and a story much greater than ourselves.

This week, Michelle highlighted one of the stained-glass windows titled "The Road to Emmaus." This window, inspired by Luke 24, gives us a glimpse into who Jesus is. He wants to hear from us because He loves us! He knows us and what we need. Luke 24 also, in a way, foreshadows how the Holy Spirit was sent to walk with the children of God when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven Each Sunday, light shines through our beautiful stained glass windows, telling the timeless stories of Jesus' life. These windows are 130 years old, but the stories they tell are the foundation of a movement that began more than 2,000 years ago and continues to thrive today. Join us as we explore the stained glass windows, each story coming together to build a holistic view of who Jesus is and reminding us that we are part of a Church and a story much greater than ourselves.

This week, Rob highlighted one of the stained-glass windows titled "Jesus Knocks at the Door." At City Church OTR, we want to be known as the church that's hungry, not stagnant. We need to stay in fellowship with Jesus and be ready to open the door when He knocks and know His voice. Each Sunday, light shines through our beautiful stained glass windows, telling the timeless stories of Jesus' life. These windows are 130 years old, but the stories they tell are the foundation of a movement that began more than 2,000 years ago and continues to thrive today. Join us as we explore the stained glass windows, each story coming together to build a holistic view of who Jesus is and reminding us that we are part of a Church and a story much greater than ourselves.

This week, Chris drew attention to one of the stained-glass windows titled "Mary and Martha." Both Mary and Martha serve as profound examples of Christian life, embodying the balance between listening and action. Holding the tension between listening and doing can be challenging, yet both Mary's attentive listening and Martha's active service stemmed from a deep reverence for Jesus. Each Sunday, light shines through our beautiful stained glass windows, telling the timeless stories of Jesus' life. These windows are 130 years old, but the stories they tell are the foundation of a movement that began more than 2,000 years ago and continues to thrive today. Join us as we explore the stained glass windows, each story coming together to build a holistic view of who Jesus is and reminding us that we are part of a Church and a story much greater than ourselves.

This week, we kicked off our new sermon series, Mosaic. Chris highlighted the window titled "Jesus at 12 Years Old." At just 12 years old, Jesus stayed behind at the temple courts, without His parents' knowledge, learning from and questioning the teachers there. As followers of Jesus, we should be about our Father's business. We want to be people that are like Jesus and Jesus was all about the Father. Each Sunday, light shines through our beautiful stained glass windows, telling the timeless stories of Jesus' life. These windows are 130 years old, but the stories they tell are the foundation of a movement that began more than 2,000 years ago and continues to thrive today. Join us as we explore the stained glass windows, each story coming together to build a holistic view of who Jesus is and reminding us that we are part of a Church and a story much greater than ourselves.

This week, City Church OTR delved into what it means to engage with the nations through missions. God's heart is for the nations, and it has always been in His plan to send His people to share the gospel. Chris and our dear friend and co-speaker, Richard Thompson, shared on what a heart for missions looks like and vision for how God is using City Church OTR in missions.

This week, Chris wrapped up our "Asking For A Friend (Again)" series by discussing friendship. Jesus teaches on friendship and called us to love each other and live in community. Friendships are difficult; they require a lot of our time, they are exclusive, and they require vulnerability, but they are entirely worth it. We need to do life together. One of the greatest risks to human flourishing is the epidemic of loneliness in our culture. We all long for meaningful and life-giving relationships that will last, but these kinds of relationships don't happen accidentally. So how do we become a good friend? How do we thrive in parent/child relationships? How do we cultivate relationships that reflect the beauty and freedom of God's Kingdom? We're Asking for a Friend (Again).”

This week, one of City Church's oldest and most trusted friends, Megan Baird, shared with us on the topic of marriage. Marriage is a human representation of God's love. In marriage, our relationship with God must come first so that our marriages can prosper and further the kingdom. The gift of marriage is offered to all of us by God, as He pursues us all. Will you say yes? One of the greatest risks to human flourishing is the epidemic of loneliness in our culture. We all long for meaningful and life-giving relationships that will last, but these kinds of relationships don't happen accidentally. So how do we become a good friend? How do we thrive in parent/child relationships? How do we cultivate relationships that reflect the beauty and freedom of God's Kingdom? We're Asking for a Friend (Again).

This week, Chris, taught on the subject of singleness. For some, singleness is a season, while for others, it is a lifestyle. Singleness is a Biblically validated way of life. When Jesus came, he expanded the concept of family beyond traditional or nuclear family. Jesus knew the value that singleness bring into families and into the kingdom of God. One of the greatest risks to human flourishing is the epidemic of loneliness in our culture. We all long for meaningful and life-giving relationships that will last, but these kinds of relationships don't happen accidentally. So how do we become a good friend? How do we thrive in parent/child relationships? How do we cultivate relationships that reflect the beauty and freedom of God's Kingdom? We're Asking for a Friend (Again).

This week, Rob spoke about the impact of parent wounds and the challenges they create in parent/child relationships. The Bible instructs us to honor our parents, but wounds or orphan hearts can make this commandment difficult to follow. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to represent him by honoring the people around us. One of the greatest risks to human flourishing is the epidemic of loneliness in our culture. We all long for meaningful and life-giving relationships that will last, but these kinds of relationships don't happen accidentally. So how do we become a good friend? How do we thrive in parent/child relationships? How do we cultivate relationships that reflect the beauty and freedom of God's Kingdom? We're Asking for a Friend (Again).”

This week, Chris and Rob took turns discussing four topics they refer to as "Relationship Killers": gossip, conflict, pornography/sexual sin, and unforgiveness. To be healthy people and to be a healthy church, we need healthy relationships. These issues impact all of our relationships, both personal and with others in our lives. One of the greatest risks to human flourishing is the epidemic of loneliness in our culture. We all long for meaningful and life-giving relationships that will last, but these kinds of relationships don't happen accidentally. So how do we become a good friend? How do we thrive in parent/child relationships? How do we cultivate relationships that reflect the beauty and freedom of God's Kingdom? We're Asking for a Friend (Again).”