North Park Baptist Church

On Send Sunday, churches all around the globe are encouraged to consider their part in the work of sending out laborers into the harvest field. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies Acts 13:1-3 as a model of a church being led by the Spirit and then sending out Paul and Barnabas. We are reminded that we are each called to fulfill the Great Commission, that we all need to be willing to go wherever God would send us, and that we are to send sacrificially.

In today's Student Celebration Sunday message, Jarrod Swartz encourages us to consider what examples we follow, and what examples we set.

When Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, Moses took the time to remind them of their covenant with God--if they obeyed God in the Promised Land, they would experience life and blessings; but if they spurned God, they would experience curses and death. We know from scripture that Israel did not follow God's commandments, and were eventually exiled from their land. But when we look at Israel, we see a picture of our own spiritual lives. We are just as self-centered and disobedient. We can only follow God by the strength which God provides, and we need Jesus as our Savior.

In Deuteronomy 26, Moses gives instructions to the nation of Israel for the giving of tithes. The New Testament doesn't tell believers a specific amount to give, but in this Old Testament passage, we see a number of principles which are affirmed by the rest of scripture. Everything we have is already the Lord's, God wants our best, and God blesses our giving.

Our beliefs drive our behaviors. Preaching from Deuteronomy 10, Pastor Phil shows us that if we know Who God Is and what He has done, then we should respond accordingly.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says, "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?" (NIV) To fear the Lord is a command with rich meaning. In today's message, Pastor Phil explores what it means to fear the Lord, and then examines the other instructions in this passage.

In Deuteronomy 7, we read that God chose the nation of Israel because He loved them. In today's message, Pastor Phil explores what the love of God means--and shows us how that love is demonstrated by Christ's work on the cross.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, we find the Shemah, a passage of scripture which has remained of central importance for the nation of Israel throughout their history. In today's message, Pastor Andy studies four key lessons from the Shemah: that the LORD is one, that we are to love the Lord, that we are to keep His commands on our hearts, and that we are to impress His commands on our children.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses tells the nation of Israel that they are about to enter a land of great abundance. After 40 years of wandering in the desert and relying on God in a time of great need, the nation is about to enjoy a time of great prosperity. But Moses warns them not to forget God once all of their needs are met. In today's message, Pastor John explores how prosperity can pull away at our identity and our security, which both need to be rooted in God rather than in money. And in 1 Timothy 6, we see the answer to this temptation: to give of our time serving others, and to generously give our money to those who are in need.

In today's sermon, Pastor Phil introduces the book of Deuteronomy, which contains messages from Moses, nearing the end of his life, to the nation of Israel. In Deuteronomy 4, Moses tells Israel to listen to the laws he is about to teach, and reminds them of recent events in their history--the giving of the 10 commandments, and the destruction of those who followed Baal. From this chapter, Pastor Phil draws out 4 principles for our walk with God: that we should "remember Who God is, respond to His character and faithfulness, repent of your sin, and receive the abundant grace that God freely offers each and every day."

In today's message, Pastor Phil examines the accounts in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua about how God used the nation of Israel to execute judgement on many of the surrounding nations. From these accounts, we are reminded of the justice of God and the mercy of God, and we are given a chance to remember that God is good.

In today's message, Pastor Phil looks at the account of Balaam, who was called by king Balaak to pronounce a curse on the nation of Israel. But God would not allow Balaam to speak a curse, and instead required him to speak blessings on Israel.

In their final year of wandering in the wilderness, having been denied passage through Edom, the national of Israel had to take the long way around the country. When they complained against God and Moses, God sent snakes, and many of the people were killed. But when the nation confessed their sin, God told Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole so that anyone who looked at the snake could live. In today's message, Pastor John explores how this event in Israel's history foreshadowed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Reference to the same bronze snake in 2 Kings 18 also gives us a chance to see how a good thing can be held on to for the wrong reasons, and become a bad thing.

In Numbers 20, we read how Moses disobeyed God near the end of Israel's wandering in the wilderness when he struck a rock to bring out water instead of speaking to it as God instructed. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies this text to show us where things went wrong--and reminds us that we all need a Mediator.

Numbers 16 and 17 records a rebellion against Moses, led by Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Ultimately this rebellion was against God, and we see in this story that those who rebelled were driven by a spirit of criticism. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies this account from the book of Numbers, and reminds us that when see the sins committed by the nation of Israel back then, we can often see the same sins in our own life today. We all need a Savior.

In Numbers 13 and 14, we read how the nation of Israel was about to go into the Promised Land, but gave into fear and rejected God's command when they heard the report of the spies sent into the land. Then, once God told them to turn back, and that their generation would die in the wilderness, they regretted their decision, and tried to take the land without God's approval--and here, they failed miserably. But in reading this history, we see our own fears and our own selfishness. In today's message, Pastor Phil reviews this event in Israel's history, and reminds us that sin has consequences--ultimately the consequence of death. But for those whose faith is in Jesus, there is the promise of eternal life.

In today's message, Larry High studies Galatians 3:10-14, and how Christ became a curse for us. When we come together for communion, we remind ourselves of Jesus' work on the cross, because it can be too easy to forget the sin and wrath from which we have been saved, and the price which was paid for our salvation.

After the nation of Israel left from Egypt, they were guided by God in the wilderness with a cloud. In Numbers 9, we read that when the cloud moved, Israel followed. And wherever the cloud stopped, Israel waited--for however long the cloud would stay in place. In today's message, Pastor John teaches what it looks like to discern God's will, and to obey it.

In today's message, Pastor Phil shows us why we should pray for our family, and the different ways that we can do so.

In almost all of his letters to the churches of his time, Paul told the churches to whom he was writing the things that he prayed for them. These prayers are a model for us as we seek to pray for our church today.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught his disciples how to fast--and how not to fast! As we seek to fast together as a church, we can study this passage--and other models in scripture--so that we can fast as the Bible teaches.

When Peter was thrown to prison by King Herod, the church prayed earnestly for him, and God answered their prayer with Peter's miraculous rescue. Studying this passage in the book of Acts, Pastor Phil teaches that we should pray together, pray earnestly, pray often and pray expectantly.

In today's sermon, Larry High preaches on Psalm 102 and encourages us that affliction is for a time, but God's reign is forever, and He never changes.

Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace. In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches how we can have peace with God, and how we can also have the peace of God.

When God foretold of the coming Messiah through the prophecy of Isaiah, one of the names given to Jesus was Mighty God. We know that Jesus came to this world as a man, but we also know that He was and is God. And so, we know that there is nothing that Jesus can not accomplish. And most importantly, we know that Jesus has the power to save us from our sins.

In Isaiah 9:6, it was prophesied that Jesus would be called, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." What does it mean, then, for Jesus to called "Everlasting Father?" In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the Biblical understanding of the Trinity, and teaches that we should always run to Jesus, knowing that God is gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.

In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches us about the historical background for the message of Isaiah. The kingdom of Judah could see an enemy nation on their doorstep, and in time, God would judge the nation for its sins. But the prophecy found in chapter 9 tells of a coming Messiah who will reign victoriously. That Messiah is Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 9:6, we are told that Jesus name will be "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The name "Wonderful Counselor" tells us that Jesus is awesome in wonder, and full of godly wisdom.

In John 14, we read that as Jesus celebrated the passover with his disciples, knowing that he was very soon going to the cross, Jesus spoke words of comfort to His disciples, reminding them of the future glory of heaven. When Thomas asked how they could know the way to where Jesus was going, Jesus responded, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) In today's message, Pastor explores the question, what can calm our troubled hearts? Our faith in Jesus, the future promised to us, and our relationship with God through Jesus.

When Jesus was told that Lazarus was sick, Jesus said that the sickness would not end in death. Yet, Lazarus died. So how was this possible? When Jesus came to Jerusalem, he called Lazarus out of the tomb by name, and Lazarus rose to life again. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies John 11, and what it means that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

In John 10, Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd. From earlier in scripture, in Psalm 23, we are given a picture of God as our Shepherd--the one who provides for us and shields us and walks with us the through the valley of the shadow of death. In John 10, we are given a picture of our security in Jesus. A shepherd was expected to defend his sheep; so, as we are the sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd, Jesus tells us that no one will snatch us from His hand.

"Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:7-10) NIV When Jesus spoke these words, those who listened would have been immediately familiar with the imagery. In today's message, Pastor Phil explores the meaning of these words with historical insight, and preaches on the spiritual message behind the picture being painted. Since Jesus is the Gate for the sheep--and the Shepherd!--and since we who believe on Him are His sheep, then we know that life is better with Him.

What do we need to live? What do we need to truly live? In John 8:12, Jesus says "I Am the Light of the World." In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches that because Jesus is the Light of the World, that we can trust God's provision, that we need to live in the light, and that as we follow and become more like Jesus, He tells us that we are light in a dark world.

In John 6, Jesus speaks to the crowds and tells them that He is the Bread of Life. In today's message, Pastor John studies the meaning of Jesus' words--when we partake of Jesus, we have eternal life.

In Exodus 34, we read that as Moses was on Mount Sinai, God came down in the cloud, stood with Moses, passed before him, and proclaimed His Name to Moses. In verses 6 and 7, we read God's own description of Himself--and we learn that God is both compassionate and just. In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the traits God revealed about Himself in this encounter. When we sin, we should trust God's mercy and come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). And this we can do only through Jesus Christ, who is our only hope for when we all finally stand before God on the day of judgment. Have you trusted Him as your Savior?

In Exodus 33 and 34, we read that God commanded Israel to go on ahead to the Promised Land, but also that He said He would not go with them. When Israel heard this, they mourned, and Moses pleaded for God to be with them. "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Exodus 33:15; NIV). God heard, and promised to be with them. In today's message, Pastor Phil encourages us to consider, if we could have everything we wanted--but we didn't have God's presence--would we choose those things, or would we choose God? Following God brings with it both hardships and rewards, but the ultimate reward of following God is, itself, to know God.

Some seven weeks after their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were at Mount Sinai, and Moses went up the mountain for about 40 days. In Exodus 32, we read how the Israelites quickly broke their covenant with God by creating a golden idol in the shape of a calf. In today's message, Pastor Andy examines the propensity we all have for worshiping things instead of worshiping God--and how Moses' intercession for the nation of Israel points towards the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ.

In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the fourth commandment--to keep the Sabbath holy. This command tends to bring up many questions for us as Christians, who celebrate the Lord's Day. Do we still need to keep the Sabbath? Why or why not? And which day is the Sabbath? In today's message, Pastor Phil reviews scripture to encourage us that 1.) the Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic covenant, and since believers are no longer under the old covenant, we are not bound to observe the Sabbath and 2.) It is good for Christians to practice the principles of the Sabbath.

In Exodus 20, we find the 10 Commandments, which God gave to Israel to teach them how to please Him and live a godly life. But as we study the 10 Commandments, we realize that no one can keep them without fail. Because of our sinful nature, we need the redemption offered through Jesus Christ.

Beginning in Exodus 19, the Bible records how God calls Moses and the nation of Israel to Mount Sinai and lays out for them the covenant by which they are to live. In today's message, we are reminded of God's majesty, and encouraged to follow God's ways.

In Exodus 17, we read that the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites early in their journey through the wilderness--but God gave Israel victory over the Amalekites in a way that clearly demonstrated their dependence on His power. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies this account in Exodus to remind us that in our battles, we need to pray, to act in faith, and to have other believers with us in our fight.

After God delivered the nation of Israel from Egypt and led them across the Red Sea into the wilderness, the people faced serious challenges as they were alternately unable to locate water (Exodus 15 and 17) or food (Exodus 16). In today's message, Pastor John shows us how these trials were designed by God to test Israel for their good--but they responded by testing God out of their own bad nature. We are encouraged, by their example, to respond differently, and act in faith when we face difficulty.

Pastor Phil preaches from Ephesians 6:19-24, which gives instruction to the church on how to pray, when to pray, what to pray, and who to pray for. In light of these instructions, Pastor Phil encourages us to choose one practical thing we can change in our own prayer life.

Pastor Andy preaches from Ephesians 6 on living with the full armor of God.

In Ephesians 6:5-9, the Bible gives instruction for how slaves are to live out their faith in their work, and how masters are to live out their faith in their treatment of their slaves. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies the institution of slavery in the times of Rome, and the broader picture of the Bible's condemnation of slavery as a whole. With these things in mind, we consider the message that these verses can impart to us as workers and as bosses.

In today's message, Pastor Phil examines what it means to follow the command in Ephesians 5 for wives to submit to their husbands, and for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. When marriage isn't what we want it to be, we should focus on changing ourselves rather than seeking to change our spouse. And we should remember that the goal of marriage is to bring glory to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 says "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." We see in these verses a reminder that Jesus died for us, and that we are called by his example to walk in love. We can not earn our salvation, but the new life given to us by God compels us to live anew. In today's message, Pastor Phil studies the first 20 verses of Ephesians 5 to examine what that new life should look like.

In Ephesians 4:30, we are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean? In today's message, Pastor John explores 5 questions related to this passage, and encourages us that we should grieve over sin along with the Holy Spirit, that there is still hope in Christ when we do grieve the Holy Spirit--and that to have the Holy Spirit requires faith in Jesus.

In today's message, Larry High studies the scriptures to examine both the reality and the limitation of Satan's power. We are reminded of the complete sovereignty and assured victory of God, and encouraged to take our stand in Jesus Christ.

Words are powerful! In today's message, Pastor Phil studies Ephesians 4:29 and James 3:1-12 for three commands we should consider when we choose to speak: 1.) to not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, 2.) to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs and 3.) to speak only what is to the benefit of those who listen.

In Ephesians 4, we are given instruction on how to navigate our anger. In today's message, Pastor Phil explores the idea of anger. There can be a righteous, Christian anger--but even with this, we must respond in ways which glorify God. And for anger which does not glorify God, "all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander," Ephesians 4:31 tells us to get rid of it.

What you think drives what you do. In today's message, Pastor Phil preaches on the command we have from Ephesians chapter 4 to put off the old self, "to be made new in the attitude of your minds" (v.23), and to put on the new self.