Northgate Christian Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Eggum, Founder and President of Hope 4 Kids International, was our guest speaker. Every year Tom brings us a challenging message that results in people signing up to travel with him to global locations where needy children receive compassionate ministry. Tom's visit this year was especially meaningful as 3 "Northgators" returned this week with Tom from Uganda. They included Pastor Ken Jensen, Cheryl Goodman and Donna Parker.

Special message for Thanksgiving day from Pastor Jeff Stewart.