Grace Capital City Podcast: Recent Episodes
Grace Capital City
How does the Fear of God lead us to rest and lead us to contentment? In this message Pastor Chris teaches from Proverbs 19, inviting us to consider the wisdom of Solomon and the teachings of Jesus to find that which we souls crave in the only one who can actually provide it.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
At Mt. Sinai, an entire nation experienced an encounter with God, provoking two responses. Israel cried out for distance; Moses walked into the cloud. Pastor Olu unpacks Exodus 19–20 shedding light to the difference between a fear that drives us from God and a fear that draws us near.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message Pastor Chris teaches from the book of Job; a remarkable story about cosmic conversations and ramifications, the nature of suffering, the finiteness of our own understanding, and ultimately about the role our Fear of God can play in all of it.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris and Pastor Kynan Brookes from Adelaide, Australia explore the generational and communal impact of the Fear of God. How does our right vision of God actually bless not just us, but also those around us and those who are yet to come.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In the lives of David and Saul, we see two Kings whose fear leads them to very different places: David’s fear of God, frees him to honor; while Saul’s fear of man, subjects him to insecurity. In this message, Pastor Chris explores how we can be a people who fear God and are freed to honor all people, no matter the circumstance.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message from Mark 9:1–10, Pastor Olu invites us to slow down and behold the glory of Christ through the account of the Transfiguration. As part of our Fear of God series, this sermon explores how fearing God begins with seeing Him rightly. Contrasting Peter's impulse to build with the Father's command to "listen to Him," we're reminded that our first response to God's glory is not frantic activity but attentive worship. Discover how beholding Christ transforms us, why the cross is the fullest revelation of God's glory, and how Jesus invites us from striving into His presence.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
The standard of holiness is God’s perfect design for the flourishing of creation and those created in His image.
Through Malachi 3:13–18 and 4:1–3, College Director, Faith Anderson, unpacks how having the fear of the Lord and knowing Him as a sovereign Father enables us to live holy lives.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message Jenny Browne, international missionary and former member of GCC, teaches from Isaiah 6 on how the Fear of God leads us to engage in His mission.
To donate to The Browne Family Love Offering, click here.
To watch the Glimmer For All video, click here.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the nature of "Fear" itself and the many manifestations it can have in our lives. We also learn how the story of Peter stepping out of the boat to follow Jesus is a beautiful invitation for all of us to learn to see Him rightly.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
Many of us have split God in two — keeping the parts we like and quietly dropping the rest. Specifically, when we minimize God’s wrath, we end up with a smaller, tamer version of His love too. In this message from Jeremiah 32v30-41, Pastor Olu unpacks how God’s wrath and His love aren’t opposites — they’re fueled by the same fierce passion for His people. Come encounter a God who is both more holy than you feared and more relentless in love than you ever hoped.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris invites Dr. Betsy Stalcup, the director and founder of Healing Center International, to join him for a conversation about the work of the Holy Spirit and why God's work at Pentecost is so important for all who seek to follow Jesus.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
Submission and surrender are two of the most misunderstood words in the Christian life - yet, at their core, they are the elements that make deep, lasting relationships possible.
In this message from our Fear of God series, Pastor Holly explores how the call in Ephesians 5 for followers of Jesus to "submit to one another" is not about power or control, but about the kind of mutual honor that reflects the very nature of God.
Because when we see God rightly, we know relationships are not elective - they are essential to living in the Kingdom of God. And understanding the difference impacts the way we show up in every relationship.
Special Mother's Day Performance: Ralonda Butler's Through A Mother's Eyes
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GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris unpacks the question of how living with a holy and righteous fear of God helps us live in true wisdom.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
What if the very thing that seems to push us away from God is actually the path straight to Him? Pastor Olu unpacks Psalm 25:14 and argues that reverential fear isn't an obstacle to intimacy with God — it's the doorway into it. And the good news? It's not something you manufacture. It's a gift only God can give.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris kicks off our Fear of God series exploring why it's so important to live with a Holy Fear of God and how that leads us to flourishing and freedom.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this Easter message, Pastor Chris teaches from Colossians 1 where Paul declares the supremacy and Lordship of King Jesus. Why does it matter that Jesus is declared Lord? How does this change our lives and our world? And what kind of Lord is He really?
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
The same King who rode into a city under oppression is riding into the chaos of our world today. Drawing from Matthew 21:1-11, our guest speaker Rev. Benjamin Wills reminds us that Palm Sunday isn’t just history — it’s a living invitation to stake our lives on the truth that God keeps His word and His ways can be trusted, even now.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message Pastor Chris shares about the journey of our church through these last few years and what God is inviting us into now. This is the final message from our Church of the Pilgrims location and we as a church are expectant as we step into this next season of ‘Miracle Mornings’.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Olu walks through Genesis 22:1–18 and invites us to consider what God does in seasons of transition. As Grace Capital City steps into a new chapter, we explore how God often meets His people in “Kairos” moments—appointed times filled with Kingdom possibility.
Through Abraham’s call, his altar of sacrifice, and the blessing that follows, Pastor Olu reminds us of a powerful truth: in seasons of transition, God invites us to build altars and become the offering. Listen in as we reflect on surrender, obedience, and trusting that the Lord will provide.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
One of the greatest constants in our lives is that nothing remains the same, change is constant and we know from scripture that God is not divorced from change, he’s right in the midst of it. But how we remember what has been, is so important in setting us up to partner with God in what will be. In this message Pastor Chris looks at two stories from Israel that teach us the right and the wrong way step into the future God has for us.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
How has God used and shaped His Church throughout history? And how is He inviting us in this moment to step into the legacy and mission of what He's doing? In this message, guest speaker, Pastor Ben Cachairas, challenges us to consider the story of God's Church and how our lives are an important part of it.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
This week friend of the House, Pastor Eric Simmons, to come and give the word. Eric is a church planter, pastor and deep student and lover of God’s word and mission. He has continued our series of Our House with a message stressing the significance of the the Church and Her Identity.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message Pastor Chris unpacks the most profound motivation for why we want to do life and ministry together and that is; For the Glory of the King.
What is glory? What do we mean by glory? Why does it matter and how do we live this important part of our lives following Jesus both personally and communally?
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
Including "for the coming of His kingdom" was an important and intentional addition to our new mission statement. In this sermon, Justice & Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks focuses on what we believe about the Kingdom, why our works are for God's Kingdom, and ways we can embody this individually and collectively at Grace Capital City.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
We are church that doesn’t just raise up disciples, but also releases them into their Kingdom assignments and destinies- for some that's released to go and for others, it's released to stay. Stepping into God’s mission is not just about what God does through us, it’s about what God does in us.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores this important part of GCC’s vision statement and how important it is for us to be released into everything God has for us.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
Highlighting the second movement of GCC's new vision statement, RAISING DISCIPLES, Pastor Olu unpacks through Scripture and personal testimony, why raising disciples is legacy work, exploring biblical discipleship through the life and teachings of Jesus and challenging believers to embrace intentional, generational disciple-making.
Grace Capital City: Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Pastor Chris begins a new series, teaching through GCC's new vision statement: Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom.
We begin by looking deeply at what it means to be "reaching" people with the good news of Jesus, with the hope to see them become disciples. How did Jesus reach his disciples? What can we learn from his example as we seek to reach people in our city and beyond?
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In 2 Kings 3 we read about Elisha giving the instruction to the people of Israel to "make this valley full of ditches," essentially he’s saying: "If you want to see God move, you need to go ahead and start digging!" There is a powerful invitation for us as followers of Jesus when we consider the metaphor of "digging" in our own Spiritual lives. Making space for God, humbling ourselves and inviting Him to come and do what we cannot. In this message, Pastor Chris shares our 2026 word for the year, but also some of the ways we’re being invited to start ‘digging’ into what God has for us.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In celebration of our Lord and King Jesus' birthday, 5 members of our church spoke in front of the congregation to share their advent message on: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Merry Christmas to everyone listening and may the light and life of Jesus' first coming bless you this Holiday season.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
In this message, Justice and Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks leads us in discovering Jesus' identity as the light to the nations. Using the prophecies of Isaiah, the story of Hanukkah, and Jesus' own self-declarations in John, she asserts that Jesus is the light that shines forever and through Jesus all are invited into the Kingdom of God.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
The revelation of God in Jesus was not what any of us could have expected. Jesus came as a King and reigns still as King, but not like the Kings of our world, in the Kingship of Jesus we learn what true heavenly power can look like as its lived out in weakness and suffering. Pastor Chris leads us in this teaching as we continue our Prophecy Fulfilled series.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
This Advent, we begin a new series, Prophecy Fulfilled, exploring how Jesus perfectly completes the Old Testament’s promises. In this message, Pastor Olu focuses on Isaiah’s prophecy of a coming King and its fulfillment in Luke’s announcement of Jesus’ eternal reign. Where human rulers fail, Jesus—the humble, obedient, and sovereign King—alone carries the weight of our lives and the cosmos. His reign brings the peace, justice, and security every heart longs for.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."
www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcity
Sunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
As we conclude this series Pastor Chris unpacks one of the most asked and pondered questions of all human history; what happens when we die? The Bible has much to say about this, and the promise of Jesus that death is not the end is one of the core truths upon which we can build our faith.
Continuing our series, This Much I Know, we explore a foundational question: "Does the Church still matter?" In a moment marked by collapse, disconnection, trauma, and burnout, what does Jesus say about the future of His Church? Preaching from Matthew 16:13-19, Pastor Olu names today's crises while lifting our eyes to Christ's promise that "the gates of Hades will not overpower it." This message unpacks how the Church's proclamation, connection, and mission form God's pathway for transforming lives and society.
A message from Pastor Holly, continuing our series looking at pillars of our faith and the questions that often arise around them.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the central claim of the Christian faith that Jesus rose from the dead. He unpacks why this pillar is so important to our faith and teaches on both its truth and its power.
This Sunday, guest speaker Pastor Bruce Goodwin from Light City Church continues our series, This Much I Know, exploring a foundational question of our faith: What is the Gospel? Through the story of Nicodemus in John 3, Pastor Bruce reminds us that Jesus's saving message not only attracts crowds but also reaches individuals. The Gospel, plain and simple, is this: Christ lived, died, and rose again to bring God's children back to Himself.
After answering the question; is there a God? We now come to the question; ‘Why this God?’ Why the God revealed to us in the Bible? Why the God revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ?
In this message Pastor Chris explores the central tenants of the Christian faith and why these are an invitation to each of us to truly know the creator of the Universe.
In this message, Justice and Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks uses a multi-disciplinary approach to argue for the existence of God. Ultimately, though, she challenges us to pray a courageous prayer and ask God to reveal God's self to us!
As we kick off our new series, Pastor Chris asks the question: How do we build our lives on a foundation of truth? Looking at the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder, this message explores the nature of truth, our prayers for this coming series and what it means to be a people not rocked by the storms of this life.
In the concluding message of the Living Stones series, Pastor Chris dives into what it means to be a Kingdom Adventurer. He reminds us that "success" in the Kingdom is us continuously becoming more like Jesus, demonstrating the Kingdom of God here on earth - the greatest adventure we will ever be a part of.
As part of our Living Stones series, Pastor Olu explores the story of the Good Samaritan and what it teaches us about becoming Compassionate Neighbors. Genuine spiritual growth isn’t about busyness or religious checklists—it’s about having a tender heart, taking action when others are in need, and making space in our lives for those on the margins. Ultimately, the story points us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who heals, carries, and restores us.
Did you know the concept of “Home” and “Making” has existed before the world began? In this message, Pastor Holly dives deep into our second Living Stone, Courageous Homemaker, challenging us to broaden our view of “homemaker”, a mostly American term and largely defined by culture. She defines who is a Kingdom Homemaker (everyone), why we all need courage to step into our roles as homemakers, and what does a Courageous Homemaker do? You will be challenged and encouraged to press into God, The First and Best Homemaker and ask, “What does this look like for me for where I am now?”
In this message Pastor Chris begins our new series exploring the calling on our House to raise and release disciples, or ‘Living Stones’. Each week we’ll be looking at one of the unique areas God is raising up ‘Living Stones’ in our House and what it means to live into that. So what is a relentless worshipper? Unpacking Luke 7, the story of Jesus being anointed by the sinful woman gives us a vision of what relentless worship can look like in our lives.
In this week’s sermon, we explore Isaiah 61:1-4, unpacking how the Spirit’s anointing empowers ordinary people for extraordinary mission—binding up the brokenhearted, lifting the afflicted, and rebuilding ruined cities.
The invitation is the same now as then: not just to know about God’s hand, but to experience it. Because when God touches us, transformed people transform society.
How do we live holy lives regardless of the season we find ourselves in? How should we live if we believe that Jesus is better? College Director, Faith Anderson, teaches through Hebrews 13 that our lives are meant to be in response to the excellence of Jesus.
What do we mean when we talk about the discipline of God? What role does it play in our lives, and how is God using it? In this message Pastor Chris unpacks Hebrews chapter 12 and this very important topic of God’s discipline.
In this week's message Katelyn Curran challenges us from Hebrews 11 to be faithful stewards for the generations to come as we live "by faith" here and now.
In this message Pastor Chris explores the power availability to us through the blood of Jesus. It is so easy for us to fall into the trap of our own self sufficiency and miss the glorious invitation to be a people who are not only in need of a Savior, but are truly saved in Christ.
Whether it’s advertising, news, social media, or people we know, there are many voices that try to say, “This is better!” or “No, this is better!” In this message from Pastor Holly, we focus on who we let define “better” and the things that often distract us from it. She dives into Hebrews 7 & 8 exploring how Jesus has a better priesthood, makes a better covenant, and offers a better hope.
In Hebrews 6 the writer describes the hope we have in God as an Anchor for our Souls. In the midst of so much uncertainty, change and turmoil in our world, it is so important to be continually reminded of how God’s promises can be the anchor that keeps us grounded and hopeful for our future in Him.
What does it mean to grow up? It seems that the writer of Hebrews has some frustrations with this community around the fact that they haven’t really matured or grown spiritually. Why is that? Whats going on here? And what does it mean for us to grow in spiritual maturity? In this message Pastor Chris explores the nature of Spiritual Maturity and a key component to our growth that is so easy to miss.
Throughout history God has made a way to draw closer and closer to his people. But when facing adversity the temptation for us to turn to other things besides Jesus is real. In this message, Pastor Holly shows how Jesus as our perfect High Priest is better than anything else and how the role God gives us all changes everything.
At Pentecost we celebrate two important events; the pouring out of the Spirit to all believers and the birthing of God’s Church. Both are so important and both are critical to the other. In this message Pastor Chris explores the commission of the early church in Acts and how essential the Holy Spirit was to them and to us still as we seek to follow Jesus.
How do we understand the Word of God? What does it mean for us as followers of Jesus that God has spoken, and also that God is still speaking? In this message Pastor Chris unpacks Hebrews 4 and the nature and revelation of God’s Word to us.
How do we experience spiritual rest? In this sermon, Hannah Martha Cohen Banks engages Hebrews 4 to help us define, explore, and experience true rest.
What does it mean to live as a child of God? In Hebrews 3 we’re told that Jesus lived as a son while Moses lived as a servant, how can follow the lead of Jesus and live into our true identity as sons and daughters? Pastor Chris teaches on the nature of sonship and the importance of living out our standing in God.
In this message from Pastor Olu in Hebrews 2, we explore how Jesus, our suffering Savior, is the Faithful Shepherd who walks with us in our pain. Far from being distant, Christ entered our frailty, broke the power of death, and now helps us in every trial. Only a Savior who has suffered can truly shepherd suffering saints.
In this message Pastor Chris leads us into our new series in the book of Hebrews and explores why Jesus is so much better then anything we could even imagine.
In this episode, speaker Rev. Caleb Cray Haynes shares a message at Grace Capital City's Annual Creation Care Sunday. Rev Haynes is a speaker, writer, and advocate on issues of environmental justice for the church at large. For more information on Rev. Haynes' many wonderful contributions, please visit www. calebcrayhaynes.com . For more information on how to get involved with our Creation Care Justice Ministry at GCC, please visit gracecapitalcity.com/justice.
In this message Pastor Chris explores the nature of hope, the beauty of hope and why Jesus Christ himself is our Living Hope.
College Director Faith Anderson walks us through Jesus' Triumphant Entry in the Gospel of Mark, reminding us of God's complete vision for salvation through the Prince of Peace.
In this message Pastor Chris unpacks the scriptures and invitation of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. What is it? Why does it matter? And how do I posture my heart to receive all that God has for me in this area?
The topic of healing can include everything from the miraculous to unbelief, faith to curiosity, and overwhelming joy to deep disappointment. In this message, Pastor Holly takes us through many stories of Jesus healing, shares her own experiences seeing (and not seeing) healing miracles, and shows us that healing is always on God’s heart and is meant to be a regular part of our lives. As followers of Jesus we are called to demonstrate the Kingdom of God here on Earth as it is in Heaven, so let us go, with humility and compassion, in the name of our Great King and Healer, and see healing in ourselves, our neighbors, and our world.
In this message guest speaker, Katie Luse, offers some profound truth and revelation about the work of the Spirit in our lives through seasons of trial, disappointment and suffering. Not only is Holy Spirit with us in those moments, but some of the Spirits most important work can be done in these moments if we posture ourselves to His work. Katie is a friend of GCC and leads a prayer ministry called Connect Up.
Whether you know it or not, you are in a war. In Matthew chapter 12 verses 22-30, Jesus showcases the reality of spiritual warfare—a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Pastor Olu in this week’s sermon unpacks what it means to be engaged in Spiritual Warfare, how to recognize the enemy’s tactics, and how to walk in the victory Christ has already won. The battle is real, but so is our authority in Jesus.
The gift of Tongues can be one of the misunderstood and confusing of the gifts, but also one of the most life giving. In this message Pastor Chris explores what the Bible says about the gift of Tongues, how it can play a role in our lives and what its purpose is in our walk with Christ.
As we close out Black History Month, Pastor Chris teaches us on God’s heart for the nations, the beauty of diversity and creativity in the Kingdom and the unique contribution the Black Church had made to our faith.
Does God speak? Is God still speaking? What does God's voice sound like? In this message, Pastor Holly challenges us to increase our awareness, expectation, and experience of hearing God's voice and using the gift of prophecy.
As we continue in our Life in the Spirit series Pastor Chris begins unpacking the role that spiritual gifts can play in the life of a believer and how we can walk in them with joy, health and wisdom.
Dr. Bob Roberts has been a powerful Kingdom voice for decades; planting churches, advocating for religious freedoms around the world and acting as a bridge builder between people of different faiths. In this message he teaches on the role of the Temple and what it means for us as followers of Jesus to carry the Presence of God with us at all times and in all places.
The Presence of God is one of the most important, but also misunderstood themes in the Bible. In this message Pastor Chris unpacks the significance of God’s presence, how we can understand it, but most importantly how it can become a central part of our lives.
In this new series "Life in the Spirit", Pastor Chris explores the nature and role of the Holy Spirit, and invites us all into a posture to learn to more fully receive from Holy Spirits work.
A people who are grounded in the spirit of God and a people who are grounded in the truth of God. How can we be a people in 2025 who are grounding our hopes, identity and values in the unchanging goodness of God? Enjoy this message as Pastor Chris explores our word for the year!
We live in a world that is in many ways defined by power. People of power, structures of power, dynamics of power, acts of power. There are times when power is used for good, but it also doesn’t take us long to point to things we see or experience that represent power not used well.
So what about Kingdom power? What is God’s vision of power? We know that God is powerful, so how does God steward His power and how does he invite us to be a people who walk in power?
In this message Pastor Chris explores the Promise and Problem of more Comfort. Throughout the scriptures we read about God’s promise to be our comforter, we know that comfort is something we all crave and seek, but at the same time living lives that are entirely insulated by the pursuit of more comfort can rob us of the beautiful destiny we’re each invited into.
In this message Pastor Chris kicks off our new series exploring our 2024 word for the year, More. When it comes to pleasure if we’re honest, we’d all love a bit more! The world seems to promise us that we can live lives off endless pleasure, but yet those promises never seem to quite hit the mark. So how do we hold our desires and longings in a way that honors the Lord and also leads towards satisfaction?
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the values of Worship, Family, and Justice, why they are so central to God’s call on our church, and the vision he has called us to pursue.
In this episode, you'll hear a few testimonies from members of our community who participated in the last Form cohort. To apply for the 2024-25 discipleship groups and more information visit our website.
In this sermon, our Justice & Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks asserts that Kingdom Service is the practice of putting ourselves in discomfort, submitting to the kingdom, so we can partner with the Spirit in the making of all things new and grow in Christlike humility.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the spiritual discipline of Simplicity and how important it is to keep our hearts and minds centered on God’s best.
Even though it's one of the most beautiful, empowering, and freeing spiritual disciplines of our faith, Submission is often noted as the most misused and abused. In this message from Pastor Holly, she gently teaches on what submission is not, what Kingdom submission actually is, the limits of submission, and ways we can practice and grow in this discipline in healthy ways.
In our new series, The Outward Disciplines, Pastor Olu explains the need for all of us to engage in these practices in order to continue developing lifestyles modeled after Jesus. Focusing on solitude, he encourages us through Luke 4: 38-44, to have a regular rhythm in our lives where we are disconnecting from the crowds and clutter so we can connect deeper with God.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Paul’s approach to mission through Acts 17. How do we approach our witness in a way that is truly good news for all people? In a way that invites and doesn’t alienate those who may not know Jesus as Lord?
Acts 16 is a reservoir of insights and encouragement for those who seek to follow Jesus and share His love, power, and wisdom with others along the way. Often overlooked, yet a cornerstone of missional effectiveness is prayer. In this week's sermon, Pastor Olu underscores the pivotal role of prayer in our spiritual life and service, as it opens our eyes to hidden possibilities and hones our perception to participate in God's work of redemption. Get ready to be equipped with practical prayer points to fuel your faith and witness!
In this week's sermon, Pastor Olu briefly explores a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, chapters 10 and 11, where the Holy Spirit challenges Peter to connect with those he typically wouldn't, revealing God's mission of inviting everyone to His table. We will also hear from key leaders from our community, Krista Kartson, Juddie Otieno, and Dan Dreyer, who will share their experiences in cross-cultural engagement. Join us as we explore how the Spirit transforms us into people of love by opening doors to interactions with people unlike us, expanding our perspectives, and inspiring us to share our faith. Let's embark on this adventure of dissolving biases and building tables across cultures. Are you in?
Pastor Holly dives into two stories in Acts 8 involving Philip, a newly appointed leader in the early church, and leads us to ask ourselves two big and important questions: Are we willing to be interrupted AND ALSO are we willing to be the interruption?
The story of Stephen in Acts 6 & 7 describes to us the persecution of the first martyr of the newly formed church. There’s so much we can learn from his witness and his faithfulness as it relates to persecution that we may experience in our own walk following Jesus. How do we remain as faith and effective witnesses in the moments persecution comes our way?
In this week's sermon, Pastor Olu leads us to explore Acts 4, which picks up right after Peter and John miraculously heal a lame beggar at the temple. This miracle provokes the people's positive and negative reactions, setting the stage for Peter's impassioned second message. Join us as we learn that, like Peter, we all carry a vital message, and the courage to share it comes freely to us through the Holy Spirit. Tune in to be inspired and challenged as a witness in your everyday life!
In Acts 2 we read about the gathering of the early Christians and how they lived out their faith together. In the midst of these extraordinary stories its so easy to miss the ordinary rhythms that were such a big part of their witness, and how their lives truly did demonstrate the presence of God amongst them. In this message Pastor Chris challenges us to do the same, and to witness to God not in-spite of our real lives, but in the midst of them.
Pastor Chris kicks off our series in the book of Acts by exploring the first chapter and what it means for us to be a commissioned people. Too often we settle for a back seat, spectator role, when God has called every single follower of Jesus to be a part of his work here on earth.
In this message, College and Justice Resident Faith Anderson leads us through the Old Testament truth that God is a home for us, paralleled with the New Testament reality that He has made His home in us. Now through the gift of the Holy Spirit, how do we embrace the work of making the house of our heart a home? This sermon gives us practical steps to partner with God in the process of sanctification. [There are audio difficulties in this episode - they are resolved at the 8 minute mark, our apologies!]
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches on the Tower of Babel in Genesis, through to the Upper room in the book of Acts, and the importance of learning to posture our hearts and lives in a way where we are able to fully partner with God and His Spirit's work within us. [There are audio difficulties in this episode - they are resolved at the 13 minute mark, our apologies!]
This week guest speaker Katelyn Curran delivers a powerful message on what it means to follow Jesus with resilient faith even in the midst of disappointment. For anyone who has found themselves in a season of disconnection or discouragement this word will be a great encouragement!
King Solomon was considered to be the wisest man who ever lived and yet, when we look at his life so much of it ended in misery and disaster. Why was this? What do we need to learn about the nature and journey of wisdom from the life of King Solomon, and how can we live as truly wise people even today?
In this Message Pastor Chris teaches from 1 Kings 21, the story of Naboth's Vineyard and King Ahab’s efforts to steal it. Learning to discern what is ours to carry and what is not is one of the pivotal steps we all need to take in following Jesus. This story and message gives us an insight into that journey.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we're reminded that all scripture is God-breathed, equipping us for every good work. But what about caring for God's creation? Is it truly within the scope of "every good work"? And does the Bible empower or hinder such efforts? Join Pastor Olu and Dr. Jessica Moerman as they explore the deep connection between the Christian faith and environmental stewardship. We'll confront two common theological narratives that often obstruct efforts in Creation Care:
- "God put us in charge, therefore we can do whatever we want..."
- "It's all going to burn up anyway, so who cares.."
Through a careful examination of Genesis 1 and 2, as well as 2 Peter 3, we'll uncover counternarratives that challenge these misconceptions. Together, we'll discover a profound call to responsible stewardship and partnership with God in the hopeful restoration of all things.
In this message Pastor Chris teaches from Luke 24, and the story of Jesus walking the journey to Emmaus with two disillusioned disciples. Every single one of us walk through seasons of disappointment, and this story can be a great reminder of God's faithfulness to us, even when we find ourselves walking outside of his plans.
In this Easter Sunday message Pastor Chris teaches from Colossians 1, where Paul calls Jesus the ‘Firstborn from among the dead’. He teaches on the curse of death and its grim realities, but most importantly the glorious hope that we have in the resurrection of Jesus.
In this sermon, our Justice & Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks unpacks Jesus' celebration of Passover. We'll focus on the "New Covenant" made at the first communion table and learn about the exodus Jesus leads into the unfurling Kingdom of God.
In Luke 21 Jesus points towards some events that will take place in what is commonly called the ‘End Times’. This can be a confusing and sometimes frightening theme as we look towards an uncertain future, but the hope and promise of Jesus provides great joy and certainty. In this message, Pastor Chris teaches us through this challenging chapter and brings clarity to this important part of our Christian walk.
Pastor Olu continues our series, "So Our Hearts Will Burn," where a tiny man named Zaccheus, seeking to see Jesus, has a life-altering encounter. The profound transformation we so earnestly crave comes through seeking Jesus rather than spectating from a distance. We will discover that while God honors and even desires intensity in our pursuit of Him, it is no match for God's relentless pursuit of us. When we seek Him, we find He's been after us the whole time, leaning towards our direction, calling us by name, and requesting access to the intimate places we cherish! Listen in as we unpack the biblical promise in James 4:6, "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
In this message Pastor Chris teaches from two stories; Jesus calming the storm and the healing of the man possessed by demons. The stories themselves are compelling and tell us a lot about who Jesus is declaring himself to be, but what's also interesting is the response that is given. Fear. What is the role of fear in our lives? How do we learn to walk in Godly fear, without being controlled by the fear of man?
We're making a worship album and doing the live recording on Sunday, April 28! Listen to this brief interview between Pastor Chris and our Worship Director, David Virgo, about our heart for this project.
You can support this project here: https://ppay.co/tVhv_737M1w
Pastor Jon Stallsmith, Lead Pastor at Grace Snellville in Atlanta, leads us deep into God’s heart for all nations and the work he calls us into to make disciples of all nations. We also hear from a Palestinian believer about God's heart for those suffering in Gaza right now and what we can learn from them.
Kingdom Community; In this message, Pastor Banning Liebscher, founder of the Jesus Culture movement and church in Sacramento, California, teaches on the foundational nature that community plays in the lives of a follower of Jesus and how we truly can't grow as disciples without it!
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches from Luke chapter 9, the story of the Mount of Transfiguration. What do we learn about the true nature, identity, and mission of Jesus in this encounter? And how can we as followers be sure that we’re giving our lives to the true God?
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Luke 3 and the life, ministry, and message of John the Baptist. What is the message that he taught? Why was it so radical in its day and why is it so relevant to us today? The life of John the Baptist should challenge and inform us, even today.
In this message, Pastor Holly leads us through the one story in the Bible that mentions Jesus as a child, and we discover what it really means to be a child of a loving Father and to have faith like a child.
*Note: If knowing God as a Good Father or thinking about being a child is hard for you, then we highly recommend this message. We believe the gentleness and compassion of God will meet you exactly where you are and as you are.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Olu starts a new series titled "So Our Hearts Will Burn: The Journey of Jesus through Luke." Beginning with chapter one, we focus on two people who have similar radical encounters with God — encounters that will unveil the fulfillment of promises that prophets of old have long awaited and will ultimately shape the course of eternity. We will discover that though Zechariah and Mary had had similar encounters, they each had different heart postures. Heaven is on the move, drawing near. What will be your posture? Will it be cynicism fueled by past disappointments or holy curiosity and surrender?
At times it can feel selfish or even childish to ask God for more as we follow him. But what if the pursuit of greater intimacy with Jesus is central to our spiritual health? What if that pursuit is something God isn’t offended by us asking for, but rather waiting for us to ask of Him? In this message, Pastor Chris unpacks our GCC 2024 ‘Word for the Year’ and teaches on what it means to pursue ‘more’ in our relationship with Christ.
In this message Pastor Chris teaches on the beauty of 'The Word dwelling among us', and the miracle we celebrate at Christmas. That God is not a distant deity in the sky, but has made His dwelling with us, which is something we never should lose sight of.
In our SALT series finale, Pastor Holly takes us through Jesus’ concluding words in His Sermon on the Mount about “entering through the narrow gate” and what that means for us today. She leads us through questions like: Why is the gate narrow? What doesn’t fit through the gate? What, or better yet, who, does fit through the gate? and What does it mean for us to be the salt of the earth?
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches us it is our treasure that will truly tell us where our heart is. Revealing what we spend our time, talent, and money on is the true indicator of what we love and what we most deeply care about. Fortunately, the Bible also gives us an important spiritual discipline to orient our finances around that can help us be sure we keep God on the throne at all times.
How do we know whether someone is a true or false leader, teacher, or disciple? In this message, Pastor Holly dives into Matthew 7 and shows us that it's not about judgment, but discernment. Ultimately teaching us that the best way to know what is true is to experientially know and have a relationship with The One Who Is Truth, to study the real thing, look for the Fruit, and listen to the Father.
In this message Pastor Chris teaches from Matthew 5:33, where Jesus challenges us to be a people, not who make big profound promises and oaths before others, but who quite simply are people of integrity and commitment, allowing our yes to be yes and our no to be no. The power of promise should not be underestimated! In a culture where it's hard to sometimes know who to trust and who we can rely on, Jesus calls us higher and deeper and invites us into a greater vision for our promises and words.
We continue our sermon series titled Salt, centering our attention on the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:1-4. In this week's podcast, Pastor Olu suggests that spiritual formation and missional practices are interrelated. In addition, discipleship to Jesus is about forming a posture rather than demanding a performance. He is also joined by Kelsie Johnson, the Director of Programs for DC127, as they dialogue around what it practically looks like to serve those among us who are historically and often overlooked.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the important and challenging invitation Jesus gives us to learn how to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Why is this so important? And how do we live it out in a world where we can experience real hurt, pain, and even abuse?
Do you struggle with worry? Wrestling with anxiety? Know someone who is? You need this week's message from Cameron Walker, Grace Family pastor and licensed therapist on what is a non-anxious presence, how to get it, and how to keep it.
In Matthew 5 Jesus gives us a teaching on the gravity and seriousness of divorce, but also within it the importance and value of marriage. How do we live as married people, single people, and people longing for companionship and friendship in the midst of a broken and fallen world?
In this message, Pastor Chris dives into one of the most important and widely debated topics in our lives and in the church, sex. If we’re seeking to be salt on the earth in every area we have to be willing to rediscover a Kingdom vision of sex and the role it plays in our lives.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Olu continues our SALT series unpacking Matthew 5:23-26. When Jesus declares our identity in the world, He also reveals our function to the world! Jesus calling us salt discloses our mission: Being a healing agent in God’s healing work. Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential ways God calls us into this work! Tune in as we define what forgiveness and reconciliation is, what it is not, and how we might become forgiving people who have developed the character to also ask for forgiveness.
As we begin our new teaching series Pastor Chris leads us through the significance of Jesus’s teaching in ’The Sermon on the Mount’ and why it is so critical to us learning how to live as salt in the world.
As we celebrate this important moment in the life of GCC Pastor Chris leads us in the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. There is an invitation God has for GCC and for all followers of Jesus that is graphically illustrated in an important story.
Pastor Holly and other members of our congregation help us posture our hearts towards our next season of life, leading us into guided prayer for seasons of preparation, wilderness, shepherding, restoration, and action.
Our Vision - What is the Kingdom of God? Why does it matter? How can understanding the true nature of the Kingdom enliven and embolden our faith? In this message Pastor Chris dives us deep into the Biblical understanding of the Kingdom and also his own personal testimony on how it has impacted his faith journey.
What is justice? What does it mean to walk in justice? How do we keep ourselves grounded on what the Bible tells us about justice, without being blown off course by the opinions of the world? In this message Pastor Chris explores GCC’s third core value; justice, and its importance to not only our church but our discipleship.
*Note: the first 10 minutes of audio are not included in this podcast due to technical complications.
At GCC, "Family" is our second value. We all have a sense of what it means and why it matters, but how does the Bible talk about it? And how do we respond to a world that is struggling for connection? In this message, Pastor Chris dives into both the Spiritual and also Missional importance connected to our value of Family.
In this message, Pastor Chris kicks off our vision and values series by teaching on the value of worship. What does it matter? Why is it so foundational for us as a church to be a worshipping Body, and what are the ways we express that?
*Due to copyright, the original songs written & performed by David Virgo are not included in this podcast. Expect a 1-2 second delay in between portions where the songs were recorded live.
In this message, Pastor Chris leads us deep into the theme of consecration by exploring the story of Abraham and Isaac. What do we learn about the process of consecration? And what does it truly mean to come before God with an attitude of humility and worship?
God leads Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days. Though most of us are not journeying through a literal landscape of wilderness, we will all have spiritual seasons of being in the wilderness. As hard as those seasons can be, Pastor Holly shares three truths that we can hold on to while we’re in the midst of them.
In this sermon, Justice and Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks leads us through Ezekiel 4 as she explores seasons of discomfort and how they can be thresholds for spiritual growth.
What do airports, spiritual formation, and King Saul have in common? A lot! In this week's sermon, discover how security checkpoints serve as a metaphor for boundary markers between one level of growth to the next. Pastor Olu, continuing the 40 Stories series and analyzing a pivotal moment in the 40-year reign of King Saul, shares three significant impediments to a life of integrity, a life that naturally attracts promotion.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the story of Goliath taunting Israel for 40 days before his battle with David. There’s a revelation for us in the nature of walking through a season like this, that if we remain open can even lead us to walking in greater victory in Christ.
In this week’s podcast, Pastor Olu recounts the story of the spies being sent to the Promises Land. Capturing the pioneering nature of God, you will find in this teaching that to journey from living from your identity to pursuing your destiny will require courageous exploration.
Get ready to be stirred knowing that God seeks to move you from pivoting aimlessly to pioneering adventurously. It’s time to dream again!
Wandering can often have a negative connotation to it. We wander when we lack something: direction, focus, ability to make decisions or commitments. In this message, Pastor Holly asks, “What if wandering is actually not about what we lack but for our good?” She takes us into the story of Israel wandering in the wilderness and her most recent season in life, and we see that even in our wandering, God is up to a few things - things that are good and for our good.
We’re starting a new series called "40 Stories," and Pastor Chris kicks off the series by teaching from the story of Moses’ 40 days and nights at the top of Mt. Sinai. Why is the presence of God such a big deal in the Bible? What do we learn from the way Moses approaches God in this story that can even shape the way we approach God today?
This week, Pastor Olu revisits the event that birthed the Church - the day of Pentecost. In this brief sermon, we will discover how waiting on the Lord is an active posture that leads to empowered witness. Pentecost is not simply a story of the past, but an invitation to experience God's presence today!
As Pastor Chris closes out our journey through Romans by teaching on Chapter 16, we explore the beauty of Paul’s Kingdom partnerships and the invitation for us all to step into the same level of relationships.
Pastor Olu leads us through Romans 15, where he discusses diversity and how the gospel tears down walls of hostility and builds tables of hospitality.
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches from Romans 14 exploring the nature of freedom, what healthy freedom looks like, and how we can live that out in a way that is both unifying and God honoring.
Our College Ministry Director, Dillon takes us through Romans 13 and a discussion about government, community, and justice.
As we dive into Romans 12, Pastor Chris teaches us on what “The Patterns of this World” can look like in our lives and communities. We also hear from several members of the GCC body about how they’re using their gifts and passions to build the body and grow in their own maturity.
To lead us through chapter 11, we have our very own Justice and Operations Director Hannah Martha Cohen Banks - a Jewish believer! In this sermon, she presses into Paul's metaphor of the tree and grafted branches, and how this metaphor still speaks to us today. What does it look like to live together in true unification?
Katelyn Curran writes an original poem about the death, resurrection, and restoration of Jesus, and emphatically delivers it on Easter Sunday at Grace Capital City. Read it here to follow along.
In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Chris explores the question "Is Jesus worthy?" And if he truly is, then why is he worthy? What makes Jesus so different from all the other great men and women of history? Why is his story still that one that is remembered and celebrated 2000 years later and is still changing people's lives and destinies?
In Matthew 21, we read about Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the people crying out to be saved by using the word, "Hosanna!" In this message, Pastor Chris explores the motivation behind their crying out and how Jesus responds. So often, we’re asking Jesus to save us from one thing, while Jesus is coming to do something even deeper and greater.
Pastor Olu leads us through Chapter 9 and how the gospel can create missional tension within us. Through his teaching, we learn how to channel that missional tension into missional momentum - a passion to share the Good News!
As we dive into Romans 8, both Pastor and Anya Johnson (director of Prayer and Prophetic Ministry at GCC), teach us through God’s plan of restoration for creation and the Spirits work to intercede to the Father on our behalf.
In this week's message, Pastor Chris teaches us through Romans 7 and into the beginning of Chapter 8, exploring the nature of the Law, how it impacts us, and how we should view it in light of the work of Jesus on the cross.
Grace Capital City celebrates Black History Month with their annual Gospel Music Celebration and discussion to learn how black culture has shaped the history of gospel music.
Pastor Olu continues our series in Chapter 6 as he unpacks the process in which God has been forming and continues to form a new humanity. This process involves identification with what Jesus has done on our behalf, through his death and resurrection, and our participation with that truth. Sanctification and liberation from sin is possible!
Pastor Chris leads us through Romans Chapter 5, where Paul teaches here that death has entered through Adam and life through Jesus. What are the implications for this? What does it look like for us to live as a people who have inherited death, but are invited into life?
In this week's message, Pastor Chris teaches us on Romans 4 and explores specifically the concept of faith. If Paul is writing that we are not justified by works, but by faith, then it's increasingly important to have a robust understanding of what Biblical faith truly is on our journey following Jesus.
Pastor Jon Stallsmith, Lead Pastor at Grace Snellville, leads us deep into Romans 3, exploring the tensions that existed between the Jewish and Gentile believers and the very real tensions we still battle with between morality and legalism.
Pastor Olu continues our series in Chapter 2 of the book of Romans by unpacking God’s passion towards the condition of our hearts. If God is after internal transformation, how does the power of the gospel transcend from our transformed hearts to be displayed to the world?
As we begin our series in the book of Romans, Pastor Chris leads us through chapter 1 exploring the beauty of the Gospel and the reality of sin. While it can be humbling to recognize our own brokenness, Paul knows that without a real wrestling with it, we’ll never be able to fully embrace the miracle of what Christ has done.
Choosing and pursuing a word of the year for the church has been a rhythm that Grace Capital City has been implementing since its beginning. We're elated to announce that the 2023 Word of the Year is....salt! Pastor Chris guides us through Matthew 5:13 and how we can apply this word to our lives this year.
Pastor Chris helps us posture our hearts towards an expectant new year, teaching us how to tune our hearts to hear God's Words.
Pastor Chris leads us through Galatians 4 and how we can understand God's appointed time, and how He can make everything beautiful in His Time.
In our third week of our Psalms series, Pastor Olu takes us through Psalm 130 and teaches us how mercy and worship are more intertwined than we thought. Why does God deserve our worship? And how is God's goodness revealed though His mercy?
In week one of our new series, Pastor Chris leads us through Psalm 73, the first chapter in our journey to explore God's promises to us. We live in a world where the main method of measurement is more, but the pursuit of more leaves us desiring more. So then, how can God be our satisfaction in the midst of more? How can He be enough for us?
As the Co-Founder and President of Justice Rising, a non-profit dedicated to transforming war zones through education, guest speaker Cassandra Lee shares her heart for love through her unique lens. She leads us through her testimony of learning to see people the way Jesus sees them and fighting for them to experience the crazy, selfless love of God.
It's Pledge Sunday!
Today is the day that GCC's church body came together to make financial sacrifices - our pledges - to further the vision of GCC finding a permanent home in DC. Pastor Chris leads us through what it means to be a part of something this big and details an art piece that reminds us the seeds we plant can grow into strong, deeply-rooted sequoias for generations to come.
In the final week before GCC’s Pledge Sunday, Pastor Chris teaches out of 1 Chronicles 29: the story of David gathering the resources to build the Temple. David sowed into a vision that he would never see come to pass and was willing to sacrifice at a deep and personal level. This kind of sacrifice is what can uproot some of the deep fears, insecurities, and sins that plague us all. The journey of sacrifice is so much greater then just accumulating resources; it’s about becoming more like Jesus.
Our very own Pastor Olu continues our series in Exodus 25 as we look at the Israelites's struggle with assembling the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. How does their voluntary sacrifice of resources and time in unfavorable circumstances inform how we live today as disciples of Jesus? What if we thought of generosity as the ability to receive grace to respond versus an obligation that we have to earn brownie points from God?
Grace Monroe's Brian Krawczyk leads us through Zechariah Chapter 4 and shows us how we can be guided by His Spirit. What does it look like when we trust God with the small things with faith that grace will be carried out?
In 1 Kings, we read about a man named Huram who brings his skills of Bronze Work to the building of the Temple. But as he works, he doesn’t just show his skill with Bronze, but he also demonstrates the devotion of his heart. There’s an important Kingdom Principle around giving being displayed through his life; it’s not just about what we bring, but how we bring it.
In this message, Pastor Chris continues exploring the journey of Israel as they learn how to truly inhabit the Promise-land God had destined for them. How do we move towards being a people who can learn to walk in true Kingdom Authority? What does that look like lived in our lives in a wholistic and healthy way?
In week one of our new series, Pastor Chris introduces us to Israel's journey of being a people gathered around the Tabernacle to a people gathered around the Temple. As we consider God’s calling for us in Washington DC, where are the places God is calling us out of wandering in the wilderness, to inhabiting in the promise land? How is God challenging and equipping us for this new season?
Dave Rhodes takes us through 1 Samuel 17 as he brings new wisdom out of a familiar story. Are we prepared to do the small things for God?
Pastor Chris finishes up our sermon series on our word of the year, "Generations," with generational prayer. How does our prayer shape us and our environment?
Pastor Chris continues our Generations series with Generational Worship. What does the Lord say about the power of praise?
Dillon takes us through Malachi and a discussion of how to love God even when your life is falling apart
Grace Lanier's Lee Lopez leads us through Habakkuk and the importance of faith even when we don't have the full picture of what God is doing in our lives
Pastor Chris takes us through the story of Jonah and what God's definition of justice is
In the spirit of Juneteenth, Pastor Chris takes us through Micah and a call to greater justice. What does it mean for us to live into God's vision of justice?
Through the Prophet of Hosea we encounter a story about a faithful husband and an adulterous bride. We’re invited into a bigger story about how we have turned away from God again and again, but even more importantly, how God has pursued our hearts at great cost to Himself.
As we begin our series through the book of Galatians, Pastor Chris teaches from Galatians 1, where we read about Paul’s frustration with the church at not holding fast to the truth they had received. The question Paul answers and the question we all need to be ready to explore is; ‘What is the Gospel?'
We also have a special portion of prayer after the message to celebrate, honor, and remember all the moms that have impacted our lives.
We are honored to welcome back author and speaker, Bob Hazlett! In this message, Bob takes us into Isaiah 55 and we see God as Promise Maker, Promise Keeper, and Promise Redeemer.
Dr. Jessica Moerman takes us through the importance of caring for and stewarding God's creation
In this episode, we remember and celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem and the beginning of the final chapter of his journey to the Cross. Jesus comes in on a donkey and the people love it. It’s almost hard to believe that just a little while later they would be nailing the same Messiah on the Cross.
Pastor Chris leads us through exploring what we learn about Jesus in this moment, and what the revelation God might have for us about his nature and the Kingdom He is establishing.
Engaging in God’s mission can be one of the most exciting, but also one of the most confusing, parts of being a disciple of Jesus. Everyone of us have real lives, real schedules and real responsibilities, and the pressure to some how squeeze engaging in God’s mission into the midst of all that can feel almost impossible and can leave us with a whole lot of guilt.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Jesus' great commission in Matthew 28 in a way that gives us a fresh perspective and a new excitement and energy to partner with God in his work on the earth.
Chris invites Pastor TL Rogers to share the ways the black church has helped shape faith in America
Pastor Holly challenges us through Jesus' recounting of two dinners to be radically invitational and radically relational. Where is God calling you to serve hospitably and relationally?
Pastor Moerman takes us through generosity as a spiritual practice that grows and shapes us.
What does it mean to be theologically grounded? In a world of shifting sands and uncertain values, how can we live as disciples who are building our lives on something solid and lasting?
Pastor Holly continues us in our new Marks of a Disciple series by taking us through what it means to be Spirit Empowered. How can recognizing what the Spirit is doing in our lives everyday?
In this message Pastor Chris begins our 'Marks of a Disciple’ by exploring the importance of transformation. If a Disciple is someone willing to be transformed and hungry to grow, then how can we partner with God in that process? Are there practical steps we can take to press into the transformation the Bible talks so much about it and become the women and men he’s destined us to be?
Pastor Holly Avera closes out our Advent series with a timely message on the importance of Joy as we head into this new year.
In the second week of our Advent journey Pastor Chris leads us into the theme of peace. So often peace is what we long for, but just can never seem to attain, it feels elusive, just out of reach and like we cant quite ever arrive. But the prophecies in Luke 1 about how Jesus will lead us into peace offer a different perspective on what it means to live and walk in peace. Perhaps peace is not just a one day proposition, but an invitation for us to experience everyday.
Our very own Kelsey Underwood introduces our Advent series by taking us through what Isaiah and the story of Jesus have to say about hope
What kind of King is Jesus? What do we learn about true heavenly power, authority and kingship from how Jesus models it, and how can that impact and affect our own lives? In this message Pastor Chris explores the revelation of Jesus as King through the book of Revelation and how this challenges and disrupts our lives to more align with heaven.
At the core of the Christian faith is the belief that the death and resurrection of Jesus is sufficient for the salvation of all who choose to accept it. In this message Pastor Chris explores the reality of the sufficiency of Jesus, why this is such good news to all of us and why our insufficiency is actually also really good news!
In this message Pastor Chris teaches on the mystery of God revealed in Jesus. Just when we think we have it figured out, Jesus moves in a way that surprises and confronts us, challenges us, but ultimately deepens our love and dependence on him. There is so much beauty to be discovered in the unexpected ways of Jesus.
In this message our guest speaker, Katie Luse leads us into understanding what it means to walk in communion, intimacy and friendship with the Holy Spirit everyday.
In Jesus we experience God’s heart for healing and restoration, we see it displayed in the Gospels and we pray for it in our own lives. Yet sometimes we can’t grasp the full vision and picture Jesus has for our healing, and that is lived out. In this message Pastor Chris takes us deep into Jesus’ heart for healing and challenges us to align our vision with His.
In this message friend of GCC Jamie Winship shares the story of Elijah’s journey up the mountain and how often we find ourselves in the same scenarios.
This week, Pastor Holly examines the life of Jesus and the way He lived and led in humility. How does the example of Jesus strip us of our pride and and call us into servant leadership?
There are so many things scandalous about the life of Jesus; his ministry, his miracles, his birth and his death. But in this message Pastor Chris explores the life of Jesus through the scandal of his legacy. So many of us are defined and held captive by the legacies of our families and communities and the life of Jesus offers a real and lasting freedom.
As we dive into this new series on the person and ministry of Jesus, we begin by exploring His reliability. How do we know Jesus even existed? How do we know he rose from the dead? Why can we have confidence in the true revelation of Jesus and allow it to shape our lives?
On the 5th anniversary of the launch of Grace Capital City, Pastor Chris uses the story of the Shunnamite woman in 2 Kings 8 as a template for the story of our church. Where we’ve been, where we are, and most importantly, where we’re going.
What is the relationship between the Kingdom and the Church? Living in an age where church is often seen as just an optional extra to our faith, Pastor Chris explores how critical the role of the church is in the coming and establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth.
Holy Spirit houses and enables God's rule and reign in us, here on earth. Every day. So, what does it mean to live in and be under the Kingdom of God - what is The Way of the Kingdom? In this message, Pastor Holly gives us a framework for learning The Way (hint: Jesus) and walks us through a teaching of Jesus to learn more about the King.
In 1 Corinthians Paul declares that this is ’not a Kingdom of talk, but of Power’. For many of us even the word power can feel uncomfortable. We’ve seen power abused, misused and it’s hard to open ourselves up to what Kingdom power might be about. In this message Pastor Chris takes us on a deep dive into the word power, the nature of Kingdom power and why it is distinct and unique from our earthly experiences of power.
In this message Pastor Chris takes us on a journey through scripture exploring how we see the reality of the Kingdom lived out and how this reveals to us God’s ultimate purposes and mission on the earth.
As we begin our new series exploring the reality of the Kingdom of God and its implications for our lives, Pastor Chris answers the most important and fundamental question; what is it? As Christians it’s easy for us to use the word Kingdom a lot and yet fail to feel like we have a comfortable grasp of what we mean when we talk about it. So what is the Kingdom of God? And why is it so important to have grow in our understanding of it?
In this message, Pastor Holly finishes off our series with the letter to Laodicea. In this letter, Jesus tells the Laodicean congregation that they have gone too far away from the source. What does this mean for their church and for Grace Capital City?
In this message, Olu takes us through the letter to the church of Philadelphia to highlight how worship changes our endurance. How are we like the church of Philadelphia in our weakness and waiting?
In this message from Pastor Holly, we dive deep into the letter to the church at Thyatira and in it we see how Jesus draws a line in the sand for his followers - they were once being deceived, but now, they know the Truth. God is using accountability to reveal His great love for us and now we have a decision to make - to obey or not?
Buddy Hoffman Foundation Director Matt Reynolds takes us on a look back to the foundations of Grace Capital City and then leads us through the letter to the church of Ephasus and calls us to not get lost in our work and ways but return to our love of the Lord.
In this message Pastor Chris explores the letter to the church in Sardis, a church with an issue that was holding them back from taking hold of the promises of God in their lives; complacency. The church was spiritually dead and Jesus had a harsh rebuke for them. Complacency is something that can be issue for all of us at some stage, how do we work against it? How can we ensure we’re officially living into the fullness of the Kingdom life, even in times of dryness?
Pergamum was a big, educated, cosmopolitan city, where everyone and everything was accepted, as long as, you bowed the knee to Caesar. The pressure on the Christians to compromise and conform was real and costly a pressure we find ourselves walking in even today. How do we walk as followers of Jesus when everything in culture and society invites us to compromise and conform?
As we start our summer series exploring the 7 letters in the book of Revelation, we begin with John’s letter to the Church in Smyrna. A body of believers suffering persecution and poverty, a church pushed to the margins of society and seeking to hold on. The topic of persecution is not always a fun one to discuss, but one that is important for anyone seeking to remain faithful to following Jesus in a post-christian environment. What does God teach us about persecution and how can live into moments and seasons of persecution with faithfulness and joy.
Throughout 1 & 2 Kings, we've consistently seen that the king, no matter how strong, wise, rich or powerful, was never enough to cover the cost Israel traded to have a king - in fact, most often, besides a few good ones (we pause to highlight King Josiah), it was the kings that led them further away from God. In this series finale, Pastor Holly takes us through the end of 2 Kings and we're reminded of how often we want the benefits of the kingdom, just without The King. Too often we try to build kingdoms on our own that turn out to be prisons in the shape of graves. Only King Jesus can set us free from our kingdom and bring us into the Kingdom of God.
On Pentecost we remember two pivotal moments of the Christian faith. The giving of the Holy Spirit and the birthing of the church. The truth is, neither could operate in their fullest without the other. We exist to be a spirit filled, spirit led, spirit empowered church and in this message Pastor Chris unpacks some of how see that revelation unfold in the book of Acts.
In 2 Kings 18 we read about how King Hezekiah destroyed the Bronze Snake that Israel had turned into an idol. The Bronze Snake had represented an important move of God the nation had experienced, but rather them letting it propel them into the future, it had kept them stuck in the past. It is so easy for us to do the same. So rather then finding ourselves looking backwards out of fear, how do we allow a season to move us into God’s future and all that he has for us? This is a message for anyone who has ever found themselves wishing things could be like they once were!
In this message Pastor Chris teaches from 2 Kings 17 where we encounter a community of people who repeat the worshipping practices of their fathers and mothers. The decisions of these parents to blend their worship of God with worship of idols has descendants that impact generations to come. How do we steward our responsibility to reach and disciple the next generation? How does this get lived out in each of our lives and in our churches?
In the 2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26 we read the story of King Uzziah, a King of Judah who had incredible success, power and fame, but ultimately experienced a significant downfall. The success of his reign was a trigger for his fall, just like success can so often be for us. In this message Pastor Chris explores how we navigate the pitfalls of pride, and teaches us on how to cultivate and live into true Kingdom Humility.
In this message out of 2 Kings 13, we read about a king going to the prophet Elisha for wisdom in an upcoming battle. Elisha directs him to shoot the arrows available, and the king shoots three but leaves some arrows left unused. Freddy Washington discusses the arrows available to us (it's at least seven!) and encourages us not to leave any unused.
In 2 Kings Chapter 8, we see the woman from Shunem coming back to the king, after being gone for seven years, to request her home and land be restored to. Pastor Holly walks us through this woman's story and we see how, on the way to restoration, important listening and letting go are and how what we think maybe the end, may actually not be in the Kingdom.
In this message from our very own Jenny Browne, she not only leads us through the different seasons she has experienced while living here in DC (times we can all relate to), but acknowledges the lies we can so easily pick up in these seasons and encourages us with the truths we need to replace them with.
In John 20 as we read about the dawn of the resurrection of Jesus but we also read the story of two different Tombs. The obvious tomb is the tomb of the resurrection, the tomb where the stone is removed and Jesus steps out into glorious new life. The other tomb is less talked about, but in someways even more familiar, a tomb the disciples make for themselves and a tomb we so often also create for ourselves. In this message Pastor Chris teaches us the story of these two tombs and how the Spirit will lead us through them as we follow Him.
In 2 Kings 6, we see a beautiful vignette in the life of Elisha. This story is unlike many other stories in the Old Testament. So often we come across account after account of violence, murder, and war; however in this text, in the middle of conflict and war, Elisha reveals an alternative, prophetic way, and the repercussions are huge.
In chapter 5 of 2 Kings, we’re introduced to a military ruler named Naaman, a man with great power who also carries the affliction of Leprosy. His journey of healing with Elisha the prophet is a fascinating one and exposes not only the motives of Naaman’s heart, but also teaches us God’s heart for Naaman, and ultimately God’s heart for each of us. Everyone of us is on a journey towards full and complete healing and we pray this message would be an encouragement to you as you take the next steps.
Signs are meant to get our attention and give us information to help us on our journey to our destination. In this message, Pastor Holly walks us through what may at first seem like a story of Elisha healing food, but we see through the servant and prophets involved that there’s so much more God is revealing about the Body of Christ - here are four signs of the Kingdom that we cannot miss on our journey with God.
In this message Pastor Chris explores the story of the raising of the Shunnamite son. Elisha performs an incredible miracle here, but how the miracle comes about is just as profound as the fact it occurs at all. There is an important challenge for us in this story about how we approach our relationship with the Lord and an encouragement to continue pressing in to greater intimacy and depth.
In chapter 4 of 2 Kings the Lord performs an incredible miracle to bless a widowed woman with a supply of oil. Oil that only stops flowing, when the woman runs out of jars. Just like the widow, we haven’t earned the blessing of God in our lives, but we are called to be good stewards of it and to be sure that remove any limitations we can put on God moving in and through our lives. In this message Pastor Chris explores some of the limitations we can have in our lives that will stop us from walking in the fullness of God’s best for us.
In this message guest speaker, Pastor TL Rogers, uses the story of the widow preparing a room for the prophet in chapter 4 of 2 Kings to challenge us to be aware of who is serving us and asking God how we might be able to serve them in return.
In this message Pastor Chris leads us in chapter 3 where we see Elisha challenge the armies of Israel and Judah to ‘Make this Valley full of Ditches’. They are waiting for rain in the desert and yet at the same time God is challenging them to prepare and participate in what God is doing through them, but perhaps even more important what God is doing in them. How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation? We’re waiting for God to answer a prayer or a promise, but at the same time don’t want to miss God’s invitation to prepare our hearts for everything He wants to do.
As we kick off our second part of this series, now in 2 Kings, Pastor Chris starts us off exploring the moment of transfer between Elijah and Elisha and the immediate aftermath. As Elisha now learns to steward a power he’s never before carried we see graphically displayed the life and healing that can flow, but also the death and destruction. What are you carrying? How can we ensure what God has given us is used for healing not hurt?
It can be so easy to get wrapped up in conversations about justice that are fueled by popular opinion, social media or just what the world says about justice. But as followers of Jesus we need to always be asking the better question; God what do you say about this? What is your heart for justice? How do we partner with you in seeing heaven on earth?
The word “Family” can come with a spectrum of experience and definitions. In this message continuing to dive into Grace Capital City’s core values, Pastor Holly discusses what Family is, is not, and why it’s essential for all followers of Jesus to know and invite others into.
In this message we begin a deep dive into our three core values; Worship, Family and Justice. In many ways Worship is the most common, but misunderstood practice of the church. Why do we worship? More specifically, why do we worship through song? Why is this such an important part of the culture of Grace Capital City and our lives following Jesus?
Every year at GCC Pastor Chris brings a word for us to rally around as a community, something for us to hold onto and believe God for. For our 2021 word we opened Ephesians 5, where Paul instructs us to; ‘Awake O Sleeper’. How can we ensure we’re not sleep walking our way through life? What does it mean to live lives fully awake to the presence and promises of God?
In this teaching, we focus on the details that surround and make up the Christmas story, especially the shepherds and their involvement. As we do this, we see that this was a revolutionary day in human history packed with meaning and a beautiful message for humanity and for each one of us this Christmas and every Christmas.
Many of us came into this year carrying promises, visions and dreams. Word’s we felt like God had spoken to us and things we hoped to accomplish and achieve. It’s certainly fair to say that 2020 has been a year that none of us expected! In Mary and Simeon we encounter two people who were also carrying a promise, something God had spoken to them. In this message Pastor Chris explores what it means to carry a promise, even when we feel like we’re losing hope in seeing it fulfilled.
As we conclude our series through 1 Kings, Pastor Chris teaches us chapter 22 and King Ahab’s interaction with Micaiah the prophet. Ahab states pretty clearly that he doesn’t actually want to hear what God has to say through the prophet, what he really wants is to just have his perspective validated. How often do we approach God with this kind of posture? Are there times when we claim to want to hear what God is saying, but really we just want to hear what we’re saying? And what does God promise for those who are willing to truly seek him with an open heart?
In this message Pastor Chris explores 1 Kings 21, a fascinating story about a King attempting to take for himself a vineyard that belonged to someone else. In the Kingdom we are each giving certain people, places and callings, things that are ours to carry, and yet just like this King we can often find ourselves trying to take responsibility for areas that are not ours at all. How do we know what it is God has called us to carry? And what can happen when we find ourselves reaching for things that God doesn’t intend for us?
Exhaustion, anger, frustration - we are all feeling this heading into the close of what has been 2020. In this message, Pastor Holly walks us through 1 Kings 19, Elijah’s journey and encounter with God. It’s in facing our exhaustion and pain that we see the power of being still. Jesus perfectly models for us what it is to be still - to know God is God, listen to His plans and heart, and then go and be.
We live truly thriving lives only when we allow God to take His rightful place on the throne of our hearts. Many times we offer to idols what should only be given to the Lord. Thankfully He is so faithful and merciful to restore us back to a right relationship with Him. He does this for His glory but also for our good.
As we transition from 1 Kings focussing just on Kings to a focus on the Prophets, we read the story of Elijah’s encounter with the widow. The miracle God does to provide for her is of course a huge blessing for her, but also speaks to an important part of our own walk following Jesus; faith. What do we believe about faith? Why does faith matter? What is the bigger story that God is teaching the widow and us through this encounter?
In the book of 1 Kings we see a continual turn over Kings and leaders throughout the nations of Israel and Judah, ultimately leading to a civil war. So many Kings who had a vision, a sense of calling and a belief that God was on their side. It’s the same thing we see throughout the rest of human history, this belief that God is on our side, therefore God cannot be anyone else’s side. But is that actually how God relates to us? Is God really playing sides and favorites? Or is there another way, a Kingdom calling that God invites us into?
In this message Pastor Chris explores the wealth of Solomon and the impact it had on his life and kingship. What is the role of money and earthly wealth in our lives? How does God call us to posture our hearts towards money; whether we carry a little, or whether we carry a lot?
One of Solomon’s most famous achievements was the building of the Temple, an extravagant structure where people from all nations could encounter and worship God. In this message Pastor Chris asks the question; is the Temple simply a monument to the past? Or is there a prophetic mandate found in the Temple that still compels us today? Why does the Temple of the Old Testament matter to the followers of Jesus in the New Testament?
Ever wondered if what you do matters? Pastor Holly walks us through 1 Kings 7:13-47 as we take a look at the person and work of Huram, the bronze maker. From looking at the process of making bronze statues to the works of a team, we see that not only does our work matter, but it is invaluable.
In 1 Kings 3 Solomon asks God for the gift of wisdom, which he grants in abundance, Solomon becomes the wisest man history has ever seen. Yet, at the end of his life he concludes that the pursuit of wisdom is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What happened? In this message Pastor Chris explores the nature of wisdom, the lure of wisdom and how wisdom can be properly applied and lived out in our lives.
In this message Pastor Chris explores the nature of Solomon as a King. What are the clues we start to see early in his life that are going to come to define the rest of his reign? What can we learn from them? What does Solomon’s life teach us about how to be live as a faithful follower of Jesus today?
As we begin our new series through the book of 1 Kings, Pastor Chris teaches out of chapter 1 where we see the battle for succession commence. David is coming to the end of his life and it seems many of his successors are eager to seize power, but a shadow hangs over their integrity, character and readiness for the role. What does this tell us about David as a father? What is God teaching us about our role in raising up both biological and spiritual daughters and sons in the faith?
On the 4th birthday of Grace Capital City, Pastor Chris dives into the story of Paul and his journey to Rome. As God calls Paul to take his ministry to Rome he is speaking into Paul’s specific calling and destiny. In this message Chris shares some of the specific calling and destiny that God has placed on our church and how we can lean into his purposes for us together in this next season.
For most of human history, male and female relationships have been dominated by hierarchy. But Jesus turned the whole world upside down: the early church was marked my mutuality, equality, and unity. How are we to read the Bible and not mistake the gift for the wrapping? This sermon will address 4 rules about roles, how to wisely interpret contentious passages, and finally make a case for women being freed to lead.
In Psalm 42, we get an insight into the true nature of worship that goes against everything we typically feel. In this message, Pastor Chris explores this Psalm and teaches what it means to offer God a ’Sacrifice of Praise,’ an offering pleasing to Him!
In this message, we were honored to have Pastor Devin Turner with us as a guest speaker. In his teaching, Pastor Devin highlights that reading and understanding the Good News is essential, because putting our trust in anything else is truly detrimental.
As we close out our series in Ephesians, Pastor Chris teaches through Ephesians 6 and Paul’s description of the ‘Armor of God.’ Why is this metaphor so important for us today? How do press into wearing the ‘Belt of Truth’ everyday? How do we become people who know how to carry the ’Sword of the Spirit’?
In this message, Pastor Pete Bauman leads us through Ephesians 5:21-6:9, which can be a confusing piece of Scripture. Here, Paul deals with the relationships between wives & husbands, children & parents, and slaves & masters. How do we reconcile these verses? What do we do with them when we understand fully the horror of slavery and the evil it perpetrated on so many people?
In this message, we were honored to have Pastor Perrin Rogers with us as a guest speaker. “Soy Capaz” is a power packed little Spanish phrase that translates to “I Am Capable” in English. In Ephesians 4:25-32 we see Paul lets the church know that we are capable of being a Counter Cultural Community in the midst of a toxic culture by being mindful of others, mindful of our own proclivities and mindful of the Holy Spirit. As Ephesians 3:20 says, indeed God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, and according to the power at work within US. We are capable!
In this message, Pastor Chris explores God’s promise to the people of Judah to leave a legacy through their nation. The fragility of life and the hope to leave a legacy that counts is something we all wrestle with at some stage. What does it mean to leave a legacy that counts? How does God invite us to leverage our lives for a story that endures beyond our own?
In this message, Pastor Ben Hardman, Lead Pastor at Grace Marietta, leads us through Jeremiah 32 where we learn what it means to discern and invest in God’s purposes for our lives rather our own.
In Jeremiah 29, God promises the people of Israel; ‘plans to prosper and not to harm’, a verse we love to quote when asking God for our own prosperity or our own answer to prayer. But what is this verse really about? What kind of prosperity is God really promising Israel, and what kind of prosperity does God invite us into? In this message Pastor Chris dives deep into what we believe about prosperity and the role it plays in our lives.
How would you answer the question - “What is your calling?” In this message, Pastor Holly talks about what calling is, what it isn’t, and some practical ways we can discover our callings as a group of united followers and individuals, even with distractions and risk before us.
How does God form us? What are some of the ways that God is working all things for our good, even when we don’t recognize it? In this message, Pastor Chris teaches through Jeremiah 4 and God’s call to Israel to ‘break up the unplowed ground’. What is the unplowed ground God is wanting to break up in each of us?
As we begin our summer series through the book of Jeremiah, Pastor Chris explores God’s initial words to the prophet in Jeremiah 1, and how central they must become for each of us. We minister out of this revelation, not for it.
In this message Pastor Chris leads us in a reflection through Psalm 13 as together as a church we pause, lament and reflect on the year that has been so far.
This week, our Culture & Operations resident, Stacy Oentoro, observes the story of the accused woman in John 8 and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane in Matthew 26 to display the way Jesus grieved well with others and how Jesus Himself dealt with His own grief. In this season, Stacy reminds us that God is eager to meet us in our “secret place” and be present with us as we sit with and name our emotions. Life in the Kingdom is one of true fullness and freedom.
In this season of uncertainty and isolation, a lot of us find ourselves wrestling with big questions dealing with meaning and purpose. Centuries ago, King Solomon wrestled with similar questions in his writings, found in the book of Ecclesiastes. This week, Pastor Chris unpacks and explores some of the deeper questions of our soul through the life and writings of Solomon.
This week, Pastor Chris explores the story of Luke 7, where Jesus raises the widow’s son to remind us of God’s eternal promise to those who place their trust in Jesus. It is a reminder that though we may suffer, grieve and even experience physical death in this world, ultimately — death is not the end.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the promise in James 5. The promise that the “prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective’”. What does it mean for us to have a powerful and effective prayer life? And why is the effectiveness of our prayers tied to righteousness?
This week, Pastor Chris takes us through John 4, where Jesus promises the Samaritan woman at the well a water that would fully satisfy her, so that she would never thirst again. Jesus promises each of us the same. God’s promise to be our ‘Living Water’ is both a gracious gift and a compelling challenge.
Today, we are celebrating Good Friday with the entire Grace Family of Churches. This podcast is a 30-minute guided contemplative prayer that journeys through the Stations of The Cross. As you tune in, we encourage you to lean in, give thanks and commemorate the work of the Cross.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the story of King Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament and how God fights on behalf of his people. We learn that God never asks us for our strength, but only for our surrender. His strength is made perfect in our weakness!
This week, Pastor Chris explores Isaiah 40 and the Promise for those who find themselves in seasons of waiting. How does God use seasons of delay in our lives? And why are these seasons so crucial to our maturing and strengthening?
This week, Pastor Chris leads us in a new series to specifically speak into this season of quarantine and to address the fears surrounding the Coronavirus. In Hebrews 6, we are reminded of the importance of hope amidst a time where there is a chasm of certainty. Hebrews encourages us to be certain of the promises of God, that we can take hold of Hope and that Hope will become an anchor to our souls.
This week, Pastor Chris addresses the global pandemic that is quickly altering life as we know it. When everything changes, what do you hold onto? During a time of great disruption and uncertainty, how can we, as a church, be holding onto our greatest Hope? How can we press into the opportunity that a moment like this presents?
This week, Pastor Chris discusses Ephesians 4. In this chapter, Paul gives us a clear and emphatic plea towards unity, but Paul speaks about a very specific kind of unity. It’s not a homogenized, sanitized community where everyone looks like the same. Rather it’s a diverse, passionate group of people who learn to walk in humility, patience and gentleness together. God has raised up Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, and He wants each of us to walk in the fullness of our favor.
In this message, Pastor Pete explores Ephesians 2:11-22, where Paul talks about unity in the Church. As we look at unity and its importance, we discover that not only is unity pivotal, but determinative of whether or not we are to be a dwelling place for God and to fulfill our call as the Church.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Ephesians 3:10, which specifically talks about the ‘manifold wisdom’ of God. Paul writes to us to remind us that the purposes of God are multi layered, and far more beautiful than we could ever imagine. God is writing a grand story that will use every part of your life. We can be assured in a life submitted to Jesus that nothing is wasted.
This week, Pastor Jon Tyson founder and pastor of Church of the City in NYC, teaches from the book of Hosea, bringing a profound and powerful word on what it means to be a praying church in today’s cultural climate.
This week, our Associate Pastor, Holly Avera, discusses how the Lie of “Too” is incompatible with our identity as a piece of the Master. Pastor Holly also talks on how faith gives us the ability to see what is unseen (from a new perspective), and how all of this allows us to experience more of the fullness of God’s love available to everyone. God calls us His greatest work, His masterpiece.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Paul’s teaching in the second chapter of Ephesians. Here we learn that not only are we made alive in Christ, raised up in Christ, but we are also seated with Christ. What does it mean to be seated with Christ? Why is it so critical we learn this posture? How does us learning to sit, influence our ability to learn how to walk?
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches on Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in the second half of chapter 1. Paul specifically asks that they would receive the spirit of ‘wisdom and revelation’. What specifically is he asking for? What is the difference between wisdom and revelation and how can see each of these become an integrated part of our lives?
As we began our Ephesians series, Pastor Chris dove into the context about the book of Ephesians and continued into revelation regarding Eph 1:7-8. Paul is clear that everything we have received love, mercy, grace, forgiveness — not according to our riches, but according to God’s. What’s more, God has given us all of this with full wisdom and understanding. How can we live into that reality as followers of Jesus?
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches on our church vision statement: ‘Kingdom Come’, unpacking the nature of God’s Kingdom, how we experience it’s coming and what it looks like for a local church to partner with God in seeing a move of God in the city. He also gave some exciting direction on new ministries and events that GCC will be pressing into in 2020.
In this message, Pastor Chris lead us in our word for the year: Testimony. The story of Elijah’s encounter with the Prophets of Baal teaches us about a ‘God who answers with fire’ and how we are called to be a people who faithfully and honestly share our testimony as a witness to what God has done in our lives.
This week, Pastor Pete focuses on the details that make up and surround Jesus’ birth. In these details, we see that God was revealing a new, revolutionary way of life that we’re all invited into that will change the world.
At our 2019 Christmas Celebration, Pastor Chris teaches from John 1, leading us into the revelation of Jesus as the word of God, the revelation of God and ultimately the good news of what God is doing on the earth.
For the final message of our Shalom series, Reverend Mitch Hescox, President of the Evangelical Environmental Network , explored the importance of caring for the entirety of creation, highlighting how fighting for ecological justice is an integral part of our kingdom assignment here on the earth.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the teaching of the prophets in the Old Testament regarding justice, inviting us to think about its implications to situations and issues we encounter in this present day and age.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the nature of violence, Jesus’ teaching on violence and the complexities surrounding its implications in our world. How do we live as a non-violent people who are confronted with real evil? What do we do with the parts of the Bible that seemingly advocate for violent response? What is God’s ultimate plan to defeat the powers of sin and death?
This week, we kicked off our Shalom series, a dive into the Biblical perspective on justice on the earth. Pastor Josh Robinson taught on race, privilege, perspective, and the importance of of partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring about Biblical reconciliation.
As we concluded this series, Pastor Chris teaches on what can sometimes be a confusing and divisive topic, the ‘Manifest Presence’. While God is in all places at all times, what does it mean for God to bless us with His presence in specific moments? How do we, as people of the New Testament, walk in this reality everyday?
This week, our guest speaker, Dan Frost, continues exploring the importance of the presence of God. Dan highlights how the same intimacy & access to the power of God’s presence experienced by Biblical heroes is still accessible & available to all who seek it today and how the supernatural can become a natural part of our everyday lives.
In this message, Pastor Chris leads us in examining how our horizontal relationships with one another have a profound impact on our vertical relationship with God. John 17 teaches us that our unity has implications for what God is doing on the earth and how people can encounter His presence.
As we begin our journey exploring the presence of God, Pastor Chris journeys us through the story of God’s presence throughout the Old Testament and into the New Testament. He also gives us insight into why this journey matters for us as followers of Jesus today.
In this message we hear from four members of GCC about how God’s voice informs and directs their everyday lives. Pastor Chris also gives a short teaching on how important it is that His Voice becomes an integrated part of all we do and how God can speak to us through every circumstance.
How do we listen? Is there a posture, a mindset, an attitude that is conducive to really listening and paying attention to God’s voice? In this message, Pastor Chris explores what it means to truly be a listening people and how we can learn to be people who are most alert to His voice and instruction.
As we continue in our ‘His Voice’ series, Pastor Chris explores the role of the prophetic and how it can be an incredible blessing in our lives and throughout our church. He also offers some practical wisdom on how to steward this gift and exercise it with both courage and maturity.
In this message, Pastor Chris introduces us to the new series ‘His Voice’ by exploring the centrality of God’s voice throughout scripture and in the lives of everyday followers of Jesus. We are not a people who worship ‘Mute Idols’ but rather those who worship a God with something to say!
In this message, our new Associate Pastor, Holly Avera, dives into what carrying in the Kingdom of God means: knowing what we are meant (and not meant) to carry, the weight of what we carry, the cost of carrying and the cost Jesus paid to give us the opportunity to carry and rest.
In this message, Pastor Chris wraps up our ‘Desire’ series by exploring the nature of God’s call to sacrifice and lay down our lives. While we all know the cost of following Jesus is high, especially as it relates to our desires, are there places we’ve misunderstood the call and not taken hold of the full promise of fulfilment that God ultimately offers?
In this message, Pastor Chris explores the mixed messages we can sometimes receive around these three areas of our lives and how God has a deeper revelation for us to step into.
In week 2 of our ‘Desire’ series, Pastor Chris leads us deep into the connection between our identity and desire and how easily we can mistake one for the other. He also talks specifically about the connection between identity and sexual desire and how important it is for us know first God’s name over each of us.
This week Katharine Hayhoe joins GCC for a special message. Katharine is an atmospheric scientist, church planter, and author and we are honored to have her with us.
DJ Coleman from Grace Mid-town comes to Grace Capital City to speak out of Philippians.
Pastor Chris Moerman finishes out our fall series, walking through the first three chapters of Genesis.