The Official Podcast of Northpark Church

Jonah chapter 3

We know God has called us, but often there are obstacles that get in the way—some we recognize, and others we don’t even realize are there. In this series on Jonah, we’ll learn how to confront the challenges we can see and uncover the hidden ones that are holding us back.

In Galatians 4:3, Paul says we were once enslaved to the “elemental things of the world.” These aren’t just outdated philosophies—they’re the subtle, pervasive messages that tell us what to value, how to feel, and what truth even is. Kids are growing up thinking being “nice” is more important than being right, that tolerance means never disagreeing, and that God exists to serve them.

But the early Christians were seen as a different species—not because they were weird for the sake of it, but because they refused to assimilate or attack. They lived as resident aliens: deeply committed to their cities, yet uncompromising in their holiness.

This episode dives into the tension between the church and the culture—and why we’re called not to resolve that tension, but to live faithfully within it. We’ll explore what it means to raise a generation with discernment, honesty, and a worldview anchored in Christ, not convenience.

In this powerful episode, we dive into Galatians 4, where Paul uses the image of a child under guardianship to show the transition from spiritual slavery to sonship in Christ. Before Jesus, we were trapped—bound by empty thinking, man-made rules, and dark spiritual forces. But now, because of Christ, everything has changed. We explore how spiritual warfare is real, how Jesus clashed head-on with the kingdom of darkness, and what that means for us today. From the “elemental things of the world” to the everyday battles we face against the world, the flesh, and the devil, this message will open your eyes to the conflict you’re in and the victory you already have.

In this episode, we dive into Galatians 4 and explore how culture shapes us—often without us even realizing it. Pastor Chris opens with a story about a $5 betta fish and how fish, unaware of the water they swim in, mirror the way we live immersed in culture. From what we value to how we think, culture defines “normal” in subtle but powerful ways.

But Paul’s message in Galatians is clear: we are no longer slaves to the elemental things of this world—we are sons and daughters of God. Culture is not neutral; it can deceive, distract, and enslave us. Through Scripture and stories—ancient and modern—we see how God calls His people not to blend in, but to stand out: to celebrate what’s good, confront what’s broken, create what’s missing, and restore what’s been lost.

Whether you’re wrestling with what it means to live faithfully in a confusing world or simply wondering how to raise your kids, do your work, or engage with your community with purpose—this episode will challenge and encourage you to think deeply, live boldly, and root your identity not in trends, but in truth.

Why do dads always seem just a little… grumpy? Ever try holding the flashlight while he fixes something, only to get barked at because it’s not pointed “where he’s looking”? We laugh about it, but deep down, many of us carry that same image into our view of God: frustrated, disappointed, hard to please.

This week, we’re diving into Galatians 3:10–14, and asking a huge question: How can we live honestly before a holy God without fear, shame, or hiding?

Your identity is secure. You are forgiven, adopted, and loved. Nothing you do can separate you from God’s love.That’s your position before God. It doesn’t change. But your day-to-day relationship and closeness with Him—your awareness of His presence, your ability to walk in peace and confidence. That can be affected by sin. When we sin, God doesn’t disown us.He doesn’t stop loving us. But we may feel distant, numb, or under conviction.

• It’s like having tension in a healthy relationship—you’re still family, but you don’t feel close until it’s addressed.

Paul had the courage to share his past and point to the radical change in his life. Paul didn’t just oppose the Church—he tried to wipe it off the map. His mission had been to destroy it… but now? His life’s goal was to spread it everywhere. That’s not a small shift—that’s a total transformation.

• Paul is not afraid to recount the record of his own shame in order to show God’s power.

Every Christian has to wrestle honestly with God—what He’s doing, what He’s asking, and what it means for our lives. But after that struggle, we also need the courage to tell our story. Too…

• Wrestle honestly.

• Listen closely.

• And have the courage to tell your story.

Healing takes courage. It takes courage to admit your wounds. It takes courage to confront the pain you’ve buried. It takes courage to let someone speak hope where shame once ruled.

Have you ever called your kid for dinner and heard “Coming!”—but they never show up? Our words don’t always lead to action.

But when God speaks, His words are action. The gospel isn’t just advice—it’s a rescue.

In Galatians, Paul writes to people who knew the gospel but started slipping back into legalism. They began adding rules to grace—and Paul says, that’s not just a mistake, that’s losing the gospel entirely.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore what real grace looks like, how to spot false gospels, and why even silence in the church can be dangerous.

Let’s dive into Galatians and walk in a new way.

In a world where passive leadership is the norm, especially among men, we dive into the story of Boaz in Ruth 4, a model of redemptive, sacrificial leadership. And we contrast that with one of the most disturbing stories in Scripture from Judges 19—where silence and passivity lead to tragedy.

This isn’t a “try harder” message. It’s a call to Spirit-empowered manhood—where strength meets gentleness, courage meets compassion, and leadership is rooted in love.
It’s time to step up—not out of pressure, but out of purpose.