North Way Christian Community

We all have experienced loneliness in our lives. We long to be known, accepted, and truly connected. But loneliness isn't the absence of people, it's the absence of connection. We often separate our desires from our faith, our identity from our worth, and our trials from our purpose. We chase fulfillment apart from God, hoping that something or someone will satisfy us. But not only do we have a God who sees our loneliness, we have a Savior who understands. The cure for loneliness isn't more people, it's a deeper connection with God and with others who draw us closer to Him.  

Darkness and suffering can trap us in a draining loop of “what if,” but hope and the radical acceptance of “what is” offers the way out. Hope is not a fixed point we will reach, but a living force that propels us forward. Through hardship we are formed anew, and in our suffering, Jesus brings forth a new creation. Good things are happening even in the darkness.

Happy Mother's Day! Today we celebrate all the women in our lives, those who have nurtured, led, and loved us deeply. We honor the heart of a mother, a heart that reflects Jesus. Whether biological or spiritual, moms carry superpowers of love. They see the unseen, make space for the lost, and take risks for the defenseless. Many mothers battle mom guilt, feeling they fall short. But true freedom comes when we receive Jesus' love. We aren't empowered by expectations from the world, but by the spirit of God.

Anxiety and fear are real responses, but they are meant to counsel us, not imprison us. In His own suffering, Jesus showed that surrender brings strength and that anxious thoughts can point us to our deepest longings to feel significant, accepted, and secure. But these needs are fully met in Christ. When we reframe our life's telos around Him, anxiety becomes a doorway to deeper trust, joy, and freedom.

Is something currently testing your faith? Are you struggling with difficult relationships? Being offended and angry with difficult people is inevitable but living offended and angered by difficult people is a choice. This sermon introduces our study on trials and how they test our faith, especially through difficult relationships. Pastor Scott reminds us that trials are normal, can be a source of joy, and can transform us by building steadfastness in our lives.  

Responses have consequences. This is true in all areas of life but especially true as we consider the resurrection. When we look at Scripture we see a variety of responses to the truth that Jesus rose from the dead. Some people said, "no way," viewing the resurrection of Jesus as an idle tale. Others marveled that Jesus was alive and went back to their old way of life. Some allowed this truth to change them and responded, "now what." When the truth of the resurrection changes us we have a living hope that will transform every area of our lives. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life." Do you believe that true life is found in Jesus?  

Hospitality isn't just about opening our homes, it's about opening our hearts. It's a spiritual practice that reflects the gospel by welcoming and pursuing the stranger. God calls us to see and move toward those who are different. Just as we were once strangers and God welcomed us, we are now invited to extend that same love to others.

Prayer can sometimes feel confusing or uncertain. Is God really listening? We often treat prayer as something we do only in desperation or celebration, but is it truly our way of life? Prayer is not a transaction to get something from God, it's an invitation to keep company with God. Let's seek to respond to God's invitation by being present with Him.

In a world suffering from an epidemic of loneliness, community is the remedy. We were created for relationships and God designed us to thrive in meaningful connection. Community is more than just a place of belonging; it's also a place of becoming, where we grow into who God created us to be. Community brings us to Jesus.

We all long to be unrushed and present in the moment. The Sabbath is God's gift to rest and refocus our hearts on Him. It's not about rules or striving for perfection but resting in His perfection. Jesus redeems the Sabbath, making it a time to reorient our lives around Him. True Sabbath isn't just about rest but also worshipping, joy, and being present with God.

Jesus made solitude a regular part of His life, retreating to desolate places to be with His Father. Stepping into solitude transforms us, allowing us to hear God's voice, reveal hidden rebellion in our hearts, and invites us into true rest. This week, we are challenged not just to find time but to make time, resisting the urge to fill the silence, and allow God to do what only He can do.

Have you shared your faith with a non-believer recently? Are you letting others see your hope in Christ? In this message, we explore how to change our mindset, step out in faith, and share the gospel with urgency. Our feet bring peace, happiness, salvation, and good news when we walk into the world as a witness of the gospel.

When was the last time you had a fresh encounter with the gospel? Fasting isn't just about giving something up but drawing closer to Jesus. In God's Kingdom, the dependent version of you is the best version of you. Jesus fasted and expects His followers to do the same, not for show but to expose our weaknesses, reveal our idols, and stir compassion. This Lent, challenge yourself to fast and experience the gospel in a fresh way.

Jesus spoke frequently about money and possessions, not just in words but through His generous life. We live in a world today that often defines success by wealth and upward mobility. True abundance isn't found in possessions but in being rich toward God. Generosity requires a shift in thinking and begins with a step of faith.

Jesus calls us to a life of service. Transformation happens when we set aside our ego, empty words, and displays of power, and instead embrace humility, living faith, and small acts of love. When we are empowered by His Spirit and step into the greater works He has prepared, transformation spreads everywhere, through our willingness to kneel down and serve others.

Who shapes your identity? We often seek guidance from those who don't truly know us, when we should be looking to God, our Creator. Scripture is a weapon against sin and the key to discovering our true identity. When we are led by the Spirit, we leave behind the old and step into the new.  

Are you truly a disciple of Jesus, or just identifying as a Christian? In this message, we explore what it really means to follow Him by denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and surrendering fully to His way. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of abiding in Jesus, being shaped by His practices, and walking in His truth. Who are you following?

We all love the advantages life offers, but when it comes to the ultimate advantage, the Holy Spirit, we may feel fearful or confused. The Holy Spirit offers us guidance, peace, and comfort, working in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Though often misunderstood or feared, the Holy Spirit is a helper from God that points us to Jesus, helping us experience His love on a personal level.

The power of knowing, experiencing, and following Jesus transforms our lives when all three are present. Though most Americans acknowledge the Bible's value, few engage with it daily, a choice between wisdom and folly. Reading God's Word daily brings peace, trust, clarity, and empowerment, equipping us to proclaim the gospel and fulfill our mission as followers of Jesus.

Our mission as a church is to lead people to know God through His Word, experience Him through the Holy Spirit, and follow Him in our hearts through obedience. At the center of knowing, experiencing, and following Him, we encounter God. To truly live out this mission, we must balance the Word, Spirit, and obedience, sacrificing personal preferences to align with His purpose.  

Do you believe God still performs miracles today? Without the supernatural, we are left with a life of good morals, but no power. Through gratitude, regular time in the Word, and prayer we can open our eyes to the miraculous all around us and share the greatest miracle of all: eternal life with Him.

The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh not only honored Jesus but also told the story of the gospel: His eternal reign, righteousness, and victory over sin and death. These gifts remind us of the greatest gift of all, eternal life and redemption for everyone who believes in Him.

The magi's gift of myrrh foreshadowed Jesus' suffering and death for our salvation. Jesus came to reach us from our sin, wrap us in His love, and release us from death. Just as Jesus chose to endure pain wrapped in the Father's love on the cross, we are called to trust in God's love in our darkest moments, resisting the urge to escape and instead remain hopeful.

What is the best gift you ever received? The best gifts go beyond the object itself, they make us feel seen and valued. In Jesus, God gives us the ultimate gift, declaring we are known, significant, and loved. The wise men's gift of frankincense reminds us that Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of God's promises, fully God and fully man, and our Great High Priest. Through Him, we receive complete forgiveness, access to God, and unending grace...a gift that changes everything.

The story of the Magi reveals truths about our response to Jesus. They pursued Him, recognized His royalty, and honored Him with generous, sacrificial gifts. The gift of gold signified Jesus' kingship, confirming He is not just any king, but THE King. How we perceive Jesus shapes how we respond to Him. Recognizing His authority calls for worshipful honor.

Join Allison and Pastor John as they reflect on the transformative teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in this season's final episode. They explore the power of building your foundation on Christ, embracing a renewed mind, and living out Jesus' teachings. To watch this past week's sermon: Built to Last | John Reilly For more info: northway.org

What is the foundation of your life? Jesus redefines what it means to live in God's Kingdom, not tied to a place, but built on the good news of the gospel. In this message, we explore how loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind creates a foundation that stands firm through life's storms. When emotions, identity, and intellect are submitted to Him, we discover a steadfast purpose that transforms how we live.

In this episode, Allison sits down with Pastor Dave to discuss his recent sermon, focusing on discerning good versus bad leadership and understanding the fruit in people's lives. As they reflect on lessons from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Dave shares practical insights on studying scripture and cultivating an eternal perspective in daily life. To watch this past week's sermon: Abiding Through Understanding | Dave D'Angelo For more info: northway.org

Jesus calls us to understanding, abiding in Him, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. This sermon reminds us that God's will is belief in His Son and salvation rests on God's love for us, not our performance. True fruit reflects a transformed heart as we focus on what God is doing in us, not what we are doing in the world.

Join Allison and Amanda as they dive deeper into Matthew 7 and discuss cultivating curiosity as a spiritual practice. To watch this past week's sermon: Judge Not | Amanda Beggs For more info: northway.org

The way of the God's Kingdom changes the way we approach relationships. Before we guide others, we must examine our own hearts humbly, letting God's word change us. It's important that we don't have condemning hearts disguised as discerning minds. When we see ourselves rightly, we see the gospel clearly.

This week on Behind and Beyond, Allison and Pastor discuss reducing anxiety by trusting God more deeply and focusing on His kingdom. They explore how prayer, scripture, and gratitude can help manage worry and bring peace. To watch this past week's sermon: Stop Rocking | Dave D'Angelo For more info: northway.org

As a society, we are more anxious than ever before. Jesus calls us to take another path, to dare to think differently, even in the face of our worries. By seeking first the Kingdom of God, reorienting and reprioritizing our lives and our minds around Jesus, we can find peace.

In this episode, Amanda and Allison discuss Amanda's recent sermon on costume Christianity and take a deeper look at the Lord's Prayer, line by line. They explore what it means to follow Jesus authentically, going beyond surface behaviors to embrace a true dependency on God for daily needs and forgiveness. They also highlight how the Lord's Prayer offers comfort and grounding, especially during challenging times like election season. To watch this past week's sermon: Costume Christianity | Amanda Beggs For more info: northway.org

Changing how we look on the outside will never change who we are on the inside. Costume Christianity is the appearance of faith without true heart change, leading to either self-righteousness or despair. Jesus invites us to take off the costume and seek real communion with Him through prayer as He moves our hearts from a place of entitlement to a place of gratitude. In prayer, we trust that God is big enough for our past and our future.

Join Pastor Dave and Allison as they discuss practical ways to deepen prayer life. Dave shares his personal journey, emphasizing daily rhythms of prayer. Also, a listener's question sparks a conversation on maintaining hope and persistence in prayer during times of unanswered questions. To watch this past week's sermon: Ask, Seek, Knock! | Dave D'Angelo For more info: northway.org  

In this message, we're reminded of the importance of listening carefully, not just with our ears but with our hearts. Jesus urges us to "ask, seek, and knock"(Matthew 7:7), showing that genuine prayer is transformative. Prayer isn't just about saying words; it's a form of deep communion with God that reshapes our desires, aligning them with His Kingdom. As we engage in prayer, our hearts begin to crave what He values, empowering us to walk the narrow path and grow closer to His presence.

In this episode, Pastor Scott shares his passion for developing young leaders and believers in the local church, as well as fostering a culture of generosity within communities. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the incredible acts of generosity he's witnessed through his ministry. To watch this past week's sermon: Investing in Eternal Treasures For more info: northway.org

Earthly investments fade, but heavenly treasures are everlasting. As followers of Christ, we should evaluate whether our investments are solely in temporary things or eternal. We are generous not to earn God's love, but because we are already loved by Him. Here at North Way, we express our commitment to investing in eternal treasures through next generational church leadership, global missions, and local and regional church planting. More info on Deep and Wide here: https://northway.org/deep-wide/  

This week on Behind and Beyond, Pastor Dave joins Allison as they discuss examining our motives and how the Lord meets us in the secret and low places. To watch this past week's sermon: Remove the Mask For more info: northway.org

We often try to preserve our own image by seeking to be rewarded by others. Jesus teaches that "practicing righteousness" should only be to and for God, not to and for each other. While the reward of man is fleeting and based on performance, the reward of God brings true peace, freedom, and joy. God's reward isn't something we earn but something He graciously bestows upon us.

Who is your enemy? Does someone who harmed or hurt you come to mind? This sermon explores Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 on loving our enemies and waiving our right to retaliate. While it's natural to seek revenge against those who harm us, Jesus calls us to a supernatural response—choosing love over retaliation. We must trust God as our vindicator and extend love by praying for, blessing, and doing good to those who have wronged us  

Join Pastor Dave and Allison as they continue to dive deeper into the Sermon on the Mount. They discuss what it means to abide in the Lord and how to allow Him to transform our hearts more into His image.

We often seek God's blessings without being deeply rooted in Christianity, relying on self-evident truths. Jesus teaches us that our words should be truthful and full of integrity, avoiding manipulation. True transformation comes from the heart, not just behavior change, and happens when we root ourselves in the gospel.

This week on Behind and Beyond, Pastor John joins Allison as they dive into Matthew 5:21-26, where Jesus teaches us to see anger and reconciliation in a new way. They start by digging into the scripture, then get practical about how it plays out in everyday life and relationships. To watch this past week's sermon: Forgiveness Over Fury For more info: northway.org

In our journey through life, we often carry burdens that weigh us down. Getting angry is inevitable but carrying around our anger is a choice. Instead of swallowing, justifying, or releasing our anger destructively, we are called to embrace forgiveness and lament, freeing ourselves from the heavy load and stepping into the life God intended for us.

In this episode, Allison and Pastor Dave continue discussing the Sermon on the Mount. They dive into some tough topics like adultery, divorce, and lust, and talk about how important it is to lean on Christ's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to deal with these challenges. To watch this past week's sermon: The Narrow Path For more info: northway.org

When God's Kingdom takes root in our hearts, it transforms how we view and engage with the world. What consumes our hearts dictates what we experience. Jesus calls us to hear His voice not as a threat but as an invitation to abundant life. The narrow path leads to life by confronting lust and to stop viewing our marriages as disposable. We need to choose love, not consumption, to walk on the right path.

Behind and Beyond is back with Season 4! We're diving deeper into Amanda Begg's recent sermon from the "Your Kingdom Come" series. This podcast explores how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament and the difference between behavior modification and heart transformation, especially in parenting and personal growth. Allison and Amanda also discuss remaining hopeful in an election season. North Way Counseling Services: northway.org/counseling To watch this past week's sermon: The Heart of a Disciple For more info: northway.org

At the core of "Your Kingdom come" is a deep desire for God to restore the world to its rightful order. We must go beyond surface-level Christianity and allow Jesus to fully reign in our hearts, granting Him complete access to transform us from the inside out. We must regularly check our hearts, motivations, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It's only through Jesus that our hearts and actions can align as genuine disciples, living for the Kingdom.

Love drives our actions, including our relationship with God. Jesus calls us to make disciples—those who love, follow, and obey Him. Our journey with Jesus is a lifelong progression, where we move from being lost to becoming disciple-makers. As we obey and make disciples, we experience God's presence and see lives transformed. Jesus modeled invitation by reaching out to the lost, and we are called to do the same, sharing our faith intentionally and walking with the authority and power of Jesus.