North Avenue Church Podcast

The Need and Renewal of Reconciliation | 2 Corinthians 5:10-21

Here is the outline for the message:

1. We see our need (v 10, 20)
2. We become new (v 11-17)
3. We seek to persuade (v 11, 18-21)

You can watch the message here.

From Lesbian Professor to Pastor’s Wife: Reflections on the Conversion of Rosaria Butterfield (16 mins)

You can watch the full testimony of Rosaria Butterfield that was shown in Sunday school before the panel spoke here. While we disagree with Rosaria's use of the incorrect pronoun ("she") regarding her biologically male friend who claims to be a woman and the team had a few other disagreements, there is still much to learn about her journey to Christ and how she was so faithfully evangelized by a pastor and his wife.

You can watch this brief message here.

The Gentiles are Grafted In: The Wild Olive Tree and the Natural Branches | Romans 11:7-24

The teaching team covers the middle of Romans 11 which deals with the Jewish people largely being cut off from the Messiah while the Gentiles are brought into the church.

Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Revolution as Teachers and Parents: WCA Faculty

This message was given to a group of teachers at Westminster Christian Academy on January 3rd. It relies heavily on Carl Trueman's material from The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. The shorter version of this book is titled Strange New World and Trueman's lecture series begins here.

1. Where are we?
2. How did we get here?
3. How can we invite our students to something better?

For a video of a message by Mark and Jerry covering much of the same material, see here.

Judgment According to Works | 2 Corinthians 5:10

It is important that we as Christians understand the relationship between grace and works in regards to final judgment. It is very easy to go wrong in one direction or the other.

Judgment is According to Works:

1. For Everyone
2. Regarding Salvation and Condemnation
3. Regarding Rewards and Punishments
4. For God's Public Vindication

You can watch the message here.

Why Christmas and the Incarnation? | Hebrews 2:14-18

Why Christmas and the incarnation? Why did Jesus become human?

1. To defeat the devil (v 14)
2. To free us from the fear of death (v 15)
3. To make propitiation for our sin before God (v 16-17)
4. To become a merciful and faithful High Priest (v 17-18)

You can watch the message here.

The Heart of Christmas | Luke 1:26-56

Here is the outline of this Christmas message:

1. The fulfillment of God's promise

1. The giving of surprising grace
2. The arrival of a long expected King
3. The miracle of a virgin birth

2. The faith response of God's servant

1. She trusted in God's Word
2. She rejoiced in God's mercy
3. She meditated on God's providence

You can watch the message here.

Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cultural Drift

The teaching team discusses how Sodom and Gomorrah is often wrongly dismissed in the whole conversation regarding homosexuality in the Bible. While it isn't the primary passage to turn to, it is certainly still relevant to the discussion. They also discuss how our culture is drifting rapidly on this issue. Children are being deliberately targeted and even some leading professing Christian voices are leaning the wrong way on these important issues.

You can watch the message here.

A Remnant Chosen by Grace | Romans 11:1-6

The teaching team look at the opening verses of Romans 11 and see where Paul goes in his discussion of God's faithfulness to Israel in Romans 9-11.

The Most Important Passage on Homosexuality in the Bible | Romans 1:26-27

It is certainly true that Romans 1:26-27 is the most important passage in all of Scripture on the topic of homosexuality. The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of God's Spirit, addresses in no uncertain terms all same-sex sexual activity. Let us have ears to hear what is written.

You can watch the message here.

What Happens After We Die? Death, the Intermediate State, and Resurrection | 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Paul does not lose heart despite his many afflictions. He explains that this is possible if we will fix our eyes on what is unseen. He then goes on to explain that all suffering is for the believer's good, that at death we are with the Lord which is far better than life here, and that ultimately we will be resurrected with an eternal body that cannot break down. In light of all this, we should be of good courage!

You can watch the message here.

Everyone who Calls on the Name of the Lord will be Saved | Romans 9:32-10:17

The teaching team covered a good portion of Romans 10 today focusing on the greatness of our salvation and the urgency of missions.

Homosexuality in Leviticus, 1 Timothy, and 1 Corinthians

It is sometimes overlooked that Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reaffirms the teaching of Leviticus against homosexual practice. Yet there is still hope, cleansing, and the power to change offered as well (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)!

You can watch the message here.

So We Do Not Lose Heart | 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Paul faced much weakness and suffering in his life and ministry. Yet Paul saw these as occasions to show off God's power. It is this balance of our weakness as clay pots and God's resurrection power that fuels the Christian life. Instead of being discouraged by being weak we should find encouragement in God's strength.

You can watch the message here.

Reflections on Liliana McAndrew’s Impact on Others | Romans Sunday School

We were all greatly impacted by Liliana's funeral on Saturday (12/3). During Sunday school the class took time to reflect on her impact on us all. May we all learn and be changed by the Lord's great work in her life.