From Jericho’s collapsing walls to the open gates of the New Jerusalem, this week’s message in our City by City series explores a powerful question: What kind of city are we helping build?

Throughout Scripture, cities are more than locations—they reveal human priorities, fears, hopes, and God’s mission for people. Jericho stood behind towering walls built for protection and exclusion. But God’s story ends with a very different city: a New Jerusalem with gates that never close.

As we journey through Joshua 6 and Revelation 21, we discover that Jesus came not to reinforce barriers, but to tear down walls that divide and invite people into grace. In a city like Vancouver—beautiful yet often marked by loneliness, exhaustion, and spiritual hunger—followers of Jesus are called to embody hope, hospitality, and open-hearted community.

What walls need to fall? How can we become a church with open gates? And how might God use us to seek the peace and flourishing of our city?

Join us as we discover God’s heart for cities—and His heart for Vancouver.

Visit Us at oacvancouver.ca
We believe that Jesus is needed and relevant for people in Vancouver today.
The message of God's love and promise of wholeness was destined to be experienced within a faith community that worships, studies scripture and prays together. Let us warmly welcome you to journey with us toward greater connection, purpose and peace.

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Visit Us at oacvancouver.ca
We believe that Jesus is needed and relevant for people in Vancouver today.
The message of God's love and promise of wholeness was destined to be experienced within a faith community that worships, studies scripture and prays together. Let us warmly welcome you to journey with us toward greater connection, purpose and peace.

Follow Us
Instagram: instagram.com/oacvancouver
Facebook: facebook.com/oacvancouver
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjUJ9XmAMJc1piS1IwOQH?si=dc0f2377d0454e31

What if the city isn’t just a backdrop in the Bible — but one of its main characters?

In this message from our City by City series, we explore how Scripture tells the story of cities: from Babel to Babylon, from Jerusalem to the New Jerusalem. While cities often magnify human brokenness, they are also places God continually moves toward with compassion, redemption, and hope.

Drawing from Genesis, the prophets, and Revelation, this sermon reframes the city not as a place to escape from, but as a place where God calls His people to serve, love, and bring healing. Through a fascinating look at the Hebrew words behind “helper” and “city,” we discover how God’s original design for community becomes distorted — and how He ultimately restores it through His presence.

Whether you love city life or feel overwhelmed by it, this message invites us to see Vancouver — and every city — through the eyes of God: as a place filled with people He deeply loves.

Listen now and rediscover God’s heart for the city.

Visit Us at oacvancouver.ca
We believe that Jesus is needed and relevant for people in Vancouver today.
The message of God's love and promise of wholeness was destined to be experienced within a faith community that worships, studies scripture and prays together. Let us warmly welcome you to journey with us toward greater connection, purpose and peace.

Follow Us
Instagram: instagram.com/oacvancouver
Facebook: facebook.com/oacvancouver
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjUJ9XmAMJc1piS1IwOQH?si=dc0f2377d0454e31