ONE LORD Day 1 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17 Jesus is the exact representation of God. The fullness of God is alive within Him. To know the Son is to know the Father, for He reveals who God is. Jesus is the Word through whom all things were created; it was by His command that everything came into being. He brings light into darkness, order out of chaos, and purpose when life seems meaningless. When we offer praise to Jesus as Lord, we are recognizing that all wisdom, power, and authority are His alone. He is the source and owner of everything, and every created thing finds its true purpose in Him. Every human ruler and spiritual powers answer Him, whether they realize it or not. Everything on earth and in heaven exists because Jesus wills it; that includes you, His church and bride. He died so that we could live; not simply survive but thrive in relationship with Him. Without Him, all life is meaningless. In Christ, however, all that we do has significance; we fulfill His purpose and bring Him joy when we love one another in His name. What current events do you need to know are held in the loving hands of Jesus? Talk to Him about it today. What issue in your life do you need to bring into His light so that you can experience His peace and find purpose? What first step is He calling you to take? Additional Reading: Colossians 1:3-23 Day 2 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, our Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” John 13:13-14 Jesus knows exactly who He is and has complete confidence and trust in His Father. He acknowledges that He is both Lord and Teacher, and it’s good and right to recognize Him as such. As we humble ourselves before Him, He graciously invites us to learn from Him. Jesus didn’t merely speak about humility and service; He gave us a living example of what it means to humble ourselves, not only before God but also toward one another. He never requires anything from us that He Himself was not willing to do. By doing so, He showed us the true path of servant leadership and selfless love. Jesus understood fully that He came from the Father and was returning to the Father. In the same way, our faith in Christ grants us the assurance that we, too, belong with Him for all eternity. No act of service is too small or insignificant to diminish our identity in Him. On the contrary, when we serve one another in love, we reflect the character of Christ and embody His example in our lives. In what ways are you challenged to follow the example Jesus has set? Which roles, titles, or activities shape your sense of identity, and how would your life change if your identity were more firmly grounded in Jesus? Additional Reading: John 13:1-20 Day 3 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 Jesus has not only made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father, He is the way. There is no need to question whether we’ve done enough to earn the Father's love, because it is not something we can achieve through our own efforts. Instead, as we place our trust in Jesus, He leads us home to the Father's house. Trusting in Him is not always easy, but it is through Him alone that we find our way back to God. Jesus speaks the truth about the sin that exists in our lives and reveals how it creates a distance between us and God. Yet, when we bring our sin into the light of Jesus, He will help us exchange the lies we once believed for the truth that He offers. This truth reveals what it truly means to live in the freedom that Jesus provides. We can be open and honest with Him and with each other, with no need to hide in shame or fear we can live fully in the light of Jesus. Jesus is the author and source of all life. He brings purpose and meaning to even the most routine aspects of our lives, because everything we do is connected to how we are created to share in His work in the world. Jesus is preparing a place for us to live and thrive in His eternal presence. The work He calls us to begins now, right here, as we live and serve alongside one another. Is there any part of your life that you hold back from God or those closest to you? What first step is Jesus inviting you to take as you trust Him as Lord? In what ways might knowing that your life and purpose are found in Jesus free you to follow wherever He leads? Additional reading: John 14:1-14 Day 4 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 Jesus is King enthroned in all glory. He is Lord with all authority on earth and in heaven. At the same time, He is a humble servant, accomplishing for us what we could never achieve on our own. As the sinless lamb, Jesus willingly laid down His life for us, demonstrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love. Jesus’ actions consistently aligned with the will of His Father, reflecting perfect obedience and unwavering commitment to God’s purpose in the world. Just as the Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, we abide in and experience the unfailing love of God when we are aligned with the will of Jesus. This love is the foundation for everything we do. As King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus does not merely regard us as servants. Instead, He calls us friends, not only granting us insight into the workings of His Father’s kingdom but also inviting us to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. Through our response to Jesus and our trust in Him, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him and into the unfolding of God’s purpose on earth. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value. But just as Jesus was faithful to the very end, we too can remain connected to Him and bear fruit as we abide in His love and follow where He leads. How does your love for Jesus inspire you to do what He says? Is there anything Jesus has told you do to that you’ve been putting off? As you consider Him both Lord and friend, how will you choose to respond today? Additional Reading: John 15: 1-17 Day 5 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16 Some believe that Jesus was a prophet, a spiritual leader, or someone sent by God, though not God Himself. Others view Him as just a good moral teacher. However, Jesus did not present these possibilities; He allowed Himself to be worshiped and set Himself on equal footing with God. So, we ask, did Jesus believe He was God when He wasn’t? This would make Him mentally unsound. Did He know He wasn’t God even when He claimed to be? This would make Jesus a liar. So, was Jesus delusional, dishonest, or was He truly who He claimed to be? God has given each person the power and right to answer this question for themselves: Who do you say Jesus is? If Jesus wasn’t who He claimed to be, then all of this is meaningless. But if you, like His earliest disciples, declare that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, then He is truly worthy of your devotion, obedience, and even your very life. Do you have questions or concerns you need addressed before answering this question? If so, be honest and write them out. Ask God for His help in knowing the truth about Jesus. If you declare Jesus Christ to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God, how will you honor Him as Lord and God today? Additional Reading: Matthew 16:1-28
God continues to do beautiful things in and through the Northgate community. We’re grateful for the ways our church family is growing. We're seeing people deepen their faith, new families find connection, and more and more people find purpose as they begin to follow Jesus. As our church continues to grow, we’re thankful for wise and faithful leadership to help guide us into the future. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Nick Gervais as the newest member of the Northgate Church Board. Many in our congregation already know him through the million ways he’s served over the past several years. Honestly, if there’s a volunteer list somewhere at Northgate, there’s a pretty good chance his name is already on it. He has been a committed member of the Northgate community, investing in people, mentoring others, and participating in ministries across the life of our church. Now, he will bring that same heart for the church (along with his wisdom, discernment, and kindness) into this role of helping steward decisions that shape our future. And, while they seriously look like they could be stock photography models hired to depict "joyful Christian family", Nick and his wife, Riley, are the real deal -- and just about as humble as can be. We're grateful they've landed here with all of us.
ONE HOPE Day 1 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God sent His Son for us. We were enemies of God, and yet He loved us to the point of death. Who does this? Who dies so that their enemies can be saved? Only a God who embodies what it truly means to love. And it’s in His unending love where we find hope. And this is not a hope-so kind of hope; this is a hope that does not disappoint. This is a hope that endures, and is shaped and strengthened by experience. As we walk with God, empowered by the Spirit and living out our faith in Jesus, we learn to trust Him more fully. Turning from our old ways and choosing to live wholeheartedly for Him, we witness firsthand how God works in and through our circumstances. As we bring all our questions, doubts, worries, and concerns to Jesus, surrendering them into His care, we can stand firm in full assurance that He has reconciled us to Himself. Through Christ, we have been given a life that is full and abundant, and we are free to confidently proclaim the hope that is ours in Him. How does hearing others' faith stories encourage and inspire hope in you? What stories of God’s work in your life could you share with others? Additional Reading: Romans 5:1-11 Day 2 “May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 God desires and is committed to bringing wholeness and abundance into our lives as the source of all hope. This hope is meant to not only fill each of us, but overflow to others so they also may know the hope found in Jesus. While the world is marked by hardship, trials, persecution, and conflicts that contradict peace, and even seem hopeless, our faith in Jesus assures us these struggles are not the end of the story. God has faithfully confirmed His promises throughout history. The Old Testament prophets, inspired by the Spirit, pointed humanity toward Jesus and spoke of the grace to come, even if they didn’t see its fulfillment in their lifetime. This was for God’s glory and our benefit. All Scripture is inspired by God and prepares us to know Christ and serve others. By embracing the mind of Christ, the body of Christ becomes equipped for every good work. We may not know or see the results of all God has called us to do, but as we follow Christ and the promptings of His Spirit, pointing others to Jesus, we witness the fulfilling of His word in our time. We become people who truly overflow with hope. Think about the topics you talk about with confidence. What helped you gain that confidence? How can you become more confident when speaking about your hope in Jesus? Additional Reading: Romans 15:1-13 Day 3 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 God is faithful. Though we once stood guilty before Him, God, in His mercy, has provided a way for us to confidently enter His presence; no need to hang our head or tremble in fear of punishment. With a clear conscience and sincere heart, we can draw near to God through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus. When we come together—whether it’s to worship and listen to a message, study God’s Word, or simply do life together as we care for one another—we are instructed to encourage each other in the ways of Jesus. We help each other move the same direction while resisting the temptation to continue or fall back into our old ways, be influenced by the prevailing culture, or take for granted the sacrifice of Jesus made for us. Our personal connections provide opportunities to speak truthfully to one another in love. We support each other by persevering in faith and embracing what is good and true. Even when we struggle to be faithful, we are reminded that He who promised is always faithful. As one body, united in Christ, we are strengthened when we cling tightly to the hope we profess in Him. Consider the times when you experienced a sense of security or hopefulness in your faith. What activities were you engaged in during those times? In what ways does remembering God’s faithfulness strengthen your resolve to join with others as you pursue this new way of life? Additional Reading: Hebrews 10:19-39 Day 4 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing. Who can condemn us? No one. What accusations or charges can change the mind of God toward us? There is not one single thing - no circumstance, person, or power - that can come between us and the love of God when Jesus is our Lord and Savior. It would be a mistake to think that all of life gets easier when we put our faith in Jesus. Choosing to follow Christ does not eliminate hardship; in fact, Jesus warned that trials, difficulties, and even persecution would come as a result of our loyalty to Him. Even today, the body of Christ throughout the world suffers for their faith. Yet we can take heart because Jesus has already achieved victory over sin and death. His love reaches every corner of the earth; there is no place too hidden, no situation too desperate, that can separate us from His presence. In Christ, we are made righteous and justified before God, and the Spirit of Jesus holds us securely in His unwavering love. What does it look like to stand with those in the body of Christ who suffer for their faith? How might you live out your faith if you were truly free from fear? Additional Reading: Romans 8:31-39 Day 5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 Jesus Christ is alive! Our hope is not placed in someone who is dead or in an uncertain future, but in the living, resurrected Son of God. Jesus rose from the grave and now sits at the right hand of the Father, reigning with authority. Even today, we are already seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have experienced new birth in Christ. We are given a fresh start and a new perspective. The way we respond to this living hope demonstrates the genuineness of our faith. The treasures of this world all fall short when compared to the riches of Christ’s love and eternal life with Him. We can trust the promises of God; our future is certain and secure in Christ. There is a coming day when Jesus will return, and God’s salvation will be revealed. On that day, our joy will never end, and our hope will be fully realized. In what ways does what we value reveal where our genuine hope is placed? How might placing your hope fully in Christ change the way you view and utilize the influence and resources God has given you? Additional Reading: 1 Peter: 1:3-12
