In this message, Isaac Wheeler invites us to rediscover Jesus as not just Savior, but Teacher—the kind of teacher who shapes how we live every day, not just what we believe about eternity.

Drawing from personal stories, cultural insight, and Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 and 16, Isaac explores what it means to apprentice under Jesus. He contrasts modern ideas of education and independence with the deeply relational and practical teaching style of Jesus—a teacher for everyone, for our real lives, and one who transforms us through practice.

Whether you’re weary, curious, or simply hungry to grow, this message calls us to take Jesus seriously as our rabbi and guide—and to let his words shape us into people of love, rest, and generosity.

Key Themes:

• What it means to apprentice under Jesus

• Jesus as the ultimate teacher—human and divine

• Spiritual formation as hands-on learning

• Following Jesus as an invitation open to all

• The connection between desire and transformation

• Grace, effort, and the power of practice

Notable Quotes:

Reflection Questions:

1. Who has been a teacher that shaped your life, and how?

2. What does it mean for you to see Jesus as your teacher today?

3. What do you want Jesus to do for you?

Scripture References:

• Matthew 11:28–30

• Matthew 16:24

• Luke 18:35–43 (Jesus and the blind man)

Speaker: Isaac Wheeler

Series: North City Church Values – Jesus Leads Us to Apprentice Him

Host: JD Larson

“The Christian life doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by apprenticing under Jesus.”“Grace is not opposed to effort; it’s opposed to earning.” —Dallas Willard“Jesus’ teaching isn’t an escape from reality—it’s a better way to live in it.”

In this episode, Christian Ann Larson—therapist, pastor, and co-leader of North City Church—teaches on what it means to live with a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit. She explores how our daily habits, routines, and relationships reveal what (or who) we truly depend on—and invites us to reimagine dependence as something holy, not weak.

Through stories, humor, and reflection on John 14, Christian Ann helps us see that dependence on the Spirit brings peace of mind and heart, not restriction. Drawing from her experience as both a therapist and follower of Jesus, she contrasts cultural ideals of independence with the interdependence modeled by the Trinity itself—Father, Son, and Spirit.

You’ll also hear a few funny moments (including one involving getting lost in northern Wisconsin without Google Maps!) and guided reflection questions to help you pause and notice the Spirit’s presence in your own life.

Key Themes:

• Rethinking dependence vs. independence

• Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14)

• The Spirit as Advocate, Comforter, and Guide

• Practical ways to create space for the Spirit’s voice

• Interdependence as the design of God’s people

• Peace as a sign of being led by the Spirit

Reflection Questions:

1. What or who do you find yourself depending on most these days?

2. How might those dependencies be shaping your sense of peace?

3. Where can you create space to listen to the Spirit this week?

Scripture Reference: John 14:15–27 (NLT)

In this teaching, Pastor JD unpacks one of our core values as a community: Jesus leads us to the table.Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is constantly eating with others—at a meal, going to a meal, or coming from a meal. These table gatherings weren’t just social moments; they were places of healing, forgiveness, teaching, and belonging. Jesus took what people expected to experience in the temple and brought it to ordinary tables, transforming them into sacred spaces.At North City, we believe the same is true today. Around tables—whether at Brunch Church, Dinner Church, microchurches, or in our homes—we experience God’s presence, welcome the stranger, and live out the priesthood of all believers.✨ Key Themes in This Teaching: • Why meals were central to Jesus’ ministry • How the early church carried this forward in homes and community tables • What it means for us to be a “table church” today • The call to hospitality—turning strangers into neighbors and friends • Living as co-creators with Jesus in everyday spaces📖 Scripture references: Luke’s Gospel (meal stories), Acts 2:42–47, the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24), and more.💬 Discussion Questions: • How does seeing Jesus at tables change the way you view your own meals? • What difference could being a “table church” make in your neighborhood? • Where is God calling you to extend hospitality and belonging?–––🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more teachings and conversations.🌐 Learn more: northcitychurchmpls.com📱 Follow us on Instagram: @northcitychurch–––🙌 Whether you’re new to faith, exploring community, or seeking a deeper sense of belonging, we invite you to pull up a chair. There’s always room at the table.

Pastor JD finishes up our short spring series titled, Rhythms of Grace.

May 18, 2025

Isaac Wheeler continues our spring series titled, Rhythms of Grace, by sharing a meaningful practice he uses in his life.

May 11, 2025

North City has started a new series called Rhythms Of Grace - to better help equip our community and others as we head toward our summer dinner church gatherings.

April 27, 2025

We continue our Lent Series in reflecting on art by Scott Erickson, and scripture - to Easter Sunday!

April 20, 2025

We continue our Lent Series that is centered around scripture and art - leading us to Easter Sunday.

April 13, 2025

We continue our Lent Series that is centered around scripture and art - leading us to Easter Sunday.

March 30, 2025

Isaac Wheeler continues our Lent "visio-divina" journey to Easter Sunday - reflecting on art by Scott Erickson, and the reading of scripture.

March 23, 2025