Northgate Christian Fellowship

You may not consider yourself to be rich but by all measurements we have considerably more than most people in this world. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why me, why do I have so much when others in this world live in need?”

Whenever a preacher teaches about money people jump to the conclusion that he only wants them to give. Jesus taught more on the topic than any other subject yet he never asked anyone to give him their money. So what is God’s view of money? What does He want us to do with it?

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much our income increases it still doesn’t seem to be enough? No matter how much stuff we accumulate we still want more. Why is that? What is it that makes us so discontent and how can we change the situation?

Many people live on the edge financially. Extending ourselves beyond our financial means we live with the constant stress of trying to make ends meet. We come to the end of the month and we wonder, “Where did it all go?” “How can I be making so much and still feeling such financial pressure?” Is there a way out of this mess?

hat will people think of me? Will they think I’m weird or crazy? How do I let other’s know what I believe without being judged?

What if I want to help, but I just can’t do it? What if I end up making things worse? Is the church better off without me?

If I let my guard down, will the people I trust hurt me? I’ve been hurt by friends in the past, are church people any different?

Where do we go when we die? How do I know that I’m going to heaven? I’m a good person, is that enough?

A decision to follow Christ not only changes us, it changes they way we view those around us. Once you’ve experienced His life-changing power you just can’t keep it to yourself. It’s such good news you’ve just got to share it. But how can you share your faith without being “preachy”. How can you share it without being weird?

Anyone who has volunteered their time and energy to helping others can tell you that they got back far more than they gave. The fulfillment that comes from serving others is life-changing. The old saying is true, “You make a living by what you get but you make a life by what you give.”

Change happens best in a caring community. It’s within our closest, caring relationships that we find acceptance so we can be ourselves and be honest about our short-comings. It’s also within a caring community that we experience the encouragement, support and provision to grow. Where can we find such relationships and how can we better care for each other?

Nothing can be more life-changing than an encounter with God. God loves us and longs for us to be connected with Him but it turns out that the biggest obstacle to such a connection is us. Our pride, negligence and hectic pace of life keep us from experiencing the love that God has for us. How can we live better connected to God?

Followers of Jesus Christ believe that he came to redeem the whole person— body, soul, and spirit. Christ has set us free from the distortions and compulsions that bring us harm. "Sexual Freedom" will explore how He has also set us free to love and embrace, to experience self-giving and unreserved intimacy.

Sexual desire may very well be the strongest of human urges. When that desire runs out of control it can leave a mass of heartache in its wake. How do we keep our sexuality in its proper place? "Distorted Sexuality" will explore how can we get back to sexual sanity.

Everyone has moral boundaries. Whether they have been well thought out or not, we all have certain lines which we will not cross when it comes to our sexual morals. But where do we draw the line? How far is too far? "Setting Moral Boundaries" will look at whether there is a reliable standard for setting those boundaries.

In a culture that uses sex to sell us everything from sports cars to breath mints it’s difficult to avoid the subject, yet it is seldom talked about in our churches. Our sexuality is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed as the fulfillment of the intentional, committed relationship of marriage in which two become “one flesh”. "It's God's Idea" will look at what God had in mind when he created us as physical beings, male and female in His own image.

Everybody believes. Everyone is a person of faith. Whether it’s a belief in human nature, in science, in a some vague “higher power” or in a personal God, everyone has a set of beliefs that they build their life on. Ultimately, all of us must answer the question, “What Do I Believe?” This weeks message concludes the "i Doubt" sermon series.

The life of faith is meant to be lived out. Living is faith’s reality check. If faith is not being practiced it will eventually be considered impractical. If it is only doctrine and dogma it will eventually be doubted as untrue. So, if we live out what we claim to believe, will doubt diminish? Join us for "Reality Check as we continue our "i Doubt" sermon series.

Everyone experiences times of confusion, questioning and doubt. As humans we always live with uncertainty and we will always be left with questions. How should we deal with our questions and doubts? Some of our doubts arise from a faulty view of God. Faulty presuppositions lead to faulty foundations of faith and when those foundations are shaken, so is our faith. That gives rise to doubt. Can doubting actually lead us to a better understanding of God and therefore grow our faith? Join us for "Faith Out Of Focus" as we continue our "i Doubt" sermon series.

Everyone experiences times of confusion, questioning and doubt. As humans we always live with uncertainty and we will always be left with questions. How should we deal with our questions and doubts? Sometimes we think that faith requires that we not have any doubt. We may feel guilty because we don’t believe with enough certainty. Is there really a difference between faith and belief? How about between doubt and unbelief? This weeks message, "Doubt, Belief and Faith", is the first of a new sermon series entitled "i Doubt".

God has invited us to participate in His work in this world through prayer. Prayers offered up in one part of the world can have incredible impact around the globe. Join us for "Unlimited Long Distance" as we conclude our current sermon series, "Can You Hear Me Now?"

One of the privileges of our relationship with Christ is the ability to support and strengthen others through prayer. God encourages us to serve as His go-between on behalf of others. Join us for "Who's In Your Fave Five?" as we continue our current sermon series, "Can You Hear Me Now?"

Prayer isn’t an event as much as a lifestyle. God invites us into an ongoing conversation. Prayer is really about experiencing God in your everyday life. Join us for "Raise The Bars" as we continue our current sermon series, "Can You Hear Me Now?"

God invites us into communion with Him where we can be open at the deepest levels of our souls. Don’t settle for polite, nice-sounding prayers. God wants us to speak from our hearts. Join us for "Permission To Speak Freely", as we continue our current sermon series, "Can You Hear Me Now?"

If God knows everything and already has a plan, why should we pray? The answer begins with understanding that prayer isn’t about getting God to see things my way as much as my learning to see His way. This week begins a new monthly sermon series, called "Can You Hear Me Now?"

Our pace of life plays havoc on our physical well-being. We tell ourselves, "Someday I'll pay attention to my health, when things settle down." But that "someday" never comes. God designed us with limits for our own protection. If we don't follow His instructions we will suffer the consequences. This weekend we conclude our "Desperate HouseLies" series with a look at another lie we tell ourselves: "Someday, Things Will Settle Down".

It's tempting to define yourself by your career. But can the key to professional success actually be found in learning to do less? Join us as we continue our series, “Desperate HouseLies” , with lie #3: "Getting the Right Job Will Make Me Happy".

We all want the best for our kids —the best school, the best home, the best sports team. But in pursuing all of this we may be neglecting more important matters. This weekend we continue our “Desperate HouseLies” series with a look at another lie we tell ourselves: "The Perfect Neighborhood Will Get Me The Perfect Family".

In an effort to get the most out of life we tend to spend more than we take in. We overextend ourselves and then live with the stress of making ends meet. Giving God priority in our finances can bring relief and give us more out of life. “Desperate HouseLies�?, our new series, begins this weekend with a look at one of the lies we tell ourselves: "Life Is What You Get Out Of It".

In a culture filled with criticism, fault-finding and blame a single word of encouragement can work wonders. And when our words of encouragement are coupled with action it can be life-giving. “Encouraging Each Other�?, concludes our series "c Harmony.comm" with a look at practical, Biblical ways we can support each other.

Even the best of friends can have disagreements and differences, and sometimes hurt each other. That’s why we need to practice the fine art of forgiveness. “Restoring Broken Friendships�?, this week's study, continues our series "c Harmony.comm" with a look at forgiveness.

In a family you can be yourself and know that you'll be loved. Openness, honesty and authenticity are the qualities needed for deeper relationships in our homes and in our church families. "Authenticity: Honest With Each Other", this weekend's study continues our series "c Harmony.com" with a look at how to build authentic relationships.

One of the great myths of relationships is that the key is finding a "perfect match." The truth is that we never find that perfect match. The real key is making the commitments to each other that provide the foundation for deeper friendships. "Committed to Each Other" —beginning a message series titled "cHarmony.com" focusing on church harmony.

"Our worship - it’s not what you think!" Churches have literally closed their doors because of the battles that have been waged over how we are to worship. Denominations have looked down their noses at other denominations because of the idea of how we are to worship. Jesus was very clear about worship! Are you?

Jesus said "I have come that you might have life in all its fullness!" And then he freely offered up his own life for us. The good news of Easter is, He accomplished what he promised. Because He lives, we can have a brand new life. "Will Have Eternal Life.", this weekend's study concludes our series on John 3:16, What's It Really Mean?

Belief is a strange thing because it can be so illusive. We sometimes think we have "beliefs" but they don't run very deep. In truth, they're really nothing more than opinions. Our true beliefs —true convictions— show themselves in the way that we live our lives. "That Whoever Would Believe...", this weekend's study, continues our series on John 3:16 looking at the question, What does it mean to believe?

It is the nature of love to give. When the Bible says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.�?, it's not only telling us about love it's telling us about the very nature of God. "He Gave His One And Only...", this weekend's study, continues our series on John 3:16 with a look at what God gave when He gave us Jesus.

The most familiar sentence in the Bible begins, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." But what do the words really mean? Does God really care about my hurt? If God is so loving, why does he allow such pain? Why doesn't he do something about it? "God So Loved...", this weekend's study, begins a new series, "John 3:16, What's It Really Mean?", with a look at how God's love can heal a hurting world.

Caught up in our day-to-day routine we easily lose sight of what truly matters. Schedules, errands and appointments replace relationships. Details and deadlines get in the way of time spent with people. And the urgent distracts us from the eternal. These are all symptoms of "Small-Minded" living. God has given us a bigger vision, a higher calling and a far more meaningful way of life. But to live it, we'll have to break through our small-minded thinking. "Breaking The Barrier Of Small", this weekend's study, concludes our series, "Breaking Barriers and Living Beyond", getting God's perspective on life, relationships and ministry.

The promise of Jesus is the promise of life— a life freed by forgiveness, a life transformed by grace, life as God intended it to be lived. That's good news and it's worth sharing. But many of us don't share our faith because of our own insecurities and fears. "Breaking The Barrier Of Fear", this weekend's study, continues our series, "Breaking Barriers and Living Beyond" as we look at the best way to share our faith by sharing our life's story.

As you read the accounts of Jesus' life one thing stands out above everything else— his love for people. Though his teachings were powerful, he wasn't just an educator. When he encountered people who were hurting, broken, lonely and struggling with real-life issues he accepted them. He forgave them. He loved them. And, after he had paid the ultimate price, he gathered his followers together and told them to pass it on— share that message of love, acceptance and forgiveness. "Simply Share", this weekend's study, concludes our "Simple Faith" series looking at how the message of God’s love and grace can be shared, not just with words, but through our lives.

There seems to be no end of "how to" books designed to help us make more, earn more or get more out of life. Very few, if any, give us pointers on how to give more, share more or serve more. The teachings of Jesus run counter to this approach to life. Jesus said, "The greatest among you will be your servant." and "It is more blessed to give than to receive." The thing that makes Jesus' teaching so powerful is that he didn't just talk about giving and serving, he did it! "Simply Serve", this weekend's study, continues our "Simple Faith" series looking at how to be better at loving by getting better at serving.

Many people begin the New Year with a resolution to pay more attention to their spiritual growth and development. That usually means a resolve to go to church, read the Bible, or spend more "quiet time" with God. All of these activities are commendable, even vital for nurturing your faith but they'll be incomplete if they don't translate into life and relationship transformation. In other words, "People don't care how much you know, they want to know how much you care." "Simply Care", this weekend's study, continues our "Simple Faith" series looking at how growth happens best in the contest of a caring community.

Clearing away all of the religious clutter and sanctimonious double-talk of his time Jesus simplified his message with a straight-forward command: "Love God with all of your being and love your neighbor as yourself." Incredibly simple, incredibly profound, because the type of love that Jesus taught was far different and far more penetrating than what passes for love in our culture. "Simply Love", this weekend's study, continues our "Simple Faith" series looking at how nurturing our love for God enables us to more deeply love others.

As we begin a new year we always should take time to look back. But then there is always the New Year, so we need to take time to look at what we hope for in this New Year. So with looking ahead, we are starting a series called SIMPLE Faith. With all that is going on in life, wouldn’t it be nice to find something that is simple for this New Year? This Sunday: Simple Faith & Simple Focus. Let’s take a look at how Jesus took the religion of his day and made it SIMPLE.

Before stepping into a new year it's always wise to stop, reflect and take note of the lessons we've learned through our experiences of the past year. It is the best way to mark our growth and acknowledge God's goodness as we move forward. "Some Final Thoughts... - Reflections on the Year", this weekend's study, will look at what God has taught us and how we can apply those lessons to the year ahead.

The Christmas story tells of many different visitors who came to see a newborn baby. Different people with different backgrounds and different sets of expectations. But the one thing they all had in common was a desire to find what they were looking for. "What Are You Looking For?", this weekend's study, concludes our Christmas series, "Getting Christmas Right", with a look at becoming better seekers in our desire to follow God.

The central message of the Christmas story is that God, in Jesus, "became flesh and lived among us." As absurd as that might sound to some, it's the assertion of Scripture that Christ came, "that they may have life, and have it to the full." That presents us with the question, "Am I living that type of life, am I experiencing life in its fullest?" "Are You Living?", this weekend's study, continues our Christmas series, "Getting Christmas Right", with a look at the difference between life on our terms and the life that God has promised.

The Christmas Season is filled with light. White lights, colored lights, blinking and running lights decorate the homes, stores and businesses all around us. It's a great tradition that fills the darkest time of the year with joy and wonder. Jesus, we are told, came as a light to this world. And if we are paying attention to him and his teachings we can find hope, guidance and encouragement in him. "Can You See Him?", this weekend's study, continues our "Getting Christmas Right" series with a look at how the light of Christ can penetrate the darkness of our lives.

The Christmas Season is filled with tradition. There are traditional songs, traditional meals, traditional decorations. There are family traditions; "his" family's traditions and "her" family's traditions. And if we're not paying attention we can get so caught up in fulfilling all of the Christmas traditions that we can miss the message. "Are You Listening?"- this weekend's study- begins a new series for the Christmas season: "Getting Christmas Right", with a look at how God speaks to us.