Northgate Christian Community

Pastor Jon is joined by Kate Vacanti of Let Them LOL to speak on the importance of service within a community. http://ltlol.com/

The full reality of something is often impossible to comprehend through studying second hand sources. This was true of Pastor Jon when he experienced the Grand Canyon, and this was true of Isaiah when he encountered God first hand (Isaiah 6:3-8). God does not just want us to know about Him, he wants us to know Him. Bill and Jen gave a powerful testimony about how we can use worship to encounter God and how the experience of encountering God can radically change our perspective and actions.

Pastor Jon spoke on the third message in the series on community. He explained that we are a community of God's love, which sets us free to worship Him openly. Pastor Jon offered three points of encouragement to the congregation: we are a community of God's love, God's love sets us free to worship, and God's love sets us free to see as He sees. He mentioned that we are to "love God because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Pastor Jon also illustrated the concept of fear and explained how scripture references fear as 'phobos', which in Greek is where we derive the word phobia. The New Testament uses at least three different derivatives of this same root word. The first example references an anxious fear, phobos, and is found in 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." The second refers to a respect, or submissive fear. 1 Peter 2:18 offers wisdom to respect the authority that has been placed in our lives: "Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." Lastly, Pastor Jon explained the worship, awe, and reverent fear found in 1 Peter 2:17: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." Pastor Jon concluded his message by mentioning that there is no fear in agape love, that all of the fears mentioned earlier help to emphasize God's unfailing love for those who call on the name of Jesus. He also explained that we, as a church, are called to love others unconditionally. He also provided scriptural wisdom to married couples found in Ephesians 5:33: "each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Pastor Jon introduced the second sermon as a follow up to last week's message, "We're Better Together." He began his message by explaining a relationship he developed at college with a janitor by the name of Keith. Pastor Jon emphasized the fact that this janitor always had a positive outlook on life and used the skills that God blessed him with to have a profound influence on the lives of students on Pastor Jon's campus. He explained that even though the janitor didn't have the highest profile or highest paying job, that didn't prevent him from showing God's glory everywhere he went. He also shared that often times when we are going through times of struggle; it helps to lift up the name of God in praise, much like David did in many of the Psalms. Pastor Jon offered Psalm 135:1-4 as an example: "Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure." Pastor Jon concluded his message with an emphasis on four key points. First, we have an identity in Christ, we are God's treasure and are called to be people of praise and worship. Second, our identity is found in Christ alone. Jacob, who identified himself as a deceiver, became Israel which means: "Prince with God". Third, worshipping God requires us to let go of our idols. Lastly, "we become like that which we worship" (see Psalm 135:15-18). Jon shared a progression which helps us to reflect the glory of God. Start with thanksgiving, then move into praise and finally worship. In this way, rather than becoming like the idols in this world, we begin to reflect the glory of God and become more like Him.

Pastor Jon shared a message about the fact that we, as a body of believers, are better together. He explained various events in the Bible from Exodus through Revelation to explain God’s divine provision for those who proclaim the name of Jesus. He showed a moving video that displayed the courageous actions of a Buffalo police officer who saved the life of a one year old who was unconscious and unable to breathe. The police officer mentioned that he reached a point where there was nothing he could do for the child based on his own merits or accolades, but he called on the name of Jesus and the child was miraculously saved. He also gave glory to God during a recent council meeting. Pastor Jon explained that our trials and tribulations offer us an opportunity to glorify God through our struggles, trusting in Him to provide us with victories in our lives. He also explained how there have been numerous prayers that have been extended over the city of Buffalo over the past decades and offered encouragement through 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Jim who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Pastor Jon concluded his message with encouragement to those who are struggling with a difficult season or situation in their lives. He explained the power of the cross and of calling out the name of Jesus in a powerful way.

Chris spoke on the biblical concept of Baptism. In Acts 2:37-38, Chris drew two issues from the passage. The first: Whether or not baptism is the cause of the forgiveness of our sins. He would say that Jesus is the reason for the forgiveness of our sins. The second issue is when Peter says “in the name of Christ”. Chris asked the question if baptism is meant to be a formula. Northgate believes that it is not meant to be seen as a formula. It is important to note that it is our conviction that we would say “in the name of father, son, and holy spirit” just as Jesus did in Matthew 28. However, this is not meant to be a formula either. It was here that he first illustrated the relationship that baptism has to marriage. He gave the example of his own wedding, in addition to a friend of his. Where the ceremony and paperwork didn't go as planned. He questioned if that meant both he and his friend weren’t technically married. The significance of marriage is in the ceremony, not what is said or forgotten to be said. He also claimed that although baptism isn’t necessary for the forgiveness of our sins it doesn’t mean it is optional. Baptism is a way for us to say “yes” to Jesus’s hand in marriage. Diving into the water represents the tombstone, or dying to your old self. When we are raised from the water it is the birth certificate to your new self.

Pastor Jon shared the story of Resurrection Sunday and explained how Jesus chose us to live a life alongside Him. He explained the story of Cinderella’s shoe and mentioned how the prince in the story was less concerned with outside looks or appearances and was much more interested in the character of the one who left her glass slipper behind. This is similar to the resurrection story because Jesus’ resurrection fits perfectly into everything that we were designed for. Ephesians 2:6 states: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Pastor Jon also described the life of Peter by illustrating the fact that Peter was always quick to jump to the aid of the friends that were closest to him, almost to a fault in some cases. He even cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest. Pastor Jon mentioned that although we can sometimes be down on ourselves for decisions we’ve made in our lives (Peter was in a similar situation after Jesus was crucified), the story of Jesus’ resurrection saves us from our own inadequacies and doubts. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 states “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” Pastor Jon concluded his message with encouraging words that God has called us to an adventurous story and that we died with Jesus, we were raised with Him, we are now complete in Him, and he is always with us.

Pastor Jon shared the story of Palm Sunday with the congregation and explained the historical context of Jesus’ triumphal entry that was depicted in John 12. He mentioned that the typical entry for a king in Jesus’ time was in a chariot pulled by white horses. However, Jesus humbled himself by turning toward Jerusalem and riding in on a donkey. Pastor Jon also explained the fact that one misconception that we as Christians should seek to overcome is that Jesus’ gift of salvation on the cross is a gift that we need to earn. He explained that the purpose of a gift is to be received rather than earned. He concluded his message with a call to think about any people that you feel called to invite to Easter Sunday service and reach out to them this week.

Chris Parker shared a message with the congregation on how we should handle situations in life when we experience doubt. He explained Matthew 28:27 which states: “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him, but some doubted.” Chris explained how this debunks the idea that many believers have now that if they were living in Jesus’ time there would be no reason for any doubt in their hearts. Chris also offered encouragement by explaining the fact that God will not love us more or less based on our level of faith, He is far more interested in our hearts. He also asked the question, “Do our doubts disqualify us from salvation?” He offered five points that contradict this question that were intended to offer encouragement to anyone struggling with doubt. 1) Logical inconsistency- There can only be one outcome; two people praying in equal and opposite directions cannot achieve the same outcome.2) This thinking assumes an un-Christ like portrait of God3) Creates a learning phobia4) Sets people up for a fall5) Certainty seeking faith is idolatrous Chris concluded his message with a call that we should not be solely absorbed with a chase for certainty, we should chase after Jesus. He explained that faith is a process, it can grow. We can be okay with questions and ambiguities, and we need to leverage everything on Jesus and Him crucified.

Pastor Jon invited a guest speaker, Fran McGreevy, to offer his perspective on the dignity of man. Fran elaborated on how there is a need in our society to see others in the image of Christ. This concept applies to both believers and non-believers. He offered insight that no other philosophy or religion gives people any dignity of man than Christianity does. Fran also explained John 10:10, which states: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.” He mentioned that the only reason that the enemy would want to feed us lies is that what Christ provides to us is so powerful that the enemy cannot win our hearts without stealing from us. Fran also provided examples from his career as a middle school principal and mentioned that there are many parallels between education research and scriptural research. The key to a happy and successful student is their ability to tap into their minds and thinking, their heart and the longings of their heart, and their free will and choosing. He explained how there are three components from psychology that people want: To love and be loved To be competent (to use their gifts to present to the world) Autonomy (everyone is unique) Fran concluded his message with the parable of the talents and encouraged the congregation to not bury the gifts that God has given us and that they are meant to be shared with the world. Often the sharing of those gifts will come with great opposition from the enemy, but Fran urged that we should not be discouraged when opposition comes and that we should keep pressing on.