Northwood Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Northwood Community Church
Passage: Acts 19:21-41Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Rory Dardich
Date: September 10, 2023
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Passage: 2 Corinthians 13:14Series: FoundationsSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: September 3, 2023
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Passage: Matthew 28:19-20; 13:45-46Series: FoundationsSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 27, 2023
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Passage: Ephesians 3:6, 10Series: FoundationsSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 20, 2023
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Passage: Matthew 16:18b, Hebrews 12:1-2Series: FoundationsSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 13, 2023
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Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Hebrews 10:23Series: FoundationsSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 6, 2023
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Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4Series: Foundations
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 30, 2023
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Passage: 2 Chronicles. 34:1-13, 31-33Series: CBR
Speaker: Neal Brown
Date: July 23, 2023
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Passage: Genesis 3Series: Mere Creation
Speaker: Art Noderer
Date: July 16, 2023
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Passage: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-25 Series: Mere Creation
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 9, 2023
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Passage: Genesis 1:26-2:3, 2:15 Series: Mere Creation
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 2, 2023
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Passage: Genesis 1Series: Mere Creation
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: June 25, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 96
Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Ron Padilla
Date: June 18, 2023
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Passage: Philippians 2:12-18Series: CBRSpeaker: Caleb Pipes
Date: June 11, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 73Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Scott Stinson
Date: June 4, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 47Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Kevin Wilder
Date: May 28, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 22Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Rory Dardich
Date: May 21, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 57Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Neal Brown
Date: May 14, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 77Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: May 7, 2023
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Passage: Psalm 51Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 30, 2022
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Passage: Acts 19:11-20Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 23, 2023
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Passage: Acts 19:1-10Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 16, 2023
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Passage: Matthew 28:1-15Series: Easter Celebration
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 9, 2023
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Passage: Romans 12:1-8 Series: CBRSpeaker: Rory Dardich
Date: April 2, 2023
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Passage: Acts 18:18-28Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: March 26, 2023
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Passage: Acts 18:1-17
Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: March 19, 2023
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Passage: Acts 17:16-34
Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: March 12, 2023
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Passage: Acts 17:1-15Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Ron Padilla
Date: March 5, 2023
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Passage: Acts 16:16-40Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: February 26, 2023
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Passage: Acts 16:6-15Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: February 19, 2023
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Passage: Acts 15:36-16:5Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: February 12, 2023
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Passage:Acts 15:1-35
Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Passage: Luke 18:35-43Series: CBRSpeaker: Sam Raucci
Date: January 29, 2023
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Passage: Acts 14:1-28Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: January 22, 2023
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Passage: Acts 13:13-52Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: January 15, 2023
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Passage: Acts 13:1-12Series: The Acts of the Risen Christ
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: January 8, 2023
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Passage: JudeSeries: CBRSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: January 1, 2023
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Passage: Matthew 11:16-19Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Mitchell CruitDate: December 25, 2022
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Passage: Luke 19:1-10
Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Mitchell CruitDate: December 18, 2022
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Passage: John 10:7-10Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Neal BrownDate: December 11, 2022
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Passage: John 18:33-38Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Mitchell CruitDate: November 27, 2022
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Passage: Mark 10:35-45Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Mitchell CruitDate: December 4, 2022
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Passage: John 18:33-38Series: Advent 2022: Jesus CameSpeaker: Mitchell CruitDate: November 27, 2022
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Passage: Acts 12:1-25Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Rory Dardich
Date: November 20, 2022
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Passage: Acts 11:19-30Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: November 13, 2022
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Passage: Acts 10:1-11:18Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: November 6, 2022
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Passage: Mark 12:28-34Series: CBRSpeaker: Neal Brown
Date: October 30, 2022
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Passage: Acts 9: 32-43
Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Ron Padilla
Date: October 23, 2022
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Passage: Acts 9:1-31
Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: October 16, 2022
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Passage: Acts 8:26-40
Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: October 9, 2022
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Passage: Acts 8:4-25Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: October 2, 2022
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Passage: Acts 6:8-8:3
Series: The Acts of the Risen ChristSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: September 25, 2022
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Passage: Deuteronomy 28:1-14Series: CBRSpeaker: Rory Dardich
Date: September 18, 2022
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Series: Being the ChurchSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: September 11, 2022
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Series: Being the ChurchSpeaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: September 4, 2022
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Passage: Psalm 118
Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 28, 2022
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Passage: Psalm 110
Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: August 21, 2022
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Passage: Deuteronomy 3:23-29Series: CBRSpeaker: Adam Szydlowski
Date: August 14, 2022
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Passage: Psalm 69
Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Ron Padilla
Date: August 7, 2022
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Passage: Psalm 2Series: Summer in the Psalms
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 31, 2022
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Passage: Acts 6:1-7
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 24, 2022
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Passage: Acts 5:12-42
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 17, 2022
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Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-13, 19
Series: CBRSpeaker: Rory Dardich
Date: July 10, 2022
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Passage: Acts 4:32-5:11Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: July 3, 2022
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Passage: Acts 4:1-31
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: June 26, 2022
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Passage: Acts 3Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: June 19, 2022
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Passage: Colossians 1:15-20
Series: CBR
Speaker: Todd Augustine
Date: June 12, 2022
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Passage: Acts 2:42-47
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: June 5, 2022
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Passage: Acts 2:1-41
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: May 29, 2022
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Passage: Acts 1:12-26
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Neal Brown
Date: May 22, 2022
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Passage: Acts 1:1-11
Series: Jesus' Work Through His People to the End of the Age
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: May 15, 2022
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Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Series: CBR
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: May 8, 2022
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Passage: Hosea 14
Series: "God's Response to His Unfaithful Bride"
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: May 1, 2022
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Passage: Hosea 13
Series: "God's Response to His Unfaithful Bride"
Speaker: Ron Padilla
Date: April 24, 2022
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Passage: John 11:1-48, 53Series: Easter Celebration
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 17, 2022
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Passage: Hosea 11:12-12:14Series: God's Response to His Unfaithful Bride
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 10, 2022
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Passage: Hosea 11:1-11
Series: "God's Response to His Unfaithful Bride"
Speaker: Mitchell Cruit
Date: April 3, 2022
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Guest Speaker Nick Wing-HoltRomans 5:1-5>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Rory DardichHosea 10This passage shows us what happens when prosperity leads God’s people into unfaithfulness.I. A people with no true fruit (v.1–2)II. A society with no integrity (v.3–4)III. A hollow and destructive religious system (v.5–8)IV. A history doomed to be repeated (v.9–10)V. A reaping of what was sown (v.11-15)Application: avoiding sin AND pursuing righteousness>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 9This text is tailored to teach us to rejoice not when God’s covenant is broken.I. Rejoice not when God is forsaken because covenant blessings will turn into covenant curses, instead love God more than his blessings because Jesus became the curse for us. (v. 1-6, cf. Gal. 3:13)II. Rejoice not when God’s people have deeply corrupted themselves because their sin will be punished, instead encourage one another to know the Lord because Jesus gives us new hearts. (v. 7-9, cf. Heb. 8)III. Rejoice not when God’s people become like the shame they’ve loved because their glory will be removed, instead imitate Jesus because he will restore our glory. (v. 10-14, cf. Matt. 28:18-20) IV. Rejoice not when God’s people do not listen to their God because God will reject them, instead listen to Jesus because he is God’s beloved son, who intercedes for us. (v.15-17, cf. Matt. 17:5-7)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Rory DardichJohn 15:1-8Intimacy with Jesus is absolutely essential to live a life of supernatural, eternal results to glorify God!
I. Jesus is the only source of life, power, vitality & purpose that exists! (v.1-3) A. Jesus is the “TRUE” vine: THE faithful human, true Israel, the source and foundation of what is to come through Him! (v.1) B. The Father tends the branches: those who belong to Jesus, and those who seem to for a time. (v2) 1. Removing those that don’t belong. 2. Pruning those that do belong. C. We are made clean by the Gospel. (v.3)II. Intimacy with Jesus is the only way to develop God-glorifying results in your life. (v.4-8) 1. You will bear much fruit if you remain in Christ. (v.4-6) 2. Living in his presence makes all the difference. (v.7-8)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 8This text is tailored to teach us that God will reveal our self-deception.
I. The Problem: We are self-deceived. (v.1-3)II. The Source of the Problem: We have forgotten our God. (v. 14)III. God’s Response to the Problem 1. God reveals that we’ve valued strong leaders rather than leaders with strong character. (v. 4a) 2. God reveals that we’ve worshipped gods of our own making rather than God himself. (v.4b-6) 3. God reveals that we’ve depended on human deliverance rather than God’s deliverance. (v. 7-10) 4. God reveals that we’ve trusted our performance rather than God’s grace. (v. 11-13)IV. Questions for Reflection 1. How central is God in your life? 2. Which of God’s responses to our self-deception did the Holy Spirit use to get your attention? 3. What steps do you need to take to be engaged in relationships that will help make you aware of self-deception? 4. How does the grace of Jesus that blots out our sins encourage you to trust him even with the sins you are unaware of?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 6, 7This text is tailored to teach us that God will not accept a false convert.
I. 5 Marks of a False Convert 1. A false convert uses the right vocabulary, but lacks repentance. (6:1-3) 2. A false convert does not have a love that perseveres or prioritizes the right things. (6:4-6) 3. A false convert is enflamed with desire for sin because they have neglected their heart for God. (6:7-7:7) 4. A false convert is not distinct from the world and doesn’t even realize it. (7:8-12) 5. A false convert is not reliable because they don’t truly trust God, but instead try to use God to get what they want. (7:13-16)II. The problem is that a false convert’s heart has not been made new, yet the good news of the gospel is that Jesus makes our hearts new. (6:2, 6:7, 7:1, 7:7, cf. 1 Cor 15:1-3, Matt 9:13)III. Questions for Reflection 1. How did God help you to see evidence of his grace that can assure your heart? 2. How did God reveal areas in your life that are cause for concern rather than assurance? 3. Where do you need to trust Jesus to conform your desires to the new heart he has already given you?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 5:1-15This text is tailored to teach us that God will use our idols to punish us in hope that our distress would lead us to humbly seek him.
I. Idolatry destroys us by keeping us from seeking God humbly. (v. 1-7)II. God will punish our idolatry with our idolatry. (v. 8-14)III. Our only hope is to seek God humbly by acknowledging our guilt. (v. 15)IV. Questions for Reflection 1. Is there any sin or idolatry in your life you are putting off repenting of because you think you can always repent later? 2. Where do you look for deliverance and hope apart from God? 3. How does knowing God’s purpose is to draw us back to him stir you to acknowledge your guilt and seek his face?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Guest Speaker Scott StinsonLuke 24:36-49A Ghost Does Not Have Flesh and Blood
The Resurrection:I. It HappenedII. Its MeaningIII. Its Consequences>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 4:1-19This text is tailored to teach us that God judges unfaithfulness even when unfaithfulness is a result of ignorance.
I. The Problem: There is no integrity, love, or knowledge of God among his people. (v. 1-3)II. The Source of the Problem: God’s Word is not faithfully taught by the leaders of God’s people. (v. 4-8)III. The Consequences of the Problem a. God’s people become like their leaders and are punished for it. (v. 9) b. God’s people are not satisfied by their unfaithfulness. (v. 10-11) c. God’s people go to the wrong sources for knowledge. (v. 12) d. God’s people are given over to their passions. (v. 13-14)IV. A Commendable Response to the Problem: Keep your distance from professing Christians and churches who do not revere God’s Word and are comfortable in their ignorance. (v.15-19)V. The good news is that Jesus desires to forgive us in our ignorance and has already done what is necessary to make forgiveness possible.VI. Questions for Reflection 1. Is knowledge of God leading you to faithfully live for God? 2. How can you contribute to a church culture that values the faithful teaching of God’s Word? 3. Are there people in your life or churches you’re familiar with that you need to be careful around because although they profess Christ, they are not seeking to apply God’s Word to all of life? 4. How do Jesus’ words from the cross “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” encourage you?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 3:1-5This text is tailored to teach us that God will redeem his unfaithful bride.
I. Why will God redeem his unfaithful bride? Because God will always love his unfaithful bride. (v. 1)II. How will God redeem his unfaithful bride? God willingly pays the price to make her his once again. (v. 2-3)III. What will be the result of God redeeming his unfaithful bride? God’s redemption will lead to restoration. (v. 4-5)IV. Questions for Reflection 1. How does God steadfast love encourage you to be faithful in your love to others? 2. How does the price God was willing to pay for you encourage you to be faithful to him alone? 3. Who at Northwood do you trust to help you follow Jesus even when it could cost them something in their relationship with you? 4. How does the promise of restoration give you hope in the midst of your struggles?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 2:2-23This text is tailored to teach us that God woos his unfaithful bride back even when she doesn’t want to return.
I. God’s Purpose When We’ve Been Unfaithful a. God denounces our unfaithfulness so that we would return to him. (v. 2-4) b. God denounces our unfaithfulness so that we would realize we’ve loved the wrong things. (v. 5, 8)II. God’s Response When We Won’t Return a. God woos us to return by keeping us from our idols. (v. 6-7) b. God woos us to return by removing our blessings. (v. 9-13) c. God woos us to return by speaking tenderly to us. (v. 14-15)III. God’s Blessings When He Has Won Us Back a. God will enable us to worship him truly and only. (v. 16-17) b. God will make right everything that has gone wrong. (v. 18, 21-23a) c. God will provide everything we need to be his forever. (v. 19-20, 23b)IV. Questions for Reflection 1. How are you tempted to love God’s gifts more than God himself? 2. How is God wooing you to return to him? 3. How might idolatry be presenting itself as spiritual faithfulness in your life? 4. What can you thank Jesus for providing so that you can be God’s forever?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitHosea 1:1-2:1This text is tailored to teach us that God mercifully initiates a relationship with unfaithful people although we didn’t and still don’t deserve it.
I. We didn’t deserve a relationship with God because while we were an unfaithful people God took the initiative to enter a marriage relationship with us. (1:2-3) a. Since our relationship with God is like a marriage, sin and idolatry is spiritual adultery.II. We still don’t deserve a relationship with God because our continued spiritual unfaithfulness deserves destruction, exile, and divorce. (1:4-9)III. Although we didn’t and still don’t deserve it, we mercifully receive a reversal of the consequences we deserve as God grows, gathers, and adopts unfaithful people. (1:10-2:1)IV. Questions for Reflection 1. In what ways have you minimized the seriousness of your sin? 2. How does knowing that God initiated a relationship with you while you were unfaithful and continues to show you mercy when you are unfaithful encourage you? 3. Who do you need to share your burdens with or encourage with the good news that whoever is in Christ is God’s people and has received his mercy?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Guest Speaker Jason Harms
Malachi 3:16-18God remembers and acts on behalf of those who fear Him.Call to Action: When you choose to humbly honor God, He will be mindful of you and act graciously and powerfully on your behalf.
I. God is looking for a person who fears Him. (v. 16)II. God remembers a person who fears Him. (v. 16-17)III. God acts on behalf of a person who fears Him. (v. 17-18)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Elder Art NodererPsalm 119:1-16(No sermon notes were available)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitRevelation 22This text is tailored to teach us to live expectantly because Jesus has promised to come again.
I. What should we expect when Jesus comes again? (v. 1-5) When Jesus comes again, we should expect to experience abundant life, protection in God’s presence, and to reign with Him forever.
II. How should we live expectantly until Jesus comes again? (v.6-21) a. We should keep Jesus’ Word because he is coming soon. (v.6-11, 18-19) b. We should come to Jesus because he is coming in judgment. (v. 12-15, 17b) c. We should long for Jesus to come again because he is coming in glory. (v. 16-17a, 20-21)III. Reflection a. How does the picture of life when Christ returns encourage you to persevere in the faith? b. Where do you need to obey God’s Word? Where do you need to hold onto God’s Word? c. Where do you need to be or where have you been cleansed by the blood of Christ? d. What stirs your heart most to long for Christ to come again?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitEzekiel 34:1-24This text is tailored to teach us that God has promised that he will shepherd his people.
I. God will shepherd his people by opposing everyone who mistreats his people. (v. 1-10, v. 17-22)
II. God will shepherd his people by personally rescuing them. (v.11-16, 23-24)III. Reflection a. What hurts do you need to bring to Jesus to trust him to heal you and rescue you? b. How have poor experiences tempted you to reject all authority rather than simply bad authority? c. How does Jesus willingness to sacrifice himself for you and his gentleness towards those whom others would neglect encourage you to trust him?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell Cruit2 Samuel 7:4-17This text is tailored to teach us to hope in God’s promise to establish his kingdom under his king.
I. God doesn’t need us to build his kingdom. (v. 4-7)
II. God’s kingdom is marked by peace, justice, rest, and his presence. (v.8-11a, cf. 1 Sam. 8:11-18, Deut. 17:14-20)III. God promised to establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (v.11b-17)IV. Reflection a. How does the fact that God doesn’t need you, but still is at work on your behalf in Jesus stir your heart? b. What aspect of God’s kingdom do you long for most? Where are you searching for God’s kingdom apart from Christ? c. How do you feel that God has forgotten you, abandoned you, or been unfaithful to his promises? d. How does seeing God work for centuries to accomplish his purposes in Christ encourage you to trust Jesus to be faithful yesterday, today, and forevermore?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitGenesis 3:8-24This text is tailored to teach us that despite the curse of sin effecting every aspect of our existence there is still hope because of the grace of God.
I. How has the curse of sin effected every aspect of our existence? a. Sin alienated us from God. (v. 8, 24) b. Sin distorted our personal identity. (v.9-13) c. Sin produced an ongoing spiritual war. (v.14-15) d. Sin corrupted our relationships with others. (v. 16) e. Sin subjected creation to futility. (v.17-19) f. Sin leads to physical death. (v. 22-23)
II. How does the grace of God still give us hope? a. A child will one day victoriously break the curse of sin and death. (v. 15) b. The shame from our sin would be covered by a sacrifice. (v.20-21)III. Reflection a. What effects of the curse of sin and death are you experiencing most intensely? b. How does knowing Jesus has already broken the curse of sin and death, help you to trust and wait on him to make all things new? c. How can your life better demonstrate that God’s kingdom is breaking-in here and now even as we wait for it to come in all its fullness?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Guest Speaker Neal BrownHebrews 13:15-16, 20-21 The text is tailored to teach us to fulfill our responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God.
I. The Sacrifice of Praise (v. 15) a. It means acknowledging what God is due. i. Honor God with thanksgiving. (cf. Ps. 50:23) b. It is to be continual. i. Giving thanks in everything is God’s will. (cf. 1 Thess. 5:18) ii. We are to give thanks always for all things. (cf. Eph. 5:20)II. The Sacrifice of Good Works (v. 16) a. Do not neglect our responsibility. i. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works. (cf. Eph. 2:10) ii. Bear fruit in every good work. (cf. Col. 1:10) b. Share with those in need. i. Love God and our neighbor. (cf. Matt. 22:37-39) ii. Is the love of God in you? (cf. 1 Jn. 3:17)III. The God of peace will equip us in every good thing. (v. 20-21) a. So we can do His will. (v. 21) i. Teach me to do your will. (cf. Ps. 143:10) b. He will work in us what is pleasing to Him. (v. 21) i. God works in us to will & work for His good pleasure. (cf. Phil. 2:12-13) ii. Walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfill fleshly desires. (cf. Gal. 5:16)IV. Reflection a. Is your life consistently characterized by praise and thanksgiving? b. What practical ways are you or can you offer a sacrifice of good works? c. What steps can you take to fulfill His will and good pleasure?(No sermon recording is available)
Pastor Mitchell Cruit2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5This text is tailored to teach us that God’s kingdom advances powerfully when we partner with others in the gospel.
I. What is the identity of a kingdom partner? (8:23) Kingdom partners are our brothers or sisters in Christ, the glory of Christ, who labor for the good of the church as representatives of the church.
II. What are faithful kingdom partners like? (8:16-18, 22) Kingdom partners are earnest in their care, willing in their service, committed to the gospel, and they are tested and found earnest.III. What is the purpose of a kingdom partnerships? (8:16, 19, 21, 24) Kingdom partnerships demonstrate the glory of Christ, the goodwill of our church, our love for the Church, and that God is at work in us.IV. What do kingdom partnerships look like? (8:19-20, 9:1-5) Kingdom partnerships are both individual and institutional; involve sharing people and resources; provide mutual edification; are generous, planned, and willing; and are above all motivated by Christ’ work on our behalf.V. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to partner with others in the gospel by sharing our resources and sending out our members to advance God’s kingdom. a. We will slowly and purposefully develop partnerships with other gospel-centered and church-loving individuals, organizations, and churches. b. As the Lord sees fit to grow Northwood in both maturity and membership we hope to share our resources and send out our members. c. We hope that our kingdom partnerships will lead to the strengthening of existing churches, the planting of new churches, and the good of our city for the glory of Christ.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitMicah 6:1-8This text is tailored to teach us that true worship is doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
I. God’s Problem With Our Worship (v. 1-5) We grow weary of the Lord because we’ve failed to remember his deliverance.
II. Our Problematic Solution to God’s Problem (v. 6-7) We try to appease God through religious rituals and significant yet misguided sacrifices.III. God’s Solution to Our Problem: (v. 8) God calls us to worship him whole-heartedly by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.IV. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to represent Jesus by seeking the welfare of our city through deeds of mercy and justice. a. Our primary focus as a gathered church is to make disciples who are fully like Jesus including like him in his mercy and justice. b. Our aim in meeting practical needs in our community is eventually to point them to their most fundamental need, the mercy of Jesus who satisfied God’s justice. c. We will do justice and show mercy unconditionally just as Christ showed mercy to us when we didn’t deserve it. d. It is our prayer that our efforts would help our community become an increasingly good place for all people to live and that many people would come to faith in Christ.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Guest Speaker Dave Hawes1 Corinthians 2:12-16(No sermon notes were available)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell Cruit2 Timothy 2:1-2This text is tailored to teach us that we need to intentionally cultivate the faith if our faith is going to persevere in us and throughout the generations.
I. We must be strengthened by the grace of Jesus to persevere in the faith personally. (v. 1)
II. We must entrust the faith to faithful disciples who will teach others also to preserve the faith corporately. (v. 2)III. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim for every member to be intentionally investing in a few people at a time to multiply disciples, leaders, and ministry. a. We must view our formal gatherings, events, and programs as a launching pad for relationships not the end of our relationships. b. We must choose someone to intentionally invest in. c. We must intentionally develop leaders who will develop others also. d. We must preserve space in our calendars for intentional and informal investment of time in our fellow members and non-believing neighbors. e. We must take responsibility for our own equipping and intentionally seek ways to be equipped.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitEphesians 2:11-22This text is tailored to teach us that Christ’s blood has purchased our reconciliation with God and to others across the barriers that divide us.
I. Remember who we were: we were separated from Christ. (v. 11-12)II. Remember what Christ has done: Christ has reconciled us to God and to one another by making peace through his blood. (v. 13-16)III. Remember who we are together: a. We have access to God through the Spirit. (v. 17-18) b. We are citizens with the saints. (v. 19a) c. We are members of God’s family. (v. 19b) d. We are a holy temple. (v. 20-22)IV. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to demonstrate that our community is united because of Christ across every barrier that could divide us. a. We will pursue being a reconciled community first by inviting others to be reconciled to God through Christ. b. We will pursue being a reconciled community by cultivating reconciliation among one another. c. It is our prayerful hope that many relationships in our community will defy explanation apart from the gospel. d. It is our prayerful hope that Northwood would increasingly give the world a glimpse of the age to come by reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area.V. Reflection a. How many of your relationships within our church family defy explanation apart from the gospel? b. What are some of the identity markers in your life that make it difficult for you to cultivate friendship with someone who has a different identity marker than you? c. How can you or are you pursuing relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ who are different than you this week out of our shared identity in Christ? d. How does Christ’s reconciling work on the cross motivate you to pursue reconciliation?>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Elder Ron PadillaMark 14:32-42We will learn from Jesus’ perfect example that discipleship requires dependence.
I. Discipleship requires dependence on each other. a. Through intentional relationships with a few (vs. 32-33) b. Through full transparency with each other (vs. 34) c. Through teaching and admonishing each other in love (vs. 37-38)
II. Discipleship requires dependence on God. a. Through deep, meaningful prayer (vs. 35,39) b. Through a willingness to obey God no matter the cost (vs. 36,41)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell Cruit1 John 1:5-10This text is tailored to teach us that when we have fellowship with the God of light, we will walk in the light.
I. Our Message: God is light and in him there is no darkness, no not at all. (v. 5)
II. Three False Perspectives a. We can have fellowship with God without being transformed. (v. 6) b. We can be totally free from the presence of sin once we have fellowship with God. (v. 8) c. We are not sinners in need of a Savior. (v. 10)III. Three True Perspectives (v. 7, 9) a. We have fellowship with God when we walk in the light. b. We have fellowship with others when we walk in the light. c. The foundation for walking in the light is the blood of Jesus.IV. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to be transformed by the redemptive power of the gospel as a transparent, gracious community. a. We will welcome one another as we are, yet we will not be content to stay as we are. b. We will not relate to one another based on performance, but grace. c. We will not hide our sin nor our burdens, but confess our sins and share our burdens.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitRom. 8:1, 8:15-16, 12:13, 15:7; 1 Cor. 9:12, 19-23, 10:32-33; Phil 2:3-5; 1 Pet. 4:9; Heb 13:2; Lk. 5:29-32, 10:38-42, 14:12-14, 19:5-8, 21:1-4; Mk. 6:42-44; Jn. 6:35-36; Rev. 7:17We aim to welcome others into our community corporately and into our lives personally as Christ has welcomed us. (Rom. 15:7)
I. What does a hospitable heart posture look like corporately? a. Removing all barriers to the gospel except the gospel itself. (1 Cor. 9:12, 9:19-23, 10:32-33) b. Considering the interests of others as more significant than our own. (Phil. 2:3-5)
II. What does the practice of hospitality look like personally? a. It is about making others feel welcome and loved. (Rom. 8:1,15-16, 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9; Heb. 13:2) b. It helps others get into our homes. (Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9; Heb. 13:2) c. It is based on grace. (Lk. 14:12-14, 5:29-32) d. It is marked by generosity and joy. (Lk. 19:5-8, Mk. 6:42-44, Jn. 6:35-36, Rev. 7:17, Lk. 21:1-4) e. It helps others encounter Jesus both inside and outside the church. (Lk. 10:38-42)III. What does this mean for Northwood? a. We want to remove every barrier to the gospel except the gospel itself. b. We want to regularly ask “How would someone who is new or different than me experience our community and worship?” c. We want to practice hospitality by inviting one another and our neighbors into deeper relationship through coffee, lunch, dinner, and time in one another’s homes.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitJohn 15:26-16:15This text is tailored to teach us that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to point others to Jesus.
I. The Principle (15:26-27)
II. Why do we need the Holy Spirit to empower us to point others to Jesus? a. We need the Holy Spirit to keep us from falling away. (16:1) b. We need the Holy Spirit because in Jesus’ absence the world will oppose Jesus by opposing his followers. (16:2-6)III. How does the Holy Spirit empower us to point others to Jesus? (16:7-15) a. The Holy Spirit helps us in Jesus’ absence. (16:7) b. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of their need for a Savior. (16:8-11) c. The Holy Spirit guides Jesus’ disciples into the truth about Jesus. (16:12-13) d. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus through Jesus’ disciples. (16:14-15)IV. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to depend upon the Holy Spirit to empower and direct our ministry. A few ways we can do this is: a. by individually praying for one another using the Weekly Word and Prayer and the Church Directory. b. by pausing to pray in the moment as a need is shared or wisdom is needed. c. by intentionally praying in corporate worship for the Spirit to work. d. by regularly gathering together to pray for God’s priorities to come to fruition.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitJohn 5:19-47This text is tailored to teach us to listen, believe, and submit to the voice of Jesus.
I. Why should we listen, believe, and submit to the voice of Jesus? Because the Father offers life and executes judgment through Jesus. (v. 19-29)
II. Where can we hear the voice of Jesus? We can hear the voice of Jesus through the Father’s testimony about Jesus, especially in the Scriptures. (v. 30-47)III. What does this mean for Northwood? We aim to search the Scriptures to know Jesus and to submit all of our beliefs, values, and practices to him. a. This involves letting Jesus set the agenda for us by preaching the whole counsel of God. b. This involves reading, discussing, and applying the Scriptures both formally and informally in community. c. This involves showing how every Scripture points to Jesus and his gospel. d. This involves regularly asking how the Scriptures inform our beliefs, values, and practices so that we are always growing into further submission to Jesus.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Guest Speaker Gianluca CuevaEzekiel 40(No sermon notes were available)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitGalatians 1-3We aim to apply God’s grace in Christ to all of life.
I. What is the gospel? a. The gospel is the good news that we can be legally declared righteous before God by faith in Christ. (2:15-16) b. The gospel is the good news that we can be relationally restored to God by Christ’s loving sacrifice for us. (2:19-20)
II. How can we distort the gospel? a. We can distort the gospel by changing the actual message that was revealed by Jesus Christ to the apostles. (1:8-9, 1:12, 2:7-9) b. We can distort the gospel by walking in a way that denies the gospel message we believe. (2:11-14)III. What should we do if we’ve distorted the gospel? We should continue the way we first began: by receiving God’s promise in faith. (3:1-6)IV. What might this mean for Northwood? a. We will be clear about what the gospel message is. b. We will invite non-Christians to receive God’s grace through repentance and faith. c. We will remind one another that the gospel is for Christians. d. We will bring the gospel to bear on every domain of life. e. We will commit ourselves to both gospel doctrine and gospel culture.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitMatthew 13:44-52Our vision is to see Jesus Christ treasured above all else and made much of through local churches in the Bay Area and in every corner of the world.This text is tailored to teach us to treasure Jesus above all else.
I. Why should you treasure Jesus above all else? a. We should treasure Jesus above all else because his kingdom gives more than it costs. (v. 42-44) b. We should treasure Jesus because his kingdom is more precious than anything else. (v. 45-46) c. We should treasure Jesus above all else because we cannot have the kingdom without the king. (v. 47-50, cf. Rom. 3:10, 23-24)
II. What happens when you treasure Jesus above all else? (v.51-52) When we treasure Jesus above all else, we make much of him out of the overflow of our hearts.III. How did God plan for Jesus to be revealed as a treasure above all else? (cf. Eph. 3:10-11) God intended to reveal that Jesus is a treasure above all else through the church.IV. What does this mean for Northwood? a. As we pursue our mission we want to prioritize making much of Jesus in and through the local church. b. We will need to regularly remind ourselves that both the goal and motivation of making disciples is treasuring Jesus above all else.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitMatthew 28:18-20This text is tailored to teach us to make disciples of Jesus Christ among all nations because of his authoritative presence.
I. The Call to Mission. (v. 19a) a. A disciple is a follower of Jesus. b. A disciple helps others follow Jesus, this is called discipling. c. A disciple makes disciples of all people.
II. The Shape of Mission (v. 19-20a) a. Making disciples involves going. b. Making disciples involves evangelizing. c. Making disciples involves teaching obedience.III. The Implications of Mission a. Northwood exists to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bay Area and among the nations. b. As a gathered church we will prioritize events, ministries, and programs aimed at making disciples and equipping one another to make disciples. c. As a scattered church each of us will look for opportunities as we are going to make disciples and to invite other members to join us in making disciples.IV. The Foundation for Mission (v. 18) a. Making disciples is rooted in Christ’s authority. b. Making disciples is empowered by Christ’s authoritative presence.>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Rory DardichJohn 14:1-14This text is tailored to teach us that Jesus is our only real reason for hope.
I. Because He wants us to be with Him & He made the way! (v.1-3)
II. Because Jesus is everything that matters and the exclusive way to God! (v.4-6)III. Because Jesus is God & knowing Jesus is knowing the Father! (v.7-11)IV. Because we’re able to work with Jesus & ask for things in line with His will & character! (v.12-14)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Neal BrownPsalm 16This text is tailored to teach us that a fully satisfying life only comes when we make the Lord our supreme treasure.
I. How do we make Him our supreme treasure? a. By trusting in Him as our refuge. (v. 1) b. By seeking Him as our only good. (v. 2) c. By delighting in the saints. (v. 3) d. By focusing on Him as our exclusive object of worship. (v. 4) e. By valuing Him as our present and eternal inheritance. (v. 5-6)
II. What are the results of making Him our supreme treasure? a. We will enjoy His counsel and instruction. (v. 7) b. We will experience stability and security. (v. 8-9) c. We will experience eternal joy and pleasures. (v. 10-11)III. These verses find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. (vs. 8-11: cf. Acts 2:25-36, 13:35-37)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<
Pastor Mitchell CruitPsalm 42-43This text is tailored to teach us to hope in God when we’re cast down.
I. When you’re dry, hope in God. (42:1-6a)
II. When you’re torn, hope in God. (42:6b-11)III. When you’re defenseless, hope in God. (43:1-5)>>click here to listen or right-click to download<