Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you? Maybe they never apologized, never acknowledged the damage they caused, and you’re left holding onto the weight of that wound. It’s easy to believe that time will heal it or that ignoring it will make it go away. But deep down, unforgiveness festers like an untreated wound, leading to bitterness, resentment, and distance from God’s peace. The good news? God offers a different way—a way of grace and freedom. God’s Grace IS More Than We Deserve Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Before we acknowledged our sin, before we even knew we needed forgiveness, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. His grace is not conditional, temporary, or dependent on our actions. It is freely given, unearned, and overflowing. But what about the sins committed against us? Just as we have sinned against God and others, others have sinned against us. And just as we need God’s forgiveness, so do they. Forgiveness IS The Bridge to Healing Nothing destroys relationships faster than unforgiveness. Holding onto offense builds walls, isolates hearts, and prevents healing. C.S. Lewis once said, “ To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” That’s a hard truth. But it’s also a freeing one. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the wrong or pretending it didn’t hurt. It means releasing the debt, just as God has released ours. When we pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12), we are asking God to help us reflect His grace—to let go, to heal, and to trust Him with the justice and restoration we long for. A Permanent Grace The world often sees grace as temporary , something that must be earned back over time. But God’s grace is permanent. He doesn’t keep a record of wrongs or wait for us to prove ourselves worthy. Psalm 103:12 tells us, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If we trust in Jesus, our forgiveness is secure. The same is true for those we struggle to forgive. We forgive not because they deserve it, but because God calls us to. And in doing so, we experience the freedom of living in His grace rather than being bound by pain. Reflection Questions: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What’s holding you back? How has God’s grace personally impacted your life? How can you extend that grace to others? Do you truly trust that God’s way of forgiveness is for your good? Why or why not? God’s grace is good. It is undeserved. It is limitless. And it is meant to flow through us to others. Will you trust Him enough to extend it? Come to church this weekend as we learn how to do this together!

"He who provides for this life but takes no care for eternity is wise for a moment but a fool forever." — John Tillotson Every day, we find ourselves in need—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Some days, those needs feel small: a little extra patience, clarity on a decision, or a peaceful moment amid chaos. Other days, they feel overwhelming: financial struggles, a heavy heart, or a battle we never saw coming. Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). What may sound like a simple request, actually reveals so much more. It’s an acknowledgment that we rely on God not just for survival, but for everything we need to truly live and flourish. God’s Daily Provision Jesus reassures us in Matthew 7:7-11 that God, as a good Father, delights in providing for His children. But His provision isn’t always what we expect. He doesn’t just give us what we ask for—He gives us what we need . And sometimes, that means trusting Him when His answer doesn’t match our request. Daily bread isn’t just food on the table. It’s peace when our thoughts are restless, strength when we feel weak, wisdom when we’re confused, and grace when we’ve fallen short. It’s the presence of God in the details of our lives, shaping us for something greater than we can see. Living in Trust, Not Worry We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. Trusting God as Provider means living with open hands—bringing our needs to Him daily, believing He will supply exactly what is necessary. It means shifting our focus from scarcity to abundance, from fear to faith. A Moment of Reflection What is something you’ve been holding onto in worry instead of trusting God to provide? How has God provided for you in ways you didn’t expect but later realized were exactly what you needed? Take a moment today to bring your needs before God. He sees you. He knows. And He provides. Come to church this weekend to be encouraged!

We say it in church. We read it in scripture. But do we really mean it? "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) This is more than a hopeful wish—it’s a declaration of surrender. A Kingdom with a King God is not just a distant deity; He is a King with a kingdom. His rule is just, His ways are good, and His will is perfect. In His kingdom, the broken are restored, the weak are strengthened, and justice prevails. But here’s the challenge: if we want His kingdom to come, we have to let go of our own. The Prayer of Exchange When Jesus teaches us to pray, He invites us to an exchange. The word for “pray” in this passage means to trade our desires for God’s. That means we’re not just asking for good things to happen—we’re surrendering our will for His. C.S. Lewis put it this way: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” The question is, which one are we? What’s Holding Us Back? Sometimes, we resist because we don’t fully trust that God’s way is best. We want Him to fix things from a distance, but He chooses to work through His people—through us. Other times, we misunderstand what “good” really means. We think of good as second-best, the bare minimum to get by. But God’s goodness is not mediocre. It is full, abundant, and exactly what we need! An Invitation to Trust Praying “Your kingdom come, your will be done” is a call to action. It means living in a way that reflects heaven’s reality here on earth. It means trusting that God is working, even when we don’t understand. So, take a moment to reflect: What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to God? Do you truly believe that God’s will for you is better than your own? God is bringing His kingdom to earth. The question is—are we willing to be part of it? Come this weekend for part two of our study! And -- it's not too late to join a small group!

Most of us know The Lord's Prayer by heart. We pray it regularly. Maybe even religiously. But we should ask ourselves: Do we speak these words because we think this is what we’re "supposed" to say? Or are we praying with the purpose of these words becoming our hearts desire? Do we really know what were declaring about God and His kingdom? Do we know what we’re asking God to do in our lives? This week, we begin a brand new sermon series, and churchwide study, for the 40 days leading to Easter. We'll be diving deep into The Lord's Prayer and shaping our hearts around his kingdom and his will, deciding that we truly want life on earth to be as it is in heaven. Here's just a tiny sneak peek at this week... When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He started with "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." Those words set the stage for everything else that follows! They remind us who God is, how close He is, and why He’s worth trusting with our lives. God as Our Father God isn’t some distant, disconnected force. He calls Himself our Father—the one who creates, cares for, and walks with us. He brings us into His family, making us part of something bigger than ourselves. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we belong to Him and to one another. Life can be messy, and relationships can be hard. We hurt each other, we struggle, and sometimes we feel alone. But God designed us for community. He never meant for us to do life on our own. When Jesus says, "Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am there," He’s reminding us that we’re never alone. A Name Set Apart When we say "hallowed be Your name," we’re saying that God is set apart—holy, different from everything else. His name carries His character, authority, and reputation. He’s not like anyone or anything else. He’s above it all, and yet, He invites us to know Him personally. We put our trust in all kinds of things—careers, relationships, causes, even our own abilities. But are they truly worthy of our devotion? Do they hold up when life gets hard? God does. He’s been faithful since the beginning, and He won’t fail us now. What Are You Living For? We all chase after something. Maybe it’s success, security, or a dream we’ve had for years. But at the end of the day, the question is: is it worth it? Will it last? God’s kingdom is the one thing that will never fade. When we put Him first, everything else falls into place. He gives us wisdom to balance our work, relationships, and passions in a way that brings real peace and purpose - because they are centered on him. Life throws challenges our way, but when we trust God as worthy—of our time, our trust, and our whole hearts—we find strength that lasts. Whatever comes next, we can face it knowing He is more than enough. CONSIDER THIS: As you get ready for this week's study, here are some questions connected to the content, that can serve as a primer to the weekend teaching and group discussion. What are some things in your life that you tend to put your trust in over God? Does knowing God as your Father change the way you view yourself and others? What definitions, pictures, thoughts, or feelings pop up when you hear the word "holy"?

It's fall, y'all! As the leaves all change and the crisp air rolls in, fall offers us a beautiful reminder of God’s creation and the simple joys of the season. From picking apples to finding the perfect pumpkin, local orchards and patches around the Twin Cities provide the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with the fam, and embrace the beauty of fall. Whether you're savoring a warm apple cider or wandering through a corn maze, these experiences are a wonderful way to experience community and gratitude for the season's blessings. Here are a few of Northgate Staff's favorite spots to explore...

What a difference one letter can make! To be influenced means to be affected or changed in how one behaves, thinks, and develops. To be an influencer is to be someone who affects how others behave, think, and develop. Which one does God want believers to be? Does He want them to be influenced? Or to be an influencer? The answer is: both. When someone first comes to the Lord, they need Godly influence in their life. Mature Christians are needed to come alongside them, helping them understand what "being a Christian" is all about—showing them how to live out their faith and discover their purpose in God's kingdom, as well as how to live out that purpose. However, as believers grow in faith and maturity, they become the influencers to those who are young in the faith. They help others find their purpose in God's kingdom and guide them in walking the faith life they have entered into. So, what does all this have to do with cell phones, social media, and overbooked schedules? Quite a lot, actually. Many would agree that cell phones and social media are two of the biggest influences in today's culture. Consider how different things were just sixty-three years ago. Phones hung on the wall in homes, and wealthier households might have had more than one. Then came portable phones, which operated within a limited range, but they allowed freedom to move around the house while talking. If no one was available to answer the phone, the caller left a message on an answering machine. Home computers didn’t hit the market until 1977, and they were large, expensive, slow, and less functional than modern cell phones. In 1983, the internet was born, making information accessible at the touch of a few keys. In 1997, social media made its debut with Six Degrees, starting a race that led to platforms like Friendster, MySpace, LinkedIn, YouTube, WordPress, and Instagram. These advances, driven by the space race and technological breakthroughs, have undeniably transformed the world in every aspect, from medicine to manufacturing, education, air travel, and even warfare. But at what cost to society, culture, and individuals? Many of us have grown reliant on modern technologies, so much so that if they were to disappear, we might find ourselves unsure of how to navigate daily life without them. Additionally, while these advancements have brought convenience, they’ve also contributed to a shift in how we connect with one another. Amid the hustle of work, family, church, sports, and countless other commitments, finding time for genuine human interaction has become more challenging. Relaxation now often involves screens—whether it's laptops, cell phones, or TVs—rather than gathering around the table for meals or engaging in meaningful conversations. Social media, though it can keep us connected, sometimes takes the place of in-person fellowship, with virtual interactions becoming more common than face-to-face time with friends. But real relationships were the very reason God created humankind! He desired a relationship with people who would worship Him out of free will, not coercion. And in Genesis, God created Eve because it was not good for man to be alone. This craving we have for relationships is exactly what draws us to social media and shows about characters we identify with. So where's the balance? How can we be certain we are more heavily influenced by God, than by media? And is it possible to use those same tools to help influence others to grow in relationship with Him? In our "Over the Influence" teaching series, Pastor Steve shared some valuable insights on how to manage our screens and social accounts wisely, in an increasingly digitally-dictated culture. Here are a few more: TRACKING YOUR TIME: Personal reflection and change can lead to a healthier relationship with technology. Track and inventory your screen time, then determine if you need to be more intentional. One can decide, in advance, not to be too heavily influenced, but instead to become the influencer. PLAY THE ALGORITHMS: By unfollowing those who post content that conflicts with one’s beliefs, and scrolling past unwelcome material, a person can reduce negative influences without completely cutting off communication. Quick searches on scripture, apologetics, Christian authors, and other edifying subjects will also positively inform what's on your feed. YouTube, for example, offers a treasure trove of worship music, any by watching those videos, more of that nature will be suggested to you. It’s about controlling what is seen rather than being passively influenced by it. SHINE A LIGHT: Posting content that builds others up, strengthens them, or glorifies God also changes the way social media is used. Do you have a story to tell? Love a certain scripture passage, worship song, or church event? Use your platform! Share something good and engage healthy conversations in the name of Jesus. CONSIDER QUITTING: While it's unlikely that any of us are abandoning our phones for good, each of us probably has one game, streaming app, or social account that isn't helpful or necessary. Consider which one you might want to quit and get rid of it. In doing so, you might reclaim 2 minutes or even 2 hours back each week! Try making a small change this week, and let us know how it goes!

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! The summer has been filled with both activities—Night to Unite, Day at the Lake, Time 2 Play—and teachings—Understanding the Battle, First Things First, and Messy Spirituality. A common thread through these teachings is the idea that godly living takes some effort. To avoid confusion about what effort looks like, let's pop in to two passages real quick... Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Similarly, Philippians 2:12-13 states, “T herefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” It's evident that salvation is not earned through works; it's a result of God’s grace and mercy, initiated and completed by God alone. Dallas Willard often quipped “Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.” The distinction is that effort is an action by which we join God in what He is doing. Practically speaking, effort is a necessary part of life. All of us make efforts, either with God or without God. Earning is something different. Earning is an attitude that reasons "someone owes me for the efforts" , and wrongly believes that "I can secure what I want (including salvation) by my efforts." It’s clear from these passages that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned and that God, anticipating our efforts to respond, has even been preparing to work with us in advance. And what are His good purposes for us? To mature in faith in Him To grow in obedience to Him To bear much fruit for Him This concept can be explored through an acronym using the word—yep, you guessed it—EFFORT! Each letter represents two words: the first is the effort required, and the second is the spiritual result it brings to the Christian walk. As we will see, these “efforts” always yield spiritual outcomes in our journey with the Lord. ENERGY: Energy spent builds Endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.” The Greek word for endurance is hupomone , which conveys the concept of having the strength to keep going even when exhausted. Some versions use the word perseverance, which is similar in meaning. A professional athlete trains to build skill sets, muscle memory, and stamina. Similarly, as Christians, training in spiritual matters builds spiritual skill sets (such as understanding the Bible and hearing God’s voice), spiritual muscle memory (knowing what to do based on past experience), and spiritual stamina (refusing to give up because God is with us). Three actions can help train for running a good race: Study the Bible regularly, daily if possible. Our culture is in sensory overload, bombarded with images and ideas from morning until night. This is a tactic of the enemy to distract from what is important and tear apart the fabric of faith. It is crucial to counter the world's ungodly input with Godly concepts. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Reading the Word transforms the mind by filling it with Godly concepts. Pray daily. Pray often. Prayer is a conversation with God, not merely presenting a list of requests. It is a dialogue, not a monologue. Learn to listen to God—He truly desires to speak with us! Meaningful communication is vital in any relationship, and prayer will revolutionize a relationship with God, leading to deeper intimacy with Him. Worship every chance possible. Worship is more than singing; it is expressing love and appreciation to God. It can be kneeling, lifting hands, or simply sharing feelings with Him. Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” God inhabits the praises of His people, and worship brings His presence into any environment. Thus, the Word of God transforms the mind, prayer transforms the relationship with Him, and worship transforms the environment. FORGIVENESS: Forgiveness brings Freedom. Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Psalm 130:4 adds, “But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.” Without God’s forgiveness, we would still be lost in sin, unable to serve Him with reverence. God initiated the reconciliation by forgiving us, changing our status from slaves to sin to members of His family forever (John 8:34-35, 36; Romans 8:2). Is God’s gracious act of forgiveness solely meant to set us free from sin and change our relationship with Him? Absolutely not. Christians are called to bear fruit for the Kingdom, becoming the image of Christ to a lost world—a living sermon, as it were. A lifestyle of forgiveness toward others is essential for spiritual maturity. What happens if one chooses not to live a lifestyle of forgiveness? Matthew 6:14-15 warns, “ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness can bind one in sin. The story of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35 illustrates this kingdom principle, showing how an unforgiving spirit can hinder both the ability to forgive others and to receive forgiveness. God paid the ultimate price to forgive and set humanity free from sin, making it possible to be in relationship with Him. Forgiveness is a kingdom principle that must be followed to keep the heart open to God’s forgiveness through Christ. Faith is demonstrated through actions. FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness brings God’s Favor . Faithfulness is defined as having the characteristics of one who keeps promises and follows through on commitments. Such a person is reliable, trustworthy, steadfast, and unwavering. In Galatians 5:22-23, faithfulness is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a characteristic of God Himself. As God builds His image in believers, faithfulness is a trait He seeks to develop. Does the favor of God exist? Isaiah 66:2b says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Humility is understanding God’s greatness and being brought low by that understanding. Contrition is feeling sorry for sins and desiring forgiveness. Trembling at God’s Word means taking it seriously and embracing its teachings. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates God’s favor, particularly in the interaction between the father and the oldest son. The older son had everything he needed and desired, including his father’s presence. He labored faithfully and never disobeyed his father, living under the umbrella of his father’s favor. Similarly, a believer's relationship with and obedience to God keeps them under the umbrella of His favor. John 14:15 and 21 reinforce this idea: “If you love me, keep my commands,” and “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” Obedience does not earn salvation, but it deepens the relationship and interaction with God. OBEDIENCE: Obedience demonstrates Obeisance. Obedience is vital to a relationship with the Lord and Savior. Many Christians desire a savior to keep them out of hell but resist having a Lord who makes demands on their lives. There is a growing ideology, especially in America, that suggests God understands shortcomings and is okay with them, implying no need for change because He accepts people as they are with no strings attached. However, this ideology is not supported by Scripture. In fact, Scripture teaches the opposite—that believers should be changing into a better likeness of Jesus every day (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10). The process of “killing” the old self and putting on the new self is a lifelong journey, as highlighted in our Messy Spirituality message series. God is patient, ensuring His mercy is new every morning and never fails. Obedience is crucial, but what is obeisance ? It is an old practice of making a vow of obedience by a vassal to a lord or a slave to a master, demonstrating submission to one who has authority. Paul considered himself a bondservant or slave of Christ because Jesus had redeemed him from the hand of Satan. Christians should view themselves similarly. Thus, obedience directly demonstrates obeisance, the willingness to submit to the master. While this may challenge modern sensibilities, believers must remember they are submitting to One who loves them more than anyone ever could. Jesus made obedience easy in John 14:15, saying, “If you love me, keep my commands.” REPENTANCE: Repentance builds Relationship. Repentance involves a change of mind, heart, and direction, transforming actions and attitudes. It is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. Throughout one’s life, every moment should be lived in such a way that brings honor and glory to God. Living this way is impossible without first embracing repentance. The journey begins with salvation, as the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The willingness to respond to this conviction reflects a repentant heart. Salvation cannot occur without a lifestyle of repentance. And while believers may stumble, God’s mercy is always available to those who desire to return. Ephesians 4:30-31 emphasizes the importance of living righteously to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. When believers are sealed with the Spirit at salvation, the relationship becomes intimate. In the spiritual realm, the intimate relationship between the Holy Spirit and the believer is likened to marriage. The story of the prodigal son, who returned to his father in repentance, shows how the father (God) did not shun him but celebrated his return. God’s Word urges all people to return to Him through repentance to avoid judgment and to live a life that brings honor to Him. Repentance is a kingdom principle that Christians should live by. It is a transformative process of changing thoughts, actions, and attitudes to align with God’s will. The result is a deep, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit and a life that reflects God’s glory. TRUST: Trust builds Thankfulness. Trust is fundamental to any relationship, and the relationship with God is no exception. Trusting God means relying on His promises, believing in His character, and depending on His wisdom. Trusting God is essential for spiritual growth, and it leads to a life filled with thankfulness. In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God requires submitting to His will, even when it is difficult to understand. When believers trust in God’s sovereignty, they can be thankful for His guidance, provision, and protection. A life of trust and thankfulness is a life that honors God. Trusting God in all circumstances, even in the face of challenges, leads to a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness becomes a natural response to God’s faithfulness, and it deepens the relationship with Him. As believers trust God more and more, they become more aware of His presence in their lives. This awareness fosters a sense of thankfulness for His continuous work in their lives. Trust and thankfulness are intertwined, as trust leads to gratitude and gratitude strengthens trust. In conclusion, godly living takes effort, and the rewards are immense. As believers, let's strive to live godly lives, experience spiritual growth, deepen our relationship with God, and move toward the fulfillment of His purposes for our lives. Through energy, forgiveness, faithfulness, obedience, repentance, and trust, we can live lives that reflect the glory of God and bring honor to His name.

Change is difficult. As a young adults pastor, I like to think of myself as a resilient, forward-thinking person who encourages change—matter of fact, I search for it. But it wasn’t until my wedding and the whirlwind that followed that I realized change is tough, it’s not easy, and I don't always like it. But whether I wanted to admit it or not, life is all about embracing change. Relationships change, careers change, living situations change, our bodies change, people change. Change is inevitable. And I am not exaggerating when I say that all of those changes listed happened to me in the span of three months. Not only did I get married this summer (relationship change), but I also started a new job (career change), left my entire church family and friends (more relationship change), moved in with my husband—leaving my best friend behind, my mom… 'Hi mom' (living situation change). Much to our surprise, my husband and I were blessed to conceive shortly after our wedding, adding another layer of excitement and completely-unexpected change as we now prepare for our little one (body change). All of this is forcing us to become real-life adults in our early twenties and start becoming the best parents we can be (people change). As someone who walks alongside young adults navigating this season of life, I know firsthand the joys and frustrations of all the change that happens in your 20s. It’s dramatic, and it’s real. In the midst of all this change, I have to think, ‘What is God teaching me?’ or ‘What can I learn from all of this change at once?’ What God is teaching me in this season of change is that He doesn’t change. God does not change. He is constant, faithful, always good, dependable, and reliable. Malachi 3 says the LORD does not change; Lamentations 3 says the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; Deuteronomy 31 says He will never leave me or forsake me. What I am learning is that in the midst of my change, I can depend on God to encourage me, fill me, sustain me, and guide me. That has been my prayer and reminder these past three months. Even though I left my Christian community, I see God at work, making a home for me here with the warm and welcoming people of Northgate. Although all of my medical issues that make childbirth difficult continue to create complications, God has given and will give wisdom to my doctors and me peace. Even though my pregnancy has been really rough and may not be typical, God is good—He is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, and He will protect me and my baby. Despite missing my mom and grieving moving out, God was so good and only moved me two minutes away. Even if my husband and I are young and untrained in the parent department, God will grant us patience, wisdom, and knowledge. He will help us become parents who keep Him at the center. I have come to learn there is great joy in our change, and our constant is always our Lord and Savior. God has allowed these changes, and I now see them as opportunities not just to grow, but to draw closer to Him, find rest, and be strengthened by His unwavering presence. I have to think now that if God has allowed change to happen, which He has, I need to practice joy and see these changes as opportunities not just to grow, but to run to Him faster and remain in His Word. The world and our lives, my life, is forever changing, but our God, my God, isn’t. He is where I will continue to find confidence in the future. And when winds of change blow in your direction, I hope you will too.

Summer is here, and our all-church picnic is just around the corner! One of the greatest joys of this event is the water baptism in Lake George. It is always a blessing to witness individuals publicly declare their intention to follow Jesus through baptism. Over the years, many have asked questions about water baptism, with the most common being, "Do I have to be baptized to be a Christian?" This is a good question and one that believers have asked for centuries. But before we get to the answer, let's explore the scriptures to understand three main aspects of baptism: Baptism is commanded. Baptism is demonstrated as an act accompanying salvation. Baptism is symbolic of being buried and resurrected with Christ. Is Baptism Really Commanded? In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus told the disciples, " Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". In Mark 16:16, Jesus says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned". Jesus viewed belief in Him and baptism as intertwined acts. His disciples continued this teaching in their ministries. In Acts 2:38, Peter, on the day of Pentecost, preached a powerful sermon, concluding with, " Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" . Jesus actually commanded this. And because He's an incredible teacher, He knew that a full immersion baptism is the ultimate sermon illustration! The experience of going under and coming back up brings a tangible component to an unseen spiritual truth. What Do the Stories of Baptism Demonstrate to Us? At the end of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, it states, " Those who accepted his message were baptized..." . Acts 8:12 tells us the outcome of Philip's witness in Samaria: "But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" . In Acts 8:26-38, we read about the Ethiopian eunuch being baptized after Philip explained the scriptures to him and he believed. In Acts 9:10-18, we learn the story of Ananias being sent to lay hands on Saul and heal him. After Saul regained his sight, " he got up and was baptized" . These verses lead us to two conclusions: Baptism follows understanding and believing the salvation message. Baptism is an external action demonstrating an internal belief. What is the Symbolism of Baptism? In Matthew 3:13-17, we find the story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus didn’t need to understand or believe the salvation message; He was the message! This story is significant because it shows Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling all righteousness. Jesus told John, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." In Leviticus 16:3-4, God established rules for Aaron to follow as high priest before making the sacrificial offering for sin, which included bathing with water. Jesus began His public ministry after His baptism, symbolizing His role as our high priest and atonement for our sins. Let's look a little further at the symbolism of baptism. Two passages help us understand its meaning: Colossians 2:12 and Luke 9:23-24. Colossians 2:12 reads, "having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Baptism is an outward action that helps us understand what has happened at our new birth. We have died to our old nature, been buried (in water), and resurrected with Christ to a new life—a life dedicated to Christ and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Luke 9:23-24 helps us understand this dying to our old nature: "Then He said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'" Do I have to be Baptized to be a Christian? Back to our original question: "Do I have to be baptized to be a Christian?" Baptism is not required for salvation. The Bible is also very clear on that. Baptism is an act of obedience that needs to follow salvation, but it is not required for salvation itself. Romans 10:9-10 says… “ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. " Baptism isn't a task on some spiritual checklist that we have to do. It's a beautiful symbolic step in His direction -- that we get to do! Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that baptism is something we need to do for God. But really, it's all about receiving what He's already done for us. A water baptism is saying 'yes' to Jesus' invitation to follow Him. It's accepting the promises of the Father, through His son -- to love us, forgive us, and deliver us from evil and death. And it's starting fresh with the Holy Spirit. If that sounds like you, and you're ready to take the plunge for the first time, or to affirm a previous baptism, your Northgate family wants to be there with you. We want to pray for you, cheer for you, and hug you. Get baptized at Lake George with us this summer! It will be the beginning of an incredible new chapter in your walk with God.