Pastor Brian explores 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, calling believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God through the means of sanctification.  The text highlights the importance of abstaining from sexual immorality, growing in brotherly love, and pursuing a quiet, hardworking life that honors Christ.

In this text, Paul celebrates Timothy's report that the young church in Thessalonica is faithful despite persecution. He praises their obedience, urges continued discipleship, and prays for holiness and hope as believers live in light of Christ's return. Believers today can pursue this charge to build one another up, pursue spiritual growth, and live expectantly for Jesus with joy in their relationships. 

Contrary to the hope of many believers, Christians must be prepared and willing to endure suffering and affliction for Christ's name sake. Difficulty is not a reflection of God's faithlessness, but rather a necessary part in our spiritual walks. Pastor Brian dissects the message behind 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 & 3 to encourage each person to stand firm in their trials for an eternal reward. 

1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 is a testament of Paul's authentic faith and ministry. Readers remember the mental, physical, legal and relational suffering he endured at the hands of both Jewish and Roman influences. Our ministry today- although perhaps not plagued by physical persecution, will also endure hardships and criticism. The modern believer must allow these tests to become testimonies of God's goodness, and ensure that their public response matches their inward conviction. 

Pastor Brian kicks off our new series "Rooted in Christ," a study of 1 Thessalonians. An exploration of verses 1-10 reveal a call to the church to be rooted in the Word of God and the leading of the Spirit. As Northridge Church continues to seek the Lord's will for our community, we're encouraged to share our testimonies and the gospel boldly and to choose God-given joy over fear in trials. 

Cliff Kraemer shares his personal testimony of growing up in a difficult home, struggling with loneliness and a sinful lifestyle and how turning points led him to faith in Christ. He recounts his younger years of moving to Alaska and starting a family, and the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing him into church community. You'll be encouraged by Cliff's story of God's steadiness in the ups and downs of life. 

Like early Jewish believers, we are "Expectant in the Waiting," and today we're tracing Old Testament promises through a 400‑year silence to the hopeful arrival of Jesus in Luke 2. The fulfillment of God's timing and faithfulness is culminated in the miracle of Christmas! 

Each week, over 80 millions Americans gather for some type of religious service. Why do so many people gather? And more importantly- why do we gather? To keep with the vision of being gospel-centered and city-focused, Northridge Church will focus on five elements in 2026: active discipleship, sharing testimonies, life in community, evangelism & outreach, and inviting others. 

The 2025 Advent series "Expectant in the Waiting" concludes with an examination of Luke 2 and the memorable story of Simeon. We don't know much about him, but Simeon continues to be an example of godly perseverance in everyday obedience to present-day Christians. With humility we can follow his example and can hope that, like him, we will be found "righteous and devout" and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 2 describes the birth of Jesus and the reality of God’s extravagant, sacrificial love revealed in Christ. Christians are meant to receive that love, let it fill them, and become ‘‘rivers of living water’’—bringing healing, mercy, and life to a hurting world.