The pursuit of freedom is at the very heart of what it means to be human. We long to live free but we are easily imprisoned. Our desires can trap us in addiction, our possessions can imprison us with worry, our past can enslave us with regret, and even our religion can become a prison of demands and expectations. "Free To Live", this week's study begins our new series of studies, "Living The Free Life", with a look at some of the traps that keep us from living in freedom.

Easter is not just an event to be commemorated once a year, nor is it simply the proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be.

At it's heart, Easter is about life.

The resurrection is God's invitation to each of us to come alive. It is about life at its fullest, lived the way we were always intended to live. "Fully Alive", this Easter's message concludes our series, "Searching for Jesus", with a look at the wonder, mystery and power of God to restore a life.

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.