SERMONS

Sermon Series Descriptions & Audio

Listen to Current Sermons

The purpose of our Bible teaching at NorthRidge Fellowship is to help us understand God and His purpose for our lives. The focus is on following Jesus, and learning how to live a Christ-centered life that expresses His love in this world. We invite you to use the resources on this page to go deeper.

 

September 8 - November 24, 2024

Sermon Series: Into the Unknown

This fall we will learn from the Israelites as they answered God's call and learned to live by faith as they followed God "into the unknown." 

It seems to be a natural thing that we seek the familiar and avoid the unknown. But the nature of life is that the future is always unknown. The question is, "Do you know where you are going and how to get there?" You are not stuck where you are. You were not meant to wander in the dark. God invites us to follow Him to a place of blessing He promised, a place of redemption, hope, and His personal presence. But faith is required. This fall we will learn from the Israelites as they answered God's call and learned to live by faith as they followed God "into the unknown." 

 

Weekly Sermons: Into the Unknown (click to view topics and to listen)

June 9 - September 1, 2024

Sermon Series: The Bigger Story

This summer we let the parables of Jesus lead us into God's bigger story.  

It's popular to say that every day we are writing our story. Question: is the story you are writing big enough for you? Maybe it's as big as you can imagine or all you can handle. What if you didn't have to write it alone?  What if there was a bigger story that your story is meant to be a part of? During His life on earth, Jesus told stories called parables. The purpose of them was to get us to see the bigger story. This summer we let the parables of Jesus lead us into God's bigger story.  

 

Weekly Sermons: The Bigger Story (click to view topics and to listen)

February 4 - June 2, 2024

Sermon Series: Living Larger

A Study of Colossians

I've seen others do it and I've done it myself. What is 'it'? I talk myself into something less than what was possible; live smaller than I could have. I think something like this was on the Apostle Paul's mind when he wrote a letter to a church in the small town of Colossae. It’s a letter that begs the question, "Are we living as big as Jesus?" Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not this letter is a guide to what, why, and how we can "Live Larger" in Christ.  

 

Living Larger Sermons Part 1
Living Larger Sermons Part 2 - Holy Week & Easter
Living Larger Sermons Part 3

January 2024

Sermon Series: Matters of the Heart

Forming a Healthy Relationship with Money and Stuff

Ask the average person if they have enough money and they will say, "Nope." Ask them why and the answer is a little more vague. Many people never take the time to think about their relationship with their money and their stuff. When Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," he was challenging us to think about it. So let's talk about it this month. We'll need to talk about issues like what we really worship, our fears, our focus and our plans. These are all Matters of the Heart.  

 

Sermon Series: Matters of the Heart (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

December 31, 2023

From Him, Through Him & To Him

Romans 11:33–12:1 

by Brax Carvette, Youth Minister

 

New Year's parties are always so much fun! It's wonderful to get to celebrate together as we anticipate the new year. But the approach of another January can also bring with it reflection on the year that has passed as well as preparation for what is to come. This Sunday, we want to celebrate what God has done, reflect on what has passed, and prepare for what God will lead us into in 2024!  

 

December 3-24, 2023

Sermon Series: The Everlasting Light

Into a world of darkness and despair comes a ray of light. Have you seen it? Have you experienced its transforming power? John 1 tells the story of Jesus, the Everlasting Light, who shines forth offering life and light to all who believe. Join us this Christmas season as we seek the Everlasting Light. 

 

Sermon Series: The Everlasting Light (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

November 5-26, 2023

Sermon Series: Flourishing Part 2

Living the Gospel

In part 2 of our Flourishing series, we look at four areas of social ethics addressed in the Bible and lived out by followers of Jesus with varying degrees of faithfulness over the last 2000 years. Sometimes the passions and politics of the day can become the filter through which we read our bible and not the other way around. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that these ethics are a meant to be an expression of the gospel. They inform the lifestyle of those who follow the one who said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

 

Sermon Series: Flourishing Part 2 (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

October 1 - 29, 2023

Sermon Series: Flourishing Part 1

Laying the Foundation

There's a perception by many that Christianity is irrelevant, an ancient myth to be discarded. Others would go farther and say it's actually harmful and oppressive. They see it as something that limits human flourishing. But is it? Is it possible that following Jesus is not only true but actually better? Join us this fall as we examine some of our post-modern cultural assumptions  and questions in the light of what the Bible says. And maybe, just maybe we will meet a God who desires our "Flourishing".  

 

Sermon Series: Flourishing Part 1 (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

September 10-24, 2023

Sermon Series: The Art of Neighboring

Are our neighborhoods great places to live? Could they be better? How connected are we to those who live around us? I believe we have the power to make our communities great places to live. Are you interested? The key is simple faith and obedience to one simple command. Jesus people love their neighbors. I believe it is God's will that we be "Good Neighbors".  

 

Sermon Series: The Art of Neighboring (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

June 25-September 3, 2023

Sermon Series: Rise Up

Taking Our Place in God's Unfolding Story

"Take up your cross and follow me." He said, and then he did it. He took up his cross. He did the thing only he could do and hope and salvation have come into the world. Now he calls us to be more than passive recipients of that grace. The story is still being written and we all have a part to play. But what does it look like for us? This summer we will be looking at the lives of some of the people God has used down through the ages. Our hope is that together we will be encouraged and equipped to "Rise Up" and take our place in God's unfolding story. Why? Because God wants to work with us and through us so that people might meet know and follow Jesus.  

 

Sermon Series: Rise Up (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

June 4-18, 2023

Sermon Series: All In

Pursuing Jesus' Call Together

Is Jesus worthy of us going all in? What does it look like to be so confident in Jesus that we would go all in… all of us together? The bible tells us he has a "call" on our lives, a purpose that matters for eternity. This June we will examine three core truths that propel us to be All In: Pursuing Jesus' call together.  

 

Sermon Series: All-In (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

April 16-May 28, 2023

Sermon Series: Perseverance

Everything of value we will do in this life requires perseverance to accomplish. Success in life requires persistent, consistent effort over time. When it comes to following Jesus it should be no surprise that perseverance is needed. For sure, there are trials to face and obstacles to overcome but is the perseverance worth the persevering? The answer is yes. Not just for the goal, but for the journey itself. For the next 7 weeks we are going to paint a picture of perseverance as a follower of Jesus. 

 

Sermon Series: Perseverance (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

Holy Week & Easter April 2-9, 2023

Sermon Series: Because of Jesus

It's Holy Week, a week Christians all over the world, stop, reflect and connect personally with what Jesus did 2000 years ago. This year we invite you to join us no matter where you are on the spiritual journey. Come, explore, ask questions, walk with us as we respond to the invitation, connection, reconciliations, release and restoration of Jesus. See what God has for you "Because of Jesus."

 

Easter Holy Week Series: Because of Jesus (click to view sermon topics and to listen)

January - March 2023

Mission Driven Acts Continues

Every one of us gives our lives to something or someone. We were made for a mission. The only question is whether that mission is worthy of us. The same Jesus that died and rose from the dead for us wants to accomplish his life-giving mission through us. It's a mission that's small enough that each of us play a part and big enough that it will require all of us working together. Join us as we walk with the early disciples through the book of Acts and see what God can do with a few people who are "Mission Driven". 

 

Mission Driven Acts - Part 3 (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)
Mission Driven Acts - Part 2 (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

January 1, 2023

Wisdom is Better Than Resolutions

Challenge - Read a chapter of Proverbs a day for the month of January

 

A while back a friend prayed for me. He said, "Father, give Ben wisdom and not just an opinion." I thought, "Wow! I need to keep praying that."  That is the spirit with which we want to approach 2023. To that end, on New Year's Day 2023, we will be having an open mic time in the service. But it will call for preparation from you. Here is what we want you to do:  

  • Before the service read through the book of Proverbs asking God to point out one proverb that is wisdom for you.  
  • Reflect on what the Proverb is saying and its significance for you.  
  • Come prepared to share your proverb and its significance for you in 1-2 minutes.  We want to be brief so many can share. Why are we doing this? Because "Wisdom is better than resolutions". 
Wisdom is Better Than Resolutions (click to listen to sermon)

DECEMBER 2022

True Christmas

Something cool happens when we get together to give each other gifts. A family
gathered around a Christmas tree trying to give the perfect gift, or friends at a white
elephant party trying to give the worst gift. It’s not about merely exchanging gifts,
it’s about giving and receiving. It’s about relationship. “True Christmas” is a season
we celebrate with God. It’s a relationship of giving and receiving.

True Christmas (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022

Mission Driven Acts

Every one of us gives our lives to something or someone. We were made for a mission. The only question is whether that mission is worthy of us. The same Jesus that died and rose from the dead for us wants to accomplish his life-giving mission through us. It's a mission that's small enough that each of us play a part and big enough that it will require all of us working together. Join us as we walk with the early disciples through the book of Acts and see what God can do with a few people who are "Mission Driven". 

Mission Driven Acts (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

SEPTEMBER 2022

Give Life

We all want to be part of a community that is healthy and life giving. Life giving communities are made up of life giving people. Jesus said rivers of living water would flow from people who believe in him. What would that community be like? What are the qualities of a life giving community? Join us this September as we grow as a community that can "Give Life"! 

Give Life (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

SUMMER 2022

Who Is God? Knowing Him By Name

Who is God anyway?  What's he like? How can I know him?  Over the centuries God himself has sought to reveal that answer to us. And he has done it is a most personal way.  This summer we will be meeting God through the names given to him in the Bible. Some names he has given himself, others were given to him in response to an experience. All the names are an invitation to meet and know him as he is, to know him by name. 

Knowing Him By Name (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

JUNE 12 - A Well Called NorthRidge

A Well Called NorthRidge, by Ben McEachern

John 7: 37-39, John 4: 13-14, Isaiah 43:18-19 

Jesus said the effect of putting your faith in him is like having a spring of living water flowing in us and from us. As we look forward to the coming ministry year as a church family, that is the picture we need in our heart and head. What does it mean to be a church that is a spring of living water, a well of life in our community and world? 

JUNE 5 - Celebration Sunday

Celebrating Devotion, by Ben McEachern

Acts 2:42-47

We read of the early disciples of Jesus being devoted "to the apostle's teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and to prayer." Over the course of this past year so many at NorthRidge have expressed a similar devotion. Today we are going to celebrate what God has done through that devotion and encourage one another and build each other up with gratitude. 

MAY 2022

Make the Difference

Jesus said, "Go." Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses." Jesus said, "Freely you have received; freely give." At NorthRidge Fellowship we believe, if we are growing in our love for God and we are growing in our love for each other, we will make the difference Jesus wants us to make in this world. Join us as we grow in our understanding and teamwork of how we believe God is calling NorthRidge to Make The Difference he wants us to make. 

Make the Difference (click to view weekly topics and to listen to sermons)

FALL 2021 - SPRING 2022

The King and his Kingdom: The Message of Matthew

Ask a random group of people why anyone should take Jesus Christ seriously today and the answer might be, "I don't know… why should I?" That was the question that motivated the Gospel of Matthew to be written. Who Jesus is, what he taught, what he did, how he died and that he rose has moved many to take him seriously. The message of Matthew is that he is a king to be followed, for all people, of all nations, for all times. Join us this year as we consider the message of the Gospel of Matthew. What does it mean for us if Jesus is still King in 2021? How would you live if he was your king?

Devotional Booklets

Devotional booklets are available, in print and online, for small groups and anyone who would like to follow along in this 8-part series. Click on the titles below to view published books online.

Series 8 - Kingdom Love: The King Shows His Love
Series 7 - Kingdom Authority: Confronting the Status Quo
Series 6 - Kingdom Community: A New Approach to Life Together
Series 5 - Kingdom Clarity: Managing our Expectations
Series 4 - Christmas in the Kingdom: The Origin Story of Jesus the King
Series 3 - The Kingdom Expands: Establishing His Power and Authority
Series 2 - Kingdom Culture: Living Like Jesus is King
Series 1 - The Kingdom Begins: Setting Our Expectations

SUMMER 2021

Get Real - Honest Conversations with God

We want to use the Psalms (the poems, prayers and reflections) to grow our ability to have an authentic conversation with God within the whole of life, the good and the bad, the beautiful and ugly, the hopeful and the confusing. The Psalms give us words to articulate our experience in a real, honest way that is not just honest for us but let God be honest with us. The Psalms articulate true spirituality at an emotional as well as intellectual level. In different circumstances and seasons, the Psalm are meant to help us deepen our conversation and give us words and permission to get real. Honest with ourselves and honest with God.

Get Real (click to view weekly topics, discussion sheets and to listen)

JUNE 2021

Spiritual Impact

The Church has one task: Point the world to Jesus. Impact and effectiveness are measured in this one thing. This is Jesus' concern in John 15. He is preparing us for impact. He starts with a connection with him that makes us like him. He builds steam as he knits us together in a healthy fellowship. He then leads us head-long into the world, a church that makes a spiritual impact.

Spiritual Impact (click to view weekly topics, discussion sheets and to listen)

SPRING 2021

Peace by Piece

Peace so often feels like an elusive thing. Whether in our hearts, in our personal relationships or in our society, real peace doesn't just happen. Passivity is a problem not a solution. That's why the Bible says to "seek peace and pursue it." If that's the case, where do we go to get it? How do we find it? The biblical answer is we make it. Jesus listed peacemaking the outcome of his salvation and as one of the qualities of his followers. Peacemaking is a process with many pieces. Join us this spring as we learn from God's word to build "Peace by Piece".

Peace by Piece (click to view weekly topics, discussion sheets and to listen)

PALM SUNDAY & EASTER 2021

Redemption

Redemption, what a hopeful word. It means a second chance, a re-do. It means I'm not stuck in my past. It means my sin is not my identity. It means my failure is not the final word. It means my value is restored. It means my difficult moment was not wasted. Do you need it? Who deserves it? How does one get it? What if I mess up again? Join us Holy Week as we get ready for “REdemption".

Redemption (click to view weekly topics, discussion sheets and to listen)

JANUARY-MARCH 2021

God's Got Us - A Journey through the Book of Daniel

It’s not just that "God's got this!".  He does, but it's so much more. "God's got this!" is good if we remember that he has us in his plan and purpose and not the other way around. God is sovereign and he is in charge and in control even when people are in rebellion to him and circumstances are dark and difficult. He acts, we respond and our responses have repercussions, for good or for ill, salvation or destruction. Consider Daniel and his friends. Caught in the storm of history, overrun by events, suddenly thrust into dark circumstances, still they kept their bearings because they knew it was not about them but about Him. The Book of Daniel reveals the scope of God's sovereignty. From the intensely personal circumstances of four young men ripped from their homes and forced to serve the king who conquered them to fantastic visions of world events, we see God's sovereign power and purpose throughout. It is my hope that this study will help us all to face the personal and global challenges of our time with less fear, cynicism and anger and with greater faith, hope and love because God's Got Us!

God's Got Us (click to view weekly topics, discussion sheets and to listen)