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Guest User 6/4/20 Guest User 6/4/20

Statement in Response to George Floyd's Death

With heavy hearts, we grieve the unjust death of George Floyd. While we do not yet know of the motivation, the action of a white police officer exercising unnecessary force over a black citizen that resulted in George Floyd’s death brought images of countless acts of injustice to the community's immediate consciousness, the marginalized and our nation as a whole. The reaction we have seen and to varying degrees experienced is one of grief, anger, and outrage. We lament injustice, sin, violence, and the brokenness in our nation and where we see it in us and in our community.

Our minds and hearts respond in this way because the Bible tells us that God created every person as image-bearers of God equally in his image. All people have inestimable ontological value and dignity before God. We believe that every person deserves honor, respect, and protection. No condition or any other attribute of a person either negates or contributes to that person's worth. Because God is holy, righteous, and just God requires those who bear his image to live justly in the world. Justice includes showing respect to every person.

The Bible tells us that all humanity comes from Adam and thereby, we are all one race. Because Adam sinned and we were in Adam, every human being is born in sin and is guilty of sin. We are all sinners. We believe that racism, the socially constructed dividing of the human race by prejudice, is a sin rooted in pride and malice, which must be condemned and renounced by all who would honor the image of God in all people. Such racial sin can subtly or overtly manifest itself as racial animosity or racial vainglory. Such sinful prejudice or partiality falls short of God's revealed will and violates the law of love. Because of human sinfulness and sin, all cultures, including Christians in the church, at times and in various ways, foster racist attitudes and practices. Treating people with sinful partiality or prejudice is not consistent with biblical Christianity. All of us, from the least to the greatest, are capable of racism, but those who hold positions of authority and power can do the most harm when they commit this sin.

The answer to injustice is the message revealed by God in the Bible concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ—his virgin birth, righteous life, substitutionary sacrifice, atoning death, and bodily resurrection. This message reveals who he is and what he has done to promise that he will save anyone and everyone who turns from sin by trusting him as Lord. God grants this salvation by grace alone received through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. God’s grace and faith alone transforms every believer from an agent of injustice, God unites them to Christ, they are justified, and God adopts them into his family. Thus, in God's eyes, there is no difference in spiritual value or worth among those who are in Christ. Further, all who are united to Christ are united to one another regardless of age, ethnicity, or sex.

As believers, we are to visibly unite with the local church to represent God and his work through Jesus accurately in the world. The church is to worship God through the preaching his word, teaching sound doctrine, observing baptism and the Lord's Supper, refuting those who contradict, equipping the saints, and evangelizing the lost. When the church maintains the gospel of Jesus Christ, it has a positive effect on the culture in which the church, through the gospel, mitigates various societal ills. Because laws or regulations possess any inherent power to change sinful hearts, we must maintain a faithfulness to speak the truth in word and deed to bring unbelievers to salvation.

As Christians, our participation in the church makes a difference in the sanctification of each other and ourselves. Our love for God and each other is a testimony to our neighbors of how diverse people come together in unity. We place our unity and identity in Jesus before any other association, political group, ethnicity, or tribe. Our culture and ethnicity are not lost but brought together in Jesus. Submitting to God in this way is good for the world and God's glory. Through the proclaimation of the gospel God redeems and transforms all aspects of humanity including the rescue of oppressed people.

We seek justice for George Floyd, for the all the oppressed as we come to know and understand justice in Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Guest User 5/26/20 Guest User 5/26/20

James Sermon Series

Below you will find links to various James Sermon Series:

John MacArthur: https://www.gty.org/library/resources/sermons-library/scripture/1?book=59&chapter=0

Alistair Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon&scripture=James

Mark Dever: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/resources/sermons/

Ligon Duncan: https://ligonduncan.com/scripture-reference/new-testament/james/

Paul Tripp: https://www.paultripp.com/sermons#!/swx/pp/media_archives/170495/channel/2704/series/7927

Matt Chandler: https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/by-series/james

Tom Schreiner: https://www.cliftonbaptist.org/sermons-and-audio/series/james

Ryan Kelly: https://dscabq.com/messages?category=James%3A%20Faith%20Works

Jobey McGinty: https://lifemissionchurch.com/sermons/series/james-a-faith-that-works/?page=1

Sinclair Ferguson: https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library?f%5Bbook%5D%5B%5D=James&f%5Bcontributors%5D%5B%5D=ferguson%2C+sinclair

Kent Hughes: https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library?f%5Bbook%5D%5B%5D=James&f%5Bcontributors%5D%5B%5D=hughes%2C+kent

Jen Wilkin (These are not sermons, but a bible study she lead through James): https://jenwilkin.podbean.com/page/2/

Guest User 5/18/20 Guest User 5/18/20

Introduction to James

The resources below will give you an introduction/overview of James:

Help Me Teach the Bible: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/dan-doriani-on-james-2/

R.C. Sproul: http://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library/introduction-to-james

The Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/explore/james/

TGC Intro to the Book: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/james-introduction/#overview

Mark Dever Overview: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/faith-that-works-the-message-of-james/

John MacArthur: https://www.gty.org/library/bible-introductions/MSB59

Dig & Discover pdf: https://www.leadershipresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dig-and-discover-hermeneutical-principles-booklet.pdf

Guest User 5/11/20 Guest User 5/11/20

The Book of James: A Summer Study

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

As we finish up Gospel Project for the spring, we want to encourage you to continue studying the Word of God throughout the summer, on your own. Some of you may have a plan for what you will study, but if you don’t then we are here to help. We are going to point you to the book of James. It is packed full of deep richness.

`Northbridge will continue to send out resources to help you grow in your understanding of the scripture. Below you will find James’ study recommendations that you can use to help you study through the book. In addition to grabbing yourself a study, be on the lookout for additional James resources (sermons/articles/videos) here on the blog throughout the summer.

Recommended James Studies:

Knowing the Bible: https://www.amazon.com/James-12-Week-Study-Knowing-Bible/dp/1433534797

Warren Wiersbe: https://www.amazon.com/Wiersbe-Bible-Study-Growing-Christ/dp/078144571X
(This commentary is a companion to the study: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Mature-James-Growing-Commentary/dp/1434768457 )

John MacArthur: https://www.amazon.com/James-Guidelines-Christian-MacArthur-Studies/dp/071803516X/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

TGC Course: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-bible-james/#week-1-overview

Phil Goodwin 5/5/20 Phil Goodwin 5/5/20

Youth Group - Tuesday, May 12, 2020

On the evening of Tuesday, May 12, 2020 our students will be reviewing …

Gospel Project Lesson and Daily Devotionals

Unit 15 Session 6 - God Pictures a Future Hope

Scripture: Ezekiel 37

Event Info

Guest User 5/4/20 Guest User 5/4/20

Dig and Discover

“The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” -Jen Wilkin

The following resource will help you understand and develop how to ask good questions as you study God’s Word on your own or in a group setting. I encourage you to read this and pray you will be able to go deeper into God’s Word over the summer, better understand the storyline of scripture, and ultimately worship and love our Lord with more depth than ever before.

https://www.leadershipresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dig-and-discover-hermeneutical-principles-booklet.pdf

Guest User 5/4/20 Guest User 5/4/20

Unit 15, Session 6: God Pictures a Future Hope

Scripture: Ezekiel 36 - 37

Sermons/Podcasts:
Gospel Project Podcast: https://www.gospelproject.com/hope-hard-times/

Northbridge, Be Still My Soul Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-my-soul-by-northbridge-church/id1503091917

Help Me Teach the Bible: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/iain-duguid-teaching-ezekiel/

Mark Dever, Ezekiel Overview: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/paradise-the-message-of-ezekiel/

Ken Fentress: https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library/if-bones-could-talk-the-restoration-of-the-people-of-god

Mark Dever, The Power of God: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/the-power-of-god/

D.A. Carson: https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library/the-spirit-overcomes-death-ezekiel-37

David Platt, What’s So Radical About Christianity: https://radical.net/sermon/whats-so-radical-about-christianity/

Liam Goligher, Can These Dry Bones Live: https://www.tenth.org/resource-library/sermons/can-these-dry-bones-live

Ryan Kelly, When God Speaks: https://dscabq.com/messages/2010/1/3/when-god-speaks

Articles:
https://knowingscripture.com/articles/dry-bones-and-the-resurrection-of-the-dead-ezekiel-37-1-14

https://bibleproject.com/blog/ezekiels-gospel/

Videos:
The Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDeCWW_Bnyw

Paul Tripp Summary: https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/ezekiel-summary

Fill-ins:
pg 124 : deliver, creation, church

Phil Goodwin 4/28/20 Phil Goodwin 4/28/20

Youth Group - Tuesday, May 5, 2020

On the evening of Tuesday, May 5, 2020 our students will be reviewing …

Gospel Project Lesson and Daily Devotionals

Unit 15 Session 5 - God Disciplines a Rebellious People

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36

Event Info

Weekly Verse for Memorization and Paragraphs

Lamentations 3:21-23

Lili Ramos Scholarship Reporting Form

Guest User 4/26/20 Guest User 4/26/20

Unit 15, Session 5: God Disciplines a Rebellious People

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36, Lamentations

Sermons/Podcasts:

2 Chronicles:
Ray Brandon, Be Still My Soul Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-my-soul-by-northbridge-church/id1503091917

Help Me Teach the Bible, 2 Chronicles: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/mike-bullmore-on-2-chronicles/

Mark Dever, 2 Chronicles Overview: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/depths-the-message-of-2-chronicles/

Kevin Ueckert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5PXNUPrc-s

Albert Mohler, Until There Was No Remedy: https://vimeo.com/channels/sbtschapel/137291473

Lamentations:
Help Me Teach the Bible: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/colin-smith-teaching-lamentations/

Mark Dever, Justice Up Close: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/justice-up-close-the-message-of-lamentations/

Alistair Begg, Suffering in the Believers Life: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/suffering-in-the-believers-life/

John Piper, Life is Hard God is Good: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/life-is-hard-god-is-good

Articles:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/devotionals/read-the-bible/2-chronicles-36-revelation-22-malachi-4-john-21/

https://bibleproject.com/blog/chronicles-not-just-repeat/

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/caused-to-return

Videos:
The Bible Project, Chronicles: https://bibleproject.com/explore/1-2-chronicles/

The Bible Project, Lamentations: https://bibleproject.com/explore/lamentations/

Paul Tripp Summary, Chronicles: https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/1st-chronicles-and-2nd-chronicles-summary

Paul Tripp Summary, Lamentations: https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/lamentations-summary

Fill ins:
pg 114 : responsible, defiance
pg 115: believers, wrath, discipline

Guest User 4/22/20 Guest User 4/22/20

Church Hopping And Shopping

By Paul Tripp

First Baptist Church. It was the picture of longevity and stability. For over two hundred years, it remained faithful to the gospel. Sundays were marked by regal worship and elegant preaching inside its beautiful sanctuary.

But within a year, they began feeling smothered by tradition. So they tried the Vine.

It was a breath of fresh air. After the traditionalism of FBC, the warehouse environment, lively worship, and creative, conversational preaching was much easier to listen to than theological lectures.

But before long, the style started to irk them. So they tried Fleet Street Presbyterian.

For them, it was the best of both worlds – tradition mixed with a contemporary way of communicating and worshiping. In addition to their regular attendance, they started to get involved in church activities and ministry opportunities.

But it didn’t take long for them to be frustrated by the direction of the programs and the people involved. So they tried Immanuel.

It was a small church plant, and at first, it felt as if you were awkwardly attending someone else’s family reunion. Soon, however, the friendly congregation won them over with their hospitable and generous hearts.

And that’s when their teenage children began to protest because there was nothing at the church for them.

A significant percentage of Christians have this mentality when it comes to church. Like shoppers, we chase the deal of the moment. We have become high-expectation and low-commitment attenders. That’s why there is always a good possibility that many of us will be worshiping somewhere different soon.

Sadly, church has become a place we attend rather than something with which we are intimately involved. Specifically, I have noticed three areas of spiritual weakness and danger that we have in our attitude toward the local church:

1) We live inside the church virtually unknown.Many of us exist in a Christian community where no one knows the condition of our spiritual health and personal lives. We exchange niceties and learn a few superficial details, but honest and vulnerable relationships are typically avoided.

2) We have little commitment to ministry. We feel justified by putting our percentage of money in the plate so the professional staff can shoulder ministry. We are happy to be recipientsof grace but often forget or neglect that God has called us to simultaneously be participants in the work of his Kingdom.

3) We often choose pleasure over the Kingdom of God. We spend most of our energy chasing the good life, rather than investing in the eternal treasures of the Kingdom of God, which can be mined by participating in a local church. The pursuit of success has become our vocation, and Christianity is relegated to a religious pastime.

The Bible, on the other hand, puts before us a radical, countercultural view of what God designed the church to be and do. It confronts and course corrects our often self-focused and passive relationship to the local church:

Self-focused: “Here’s the kind of church I want to attend.”
Passive: “I’m so thankful for the good work our church staff does.”

Does this potentially describe your mentality? Do you have a history of being discontent in your local church, over and over again?

If you have read this devotional and felt the sting of the Holy Spirit, don’t be paralyzed by guilt and regret. No, run to your Redeemer. Confess what has ruled your heart and cry out for his delivering and enabling grace.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How do you approach church every week? What are your expectations when you arrive?

2. Do you have a history of shopping for or hopping between churches? What were your motives? What were you seeking?

3. Regardless of your church history or where you are now, in what ways might you be self-focused in your church attendance?

4. Regardless of your church history or where you are now, in what ways might you be passive in your participation in your local church?

5. How can you take practical steps this week, even during social distancing, to become more selfless and active in your relationship with your local church?