NorthernLife Sermons

Ephesians is a letter all about Christ. In this message, Jonathan Shanks explores the six ways Ephesians refers to Christ:

IN CHRIST;

UNDER CHRIST;

WITH CHRIST;

OF CHRIST;

AS CHRIST;

FOR CHRIST.

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Jonathan Shanks preaches on Christ in Galatians, kicking off our series in the Letters of Paul as part of our Christ in Scripture project.

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In this message, Benjamin Shanks continues our 2-year Christ in Scripture project, in which we aim to see Jesus more clearly in the light of 2 Samuel. In comparing Jesus with David—the central figure of 2 Samuel—we see seven things. Jesus comes:

1 — IN THE LINE OF DAVID;

2 — FROM THE TOWN OF DAVID;

3 — WITH THE HEART OF DAVID;

4 — ON THE PATH OF DAVID;

5 — TO THE CITY OF DAVID;

6 — BY THE WORDS OF DAVID;

7 — AS THE SON OF DAVID.

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Jack Long continues our two-year Christ in Scripture project with a survey of the theme of kingship in the Bible. The kings of Israel, he explains, were meant to do three things: justice, war, and religion. This message will point you to Jesus, our true king who reigns in justice, wages war on death itself, and reconciles us with God the Father.

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In this message, Virginia Mathews continues our Christ in Scripture project by surveying Christ in Ruth with its six stages:

1. RUIN;

2. RETURN;

3. REVELATION;

4. REDEMPTION;

5. RESTORATION;

6. ROYAL LINE.

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“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” With those words the dark and violent Book of Judges comes to a close. In Judges, Israel are stuck in the Cycle of Sin (Sin - Oppression - Repentance - Deliverance - Peace) with no way to get out. In this message, Benjamin Shanks explores how Jesus gets us out of the cycle of sin.

To break the cycle of sin, we need:

1 — A COMMUNITY AROUND US;

2 — A SAVIOUR AMONG US;

3 — A KING ABOVE US.

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Violence at God’s command—how can we read the Book of Joshua and keep our faith at the same time? In this message, Benjamin Shanks continues the Christ in Scripture project with a message on Christ on Joshua, helping us with 5 tips for reading Joshua and keeping faith alive.

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CHAPTERS

Reading of Joshua 10v40-34 (00:00)

Introduction (01:02)

Prayer (04:11)

Series Context (04:42)

Story of the Bible Recap (06:52)

1 — Genre (09:53)

2 — Justice (14:12)

3 — Scale (17:05)

4 — Agency (19:39)

5 — Delay (21:03)

Conclusion (25:14)

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When it comes to blessing, does God want something from us, or something for us? In this message, Jonathan Shanks explores that question, wrapping up our May Mission Month series with a focus on the joy of blessing.

Open hands:

1) Remember the Giver;

2) Enter the Joy of God;

3) Make Room for Others;

4) Overflow by the Spirit.

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Jonathan Shanks continues Blessed—our May Mission Month series—with an exploration of the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac in Genesis 22. This message will encourage you to trust the Giver more than the gift.

The Cost of Blessing:

1) The Testing of Blessing;

2) The Surrender of Blessing;

3) The Provision of Blessing;

4) The Multiplication of Blessing.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

The Testing of Blessing (03:22)

The Surrender of Blessing (08:49)

The Provision of Blessing (16:45)

The Multiplication of Blessing (21:48)

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NEW PODCAST!

Ponder by NorthernLife is a series of conversations around the Word of the Lord as it was preached on Sunday and as we encounter it in our everyday lives.

In this May Mission Month message, Benjamin Shanks unpacks the idea that we are blessed to be a blessing.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Series Context (01:42)

1 — Theology (04:34)

2 — Model (14:15)

3 — Practice (25:40)

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“It is the nature of God to bless.” In this message, Jonathan Shanks kicks off our May Mission Month by reminding us of the nature of our unchanging God who desires to bless a thousand generations.

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Jonathan Shanks unpacks the short letter of Jude, highlighting the way it points us to Jesus in three ways:

1) Called by Christ;

2) Loved in Christ;

3) Kept for Christ.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Context (05:15)

1. Called by Christ (07:21)

2. Loved in Christ (12:04)

3. Kept for Christ (16:16)

Conclusion (18:30)

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In this message, Benjamin Shanks preaches on the Letter of James, framed around a simple question: Who do you want to be like when you grow up? For a disciple of Jesus, our ultimate answer is Him—Christ is our ‘telos’, our goal, our end, our target, the one we want to be like most of us. The letter of James teaches us how.

How to be like Jesus when you grow up:

1) Test your faith;

2) Trust the Lord

3) Try His Word.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Context of James (02:41)

1. Test Your Faith (05:37)

2. Trust the Lord (13:22)

3. Try His Word (20:53)

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Richard Dawkins once said, “Then suddenly we come down to the resurrection of Jesus… It’s so unworthy of the universe.” Is that true? In this message, Jonathan Shanks the Book of Hebrews’ answer to the question, highlighting 22 titles of Jesus. This message will remind you that He is worthy.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

1. God Speaker (05:28)

2. Universe Maker (06:37)

3. Radiance Representer (08:11)

4. All-Things Sustainer (09:17)

5. Sin Purifier (10:09)

6. Cosmic Commander (11:17)

7. Humanity Sharer (12:56)

8. Chain Breaker (13:29)

9. Atonement Provider (14:20)

10. Temptation Rescuer (14:50)

11. Faith Builder (16:12)

12. Weakness Empathiser (16:53)

13. Invitation Sender (17:25)

14. Gate Opener (18:48)

15. Conscience Cleanser (19:25)

16. Body Washer (20:06)

17. Hope Retainer (21:28)

18. Saint Surrounded (22:37)

19. Race Perfecter (23:45)

20. Cross Embracer (24:05)

21. Shame Taker (25:25)

22. Heart Protector (25:44)

Conclusion (26:42)

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On Easter Sunday 2026, Benjamin Shanks preaches a message on the first words of resurrection morn: “He is risen.” Following John’s Gospel as he tells the unfolding story of the resurrection of Jesus, this message will encourage you that He is risen, He is present, and He is returning.

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CHAPTERS

He Is Risen (00:00)

He Is Present (04:00)

He Is Returning (11:57)

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On Good Friday 2026, Jonathan Shanks preaches a message on Jesus’ final words on the cross: “It is finished.” This message will encourage you that even in the midst of sin, shame and guilt, Jesus declares, “It is finished.”

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CHAPTERS

It is Finished (00:00)

Sin is Carried (04:36)

Debt is Cancelled (06:59)

Shame is Removed (09:31)

The Powers are Defeated (11:16)

Suffering is Shared (14:31)

Conclusion (16:49)

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The famous last words of Moses: “Now choose life.” In this message, Benjamin Shanks unpacks Christ in Deuteronomy. The covenant requires a DECISION and it involves specific ACTION that results in an OUTCOME.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Prayer (03:09)

Welcome to Deuteronomy (03:46)

Covenant Overview (06:02

Covenant Decision (10:05)

Covenant Action (18:05)

Covenant Outcome (23:25)

Covenant Failure (26:58)

Christ in Deuteronomy (29:54) 

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Jonathan Shanks unpacks the Book of Numbers, highlighting the story of Israel, the story of Christ, and the story of us.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Overview of the Book of Numbers (02:20)

Requirements for Relationship (04:21)

Consequences for Contumacy (10:38)

Salvation for the Sinner (23:07)

Prayer (29:56)

Blessing for Belief & Obedience (30:58)

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Leviticus… The third book of the Torah and the graveyard of good intentions to read the Bible cover to cover. In this message, Jack Long explores Christ in Leviticus, showing how its systems of ritual, sacrifice, law, and priesthood point us to the ultimate high priest and sacrifice: Jesus.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Leviticus Within the Torah (02:10)

What is Holiness? (06:49)

Ethical Holiness (08:08)

Ritual Holiness (11:01)

Priestly Holiness (16:24)

Jesus: High Priest and Sacrifice (23:34)

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The story of Exodus is a good story because in it we see ourselves and the seasons of our life. In this message, Benjamin Shanks explores Christ in Exodus, following the three main acts of the Book. This message will encourage you to behold Christ who is our Exodus: our way out, way through and way in.

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CHAPTERS

Reading of Exodus 1:1-7 (00:00)

Introduction (01:00)

The Way Out (03:48)

The Way Through (14:32)

The Way In (23:23)

Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life (29:41)

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks continues our two-year Christ in Scripture project with a message focusing on how the Book of Genesis points us to Jesus in two ways:

A PROMISE TO BELIEVE;

A STORY TO BEHOLD.

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For the start of our two-year Christ in Scripture project, Benjamin Shanks gives an overview of the big story of the Bible in ten chapters.

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CHAPTERS

Introduction (00:00)

Creation (05:08)

Promise (07:38)

Deliverance (09:06)

Law (11:37)

Land (13:39)

Kings (15:52)

Exile (20:13)

Messiah (23:39)

Church & Spirit (26:45)

New Creation (35:55)

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks unpacks our core values—The Twelve—highlighting the postures we need to be always ready to see Christ, serve Christ, share Christ, and steward Christ.

LOVE GOD:

Known & Loved;

Jesus Is Worth It;

God Speaks We Listen;

His Grace Is Enough.

LOVE OTHERS:

Life Matters;

Canvas of Colour;

Find Out Help Out;

Prayer Has Power.

MAKE DISCIPLES:

Gospel Grounded;

Life Learners;

Coaching Community;

Sent Senders.

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Motive. Means. Opportunity. That's what it takes to be always ready. What, for the follower of Jesus, is our motive? In this message, Benjamin Shanks explores that question, highlighting the difference between motivation by law (outside-in) and motivation by love (inside-out). This message will encourage you to receive the love of God that it might overflow in always-readiness to SEE CHRIST, SERVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST, and STEWARD CHRIST.

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See Christ. Serve Christ. Share Christ. Steward Christ.

These are the four parts of our theme Always Ready for 2026/27. In this message, Jonathan Shanks unpacks each of the Four, encouraging us to be a church ready to see God do again what He has done before.

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks concludes our 4 weeks in the Gospels at the beginning of our 2-year project Christ in Scripture.

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The Kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke is like an earthquake with its epicentre in Jesus’ words in Luke 4:18-19. In this message, Benjamin Shanks explores the epicentre of Luke’s Gospel, highlighting three things we need to know:

1 — THE KINGDOM IS INSIDE-OUT;

2 — THE KINGDOM IS UPSIDE-DOWN;

3 — THE KINGDOM IS NOT-AND-NOT-YET.

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Jonathan Shanks continues our 2-year Christ in Scripture project with a message on the Gospel of Mark.

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks kicks off our 2-year project called Christ in Scripture that seeks to find Jesus in every book of the Bible. This sermon focuses on the Gospel of Matthew.

GOD IS CLOSE;

GOD IS HUMBLE;

GOD IS ABLE.

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It's the end of 2025. A time when we make reflections looking back at the year that was and resolutions looking forward to 2026. 'Everlasting' has been our vision word this year, and in this final message, Benjamin Shanks offers a reflection on Matthew 6:19-21 and Jesus' wisdom for our resolutions.

To invest in the Everlasting:

1 — GET YOUR LIFE TOGETHER;

2 — GIVE YOUR LIFE AWAY;

3 — GIVE YOUR DEATH AWAY.

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Christmas means No Worries! In this Christmas Day message, Jonathan Shanks unpacks the peace that the Christmas story brings to our lives.

Featuring an item of P E A C E by Ben & Steph.

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On the night of our annual Christmas Carols, Jack Long preaches a message on the Three Pictures of Christmas: the SMALL picture; the MEDIUM picture; and the BIG picture.

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks reflects on Philippians 4:4-7 and Jesus' promise of everlasting peace in the Great Exchange.

We give God: OUR REJOICING; OUR REQUESTS; OUR ANXIETIES. God gives us: HIS PEACE; HIS PRESENCE; HIS PROTECTION.

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In this message, Benjamin Shanks concludes our 7-week series Let Me Tell You About Jesus with a reflection on the theme of MISSION as it runs throughout the New Testament.

MISSION: WITNESS;

WITNESS: RESURRECTION;

RESURRECTION: REIGN;

REIGN: RETURN;

RETURN: MISSION.

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks unpacks with biblical insight and practical wisdom three essential habits for every follower of Jesus: THE WORD OF GOD; FELLOWSHIP; and PRAYER.

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What do you when you start following Jesus? What happens after you get saved? In other words: I Believe! Now What? These are the questions Benjamin Shanks tackles in our fifth message of the Let Me Tell You About Jesus series.

Now you believe in Jesus, there is:

A CROSS TO CARRY;

A KINGDOM TO COME;

A COURSE TO KEEP.

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Can I be sure I'm saved? How do I know God loves me? These are the questions Jonathan Shanks tackles in our fourth message of the Let Me Tell You About Jesus series.

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What does it mean to respond to the invitation of Jesus? That's the question Benjamin Shanks explores in this third message of the Let Me Tell You About Jesus series.

The Call to Respond is:

1) GROUNDED IN THE RESURRECTION;

2) DECLARING JESUS IS LORD;

3) MAKING THE INTERNAL EXTERNAL;

4) REPENTING FROM MY WAYS;

5) BELIEVING IN HIS WAY;

6) ONGOING IN PROCESS;

7) SIMPLY GOOD NEWS.

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Who was Jesus? Was he everything he said he was? Did he really die and rise again? And aren't all religions really the same? If so, how can Jesus claim to be the only way to God? Welcome to the second message of the course Let Me Tell You About Jesus.

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Is there a God? If so, what is God like? And why is this world broken? Those are the big questions that Jonathan Shanks explores in this first message of the course Let Me Tell You About Jesus.

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In this message, Jonathan Shanks surveys the ending of the Book of Ecclesiastes, offering the wisdom of the end of the matter.