North Avenue Church Podcast

Learning to Love the Local Church (John 17; 1 John 3-4)

Kevin DeYoung writes, "My generation in particular is prone to radicalism without follow-through. We have dreams of changing the world, but we've not proven faithful in much of anything yet. What we need are fewer revolutionaries and more plodding visionaries. Daily discipleship is not a new revolution each morning or an agent of global transformation every evening; it's a long obedience in the same direction."

Many Members, One Body: Why You Need the Local Church (John 17)

The local church is more important than we often think. It has been said, "There is unity in diversity in the community of the Trinity." In the local church, we are to reflect the image of our Triune God. One way we do this is by exhibiting unity in diversity in the community of local churches. Jesus prays "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21).

Ben and Rachel's Story: Sudden Cardiac Arrest at 23

It was moving to hear Ben and Rachel Bowen speak to our church about their trust in God despite such a dramatic and unexpected trial. Rachel experienced sudden cardiac arrest during a church service at North Avenue a little over a month ago. Hearing how God has worked in their lives and in their marriage since this happened was an amazing glimpse into the goodness of God in in and through the sufferings of His people. Listen and be enriched!

Dead Faith vs. Living Faith (Galatians 5:1-15)

We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that remains alone, but proves itself to be genuine as it bears good fruit. Faith that is only mental assent yet never "works through love" is not saving faith, but dead faith.

Communion Sunday: The Priest with Dirty Clothes (Galatians 4:21-5:6)

We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that remains alone, but a faith that bears fruit. Saving faith 'works through love.' Saving faith expresses itself in love to God and others. However, the only reason faith can save in the first place is because God's Son put on our filthy 'clothes' and stood in our place.

How to Spot False Teachers (Galatians 4)

It may not be popular to talk about, but false teachers are very real and often very subtle. We must have our "powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:14). We must be able to distinguish sound, biblical teaching from those who tell us what our "itching ears" want to hear (2 Timothy 4:4).

Walking with God in the Furnace of Affliction (1 Peter 1)

In this brief message, we hear about all that God is working for our good in the midst of the furnace of affliction. The Apostle Peter shows us that our faith is refined in trials in the same way that gold is refined and tested in the fire.

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God (Jerry Ediger)

Although we don't take pleasure in pain for its own sake, we do find deep joy as we trust that God has good purposes for us in our sufferings. In light of all that has happened with Ben and Rachel over the last few weeks, we asked Jerry to speak from Scripture and experience on the joys of trusting the goodness and sovereignty of God in the midst of life's griefs, trials, and pains.

Predestined for Adoption (Galatians 4:1-20)

Being accepted before God the Judge is wonderfully good news. However, being adopted by God the Father is even greater. Listen to hear about the privilege we as believers have in this sometimes overlooked yet wonderful doctrine of adoption.

John the Baptist: Dealing with Doubt and Finding True Rest in Jesus (Matthew 11)

How does Jesus deal with his own loved ones when they experience doubt? What does He offer John the Baptist in his moment of doubt and weakness in prison?

CHRIST IN CONTEXT: What is Saving Faith? (John 5-6)

False faith can look outwardly a lot like the real thing. How can we tell the difference? False converts pursue Jesus because He gives bread; genuine believers pursue Jesus because he is Bread. Do you know how to spot the difference in your life? How is God's sovereignty involved in granting faith to His sheep?

CHRIST IN CONTEXT: The Majesty and Mercy of Jesus (Luke 7)

Scott talked about the transcendent holiness of Jesus and the sinfulness of us His people. He also covered the forgiving mercy of God in Christ and how this should create a response of deep love for Him. For, it is those who are forgiven much who love much.

CHRIST IN CONTEXT: New Birth and the Free Will of God's Spirit (John 2-3)

Perhaps the most damaging teaching of the American church in the last hundred years is a low view of what it means to become a Christian. It's hard to imagine many biblical topics that are more significant to teach well...especially to our youth. When we compare the radical nature of what the Bible teaches conversion actually is to what is often (normally?) taught in the American church, we begin to see a stark contrast. What did Jesus teach happens at the new birth? How does the new birth occur in anyone's life?

FOUNDATIONS: Exodus and the Glory of God

What is the book of Exodus really about? We covered the heart of the book (with a brief summary of the whole) this week. Exodus is about God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment.

FOUNDATIONS: Is God an Egomaniac?

One of the biggest objections to Christianity today is that the God of the Bible seems so self-centered. In the words of actor Brad Pitt, "I didn't understand this idea of a God who says, 'You have to acknowledge me. You have to say that I'm the best, and then I'll give you eternal happiness. If you won't, then you don't get it!' It seemed to be about ego. I can't see God operating from ego, so it made no sense to me." What do we say to this objection? Is God really an egomaniac?