North Park Baptist Church

In Isaiah 9:6, it was prophesied that Jesus would be called, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." What does it mean, then, for Jesus to called "Everlasting Father?" In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the Biblical understanding of the Trinity, and teaches that we should always run to Jesus, knowing that God is gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.

In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches us about the historical background for the message of Isaiah. The kingdom of Judah could see an enemy nation on their doorstep, and in time, God would judge the nation for its sins. But the prophecy found in chapter 9 tells of a coming Messiah who will reign victoriously. That Messiah is Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 9:6, we are told that Jesus name will be "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The name "Wonderful Counselor" tells us that Jesus is awesome in wonder, and full of godly wisdom.

In John 14, we read that as Jesus celebrated the passover with his disciples, knowing that he was very soon going to the cross, Jesus spoke words of comfort to His disciples, reminding them of the future glory of heaven. When Thomas asked how they could know the way to where Jesus was going, Jesus responded, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) In today's message, Pastor explores the question, what can calm our troubled hearts? Our faith in Jesus, the future promised to us, and our relationship with God through Jesus.

When Jesus was told that Lazarus was sick, Jesus said that the sickness would not end in death. Yet, Lazarus died. So how was this possible? When Jesus came to Jerusalem, he called Lazarus out of the tomb by name, and Lazarus rose to life again. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies John 11, and what it means that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

In John 10, Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd. From earlier in scripture, in Psalm 23, we are given a picture of God as our Shepherd--the one who provides for us and shields us and walks with us the through the valley of the shadow of death. In John 10, we are given a picture of our security in Jesus. A shepherd was expected to defend his sheep; so, as we are the sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd, Jesus tells us that no one will snatch us from His hand.

"Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:7-10) NIV

When Jesus spoke these words, those who listened would have been immediately familiar with the imagery. In today's message, Pastor Phil explores the meaning of these words with historical insight, and preaches on the spiritual message behind the picture being painted. Since Jesus is the Gate for the sheep--and the Shepherd!--and since we who believe on Him are His sheep, then we know that life is better with Him.

What do we need to live? What do we need to truly live? In John 8:12, Jesus says "I Am the Light of the World." In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches that because Jesus is the Light of the World, that we can trust God's provision, that we need to live in the light, and that as we follow and become more like Jesus, He tells us that we are light in a dark world.

In John 6, Jesus speaks to the crowds and tells them that He is the Bread of Life. In today's message, Pastor John studies the meaning of Jesus' words--when we partake of Jesus, we have eternal life.

In Exodus 34, we read that as Moses was on Mount Sinai, God came down in the cloud, stood with Moses, passed before him, and proclaimed His Name to Moses. In verses 6 and 7, we read God's own description of Himself--and we learn that God is both compassionate and just. In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the traits God revealed about Himself in this encounter. When we sin, we should trust God's mercy and come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). And this we can do only through Jesus Christ, who is our only hope for when we all finally stand before God on the day of judgment. Have you trusted Him as your Savior?

In Exodus 33 and 34, we read that God commanded Israel to go on ahead to the Promised Land, but also that He said He would not go with them. When Israel heard this, they mourned, and Moses pleaded for God to be with them. "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Exodus 33:15; NIV). God heard, and promised to be with them. In today's message, Pastor Phil encourages us to consider, if we could have everything we wanted--but we didn't have God's presence--would we choose those things, or would we choose God? Following God brings with it both hardships and rewards, but the ultimate reward of following God is, itself, to know God.