North Ridge Life Church

Previously, we learned that Paul spent the first three chapters of Thessalonians rejoicing that the believers continued in the faith, in spite of the persecution that they had been undergoing. In this next part of our series, Pastor Marc Sharp continues with Paul instructing the Thessalonians about how to live in Christ now that they are following him. He begins by urging the Thessalonians to be distinct by pursuing holiness. Paul placed a very high value on the evidence of a transformed life. He didn’t emphasize merely believing a set of facts about Christ and his work, but rather he was adamant that our belief must impact the way we live our lives. Did you know that to call Jesus “Lord” (the Greek is kyrios, meaning "master"), as Paul did, acknowledges that he possesses you as his own property, literally his slave?

Pastor Marc Sharp continues today with Part 7 of our series on the books of Thessalonians, written by the apostle Paul to the believers at Thessalonica. There is nothing more discouraging to a believer than to watch someone they love as their faith fails. Paul had much joy when he heard that the Thessalonians were pressing forward in Christ, despite tribulation and persecution. He assures them that even he is not exempt from anything they are suffering, but that they are in this thing together. There is much to be said about laboring and suffering together, in some form of community. Jesus planned a faithful community, confessing the same central truths, but with different strengths and weaknesses so that we would help each other in 1,000 different ways. This is one of the great benefits of church life!

Pastor Marc Sharp continues our study on the letters the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians with what is, perhaps, an uncomfortable subject - tribulation and persecution. This is a central truth: If you are truly following Christ, you will not dodge the bullet of tribulation and persecution. Though the line between the two is often hard to discern, all will experience a little of both as we follow Jesus. What is the difference between them?

Pastor Marc Sharp continues the current series on the books of Thessalonians written by the apostle Paul. He had a strong (even emotional) urge to be with other believers, and valued the intimate connection that the gospel produced, but he had no opportunity to reunite with the church in Thessalonica. Today, we have frequent opportunities to gather with other believers in the church, but do we value them?

Today, Pastor Marc Sharp continues the series that is taking us verse by verse through the books of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. As Christians, we need to know what it is that we are to believe, and how we are to act in accordance with the belief we have embraced. Where do we find answers to our questions? For the true believer, there is no other source of truth apart from the written Word of God, the Bible. What the Bible says trumps all public or personal opinion, competing interpretations and private revelations. ***NOTE: The audio is not available for this message.***

Our series on the letters of Paul to the Thessalonians continues in this message by Pastor Marc Sharp describing Paul's defense of his ministry to the believers in Thessalonica. Like Paul, we must always strive to point people to Jesus, and away from ourselves, living exemplary lives, beyond reproach, so that people can see evidence of the gospel’s power and the Spirit’s work, and be drawn to it. A Christian T-Shirt or bumper sticker can’t fix what’s broken with your daily, living testimony!

Pastor Marc Sharp continues the new series on the letters of Paul to the Thessalonians. We began in Acts 17, where we read the story of how Paul (along with Silas and Timothy) came to the city of Thessalonica in Macedonia (modern day Greece). Their preaching caused a riot to break out, causing them to flee to another city. How would you like to be so effective in proclaiming the gospel that everywhere you went, civil unrest ensued, and you had to be whisked out of town in the dead of night? Follow with us the adventures of this band of brothers!

Today, Pastor Marc Sharp begins a new series that will take us verse by verse through the books of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. These are marvelous, encouraging books that deal with the security of our salvation, the return of Christ, the Christian work-ethic, holy living, and many other things. The audio for this message is not available, but the sermon text in .pdf file format can be downloaded.

It’s common practice today for us to sing in church, but have you ever wondered why we sing? What’s the purpose of our singing? What do we seek to accomplish through our singing? Pastor David Walt brings a very important and uplifting message for the Body of Christ today.

Today, Pastor David Walt concludes the series, "The Law of God" with the 10th and last commandment, "You shall not covet..." We've been studying what the 10 Commandments mean to us as Christ followers, people called to be holy, or set apart. Each commandment has been placed in a significant order, including this last one. What does it mean to covet? Does the word idolatry come to mind? How about contentment? Pastor David does a deep dive into our culture to bring clarity for believers.

Our current series, "The Law of God" (and how it relates to the followers of Jesus) continues today with part 10. Pastor Marc Sharp dives into the 9th Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”. There is nothing so opposed to the nature and character of God as untruth. What about us? Do we ever distort the facts to avoid trouble with a spouse, a boss, a teacher or a cop? Do we withhold details or blatantly shift blame when we are wrong, even at the expense of others? Are we prone to exaggeration and one-upmanship to impress others with our stories? There is much to ponder regarding the 9th commandment!

Pastor Marc Sharp takes a look at the 8th commandment in the current series on the 10 Commandments. Interestingly, when it comes to the 8th commandment, “You shall not steal”, it seems many more people are guilty of that crime than either murder or adultery. Many people casually steal without a second thought. The 8th commandment, however, doesn't just prohibit stealing really big things, but taking anything that is not mine in general. From home burglaries and armed robberies, to the seemingly petty but constant trickle of small-time stealing by average joe’s, theft is a bigger problem than you might have previously imagined!

Today, Pastor Marc Sharp takes a look at the next commandment in the current series on the 10 Commandments, "The Law of God". The seventh commandment is “You shall not commit adultery”. Though it applies to all of humanity, it emphasizes those with whom we are in the closest covenant. The way we obey or ignore this commandment has major ramifications, either stabilizing or destabilizing the societies we all share. But, what does Hollywood have to say about it? More importantly, what did Jesus have to say about it?

Listen as Pastor Marc Sharp continues the series, "The Law of God", with Part 7. In our journey through the 10 Commandments, we have come past the halfway point to the 6th Commandment: “You shall not Murder”. The 6th commandment is the first that clearly addresses how we are to relate to other human beings. Why is God so opposed to murder? What about war and abortion? Hear what God's word has to say!

Today, our guest speaker, Reverend Tom Hall, continues the series, "The Law of God", with Part 6. The discussion of the Ten Commandments continues with the first command that has a promise as part of it. Many of us have struggled with this command to honor our parents for a variety of reasons. Listen as Tom brings great insight and spiritual revelation to an often misunderstood part of God's law and grace.

Today is Father's Day, and Pastor Marc Sharp brings a very encouraging and challenging word, especially to men. It is said that we don't get to pick our parents and families. Who does the picking, or is it just some cosmic accident? Listen as Pastor Marc explains God's divine "picking" plan for you.

Today, Pastor Marc Sharp takes a look at the 4th commandment in the current series on the 10 Commandments. It is the last commandment in the list that directly instructs us how we are to worship and relate to Yahweh God. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Maybe tie a string around your finger so you don't forget?

Pastor Marc has been teaching a series on the Ten Commandments and how those aspects of the Law are still very relevant to the Christian life today. Today, we pause that series to bring you a special message from Pastoral Intern Paul Brooks where he plunges deeply into the gospel and the Siren Call of Christ for each of our lives. Are you afraid of "deep water"? Listen to Paul's description that it may just be the best place for you.

In today's message, Part 4 of our Law of God series, Pastor Marc Sharp continues the discussion of the Ten Commandments talking about what it means to "take" the name of God in vain. Hint: It's way more than just cussing! Using several real-life examples, Pastor Marc provides a very clear way of understanding and following commandment three.

Pastor Marc Sharp continues the series, "The Law of God", with Part 3. The discussion of the Ten Commandments continues with a message about the difference between the first and second commandments. Have you ever thought about the similarity of the two and what separates their meaning? Do you have idols in your life, physical or otherwise? Even the best of things can become idols!