NorthRidge Fellowship

TOPIC: Know your Place 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians  6:5-9  (cp 5:17-21) 

We think we are all equal. At the time this week’s passage was written, people did not. Slaves and slaveowners would have viewed issues of power and authority quite differently. The Jesus way shows us how to treat others regardless of where we are at in power structures.

TOPIC: A Place to Grow 

Paul Schoolmeesters

Ephesians 6:1-4 (cp 5:17-21) 

A healthy family is a beautiful thing. It’s a place where all generations are honored and cared for, where kids find the love and direction they need to grow into their potential. Let’s be honest. It’s easy to lose sight of this goal. Yet when we focus on the Jesus way, we have Holy Spirit to help us get back on track to make our family a healthy place to grow.

TOPIC: The First Ring Relationship  

Ben McEachern

Ephesians 5:21-33  (cp 5:17-21) 

The Jesus way affects everything, even marriage. That shouldn’t surprise us. The way God loves us defines the way we are to love one another. In fact, marriage the Jesus way becomes a picture of how Christ loves the Church. It’s a beautiful thing when the Jesus way defines our first ring relationship.

TOPIC: The Source 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians 5:17-21 

The Jesus way is not self-help or self-improvement. It can’t be done without supernatural help. The source of power for this life comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is where we get the wisdom and wherewithal to be and do all that God wants. This week we learn what it means to be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” 

Children of Light 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians  5:8-16  

Once again, it all comes down to our identity in Christ. How do we think about ourselves? What do we understand God’s purpose for us to be? Jesus said that when we follow Him we are the light of the world, a city on a hill that can’t be hidden. The Jesus way is a lifestyle that reveals Jesus to the world. This week we learn how to be children of light. 

TOPIC: The Way of Love - Part 2 

Paul Schoolmeesters

Ephesians 5:1-7 

Here’s the thing about love: It works from within. When Jesus’ love is within us, it affects our passions, appetites, and motives in life. This week the Apostle Paul calls us to take a good hard look at what is beneath the surface. What’s really driving us? This week we see what is and what isn’t the way of love.

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything - The Way Of Love (Part1)

Paul Schoolmeesters

The Way of Love - Part 1  

Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (key verse 5:1-2) 

It is so easy to be selfish in our relationships. It’s easy to focus on what’s best for ourselves, to think about what’s convenient or what’s irritating and make behavior choices accordingly. This week we are challenged to change lenses from the selfish way to the Jesus way. We will be challenged to relate to others by following the way of love. Let’s do unto others what God has done unto us.

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything - The New Life

Integrity 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians 4:17-24 

TOPIC: Easter Sunday - He Is For You

Power for Living

Ben McEachern

Matthew 27:62-28:20 

He is for you! This is the wonder and joy of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It's history we can trust. More than that, it's God's statement of the kind of life He desires for us, starting now and going on into all eternity. He is risen, and now for you there is power for living.   

TOPIC: You Matter To God

Ben McEachern

Matthew 21:1-17 

We call it Palm Sunday because of the way people greeted Jesus with Palm branches as He rode into Jerusalem that day. But the purpose of the people was not the purpose of Jesus. From the way He rode in to what He did when He got there, He was sending a message. He wanted the outsider in. You might consider yourself an outsider, but to Jesus, you matter. 

TOPIC: Stable and Strong 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians 4:14-16 

It’s maddening and fun to be part of helping kids grow to adulthood and maturity. It’s a process with a goal of making stable and strong adults who can repeat the process with the next generation. As we wrap up this series on being the church, we realize it’s the same process for us as we grow in unity and love. The goal is to be a stable and strong expression of Jesus in the world.    

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything - A New Community

Paul Schoolmeesters

Your Part Matters 

Ephesians 4:7-13 

Ever been in a situation where you would like to help but don’t know what to do—even if your help would be welcome? Maybe that’s how you feel within the church. You may even wonder, “Do they even need me?” The short answer is yes we do! Jesus is fitting us together to be an expression of Him in this world. Your part matters.  

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything: A New Community

Ben McEachern

Just Do It 

Ephesians  4:1-6 

It’s time to get practical. It’s time to get personal. There is no room for Christians who sit back and judge other people’s commitment to love and unity in Christ. We each need to commit to maintain the unity that Jesus created. It’s already here; it’s already true. We need to just do it.  

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything: A New Community

Ben McEachern

The Miracle 

Ephesians 3:14-21 

Real Church is a miracle of God. The unity is not superficial. It is deep and authentic. It requires so much more than anything within us naturally. It finds its source not in our ability to create it, but in accessing God’s love together. This week we learn to pray for what we need to be the Church.   

TOPIC: Jesus Changes Everything: A New Community

God's Passion for all People

Paul Schoolmeesters

Ephesians 3:1-13 

We often feel like God’s will for our lives is a mystery to solve. Yet this mystery has been revealed. His grace through Jesus is for all people. There is a way to “approach God with freedom and confidence.” God is passionate for people to know this. He has entrusted this message to the Church and called us share His passion for all people. 

From Enemies to Unity 

Ben McEachern

Ephesians 2:11-22 

Talk about different. God wants to build His Church using people who would normally be hostile toward each other and mistrust one another. This is not how the great movements of human history are normally built. But then the Church was never supposed to be normal. It is a group of people brought together by grace and unified in Christ alone. This week, we celebrate how God has brought us from hostility to unity. 

Masterpiece 2.0

TOPIC: Masterpiece

Ben McEachern, Lead Pastor

Ephesians 2:10 

 It’s popular in our culture to say everyone needs to find their purpose. Both the religious and irreligious agree everyone needs a purpose. It’s a mental health crisis in the making when we don’t have one. Why? Because we were created on purpose. Our Creator pictured our purpose before He created us. This week we start the process of becoming the masterpiece God intended.

Masterpiece

Ben McEachern, Lead Pastor

Ephesians 2:10 

It’s popular in our culture to say everyone needs to find their purpose. Both the religious and irreligious agree everyone needs a purpose. It’s a mental health crisis in the making when we don’t have one. Why? Because we were created on purpose. Our Creator pictured our purpose before He created us. This week we start the process of becoming the masterpiece God intended.

TOPIC: Yes You Can,

Paul Schoolmeesters, Executive Teaching Pastor

Ephesians 1:19-23 

I know the title of the sermon is “Yes You Can,” but actually no you can’t. That’s okay because God can and He is with you. This week we get a taste of the power and authority of Jesus and how it affects our lives as we follow Him. The life God pictures isn’t a fantasy we dream about. It’s a reality we step into. So, yes you can!

TOPIC: A Preferable Future

Paul Schoolmeesters, Executive Teaching Pastor

Ephesians 1:18 

 Sometimes we just can’t see it. We can’t see how God could work anything for our good in our situation. Or sometimes we just think we have a better plan. The truth is we can’t see past what’s in front of us. Should we trust God? Can we trust Him? This week the Apostle Paul prays we can open our eyes to see the preferable future God pictures for us and why we should trust Him.

TOPIC: A Better Connection

Ben McEachern, Lead Pastor

Ephesians 1:15-17  

We’ve all had it happen. You’re in the middle of an important conversation on your phone and suddenly the connection breaks up. What do we do? We start moving around looking for a better connection. I guarantee you God wants a better connection with you. The life He pictures for us depends on it. This week the Apostle Paul coaches us on how to have a better connection.

TOPIC: Connected

Ephesians 1:13-23; John 14:15-17, 25-27

Whatever gift you opened on Christmas can't beat this one. If it wasn't enough that Jesus blessed us with acceptance, adoption, redemption and alignment with God, there is one more very important thing: the personal presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of everyone who believes. Jesus is the gift that will never wear out, break or get lost. He is the seal of God's promise and the advance on our inheritance to help us walk with God. Merry Christmas! It's going to be a wonderful New Year!

TOPIC: Aligned

Ephesians 1:8b-12

The blessing of Christmas is about a restored relationship with God. It shouldn't surprise us then when we unwrap the gift of "Alignment." If you haven't figured it out yet, God wants to do life with you. He wants us to know His will and work with Him. He knows what we struggle to believe. In Jesus, we become the glorious people we were intended to be. Merry Christmas!

TOPIC: Redeemed

Ephesians 1:7-8a, Romans 6:14

When Jesus came into this world, it shook up the status quo. Receive this gift and it will shake up your life! Jesus didn't come to leave you the same. He came to redeem you from sin and open up a whole new horizon. The blessing of Christmas is the freedom of forgiveness and redemption. This week we celebrate that in Christ we are redeemed.

TOPIC: Adopted

Ephesians 1:5-6, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 3:26-4:7

This might be the most mind-bending part of the blessing of Christmas. In sending His Son into this world, it was God’s intention to make sons and daughters out of rebels and strangers. The blessing of Christmas is the gift of family, to know God as Father. This week we celebrate that in Christ we are adopted as His own children. Merry Christmas!

TOPIC: Accepted - Chosen

Ephesians 1:3-4

What do you think is God's attitude toward you? If it's indifference, annoyance, or worse, what would flip that script? Would that change the narrative in your mind about how God feels about you? Jesus is the gift that flips the script. In Jesus we are accepted, not just tolerated. He's the gift that makes us acceptable to God. He's the only one who can truly change us. That’s something to celebrate this Christmas!

TOPIC: Find Joy in the Struggle 

Colossians 1:24-29 

 Making a lasting impact takes time. Sometimes it's a struggle. Sometimes there is pain. But even through the pain, a life that makes a positive impact brings joy, not just to those around you but to you! When we make an impact with Jesus we will "Find Joy in the Struggle".  

TOPIC: See the World 

Matthew 9:35-37; cp Matthew 10:7-8 

God is at work in the world and we are called to join him. What God has done in you he wants to do through you to bless others. We serve with a God who saw this world and "so loved the world that he gave his one and only son."  If we really want to have a positive impact we need to "see" before we do. This week his Son shows us how to "See the World" like he does. 

TOPIC: Strategize for Generosity 

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 

This week we talk about a mindset that is critical to impact. It's the best. It's how we all like to think of ourselves. It feels good when we do it. We all like to feel generous, but are we? The impact God wants us to have requires  more than impulsive generosity. Impact requires that we "Strategize for Generosity". 

TOPIC: Get Your House in Order 

Matthew 6:24 & 33; Ephesians 4:28;  Malachi 3:10-12  

It's time to get tactical. Is your lifestyle ordered, and have you created margin to have the impact God desires? Living with impact is a lifestyle, not a hobby. Impact requires a stable base from which to operate. The task this week is to "Get Your House In Order".  

Develop Your Gifts 

1 Peter 4:7-11; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12 

 You can have a powerful impact. God has set you up for success. First of all, you are not alone. He has created a network of people on the same journey as you and has given you gifts and abilities essential for success. We will have a greater impact together than you could ever have alone.  That's why God wants to "Develop Your Gifts".  

TOPIC: Cultivate Your Character  

2 Peter 1:3-11 

It is a basic truth that who you are is more important that what you do. And what you do is really important.  So you better get who you are right. Believe it or not, your sin is not the real you. Sin will always diminish or even thwart the good you could do. Impact is what happens when you let God "Cultivate your character".  

TOPIC: Grow a Heart of Worship  

Romans 12:1-3  

When it comes to living a life of positive impact, we aren't left to our own imagination or resources. So, where do we begin? The starting point isn't a task. It's a relationship. The starting point is a response to the love of God that aligns our hearts with Him enabling us to do his will. Real impact begins when we "Grow a Heart of Worship." 

Enjoy the Ride! 

Acts 2: 46-47; Philippians 1:3-8; Philippians 4:4-7; Ephesians 5;17-21 

Make no mistake, following Jesus is serious business. But it's also awesome! There is a lot of joy and satisfaction and just plain happiness as we experience the fruit of our faith and obedience. There are relationships to relish and service to celebrate. This honor's God. The lesson this week is about the importance of taking time to "Enjoy the Ride". 

Jump 

Hebrews 11:8-10; Mark 6:30-44 

If it doesn't require faith are we really following Jesus? It's amazing to me the levels of faith we can learn to live at if we will just take the first step. He is faithful and the impact is powerful when we do. But so often we arrange our lives around comfort, control and what we know. The lesson this week is about the necessity of faith in following Jesus.  Sometimes ya just gotta "Jump". 

Topic: With God In The Struggle

John 16:33; Hebrews 12:1-13 

"In this world you will have trouble." Jesus said it as plainly as he could. Why do we so often have crises of faith when trouble comes? And yet, these crises are critical for building our relationship with God. The lesson this week is about perseverance when we can't see the purpose. It's learning to be "With God in the Struggle".  

Topic: Relationships Matter

John 16:33; Hebrews 12:1-13 

John 15:9-17, Acts 4:32-35 

Love doesn't just happen. Jesus knew that. It's why he had to not only define it and  demonstrate it but also to command it. Every follower of Jesus is expected to engage in actively loving other believers. No one gets to sit back and judge. It takes all of us and it's beautiful when we do. The lesson this week is critical to our success. Relationships Matter! 

Topic: Real People - Real God 

Matthew 4:18-22; John 21:15-23;  1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 

Sometimes it's hard to just be who you are. It somehow feels like it's not enough. It's not as effective or impressive as what someone else is doing. We start to chase that, but "It's a trap!" The lesson this week is that who we are is enough. The challenge is to simply and authentically be the best version of who we are. We are at our best when we are real people walking with a real God.   

Topic: The Heart of the Matter (Ben McEachern)

Tenth Commandment: You Shall Not Covet   

Exodus 20:1-2, 17; Deuteronomy 5:21; Matthew 15:18-20; Luke 12:13-21 

This week we get to the heart of the matter…literally.  At least, that's what Jesus says. Commandment Number Ten seems harmless enough, easy to rationalize with, "I can look but don't touch, want but don't act."  Unfortunately, as Jesus points out, eventually you will. And even if we don't, in the coveting we stop walking with God and wander off because we will walk where we are looking. The breaking of our love relationship with God always starts here. 

Topic: Trustworthy

Ninth Commandment: You Shall Not Give False Testimony Against Your Neighbor   

Exodus 20:1-2, 16; Deuteronomy 5:20; Matthew 5:33-37; Ephesians 4:20-25 

We lie because we are selfish. Self-interest so easily clouds the truth of what is just and dims the awareness of what is love. Then we lose our integrity. The Ninth Commandment draws a line. Those who walk with God tell the truth and will not harm another even to their own detriment. Love makes us trustworthy. 

Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal   

Exodus 20:1-2, 15; Deuteronomy 5:19; Matthew 6:25-34; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:28 

It's easy to see life as a zero sum game, a pie that is only so big, a competition for survival. It's easy to become a taker, but that's not love. The Eighth Commandment calls us to live like our Father loves us and knows all we need. Therefore, we are givers not takers. 

Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery   

Exodus 20:1-2, 14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27-30; Malachi 2:13-16; Ephesians 5:31-33 

The Seventh Commandment should be no surprise. Marriage faithfulness and love is the primary way God describes His commitment to those who respond to His invitation to a relationship. He is committed, all in. We respond in kind. Now, He longs for that commitment of covenant love to mark the marriages of the people who love Him. 

Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder  

Exodus 20:1-2, 13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Genesis 9:6; Matthew 5:21-22 

 Everyone's life matters. The Sixth Commandment is a short but complicated one.  "You shall not murder" is immediately met with, "Yes, but what about _____?"  Before we can go there we need to make sure our base is set. To walk with God is to value people's lives. It's the rationale for a life of love. 

Topic: Walking With God

Fourth Commandment: Observe the Sabbath 

Exodus 20:1-2, 8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15;  Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 11:28-12:14; Mark 2:27 

It's hard to stop sometimes. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. Busyness is the "answer" for the sense of significance and security we crave. But we forgot who loves us. A very important part of walking with God is to stop walking and rest with Him. Today it’s the one Commandment with two reasons. It's the Sabbath because you are significant and secure. 

Topic: Walking With God

Second Commandment: No Idols   

Exodus 20:1-2, 4-6; Deuteronomy 5:8-10; Exodus 32; John 14:6-9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 1:21-23 

 Who is God, and what is He like? There are lots of opinions on that. We work hard to make Him understandable, relatable, and agreeable to us. But the Second Commandment puts boundaries on that. To walk with God is to accept Him for who He is and how He has revealed Himself. He is pursuing an honest relationship with us. He is jealous that we would love Him for who He really is and not who we want Him to be. 

Topic: Walking With God, Ben McEachern

First Commandment: No Other Gods

Exodus 20:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:6-7; Matthew 10:37-39 

When people become friends, they become one of many for as long as it works out. When a man and woman unite in marriage, they "forsake all others until death do us part."  When we walk with God, it becomes the primary relationship of our lives. It's the relationship that defines all others. It's more like a marriage than a friendship. Intimacy and joy is found in fidelity.