What comes to your mind when you hear the word peace? Is it a quiet evening at home? A world without conflict? Or maybe just a break from the chaos of everyday life?

If we’re honest, peace can often feel like an elusive dream, especially in a world like ours. Yet, Advent reminds us that peace isn’t a dream or just an idea—it’s a promise. And it’s not based on our circumstances, but on a person.

This morning, we’re going to talk about unending peace, the unlikely people God used to accomplish His plans to bring about that peace, and how we, like Mary, can experience and share His unending peace in the world today.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What does the contrast between Zechariah and Mary teach us about how God chooses people for His purposes? In what ways does Mary’s story inspire us to see value and purpose in our ordinary lives? How can we encourage others who feel “unqualified” to step into God’s calling?

Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus came with significant challenges. How does her story reshape your understanding of what it means to be favored by God?

Mary said, “Let it be to me according to your word.” What does this level of peace and surrender look like in your life? What might be holding you back from fully trusting God’s plan?

We begin Advent with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were righteous before God but had no children because Elizabeth was barren.

Have you ever prayed for something so deeply, so desperately, and felt like all you got in return was silence? Maybe you’ve been holding onto hope for a breakthrough, for healing, or an answer, but instead, you’re left wondering if God is even listening. It’s hard, isn’t it? To stay faithful, to keep believing, when it feels like nothing is changing.

But here’s the thing—God’s faithfulness isn’t tied to our timelines. He always fulfills His promises, even when the wait feels unbearable.

This weekend I want to talk about how God works in the waiting and why He’s worth trusting no matter what comes our way. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What do we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth’s faithfulness despite their personal struggles? How can their example encourage us in seasons of waiting?

Why do you think Zechariah struggled to believe the angel’s promise? What might this tell us about doubt, even in the presence of God’s assurance?

What promises of God do you find difficult to trust in your current season of life? How does this passage encourage you to persevere in faith?

The Bible calls us to live lives of thanksgiving—not just one day a year, but every day, in every circumstance. What if we spent less time critiquing the menu and more time cultivating a heart of gratitude? Thanksgiving, in its truest form, isn’t about a holiday table—it’s about a life transformed by God’s goodness and faithfulness.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

When you think of “thanksgiving,” what comes to mind first—the holiday or the spiritual practice? Why? How do you think our culture influences our view of gratitude?

What hinders us from living with an attitude of thanksgiving? Is it busyness, entitlement, or focusing too much on what we lack? How can we combat these tendencies?

What is one specific thing you are deeply thankful for right now? 

In this weekend’s passage from Acts, we see this truth clearly: With God, nothing is ever wasted. All things are His servants. He uses EVERY SINGLE THING we go through—including our suffering—to bring about His plan and purpose, not just in us, but in the world, too. Let’s talk about it!

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What would it look like to trust that God is working in all things, even painful ones, to make you more like Jesus?

What situations in your life might God be using to impact others, even if you can’t see it yet?

Who in your life might need to hear how God has been faithful to you during hard times?

Do you remember the “Be Like Mike” Gatorade commercial? It was the best. The idea was simple: if you drink Gatorade, you could somehow "become" like Michael Jordan – to shoot, move, and dominate like the GOAT.

As you might imagine for a boy growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, I was obsessed with Michael Jordan. All my friends were, too. We would have done ANYTHING to be like Mike.

For followers of Jesus, the call is not to be like Mike but to be like Jesus. In Acts, unlike the Gatorade commercial, we see that being like Jesus isn’t a mere slogan or wishful thinking for us; it’s a transformative reality that the Spirit provides. When we are filled with the Spirit, we can ACTUALLY live like Jesus. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Can you think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit strengthening or guiding you? How would your daily life change if you regularly leaned on the Spirit’s power rather than your own abilities? What practical steps can you take to seek and rely on the Spirit’s empowerment more consistently?

How can you prepare yourself to face potential opposition for your faith, whether it’s subtle or overt? What promises from Scripture can you hold onto in those times?

What does it mean for you to “hold fast to the truth” in a world that often promotes its own version of truth? Where might you feel pressured or tempted to let go of the truth in your life?

If you have been around long enough to notice, it is safe to say that North Highlands is a growing church. For example, our membership has increased by 60% in the last 18 months. How good is God!

Being a part of a growing church is exciting. There are new people to meet. New ministries to start. God is on the move. It’s awesome. But “church growth” is not without its challenges. This week, we’ll explore how the early church navigated these growing pains and what it means for us today.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why do you think the early church’s rapid growth brought both excitement and challenges? How might unmet needs and fractured unity affect the health of our church community?

What specific gifts or strengths do you bring to the church? How can you use these to help strengthen the church’s mission, unity, and care for others?

The apostles remained focused on prayer and the ministry of the Word even amid practical demands. How can you guard against distractions and stay focused on our core mission as a church?

Hey, Fam! Sunday is going to be sooo good! This weekend we have the privilege of spending a morning with Marvin Walker, Campus Pastor of Watermark South Dallas.

If you don’t know Marvin, you are going to love him! He is a native Californian and long-time friend of North Highlands. He is married to his beautiful bride, Amber, and together they have three beautiful children. 

He is going to be sharing a message from Judges 3 titled “Fail the Test, Cease to Rest.” It’s going to be awesome!

We all know what it feels like to face an impossible challenge. But what if the One whom you have challenged is God Himself? In Acts 5:17-42, we see the religious leaders attempting to silence a movement of God, only to discover a sobering truth: the surest way to lose a fight is to pick a fight with the Most High God. Will we make the same mistake?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

In what ways does our culture elevate personal freedom and autonomy over submission to God? How does this mindset impact your own walk with Christ?

Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What does that look like practically in your daily life? How do you navigate the tension between your desires and God’s will?

Gamaliel’s advice highlights the futility of resisting God’s plans. How does this perspective help you trust in God's timing and purpose, especially during difficult seasons? 

This Sunday we have the awesome opportunity to witness and celebrate the baptisms of NINE people in our church family!

There’s something so powerful about watching someone step into the waters of baptism and declare, “I have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.” It's a bold step of faith, and it’s a reminder that God is still working powerfully in the world today.

This weekend we are talking about the power of bold witness. The reality is being bold doesn’t just attract attention, it changes lives. It was true then, it is true now. Can I get a witness!?

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Can you think of an example where someone’s bold witness influenced you or inspired you in your faith? Are there areas of your life where you feel called to be bolder in your witness for Jesus?

The early church experienced miracles regularly, and God's presence was unmistakable. How do you see God's presence at work in your life or your community today?

In the early church, some were hesitant to follow Jesus because of fear. What are some of the fears that people face today when it comes to following Jesus? What are some practical steps we can take to help others who may be fearful or hesitant about making a commitment to follow Christ?

This summer no less than eight pastors in the Dallas area resigned or were removed from their positions due to moral failure issues and no less than 50,000 people attend these churches every weekend. What is going on!?

Our passage this morning gives us an idea. Could it be that some of Satan’s best work is found within the Church? If so, how must we respond?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Are there times when you’ve been tempted to present a more “spiritual” version of yourself to others than is real? What might be motivating that, and how can you pursue greater honesty before God and others?

If you were to evaluate your heart and actions, is there any area where you’re tempted to “hold back” like Ananias and Sapphira? What is a specific step you can take this week to live with greater honesty before God and others?

What is one tangible way you can live out the Spirit-filled generosity demonstrated by Barnabas this week? Whether it’s your time, resources, or encouragement, how can you give sacrificially for the sake of others?

How often have you heard someone say, "I'll be praying for you"? It’s a phrase we use so frequently that it almost becomes second nature for Christians, like saying "hello" or "goodbye." 

But how many of us, if we’re honest, actually follow through on those promises to pray? No doubt, we mean well. We want to support one another, especially in tough times, and prayer IS the right answer. But how often do we move on, distracted by life, and forget to actually follow through?

This weekend we will see the early church embodying a totally different approach to prayer. When faced with threats, they didn’t talk about praying for one another—they did it. They came together immediately, lifting their voices as one, and asked God to give them the boldness to continue in the name of Jesus. Can you imagine what might happen if we were to do the same thing?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does acknowledging God's sovereignty before presenting your petitions (like the early church did) change your perspective on prayer?

What is your first response when you face opposition or challenges because of your faith in Jesus? Do you tend to plan, panic, or pray? How can you make prayer more of your "default setting" in moments of stress or opposition?

The early Christians prayed for boldness, not for safety. How do your prayers compare? Are you more likely to pray for comfort in life or for the boldness in the name of Jesus? What specific areas of your life do you feel called to be bolder for Jesus?

Have you ever found yourself tongue-tied, afraid to speak up when you knew you should? Maybe you felt pressure to stay quiet, but something inside you was urging you to be bold. This weekend, we will be looking into Acts 4, where we see ordinary people, filled with the Holy Spirit, becoming bold witnesses for Jesus—astonishing the world and spreading truth like wildfire. What gave them that courage? And how can we live with that same boldness?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why do you think the Holy Spirit is key to the boldness we see in Peter and John in Acts 4? How can we cultivate that same boldness in our own lives?

Where is God calling you to step out in faith right now, and what fears are holding you back? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to give you courage?

What does it mean for faith to “thrive under pressure”? Share an experience where you felt your faith grow stronger through adversity?

I am old enough to remember when everything was done by check and everyone made regular visits to the bank. Do you still write checks?

What makes the check valuable isn’t the size or type of paper or even the amount of zeros behind the number written on it—it’s the name of the one who authorizes it. Without the right name, even something that appears valuable holds no real power.

This weekend, we’re going to look at a moment in scripture where a man in need was offered something far better than money. What He was given wasn’t because of power or wealth—it was because of a name. The name of Jesus. And just like an unauthorized check, without the name of Jesus, even our best efforts, resources, and plans are powerless. But with His name, everything changes.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What are some things you tend to rely on to "fix" the brokenness in your life? How might Jesus offer something better? In what ways have you experienced the truth that “Jesus is better” in your own life?

Where are you currently trying to rely on your own strength or righteousness? How might you surrender that and trust in Jesus’ greater goodness and power?

How does knowing that God's plans cannot be thwarted—even by our own ignorance or failure—give you hope in your current circumstances?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. I loved the idea of helping people stay healthy, diagnosing their illnesses, and making sure their bodies were functioning as they should. The human body is remarkable, but as we all know, it requires the right care—a good diet and regular exercise to help it function properly and grow strong.

In our passage this weekend, Luke, the physician, is essentially giving a prescription for a healthy church, outlining the diet and exercise that made the early Spirit-filled congregation as vibrant and healthy as it was–a prescription that will help keep our church body healthy and growing, too.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What is the most encouraging aspect of this passage for you personally? What do you find most challenging?

With regard to the healthy “diet and exercise” prescription of a local church, which is the greatest strength here at North Highlands? Which is the greatest weakness? How can you help?

How does this passage compel you to pray for your own personal pursuit of Jesus? How does it compel you to pray for our church?

Imagine the scene: the streets of Jerusalem are filled with people from every nation, all gathered for a festival celebrating the harvest God provided them. Suddenly, the sound of a mighty wind rushes through the city, capturing everyone’s attention. Flames of fire appear above the apostles' heads as the Spirit of the Living God fills each one of them, and they begin speaking about God in languages they’ve never known before. Confusion and amazement sweep through the crowd. What is happening? What does this mean?

In that moment, one man steps forward to address the crowd—Peter, the apostle who, just weeks earlier, had denied even knowing Jesus. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly stands to answer the burning questions on everyone’s mind. What happened next was a harvest none of them, not even Peter himself, could have expected.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

In what ways have you struggled with or been encouraged by Jesus’ identity as the Lord and Christ?

When was the last time you felt "cut to the heart" by the Spirit of God? How did you respond?

How does repentance as “changing your mind” speak to you today? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to change your mind and/or your attitude about Jesus?

When was the last time someone over-promised and under-delivered on a promise to you? 

Megan and I recently completed some updates to our home, and if you’ve ever gone through home renovations, you know this is a common experience of homeowners.

Contractors often promise that a renovation project will be finished within a certain timeframe and budget, and with excellent results. But more often than not, the project ends up taking twice as long and costs twice as much. If you’ve been through it, you know what I mean.

But here’s the good news: Our God is not a general contractor trying to earn our business. He is a perfectly loving heavenly Father who has never once over-promised or under-delivered. He always fulfills His promises to us.

One of the most powerful examples of this happened ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, during the Jewish festival that we know as Pentecost. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What does it mean to trust the Promise-maker more than the promise itself? In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from holding onto outcomes to holding onto God?

How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in your daily life?

Reflect on recent conversations. How might you have approached them differently with the guidance of the Holy Spirit? 

This Sunday we begin our yearlong study of the Book of Acts. This book is an incredible journey through the early days of the Christian church, right after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

It is filled with examples of the transformative power and unstoppable work of the Holy Spirit. This week we will talk about the reality that Acts really happened and the Spirit that was promised to the apostles has come and is at work in the world today. Imagine what would happen in our community if we lived like this were true.

So, invite a friend or two to join you for church this Sunday, and come ready for an exciting, transformative journey through the Book of Acts. Let's discover together what it means to be part of a vibrant, Spirit-filled community on mission for God!

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Do you ever catch yourself living in word, thought, or action as though the things in the Bible are “make believe?” What might change in you if you lived as though the events of Acts actually happened?

What about Acts 1:8 do you find most inspiring? Most challenging? Why?

What is something that the Spirit of God is teaching you/showing you/reminding you of at the moment? With whom are you sharing this experience?

Our God gives us insight into the personal prayer journal of believers thousands of years removed from our time. Yet somehow, their trials and triumphs seem eerily resonant with our contemporary experience..

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again!” 

The psalmist, acquainted with suffering and familiar with pain, remains confident in Gods restoration! 

Do you? If not, let’s learn how to find that confidence together. If so, let’s gather to encourage each other all the more! 

Have you ever had to learn a “new normal?”

Something significant happened and caused a ripple effect in your life to the point that things could not stay the same—you had no choice but to adjust, to learn a new way forward.
 
Paul here is speaking of the greatest of all new normals, the gift Jesus gives to all who through faith, love and trust Him with their life; that “new normal” gift is this: through faith, Jesus lives in you, through you, and for you–each and every moment of your life.

“It is no longer I who live,” Paul says, “but Christ who lives in me.”

Let’s unpack this together!

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does it rob God of glory when we add to faith other requirements for being made right with Him? How do people attempt to justify themselves today?

Faith is clearly crucial for our acceptance with God, but what role does it play in our lives after that point?

How should the reality of Christ’s indwelling presence affect your everyday life?

“You’re Invited!” Whether you are 7 or 70, hearing these words means the world to us…

For example, we all remember what it felt like as a kid to be invited to birthday parties… and what it felt like to not be invited. We remember in part because that feeling never really goes away. You can say not being invited to that wedding or hangout or work party doesn’t bother you, but it does (you know it’s true). Invitations matter to us.

In this week’s scripture passage Jesus extends an invitation to us all–an invitation that just might be the greatest invitation of all time. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How has doubt been a struggle in your relationship with God? Which truths from God’s Word were the most challenging to believe amid your doubts?

In Matthew 11, Jesus presents Himself as the sovereign Son. How does this depiction of Jesus challenge our culture’s understanding of Him? How does it challenge your own understanding?

In what ways do you struggle to take upon the yoke of Jesus? What can you do this week to let Him bear your burdens with you and for you?

This Sunday, join us as we dive into one of Jesus' most beloved parables: the story of the prodigal son. But instead of focusing on the wayward son, we will explore the heart of the compassionate father—a heart overflowing with unconditional love and boundless forgiveness.

Through this powerful story, we will see how the father's response to both his wayward and his faithful sons reveals the depth of God's love for us. Whether you identify with the prodigal son or the elder brother, this message will remind you of God's unwavering grace!

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Discussion Questions:
What part of the parable of the prodigal son resonated most with you, and why?

Have you ever experienced a time when you felt distant from God, similar to the prodigal son? What brought you back?

In what ways do we sometimes act like the elder brother, and how can we overcome those attitudes?

We celebrate our nation's independence and the Declaration of Independence, which highlights Americans' inalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

For much of my life, I didn't give much thought to what "the pursuit of happiness" really means. If you asked people, most would probably say it means Americans have the freedom to do whatever they want. Just look around, and you'll see that in action.

However, the Declaration of Independence doesn't endorse Hedonism—the pursuit of pleasure above all else. Our founding fathers envisioned something different: the right to pursue activities that promote physical, mental, and moral well-being. They aimed for real human flourishing, and for that, I am grateful.

I believe God has provided a way for us to pursue well-being and flourishing together. Unfortunately, I think we're often going about it the wrong way in America today. True happiness is actually easier to obtain than we might think.

"Where are you from?" is the ultimate “Get to Know You” question. Everyone’s life story starts somewhere, and when someone begins to tell their story, we’re instantly taken back to the past. We get to meet the people, visit the places, and experience the events that have shaped them into who they are today. Without knowing these key moments from someone’s past, we can’t really understand who they are now.

This is one reason why I believe Exodus is so important. It defines Israel's story and in many ways shapes how the New Testament presents our story through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

As we wrap up our series in Exodus, let’s take one final look back at “where we are from” as God’s people.  My hope is that in doing so we would all gain a deeper understanding of not only who we are, but most importantly who our God is because though we may be different people from those we read about in Exodus, our God is the same God.

A GPS's purpose is to get us from one destination to the next. God isn't always worried about the destination but He is in the business of forming and shaping us into His image. As the Israelites are about to embark on a journey into the wilderness they are going to be reminded of God's faithfulness and begin to learn what it looks like to depend on God as they enter into unfamiliar territory. 

It is an awesome thing to consider: that the LORD desires to be with His people. It was His plan all along–to center Himself among His people and for His people to orient their lives around Him. The tabernacle made this possible for a people in the wilderness. How might it be possible for us today?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why do you think God gave such detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle? How does this reflect His character and priorities? How can we discern God's design for our lives and our church today?

How did the collective effort of the Israelites contribute to the building of the tabernacle? What roles did different individuals play? What are some ways that every member of our church can contribute to the mission and vision God has given us?

How can we as individuals contribute to creating an environment that honors and glorifies God in our church community?

Sometimes we wonder what God is like, but we don't need to speculate when it comes to God. God has clearly revealed Himself to us. He has told us who He is and what He is like. He has made Himself known to us. There's no need for speculation when He has provided us with a clear understanding of His character and His love for us both in the Scriptures and in His Son.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Have you ever had an experience with God that made you want to know Him more deeply? Share your story.

Why is the object of our faith more important than just having faith? How does this impact our daily lives?

What from God’s nature and character described in Exodus 34:6-7 stands out most to you today. Why do you think that is? What might God be saying to you?

Have you ever known someone whose presence in your life mattered to you? Have you ever known someone whose presence mattered most to you?

We live in a time where people want “The Kingdom, but not the King.” They might not express it like this, but their actions reveal a clear truth: when given the choice people want more from God instead of more of God.

Is this true of you? Let’s talk about it.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How do you personally relate to Moses' declaration that he would not move forward without God's presence?

Can you share a moment when you felt God's presence in a profound way? How did it impact you?

How can we practice living in God's presence in our everyday activities and decisions?

Do any of you have a most prized possession? Something you keep in a glass case or out of the reach of children? Autographed memorabilia? A wedding ring? A piece of art, perhaps? Now, can you imagine destroying that thing to prove a point? Moses once did such a thing with what is–to this day–quite possibly the most valuable thing to ever have existed. We would do well to understand why and what that means for us.

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Questions for Reflectiotn & Discussion

How did Moses react to the sin of the Israelites, and what can we learn from his response? How should we respond when we recognize sin in our own lives or in the lives of others?

In what ways does Moses' intercession point to our need for a greater mediator?

What practical steps can you take this week to live in light of the gospel, recognizing Jesus as your substitute and mediator?

If I were to tell you that the wrath of God was real, which I believe it is, and that it is coming on account of something, one thing in particular, would you want to know what that one thing is? I hope so. In fact, I would hope that you would not only want to know what that one thing is, but you would want to know everything you could about it so you could stay as far away from that one thing as humanly possible. Yes? Good. Let’s talk about idols of the human heart.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does human pride interfere with obedience to God? Why do we resist worshiping God in the manner He prescribed?

What are some of the things you are prone to making an idol in your heart? How have you experienced the truth of 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 concerning such things?

What is one way you could turn from worship of these things to worship of the one true and living God this week?

Have you ever had a mountain top experience? These are moments not so much about reaching the literal peaks of mountains, but about the part they play in one’s life. The transformative high points of one’s life where things were never the same afterwards. Moses and the elders of Israel had one–a meal with God Himself on His holy mountain.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Instead of simply imposing obedience, God chose to establish a covenant with His people, demonstrating grace. How does this covenant reflect His unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity?

Have you ever shared a meal with someone of great significance, how does God's invitation to a close relationship through Christ compare? How can we cultivate an appreciation for the grace, mercy, and privilege extended to us through this relationship?

Considering the significance of meals and hospitality, how can they serve as opportunities to introduce others to Jesus? In what ways can acts of hospitality create spaces for meaningful conversations and connections that lead others to encounter the love and grace of Christ?

The Ten Commandments are timeless wisdom. Wisdom is “knowing what to do with what you know.” It is the application of knowledge. The Bible says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). The way to godly wisdom then is not by listening to your gut but by listening to God. If we want to know right from wrong, if we want to know how to live “the good life,” if we want to know how to live in a way that blesses our friends and neighbors, we’d be wise to do things God’s way. If you are looking for God’s way, the Ten Commandments are a good place to start.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion
How does obedience to the four “vertical” commands cause a person to obey the six “horizontal” commands?

How might the perfect righteousness required in the Ten Commandments cause people to lose hope? What is the only thing that can restore that hope?

How do the Ten Commandments help us understand the character of Jesus?

You won’t want to miss this Sunday. Family Worship Sunday. Connect 4 Lunch. And, to top it off, we have multiple members of our faith family taking their walk with Jesus to the waters of baptism. To fully appreciate what it is that they are doing, we are going to spend some time looking at what we believe is the biblical understanding of baptism. My prayer is that we’d all get to a place where even if we don't fully comprehend it, we can be certain it's a sacred moment.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

If you have been baptized, spend some time reflecting on your baptism. What do you remember from the experience? If you have not yet been baptized, what is one thing keeping you from taking that step?

What is baptism? What are some of the misconceptions you have heard about it? How does scripture challenge those misconceptions?

What is the relationship between faith in Jesus and baptism? 

Could you name the Ten Commandments? Studies done over the years show that the majority of Americans and even Christians struggle to recall them. While memorization is valuable, it's more important for us to grasp the truths embedded within the words spoken by God to His people. Truths that are still relevant for us today.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why is it important to understand that the commandments are a faithful response to God and not a prerequisite for a relationship with God?

Reflect upon modern-day idol worship. How do modern-day idols (anything or anyone other than God that you make the ultimate thing in your life) affect our lives and relationship with God? What idols are you prone to serving?

Discuss the significance of the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." How does our behavior and speech reflect on God's reputation? What would the people in your life say or think about God based upon your interactions with them lately?

The people have reached Mount Sinai. The mountain where it all began–just as God had promised when He first appeared to Moses in a burning bush:

I will be with you, and this shall be a sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.

The promise is being fulfilled. The time has come for them to meet the God they will serve. Will they obey His voice? Will we?

I am a sucker for survival shows. Shows where people are dropped into remote locations and they have to live off the land. There is a reason why those shows are filmed in non-arid settings. There is no harsher survival setting than the wilderness of the desert where there is no relief from the scorching sun and the parched earth seems to stretch on forever.

After the Red Sea event, this is where Israel found themselves. In an existentially threatening environment. The wilderness. They learned some quick lessons in the wilderness—what their bodies needed for survival, basic provisions such as food and water. They were also reminded from whom all provisions come. Morning by morning, God provided them bread from heaven, which was but a foretaste of what was to come. Food and water for the soul.

There are certain places that one can and should expect to find certain things. For example, if you want good food or quick food, there are right places to look and there are wrong places to look. There is one thing the world is desperately seeking, but will never find no matter how hard they try – life. The world is desperate to be and feel truly alive, but it will never happen, at least not in a way that lasts, because the world is looking for life in all the wrong places. What about you?

Nothing Jesus ever did was by accident. If you look closely every detail matters. One example of this is the specific date Jesus rode into Jerusalem one final time for a passover celebration.

The date of His triumphal entry was just as significant as the day itself. What happened that day tells us that the Jews in Jerusalem believed that Jesus was their long awaited King, but the literal date tells us something they didn't see, something they misunderstood: Jesus was not just their conquering King, the lion of Judah, He was also their Passover lamb. 

P.S. This week is Palm Sunday where the kiddos of our church will have the chance to wave palm branches. Please be in the sanctuary no later than 10:30A so the kids have the whole body present to cheer them on as they parade through the sanctuary. Seriously, don’t be late this weekend. It’s for the kids!

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Nothing Jesus did was by accident. Reflect on the significance of the timeline leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as described in John 12. How does this timeline relate to the events of the Passover in Exodus 12? What insights does this parallel provide about Jesus as the Passover Lamb?

Discuss the reality that Jesus is both the conquering King and the Passover Lamb. How does this challenge conventional notions of power and kingship? How does it redefine victory and hope for followers of Jesus?

Consider the current cultural attitudes towards suffering and how they contrast with the Christian perspective. Do you agree that contemporary Western culture struggles to cope with suffering? Why or why not? What about you? Are you more likely to suffer with hope or struggle to cope?

Fear is an interesting word in the Bible, isn’t it? Its meaning is twofold—in one sense it means dread and in another it means reverence. Unfortunately, these two types of fear are enemies of one another. Mutually exclusive. You can only go with one fear at a time. The former stops you dead in your tracks. The latter leads to life. At the Red Sea, the people made their choice. Which will you choose?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Look again at the references to Joseph’s charge about his bones in Genesis 50:25, Exodus 13:19 and Hebrews 11:22. What do these references tell us about Joseph’s faith and hope? What do they tell us about our faith and hope?

Consider the two types of “fear” in Exodus 14 (v. 10, 31). How does the fear of the Lord differ from other fears? How does the call to “Fear not, but go forward in the fear of the Lord!” resonate with you this week? How does the fear of the Lord free us from other fears we might have?

Have there been situations in your life where you felt like the Israelites, trapped between Pharaoh and the Red Sea? Have there been times when God has stepped in to help you and to make his presence and power known? Discuss what these meant to you at the time.

Have you ever had an experience that you never want to forget? Or maybe an event that looking back, meant your life would never be the same? Like the thrill of starting fresh in a new city, the excitement of landing your dream job, the magic of meeting the love of your life, or all the feels that fill you when you hold your child for the first time. For the people of Israel, such a moment has arrived, one so monumental that their God reset their entire calendar for it: the Passover. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why was the first Passover necessary? Reflect on the idea that God is serious about who He is and what He has promised. How does the Passover demonstrate God's character as both just and merciful?

Discuss the difference between “passover” faith and passive faith. Which do you feel best describes your faith right now? What’s one way you can grow in active and obedient faith?

In what ways did the New Testament writers see Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb? Does it change your heart/appreciation for the word of God in any way? Why or why not?

Jeremiah 17:9 reads, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?” 

The answer to Jeremiah’s question is “God, and God alone.” He not only understands the heart but is completely sovereign over the heart and is the only one wise enough, good enough, and great enough to use even the most wicked of human hearts in accomplishing His perfect plan and purpose.

Don’t believe me? I give you Exhibit A: The Heart of Pharaoh.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does the reality of God’s hardening Pharaoh’s heart challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

Reflect on the implications of God's sovereignty and mercy in your own life. How does understanding these concepts affect your relationship with God and your response to His word?

Consider the call to not harden our hearts in response to God's voice. How can we cultivate hearts that are receptive to God's leading and mercy?

We’ve reached the infamous showdown between God and Pharaoh with a capital “P,” who in a way represents all of us. He is the archetype of the wickedness and stubbornness of the human heart. “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” Pharaoh asks. The Plagues are God’s answer to the question. He is God and there is no other. How will we respond?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does God’s purpose in the plagues—that people would know that He is Yahweh—represent the opportunity for Pharaoh and Egypt (and the Israelites, too)  to experience His grace and mercy?

How was Pharaoh’s false repentance, prompted by the plagues, different from genuine repentance? What are some characteristics of false humility and repentance?

Pharaoh’s actions as the plagues progress reveal that we oftentimes qualify our repentance and submission to God. Some of these reservations persist for many years after our conversion. What are some ways God is calling you to move toward complete submission and obedience to Him?

After Moses and Aaron first confront Pharaoh, things go from bad to worse for the people of God, and understandably, the people can't deal with it. It’s not a question of “if,” but “when.” Jesus once said that we can all expect trouble in this world. How will we ever learn to deal with it? God has the answer to our question.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

When facing the troubles of the world, hatred and/or hardship in life, where do you typically turn for help? How might you better turn to God?

The sermon discusses the concept of "Pharaohs" in our lives—things or people that bring hardship. Can you identify any "Pharaohs" in your life currently? How do you typically confront or deal with them?

Genuine faith is tested faith. Have you experienced times when your faith was tested? How did you respond? What did you learn from those experiences?

Reflect on the "I will" statements of God in Exodus 6:6-8. How do these statements reflect God's character and His promises to His people? How can we trust in these promises during times of trouble?

Moses lives in our memory as one of the greatest leaders in the history of God’s people, but it's important to remember where he began: insecure, uncertain, unprepared, and unworthy. He was entirely insufficient (in every sense of the word) for facing Pharaoh, but he’d soon learn that the LORD was sufficient enough. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What is your regular rhythm for spending time in the presence of God in your life? What might you change to better practice His presence this week?

Which of the five excuses of Moses do you most resonate with? Why? How does God’s response to the excuse help you in your struggle?

Jesus uses the phrase ‘I AM’, which is central to the revelation of God’s identity in Exodus 3, in John 8:58. What should we conclude from this about the relation of Jesus to the God of the Old Testament?

This week we are introduced to Moses. Moses' remarkable story reveals to us that God desires a relationship with His people and goes to great (often unexpected) lengths to make it happen. 

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How can we be more attentive to the work God is doing in our lives, especially in those aspects that we might not think to look?

Are there areas in your life where you might be tempted to think that God is not actively involved or has forgotten? How does this passage in Exodus encourage you to trust in God’s ongoing care and guidance?

What comfort do you find in the unchanging nature of God and His Word? How does this motivate you to think, say, and do differently?

The Book of Exodus tells an important story. And by story, I don’t mean a fictional story, but a factual one. It is a timelessly true story about God and what He does for His people—He was, is, and ever will be the God who provided ‘a way out’ for his people, who were slaves in Egypt, and He is still providing a way out today.
 
In fact, right from the opening chapters of the book, it becomes clear that “God knows” He knows you. He knows what you are going through. And He knows what He is doing to make it right.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Consider the two types of fear: The fear of God and the fear of man. How can we cultivate a greater fear of God in our lives, and how might this impact our decision-making in various aspects of life?

Explore ways to trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that His plan will always prevail. How can we align our lives with His purposes and trust in His wisdom even in the face of uncertainty?

God hears. God sees. God knows. Which of these most encourages you today? How can we practically live out our faith in a way that reflects our understanding of God's covenant and love for His people?

This week we wrap up our ALL IN series with the call to love God with all of our strength. What is strength? What does it mean to have strength? How do I love God with all my strength? The answers from scripture might surprise you. Thankfully, it’s got little to do with moving monster trucks with ropes.

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Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion

Reflect upon your understanding of the term me’od and how it goes beyond physical strength. How might you explain it if asked?

Consider the significance of loving God with your "muchness" in private, personal, and public aspects of life. Which of these is a strength of yours? Which of these needs the most help?

What are some instances from your life or the lives of others where God has proven Himself trustworthy. How does knowing Him contribute to your ability to trust Him?

Consider how the revelation of God's character, as seen in Exodus 34, influences your trust in Him. How does knowing who God is impact your ability to love and trust Him?

This week we discuss the importance of loving God with all of our minds. I find it interesting that the Word commands us to love God with all our mind. We don’t usually speak of love in terms of intellectual activity. In fact, most of our understanding of love today is described in passive categories. We speak not of jumping in love but falling in love, like it is an accident that just happens to us. But loving God is no accident. And it cannot happen without the mind. Let’s talk about it.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

What are some of the ways you intentionally engage your mind in thinking about God and the things of God? How often do you do this? How often do you think for the sake of loving God? What stands in the way of you doing it more often?

Completely. Correctly. Consistently. These were the words used to describe what it might look like to love God with all of your mind. Which of the three is your strongest? Which may need adjustment to align more closely with a love for Godly men?

What practical steps will you take to ensure that your thinking about God leads to a deeper love for Him? 

Loving God with all our heart makes sense to us. What else would we or could we love God with besides our heart? Well, God commands a few things. The next to discuss is loving God with all our soul.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does the OT and NT understanding of the soul challenge the common understanding of the soul? What difference does this make in your understanding of the command to love God with all of your soul?

God alone is the satisfaction of our souls. Does your life reflect this truth? How so? How not? What stands in the way of the change needed for your life to better reflect this truth?

What’s one thing you want to or ought to do differently this week to better love God with all of your soul?

This week we start a new sermon series titled “All In,” which most commonly refers to a move in a poker game where a player bets all of his or her chips on one hand. However, that phrase has caught on to the larger culture beyond poker games.

Nowadays, it simply implies that someone is fully committed. You hear it everywhere—whether in business talk, catchy marketing campaigns, sports pep talks, and even in discussions about faith.

One could say that the Bible had the contemporary meaning of “all in” all along. As Christians we are to give every aspect of ourselves to God—we are “all in” believers and followers of Jesus. 

But the depth of our enthusiasm goes beyond being excited about a new brand or public figure. Let’s talk about how we can go all in together to start the new year!

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Loving God starts with knowing God. What are the qualities of who He is that stir your affections for Him?

Jews then and now consider the recital of the Shema both evening and morning to be one of their most sacred duties. It is a discipline of their devotion to God. What disciplines do you have that help you to love God? How are they helpful? Which disciplines would you like to practice more? How can your community help?

Do you have a resolution for the new year? How could the command to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, help you to accomplish your goals?

The greatest Christmas gift of all has come, Immanuel, God with us. How will you respond to the news?

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Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge and celebrate the abiding presence of God? How might recognizing Immanuel, God with us, transform your perspective in those areas? What practical steps can you take to cultivate awareness of His presence in your daily life?

Consider Herod's reaction to the news of Jesus's birth. Are there areas in your life where you resist surrendering power and control to God?

Reflect on the indifference of the chief priests and scribes despite their knowledge of the truth. How can you ensure that your celebration of Christmas (and of Jesus in general) is not some lifeless routine but a genuine response of worship and adoration of Immanuel?

Ever notice how the holiday season, meant to be a time of joy, turns into a stress-fest?

The pressure for perfection in decorations, gifts, and gatherings, coupled with social media's picture-perfect standards, leads to nothing but all out chaos. Add in the financial strain, family dynamics, and the ticking clock of holiday deadlines – it's the perfect storm of stress.

Question: When the trappings of the holidays rob us of joy, where do we turn?

Scripture suggests something profound: we turn to Christmas itself, not the glitzy chaos, but the real heart of it, the baby born in Bethlehem whose name is Jesus. 

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Questions for Reflection and Discussion

How do you typically seek comfort during challenging moments? How might turning to God for comfort change your perspective?

Consider the connection between the Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah and the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. How does the birth of Jesus bring joy, and how can you keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas amid the holiday hustle and bustle?

Reflect on the connection between seeking the Lord, obedience, and the promise of joy in John 15:11. How does joy flow through obedience in your understanding, and how can it transform your approach to life's challenges?

2024 marks an election year, and it is shaping up to be unlike anything I've witnessed in my lifetime. Unfortunately, every four years, our nation appears to be growing more and more divided.

This division has reached a point where the idea of a government embodying justice and righteousness seems unimaginable, let alone one characterized by enduring absolute justice.

Can you imagine? A government so just and so good that there is only and always an ever-increasing peace in the world? It’s a scenario that feels like an impossible dream, given the historical trajectory of humanity—even the best-intentioned governments in history have eventually succumbed to the inherent flaws of human nature.

And yet, Scripture teaches that God has achieved what humanity cannot. Through the birth of His Son, a kingdom marked by everlasting authority, justice, righteousness, and peace has been established, and we get to be citizens of this kingdom, now and forever.

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Questions for Reflection and Discussion

The people mentioned in Isaiah's time were not just facing moments of overwhelming darkness but were seemingly content to dwell in it. How do you see parallels between that situation and the current state of the world or society today? Are there areas in your life where you are content to dwell in darkness too?

The victory in Isaiah 9:3-5 is likened to Israel's triumph over Midian, which was unexpected and decisive. Can you share a personal experience where God brought victory in an unexpected way in your life?

Isaiah 9:6 assigns powerful names to the promised child: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Which of these most resonates with you right now? Why?

What practical steps can you take to actively invite the peace of Christ into your life and community?

In a world filled with uncertainties, challenges, and ever-changing circumstances, the concept of hope often emerges as a guiding light for many. However, the world's understanding of hope can sometimes resemble a fragile wish, a desire founded on circumstances and fleeting emotions. It’s not so for the people of God.

This Sunday, we will not gather to practice wishful thinking together, but to proclaim a profound contrast between the hope propagated by secular culture, rooted in the temporal and the uncertain, and Christian hope, which is firmly rooted like “an anchor for the soul” in our unchanging God.

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Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Discuss the three-fold foundation for Christian hope as outlined by Hebrews 6 i.e God’s Word, nature and character, and the redemptive work of Jesus. How does this differ from the foundation of secular hope? How does this deepen or challenge your current understanding of hope?

Consider the list of New Testament promises mentioned in the sermon (Salvation and Redemption, Victory over Death and Sin, etc.). Which of these promises most resonates with you currently, and why? With which do you most struggle currently, and why?

In practical terms, how can we as a church and as individuals anchor our hope in God's Word, nature and character, and in the redemptive work of Jesus in our everyday lives?

In what ways can this message of hope be shared or applied in your community and beyond?

What do you treasure? One needs to look no further than his or her priorities for the truth. 

Whatever we focus on dictates our actions–make no mistake, you are willing to sacrifice for the thing(s) most valuable to you. Whether it’s money, status, power, safety, or comfort. What do you treasure?

There is only one thing most “worth it;” one thing of “surpassing worth” (of “everlasting worth”) that is truly worth treasuring, where the gain for us and for others is truly worth the sacrifice.

This Sunday, let’s talk about the one thing of surpassing worth in our lives regardless of who we are or where we are and the gain of our sacrifice, should we give ourselves to the pursuit of Him.

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Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Consider the things that people/you treasure. Why do they/you treasure these things? Why do they/you ultimately fall short of treasuring Jesus?

Consider the areas in which we might rejoice in ourselves i.e. our flesh. Which is most enticing for you? Why? How can we have the same “count it all as loss” mentality as Paul?

How does koinonia in the suffering of Christ help you to know Him more?

How does the hope of resurrection encourage you in your life and walk with Jesus today?

Have you ever been asked the question, “What do you do?” For the majority of us, when asked the question, we begin with our career, our work–at least we do if we are proud of what we do, right? In our culture, we are often defined by our work. There are a number of problems with this mentality.

The biggest problem with this mentality, frankly, is that it is unbiblical. We are not defined by our work. The Bible clearly teaches that we are defined by God’s work–the work He has done for us in Christ and is doing in us by His Spirit; however, work is vitally important to all life. Life does not work without work. That’s true in general but also true with our spiritual life as well.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

There is a significant difference between “working for your salvation” and “working out your salvation.” What is this difference and why is the distinction important to make?

Behind our work is God’s work. How does this bring comfort to your life as a follower of Jesus?

We are all tempted to grumble and complain. How can you maintain a joyful attitude in the midst of the problems of life?

Who are the people in your life who model Jesus? In what ways do they model Christlikeness?

Similarly, who are the people in your life to whom you model Jesus? In what ways would they say you model Christlikeness?

This weekend is Veterans Day where we honor veterans of our country’s Armed Forces. There is something particularly beautiful about sacrifice that, when you see it, you cannot help but be moved, whether it be a hero's sacrifice for one’s family or country or, in the case of our scripture reading for Sunday, a savior’s sacrifice for the sin of the world.

This Sunday is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Together, we join millions of Christians around the world in praying for the persecuted church. The statistics are startling. There are over 360 million Christians who will suffer high levels of persecution today and every two minutes, someone is killed for their faith in Jesus.* These persecuted brothers and sisters of ours are without question some of the most courageous people on earth. From where does their courage come?

Bring a friend and join us this Sunday as we look to the book of Philippians for the answer in a new series we are calling Surpassing Worth: Sacrificial Living for the Sake of Christ.

Join us this Sunday as we wrap up our Ready to Run series. Let's explore the discipleship strategy here at North Highlands and discover what it means to Learn, Love, and Live Like Jesus.

We often seek temporary prizes or pleasures, but Jesus asks us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness which are imperishable. This week we hear about several lessons from the Sermon on the Mount -  lessons that Christ calls us to put into practice now for an eternal reward.

Our third and final value is an outward facing one: You are Wanted. Every church wants to be a welcoming church. But oftentimes the way churches think of “welcoming” is superficial at best or misguided at worst, opting for an approach that (even if unconscious) avoids all moral judgments and encourages a “values-free” environment in the name of being welcoming.

Well, here at North Highlands, we believe those two approaches to being a “welcoming” church fall woefully short of the biblical standard; we seek to practice a “welcome” that is both deeper than superficial smiles and higher than politically correctness.

So, I grew up going to a beautiful old (in every way) Methodist church in downtown Waco. 

My mom sang in the choir, which meant my siblings and I needed someone to watch us every Sunday. That someone was Ms. Sandra Test, a sweet elderly woman, who, to curb our boredom, would do little scribbles on the bulletin for me and my siblings and then we would have to turn them into something - a dog, a cat, etc. She did her best, but we were bored out of our minds. In fact, I associated church with two words: boredom and buildings.

I don’t associate the church with those two words anymore. Praise God! The church has come to mean so much more to me. Now, the words that come to mind are more inline with what God has in mind for His Church. And I am excited to celebrate that with you this weekend as we look at the second shared value we have at North Highlands: We are Family.

This weekend we pivot from Mission and Vision and begin to focus on a few values that we have here as a church. These values are the shared convictions that we have as a church body that create the culture we enjoy as a church. They are the things that people pick up on or feel when they are with us and this morning we hit on the first of three values we have at North Highlands: 

God is God (and we are not). I have heard time and time again from folks how much NHBC values the authority of God and His word in our lives as a church family and I cannot wait to talk about it through Isaiah 40, which is one of the great “God is God” texts in all of scripture. 

It’s going to be an exciting Sunday! We have a guest worship leader and Connect4Lunch. Yum! And to top it off, we will talk about our vision as a church which is to see lives forever changed through everyday encounters with Jesus. This is not only possible, it should be the expectation. And not because we want it, but because God wants it. Bring a friend, come hungry and we will see you this weekend!

I am so excited to kick off this new vision series we are calling Ready to Run and I hope that you are excited, too. This first Sunday would be the PERFECT Sunday to invite friends who are looking for a church family or are simply on your mind and heart because we are going to discuss our mission as a church as we consider the most important question that we will ever answer. 

Studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians has been so good. And while we all might prefer Paul to end on “high note,” Paul opts to end with an honest one–he talks about the Opposition and the Armor of God. For we know for certain God’s plan is to create a new united humanity, but it will not happen without a fight. There is an Enemy who will stop at nothing to keep God’s plan from happening. But, praise God! The Enemy has already been defeated and the battle has already been won.

There are few passages in scripture more controversial than the one we are going to read this weekend–and possibly then for this very reason, there are few passages more socially relevant and important for followers of Jesus to both rightly understand and faithfully follow. Let’s talk about it!

This week we cover a text that is to the modern audience one of the most well-known and controversial texts in all of the New Testament–to suggest it be read at a wedding today would lead to a public outcry. I think the reasoning is two-fold. It requires something the world doesn’t have and something the church hasn’t done.

Most of us are probably familiar with the old adage “Like Father, Like Son.”

It reflects the idea that children often inherit traits, behaviors, and tendencies from their parents, especially their dads. I often catch myself saying things or doing things that my father did and I catch my kids saying and doing things that I do. It’s awesome, but also terrifying to think–kids imitate their parents.

Ephesians 5:1 and following acknowledges this enduring truth and even encourages it, only we are not called to imitate our earthly fathers–we are called to be imitators of our heavenly Father as we walk in the footsteps of His beloved Son. Let’s talk about it!

One of my favorite things growing up about going back to school was getting to buy new clothes. With a new shirt and a new pair of shoes, I felt like the possibilities for me were endless. Like it was all I needed to live my best life. Our scripture passage from Ephesians is the perfect Back to School Sunday text because it reminds us that when we become followers of Jesus, we get a new set of clothes–we are clothed in Jesus, and these new clothes truly do make all the difference.

All of us are entered in the race. We are in the marathon of all marathons. This is the only race worth running, why not run it well? Bring your running shoes and join us this Sunday to learn how to be faithful to the finish!

We have talked about the truth of  who we are in Christ. Now, we begin to talk about what it looks like for us to live in response to this truth together. What does it look like to walk worthy of our calling?

The first three chapters of Ephesians have been all about who God is, what God has done, and consequently then who we are in Christ Jesus. The final three chapters are about how we are to live in response–how we are, as Pauls says, “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

Understanding who God is and what God has done is essential for us, especially if we are to know what is true of each of us in Jesus. But, you and I need more than knowledge of these things if we intend to live accordingly–if we intend to walk in a worthy manner.

And so in Ephesians 3:14-21 Paul prays for what we need.

Are any of you prone to getting distracted? In today’s world, there is no end to the things that cause distractions–it seems like literally everything in life is competing for our attention, right? 

Well, believe it or not, this seems to happen to Paul in our scripture text for the morning. He is motivated to pray, but he quickly goes off on a tangent before he gets around to actually praying.

But how awesome is it that even something that seems like a detour or a digression, even with this, our God is able. Praise God–He is able to take a tangent, a rabbit trail and reveal to us timeless truths!

We live in a world of rivalries: Coke vs. Pepsi, *which are both wrong because Dr. Pepper is clearly the best; Democrat vs. Republican; Star Wars vs. Star Trek; UT vs. OU, etc. Rivalries can be found literally everywhere, some of them even leading to bloodshed. This morning we discuss the blood shed to end the bloodshed. We have been made one in Christ Jesus.

Missionary from Ukraine, Mark McDonnel shares a message to help us see our place in this country.

If you missed the sermon last weekend go back and give it a listen to get up to speed because this Sunday is Part Two to our time in Ephesians 2:1-10. If last week we discussed what we are by nature i.e. the Bad News, this week we discuss what we can become by God’s grace, which is the Best News. Ever.

“I’ve got good news & I’ve got bad news.”

Have you ever heard or said it before?  Which do you prefer first? Good or bad?

Multiple studies have found that roughly four out of five people prefer the bad before the good. Whether we’re a patient getting test results or an employee in our end of year review, our preference is clear: bad news first, good news last.

Ephesians 2:1-10 is the ultimate bad news, good news passage. The bad news is bad—as bad as it gets. But, the good news—the good news more than makes up for it. It’s better than good news. It’s the best news. Ever.

Pastor Marvin Walker from the Watermark South Dallas Campus will be sharing a message this week from Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders of the church.

We all have eyes. They help us to see things as they truly are. Some eyes obviously help better than others, but even with 20/20 vision, there are things you and I cannot see on our own. Paul therefore prays that God would open our eyes to see things as they truly are, but he does not pray for our physical eyes, he prays God would open the eyes of our hearts. 

This week we begin a new summer sermon series on the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, which he wrote while he was under house arrest in Rome circa AD 62. For an overview of the letter, check out this video from the guys over at BibleProject.

This Sunday we celebrate the heart of the message of Ephesians, which is this: God has a wonderful plan for all of His creation–things in heaven and earth. Want to know what that plan is? Join us as we look to Ephesians 1:3-14 for the answer.

Have you ever experienced that moment when you hear something or see something–something you swear you’ve never heard or seen before–but from that moment on, you cannot help but hear or  see it everywhere…

Jesus teaching us to pray for our Heavenly Father to lead us and deliver us helps us to see things he sees, things that have always been there, things we will never not see ever again.

We have arrived at the most difficult phrase in the Lord’s Prayer:

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

The expectation is that Jesus’s followers are people who “Ask, and Pass It On.” Easier said than done. Let’s talk about it.

Prayer is many things to many people, but at its simplest and most obvious, it is asking God for help. This is how most people in the world, religious and non-religious alike, understand the word, and to a certain extent, they are right. It is really one of the most natural things in the world to ask God for things. This week we will talk about one thing in particular: Daily Bread. 

Riots in the streets, teens being shot for approaching the wrong house, and fentanyl killing over 150 people everyday. The hope of humanity is the return of Christ to set up His righteous Kingdom. So, we pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’. Listen as we look at this all important prayer.

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name!”  Could this be the battle cry for the church in the 21st century?  We’ll look into this possibility Sunday morning.

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ let’s pause for a moment and remember why He died—that we might have life, with a new identity and a new future. Come and see what the Lord has done.

The Bible is so good! This weekend is both Palm Sunday and Communion Sunday at North Highlands and our text for Sunday, Psalm 118, is intimately linked to BOTH! Seriously, if this wasn’t already one of your favorite Psalms, it will be.

Hebrews 11 opens with the declaration that for the follower of Jesus, faith is not wishful thinking, naive or blind hope that something is true, but it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith then is entirely rational. Make no mistake, there is certainly more involved in Christian faith than rationality, but not less. All this means that we believe not because want Christianity to be true or because we need Christianity to be true, but rather we believe because it is true.

Come, let us behold the empty tomb together.

One of my favorite lines from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes after the infamous ring has been destroyed at Mount Doom. Sam Gamgee wakes up from his sleep surprised he is alive and surprised to see Gandalf alive as well. This prompts him to ask the question, “Is everything sad going to come untrue?” I love this line!

The answer we hold as followers of Jesus to this question is—”Yes. Everything sad is going to come untrue!” Jesus once gave a wedding party a foretaste of this beautiful truth.

Pastor Rick Chitwood shares a message from the book of Job and looks at why bad things happen and what we can do.

Pastor Rick Chitwood walks us through the goodness of God's grace. He shows us examples of where our goodness falls short and that only what Jesus Christ did for us is good enough to satisfy God.

Just one quick glance at your Newsfeed and it should be as obvious to you as it is to everyone else: Something is wrong–with the world, with people, with all of it. No one would suggest otherwise. We ALL know something is terribly wrong, which begs the question: what–or who–can set it right again? 

Have you ever heard of the expression, “Two sides of the same coin?” It refers to a situation where two things appear superficially to be opposites of one another, but they are in fact fundamentally alike. I think last week’s message and this week’s message are a great example of this.

Last week we read about a conversation that Jesus had with a social, moral, and religious outcast. “The outcast of outcasts”, we said, right? She was a woman, five times married and was now living with a man who was not her husband, who went to the water well to draw water at noon because she would rather brave the heat of the day than face a crowd. She was obviously desperate…

This week we will read about a conversation Jesus has with not an outcast but an insider in every way imaginable–socially, morally, religiously, you name it. We might say he was “put together” or he had life “all figured out.”

Superficially, these two could not appear to be any more different than they are, but spiritually, they were one in the same. And if these two, who were as different as we could imagine, had this in common spiritually, I think it is likely many of us share this same spiritual diagnosis as well.

Every person in the world wants what will make him or her truly happy. As a result we are all desperately searching for the person, place, or thing that will meet our expectations, needs, and wants; searching for that which will fully and forever satisfy our deepest desires.

What–if anything–can satisfy this never-ending thirst? 

Pastor Rick Chitwood helps us to see when sacrificing our freedoms for others is loving.

This Sunday we begin a new series titled, Come & See, where together we will look at centuries old life-changing conversations that individuals had with Jesus from the gospel of John. My prayer is that we would experience life-changing encounters with Jesus like these individuals experienced.

The first conversation will address perhaps the most fundamental question: Where should we look for answers to life’s biggest questions?

This past Friday was sarcastically referred to as “Quitting Friday” by those among us who study people and our predictable New Year’s Resolution patterns. I read an article last week that suggests that nearly half of us (43%) expect to fail by February. This is not saying that 43% of people DO fail in the first month, that number is closer to two-thirds (64%) – No, this says that 43% of people who start resolutions in January, START EXPECTING TO FAIL one month into their resolutions. It’s almost as if we know–even in our resolutions–that our priorities are out of order.

Matthew 6:25-34

This Sunday we are going to talk about… wait for it… investing wisely. No need to adjust your screen. You read it correctly. We are going to talk about our investments, BUT I PROMISE YOU it will not be anything like the investment conversations you have with your financial team if you are into that sort of thing.

Jesus will help us invest wisely by teaching us the reality that what we invest and where we invest it is determined by at least two things: 1) how clearly we see and 2) who we choose to serve.

Pastor Rick Chitwood teaches from Romans and challenges us to accept others no matter what their convictions may be.

Pastor Rick Chitwood challenges us to take our faith in Christ seriously and make some changes this year, starting today.