Advertise on podcast: Grace City Church Ottawa

What is the difference between knowing the language of Christianity and actually being surrendered to Jesus? In this sermon, and as part of our series on church membership, Rich and Natalia Crosby share the story of Grace City Church, including their own story of moving past a "christianized" upbringing to discover the transformative power of grace. From the early days of planting Grace City Church in Ottawa, to the restorative power of the cross in their own marriage, this conversation challenges our modern desire for comfort and invites us into a more authentic, open-door faith. Support the show

The Bible pictures the church as a human body — many different parts, all belonging to one whole. This idea shapes everything about membership. When someone becomes a Christian, they are not only saved from sin - they are added to a community of people. This means being truly interconnected, because you cannot follow Jesus alone. It also means knowing your family — the specific people you are called to love, serve, and be honest with. Membership also matters when things go wrong. A clearly defined community makes loving discipline and restoration possible. Finally, it works in both directions: leaders need to know their people, and every member needs to know their leaders — the people God has given them to follow. Support the show

The Bible calls church leaders to be shepherds—a rich, ancient image running through the entire biblical narrative—not CEOs, therapists, or entertainers. Leadership is a gift from God to His people. Good shepherding means knowing your people personally, feeding them on Christ through the Word, leading them courageously (even when that requires correction), and protecting them sacrificially. The only right motive is love for Jesus: 'Do you love me? Feed my lambs. Support the show

In a culture of self-promotion and competing rights, Peter calls for a countercultural marriage rooted in Christ. Wives are invited to a "quiet spirit"—not out of timidity, but as a bold trust in God that prioritizes inner beauty over outward attention. Similarly, husbands are called to lead through self-giving sacrifice rather than entitlement. Together, they mirror the Gospel: a partnership where submission and leadership both reflect the selfless love of Jesus. Support the show

Peter’s message in 1 Peter 2:11–12 is simple: because we are God’s beloved exiles, we should live differently. We are called to trade soul-crushing passions for a life of such visible goodness that our neighbours see Christ in us. Transforming change doesn't come from just trying harder—it comes from loving Jesus more. Support the show

In 1 Peter 2:1-10, we see that while the world rejected Jesus, God chose Him to be the "Living Stone" and the foundation of a new people from all nations: the Church. This message calls us to examine our own lives: Are we building on the solid rock of Christ or on shifting sand? While God changes our hearts and gives us new spiritual appetites, we are called to actively participate in that growth. By letting go of old habits, drawing near to Jesus through worship, and leaning on the Holy Spirit, we learn to live out our new identity as God’s own people, shaped by His incredible mercy. Support the show

The church is not a "Jesus Memorial Club," but a Spirit-filled dwelling where his actual presence produces inexpressible joy. To prevail in exile, we must move beyond knowing his story to experiencing his glory. Due to technical issues, we apologize for the poor audio quality of this recording. Support the show

Most revolutions begin by beheading the king, but Mary’s revolution, shared through her song in Luke 1, introduces a new one. In fact, Mary’s song was once considered so subversive, it was banned from public singing. This "revolutionary anthem" provides the basis for our modern values of equality and compassion, and celebrates the redemption of power through a King who was born in a manger and served his people through a cross. Support the show

Temptation doesn’t show up with horns and a trident; it arrives as desire. Drawing from Acts 5 and James 1, this sermon examines how the enemy uses our ordinary human desires as seemingly irresistible bait. Claiming to be a ‘special case’ or weaponizing your victimhood is futile. Instead, anchor your faith in the goodness of God, the “Father of Lights,” who knows exactly what we need to be truly satisfied. Support the show

When a marriage becomes a conspiracy against God, who pays the price? The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows us the devastating consequences of deceit and the profound need for the fear of God in marriage and the church. The sermon also issues a direct challenge to young men: don’t pursue a culture of constant coddling. Like the young men in Acts 5 who ‘rose up’ even in the face of death, be ready to do hard things in service to Jesus and his bride. Support the show

Ananias and Sapphira paid the ultimate price, not for holding back money, but for lying to the Holy Spirit about their motive. Did God overreact, punishing a “trivial offense” with death? This sermon on Acts 5 reveals how we must understand the entire human story—from Genesis to the Cross—to grasp God’s absolute holiness and the staggering mercy we live under every day. God’s grace changes our hearts and frees us to be cheerful givers who trust Him completely. Support the show

An accusation sometimes thrown against the church is that doctrine divides. It shouldn’t. In fact, Acts 4 shows us how God’s truth is a unifying force when anchored by God’s grace. Without grace, even excellent knowledge can lead to spiritual pride. This is one of the core aims of our church — embracing scriptural truth while being continually in awe of the undeserved favour of God. Support the show

Feeling overwhelmed by life's chaos? Feel like God would never call you to an adventurous  calling? Just like Gideon, who was hiding and fearful, God often turns up in the mundane of our lives to give us a valiant calling. Gideon’s story challenges the lie that says we must be qualified to be used mightily by God. God’s calling of an individual is a calling of grace, and God’s equipping is an equipping of grace. This is the foundation upon which true, lasting leadership is built. Support the show

Acts 4:32–37 reveals several features behind the radical unity enjoyed by the early church. Their 'oneness' was not a fluke, not vague, and not tribal. Acts reveals that people do not build unity by compromising doctrine or convictions. Instead, a shared, gutsy conviction in the risen Jesus builds unity that changes the world. Support the show

How do you respond to adversity? In Acts 4, the first action Peter and John took after being arrested and threatened for preaching Jesus was to gather with the church, and their second action was to pray. Why do we struggle with going to the church when we face adversity? Are churches filled with broken people really part of God’s plan for our healing and safety? The prayer of the believers in Acts 4, along with God’s immediate response, shows us just how integral the church is to God’s plan for our care. Support the show