Northgate Christian Fellowship

On Sunday, November 25th, we'll welcome back Tom Eggum, of Hope 4 Kids International. Tom talks about current H4KI projects in Romania, Peru and Uganda.

You're going over your invitation list for Thanksgiving or any other event. As you consider those you would like to invite, what is a factor in whom you choose? Is it possible that you will invite those who have invited or will invite you to enjoyable events? This message, "Savory Feast", will probe one of the more challenging teachings of Jesus so we may learn what it means for us today. We'll discover that living as followers of Christ demands a willingness to bless others who may not be able to bless us.

When Jesus taught about the "Kingdom of God" he challenged his listeners in very big ways to represent what God intended in the Law. There are many areas of the Law that address the proper use of resources to sustain human needs. We are urged to not hoard what God has blessed us with. This week's message, "Precarious Abundance", reflects on the meaning of Jesus' words and how a few lives at Northgate have recently been impacted by putting our faith into action.

Jesus announced that the greatest commandment was to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. He insisted that these were not two separate commandments but the dual expressions of one single commandment. Then he added, "all of the law and the prophets hang on this." If there is anything that we need to learn in this lifetime, it's this: Learn How To Love. "Love God, Love People", concludes our "Faith In Action" series this weekend as we learn to put into practice the loving grace of God.

Jesus once said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.", yet we continue to live as though the opposite were true. He said, "The greatest among you will be your servant.", yet we continue to climb the ladder of ambition. Could it be we've got it all wrong? Is it possible that when we give thoughtfully and serve faithfully we will truly experience the greatest joy of all? "Celebration, The Joy Of A Job Well Done", continues our "Faith In Action" series this weekend as we look at the great delight that comes from joining in God's work.

It is sometimes overwhelming when we look at the needs around us. "The needs are so great," we think, "and I have so little to offer. What difference can I possibly make?" and because we can't do the BIG thing we end up doing NOTHING. Jesus often took small stuff and did great things with it. He fed thousands with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. He taught his followers to be "faithful with little." and he used the example of a mustard seed to describe how a little faith can have a huge impact. "Think Big But Start Small", continues our "Faith In Action" series as we learn how to look at how God can take what little we have to offer and use it to do great things.

We all have a lens through which we look at the world. Our "lens" influences how we see the people around us. It is colored by certain experiences, assumptions and judgments that we make on a regular basis. When Jesus looked at people he often saw them in a way that was quite different from the way others did. He always seemed to see with eyes of compassion. "Perspective, Seeing With God's Eyes", continues our "Faith In Action" series as we learn how to look at people as Jesus did so that we will better treat people as he did.

Nobody likes detours. Detours send you out of your way, they put you on an unfamiliar route, they interrupt your schedule and they always take longer than the way you'd planned to go. We don't like detours in our driving and we don't like detours in our lives. But what if life's detours had a purpose? What if we looked at life's interruptions as opportunities? What if God were using the alternate routes that our lives sometimes take to point us in the direction that he wants us to go? These are the thoughts we're going to explore in this study,"Detours, Delays and God's Direction ", as Pastor Ken begin a new four week series, "Putting Our Faith Into Action."

Choices. We make them every day and we most often opt for what we deem is "best". How do we determine what the "best" is? We go by standards we have adopted for ourselves influenced by the culture and mindset around us. As is typical when reading what God has revealed in the Bible, we are challenged about our held notions. God, very often, places a very high value on that which we would not be naturally inclined to esteem. We will hear and learn "What is Best", according to God, in Pastor Jeff's message this week.

An old Arab proverb says: "All sunshine and no rain makes a desert." It takes good times and bad times to make a mature person. Life is a mixture of pain and pleasure, of success and failure, of mountain tops and valleys. If you never have any down times you'll have no depth to yourself, no maturity. Comfort; He Restores My Soul, continuing the series, Meeting God; Learning To Express Our Heart, and looks at the promise of God's presence through all the experiences of life.

"There's no place like home", Dorothy's famous line from "The Wizard Of Oz", was not about Kansas. It was about family, community and belonging. It was about her heart's desire for love, comfort and safety. We live in a world that often leaves us with a longing for something more. It's where we live, but on a very deep level we sense it's not really "home". Home -The Place We Were Meant To Live, continues the series, Meeting God; Learning To Express Our Hearts, and takes a look at how we meet with God in the community of His people.

Although we may want to stay fully connected with God, there always seem to be interruptions and distractions fighting for our attention and affection. It is like we are sitting in a boat surrounded by salt water, looking for fresh water that will quench our deepest thirst. Thirst - Satisfying My Soul's Desire, takes a look at what to do in times of spiritual dryness and continues the study in the book of Psalms, Meeting God; Learning To Express Our Hearts. After the message, Jeff and Tina Stewart share their upcoming plans for an exciting change in their service to God.

Can you remember the first time that you realized you'd done something wrong? The feelings of guilt and the remorse you may have felt from disappointing someone you respected? We've all messed up at one time or another. And we've all had to go back, apologize and make things right. But how do you reconcile with God? How do experience forgiveness and restoration in your relationship with Him? That's the subject Renewal - Create In Me A Clean Heart, continuing the study of the book of Psalms, Meeting God; Learning To Express Our Hearts.

Nobody likes to wait. Whether it's long lines at the grocery store or being put "on hold" for the next available operator, waiting is never fun. Some waiting is even more distressing; the wait for a teen that is an hour late past curfew or waiting for results from a medical test. The higher the stakes, the harder it is to wait. Continuing our studies in the book of Psalms, Meeting God; Learning To Express Our Hearts, the topic is Waiting - How Long O Lord? Join us as together we learn how to keep trusting God when life doesn't make sense.

How do you relate to a God whose goodness cannot be measured? How do you respond to such great love and mercy? How do you answer One who leaves you speechless? The Book of Psalms gives us the words. For centuries these inspired writings have provided us with honest expressions of the heart for every circumstance imaginable. While they are universal to the human condition they are also intensely personal to our individual experience. This new series of studies in the Psalms is entitled, Answering God; The first message is Learning To Express Our Hearts, beginning with Praise -From All That Is Within Me.

We often say or hear "I'm hooked on _____" (fill in the blank). We use the phrase with some levity not realizing that addiction can easily cross into severity. Accompanying our human desire to find meaning and purpose in life is the trap of becoming enslaved and dependant on something that seems to compensate for pain and frustration, but is ultimately destructive. As this message concludes our brief series Missing the Mark, we will see how the Bible guides us toward purposeful life: Escaping Snares.

The church has had a shaky history of either overemphasizing or glossing over the topic of sin (with all its immediate and eternal consequences). The subject touches a nerve in every human being because we all suffer the malady of serving only ourselves and not really caring about God’s desires or the needs of others. Why are we afflicted in such a way? If we are serious about reading and learning what God has revealed in the bible, we cannot avoid being confronted with this universal problem. We will look at how sin is characterized and how God has taken the initiative to remedy our problem with a two-week series entitled: Missing the Mark with the message: “Evasive Target."

We live in what has often been called a "disposable society". We have disposable plates, knives and forks, disposable razors, cameras and contact lenses. Even big expense items like computers can, within three short years, become more expensive to repair than to replace. This disposable mentality is not limited to material goods. Our jobs, our friendships, even marriages are sometimes discarded because they've outlasted their usefulness or no longer please us. Yet some of the most fulfilling and satisfying rewards in life come from steadfast, enduring faithfulness. Becoming Faithful In A Throw-away Culture continues our series entitled, Life On The Vine; Cultivating Godly Character, with a look at developing faithfulness through all of life.

"Good" is a word that we use with some ambivalence. If a movie was "good", that usually means it was just "O.K." Good, not great. If someone is too "good" we deride them for being, "self-righteous" or "goody-goody". Yet we long for the "good life", we remind our children to "be good", and someone who is always there for us we consider a "good friend". Becoming Good continues our series entitled, Life On The Vine; Cultivating Godly Character, with a look at how to live a truly good life.

We've often been encouraged to practice, "Random Acts of Kindness". But what if we became even more intentional? What if we actually lived lives of kindness? How would our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces and our freeways change if patience and kindness became more than a random act, but a way of life? Is that even possible? Patience and Kindness in a "Me-First" Society, continues our series entitled, Life On The Vine; Cultivating Godly Character, with a look at learning patience and practicing kindness.

"The pursuit of happiness" is one of the unalienable rights set forward in the Declaration of Independence. It could easily be argued that we are often so busy in our pursuits, that we're missing out on the happiness. The pace of our lives can actually keep us from enjoying life. While happiness is most often dictated by our circumstances, Jesus spoke of character qualities that are far more substantial. They are qualities that sustain and outlast any circumstance. Cultivating Joy and Peace continues our series entitled, Life On The Vine; Cultivating Godly Character, with a look at how God produces resiliency in the lives of his followers.

Every culture has certain shared values, convictions and characteristics. Out of these grow the expectations that guide and shape the lives of the people in that culture. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The distinguishing characteristic that should define those who follow Christ is love. So how can we cultivate this love in our lives and in our community? Cultivating A Life Of Love, begins a new series entitled, Life On The Vine; Cultivating Godly Character, with a look at the first of the characteristics that Christ grows in his followers.

"What am I leaving my kids?" It's a good question for every father to ask himself from time to time. Beyond drafting a will or providing for their physical well-being, what are we fathers instilling deep within our children's souls? What things ought we provide and how can we provide them? A Father's Legacy, this Father's Day message takes a look at the important role of fathers and the heritage they can leave their children.

One question that overlaps every generation and culture is the one that interrogates the notion that God is loving. It's based on the pervasive presence of evil, suffering and death. This form of doubt is possibly the most readily used attack that the Bible's revelation of a caring God is erroneous. Those who use this appear to have a reasonable complaint: "Why doesn't God use His power to stop the evil, suffering, pain and death?" As we look at what the bible says about the relationship between knowledge and faith, we are challenged with the fact that our perspective can be distorted and that there are some bigger things to consider. How Can There Be a Loving God concludes and resolves the 4-week series Dealing With Doubt.

What causes us to doubt when we waver in our faith? According to what we learn in the bible, we are "tossed" around like sea waves. Is this where the word wavering comes from? This weeks message from special guest speaker Jim Mitchell continues our series Dealing with Doubt. I Have... No Doubt!...? will teach us that there are times where we must simply hold fast to our faith without "wavering".

The Rock group Kansas recorded a popular song in the late 1970s called Dust In the Wind. From the lyrics we can hear: Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea. All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see. Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind. When Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, he often concluded similar thoughts. He was pondering purpose. Every human being ponders purpose. We see this in common human desire for authority, security, fulfillment and destiny. In this message, we'll identify with Solomon's thoughts as we ask the question What Are We Doing Here? in continuing our current series Dealing With Doubt.

Doubt has been defined as a suspension of knowledge. As human beings, we often find ourselves in such suspension. Certain novelists make much money from being able to cause readers to hover over a plot until it is resolved. For the seeker of God or follower of Christ, faith is the major mode of operation. But, as every person soon discovers, doubt does not stop after one believes. Knowledge and reason continue to be at work in the process of faith. This message begins the Dealing With Doubt series with the introductory theme We Know In Part.

Effective motherhood is not about perfection. Many women experience guilt because they're trying to achieve an unattainable standard of getting it all right. But God takes us just the way we are and comes alongside to strengthen, encourage and provide the wisdom needed for raising our children. The World's Toughest Job Description, this Mother's Day message takes a look at how God's presence and wisdom can make all the difference when it comes to motherhood.

Freedom can be a risky venture. We live in a free society and yet we all understand that freedom doesn't allow us to trample on the rights and freedoms of others. Freedom cannot be used as an excuse for self-indulgence because ultimately, selfishness results in harm to others. Paul the apostle wrote, "Don't use your freedom to indulge... rather, serve each other in love." "Free To Love" continues our series, "Living The Free Life", with a look at how God's grace frees us from our preoccupation with ourselves in order to truly experience love for others.

Who do you trust? The answer to that question typically depends on how well you know someone. The more you know someone, and the more they've proven to be dependable, the more willing you'll be to trust them. It all comes down to relationships. "Free To Trust" continues our series, "Living The Free Life", with a look at the freedom we can experience when we get rid of religion and embrace a relationship with God.

Millions of dollars are spent every year on Self-Improvement. We buy books, try new diets, hire professional "coaches" and personal trainers all with the expectation that they will help us change our lives. More often than not we end up disappointed with the results. Will we ever really change? Can we experience real transformation or is it all just an illusive pursuit? "Free To Change", continues the series, "Living The Free Life", with a look at how real change happens.

The pursuit of freedom is at the very heart of what it means to be human. We long to live free but we are easily imprisoned. Our desires can trap us in addiction, our possessions can imprison us with worry, our past can enslave us with regret, and even our religion can become a prison of demands and expectations. "Free To Live", this week's study begins our new series of studies, "Living The Free Life", with a look at some of the traps that keep us from living in freedom.

Easter is not just an event to be commemorated once a year, nor is it simply the proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. At it's heart, Easter is about life. The resurrection is God's invitation to each of us to come alive. It is about life at its fullest, lived the way we were always intended to live. "Fully Alive", this Easter's message concludes our series, "Searching for Jesus", with a look at the wonder, mystery and power of God to restore a life.

Everything that Jesus taught and did was filled with life. The Gospel writers record in great detail how Jesus concerned himself with life in every respect -physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual LIFE. He knew what life was about and he came to bring that life, in all of its fullness, to us. "Jesus, The Master of Life", this message continues our series, "Searching for Jesus", looking at the life-giving promises and their impact on our lives today.

Jesus had a way of cutting through the smokescreens and getting to the heart of a matter. He not only came to reveal the truth about God he also came to reveal to us the truth about ourselves. "The Truth Revealer", this week's message continues our series, "Searching for Jesus", with a look at how truth may sometimes make us feel uncomfortable but it ultimately results in freedom.

All four accounts of Jesus' life in the gospels are filled with emotional detail. Jesus was not a stoic walking unemotionally through life. He taught with humor in his stories, he shed tears at a friend's death and sighed deeply at his follower's unbelief. But most often, we are told, he was moved with compassion. The essence of Jesus' life was compassion, caring and understanding. And in that we see the heart of God. "The Compassionate Healer", continues our series, "Searching for Jesus", with a look at how the compassion of Jesus frees us from the need to hide our hurts and instead, find wholeness in body, spirit and soul.

We continue our series "Searching for Jesus." When searching, it doesn't take long to discover that Jesus challenged the status quo. According to Jesus' assessment, the Word of God had been turned into an instrument of death, rather than life. Simply stated, if God's truth doesn't bring change, it is not being engaged. This week's message, "Turning Tables", looks intently at the event of Jesus clearing the temple. We will see that what many misunderstand as "rage" was clearly consistent with what Jesus came to teach humanity about God's truth and a purposeful and meaningful life in Him.

He was the son of an insignificant handyman, in a backwater town, in a remote annex of the vast Roman Empire. Yet his life and teachings changed human history. No one can deny his impact on the world. Such a powerful figure cannot be dismissed. Whether you choose to follow him or not, you must at least listen to what he had to say. "Searching For Jesus", a new series of studies begin with the first installment, "The Jesus Who Calls Us To Follow".

There are few organizations that have had as much positive effect AND negative effect in this world than the church. At it's worst, the church has been accused of hypocrisy, bigotry and self-righteous judgmentalism. But at it's best, the church provides a community of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Where people can come as they are, discover the love God has for them, and experience caring and supportive relationships that help nurture their spiritual growth. "When The Church Is At It's Best...", this weekend's topic will celebrate Northgate's 16th anniversary with a renewal of our purpose to be the church God designed us to be.

If you're at all familiar with the 1960's Broadway Musical and Movie THE MUSIC MAN, you'll recognize the line WE'VE GOT TROUBLE WITH A CAPITAL T. The story behind THE MUSIC MAN has to do with a swindling traveling salesman who makes money by playing on the fears of people in a small Midwest town. This week's message, WITH A CAPITAL T will teach us how the fear of trouble can paralyze a follower of Christ from living in peace and fulfilling the purpose God intended for us in the world. We'll learn how Jesus often challenged us to not fear and to find peace in trusting him.

How do you define "greatness"? Typical answers usually include things like power, wealth, intelligence or prestige. Jesus said, "The greatest among you will be your servant." His words are challenging and powerful, but what gives his words such power is that he not only talked about serving, he actually served. "Redefining Servanthood", concludes our series, "Life In High Definition", this weekend with a look at what greatness looks like in God's eyes.

There are few things more personal, more difficult to manage and generate more stress in our lives than our finances. Though we live in one of the most affluent areas of the richest nation in the world we never seem to have enough. In a constant pursuit of "more" we never seem to be satisfied. Two thousand years ago, Jesus warned against such fleeting pursuits; "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal." He also taught, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Such wisdom is not only applicable but necessary today. "Highly Defined Finances", continues our series, "Life In High Definition", this weekend with a look at what Jesus had to say about money, possessions and eternity.

Everyone in your life matters to God - even the "difficult" people. When we look at others through God's eyes we begin to recognize their eternal worth. God has placed us in relationships with others so that together we might learn to practice His love and extend His grace. "Re-Defined Relationships", this weekend's message continues our series, "Life In High Definition" with a look at how God uses others to to do his work in us and, in turn, uses us to accomplish his work in others.

At three weeks into a new year no one knows yet what 2007 holds in store. We have dreams of a better life, a future and a hope. When our dreams line up with God's call they become more than "wishful thinking". They become powerful, God-honoring, life-directing visions. "High Definition Dreams" will examine how we can look to our future with confidence and hope knowing that God will be with us through it all.

"Hi-Definition" seems to be the buzzword of our times. Everything from televisions to weather radars seem to come in "Hi-Def". What would a Highly Defined Life look like? Looking at life from a different perspective, with clarity, meaning and precision would be life as God intended. Rather than trying to change behaviors with New Year's resolutions, it is actively recognizing God's hand at work in your life and responding to Him. "High Def Living -Defining Your Calling", this Sunday's message begins our New Year's Series of studies, "Life In High Definition."

Jesus made it clear. God loves all people of all nations and ethnicities. In his final words to his followers, Jesus entrusted that message to them in order that it would be carried out by their actions as well as their words. This weekend we welcome some very special guests who have taken that directive to heart; Michelle Kelly Sims, who works with abondoned children who are at risk in the nation of Romania and Mike & Jodi Bunn, with Mercy Air-Brazil. Mike is a float-plane pilot delivering medical support to indigenous people along the Amazon River.

The end of each year provides a natural opportunity to reflect on the experiences, the lessons learned, and the ways in which God has demonstrated His faithfulness over the past twelve months. It's also an excellent opportunity to think about our hope, our dreams, and our goals for the future. "Reflections On 2006", will be the theme of this Sunday mornings' gatherings as together we remember God's faithfulness and renew our hope in His work in our lives

In the next few days frazzled shoppers will be scrambling for last-minute gifts, airports will be crowded with anxious travelers and the freeways will be jammed with impatient drivers -All in the name of Holiday Celebration. Into the busyness and the frenzied pace of our lives God offers peace, quietness and contentment. The question is, are we listening? "The Prince of Peace", this weekend's study concludes our Christmas series, "He Will Be Called...", with a look at how God has brought us His gift of peace and how we can experience it's power through every circumstance of life.

Everyone wants to belong. It is one of the great desires of the human soul to be loved and accepted, to matter to someone. The good news of Christmas is, "You do!" You matter to God as His dearly loved child. "Everlasting Father", this weekend's message continues our Christmas series, "He Will Be Called...", with a look at God's gift of belonging.

In a world that's consumed with upward mobility and personal advancement, Jesus' words and his example give us a completely different perspective on living. His kingdom is not based in political power nor brute force. In Jesus, Mighty God of the universe humbly took on human skin, a helpless little baby. And the world has never been the same. Our Christmas series, "He Will Be Called...", continues this weekend with, "Mighty God", a look at how the power and strength of God is released in our lives when we simply learn to give up control.

At the birth of every baby one of the first questions asked is, "What's his name?" or, "What did you name her?" For the rest of his or her life that name will be associated with that person and, in some cases, become the defining essence of their existence. "Wonderful Counselor", this Sunday's message begins our Christmas series, "He Will Be Called..." with a look at the different names attributed to Jesus and how each can be fulfilled and experienced in our lives today.