North Gate Church

Strangely, sometimes effective leadership that produces results is not healthy leadership. Jesus breaks into this world with a disruptive leadership style that starkly contrasts the leadership style of the day. In this sermon, Benjamin discusses the contrast between the leadership of King Herod and the entrance of Jesus, the King of Kings. Looking at the circumstances of the birth of Christ, we al...

Before Jesus was born, like all of us, He was given a name. The circumstances of His birth as well as His purpose fulfilled Isaiah 7:14. But what was His name? Jesus, or Immanuel? Benjamin discusses the traditions of biblical naming and what Jesus came to do. The connection between the name Jesus and the name Immanuel create a lens through which we can view our purpose.

We all have received traits, habits, and patterns from our parents and grandparents. When we think about them, some bring us warm feelings while others cause us to shudder. The family line of Jesus was no exception. Benjamin shares some insight into the heritage of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to change legacy! Listen as we begin to walk through The Gospel of Matthew together.

So, what's this about church? The church has a purpose for outside of the community of Jesus, but what is it? Benjamin provides a glimpse into the heart of God for His church.

So, what's this about church? How we define "church" impacts how we engage in it... or not. Benjamin shares a look at the identity of the church through its action inside the community.

So, what's this about church? When we talk about church, a variety of ideas, emotions, and opinions emerge. These can help us or hinder us from engaging in real, biblical community. Benjamin shares a look at the identity of the church through its relationship to history, others, and God.

The Christmas story tells of our wildly unique but accessible Savior. The unlikely and strange events surrounding the birth of Jesus, who He was announced to, and where give us some idea of His heart to be Immanuel, God with us. Benjamin unpacks some of the historical context and the unique events that make Jesus so accessible and His birth so important for us all.

Mirrors are great, but the mirrors in the time of Jesus took more than a glance to notice imperfections and identity. It's easy to take a glance at the mirror and deceive ourselves. How do we live like Jesus wants us to live if we can so easily be deceived? Benjamin explains the tools that God gives us to see clearly.

We live in a loud, fast-paced world that values communicators with a message. Who do you know that is famous for listening? Is there any value in listening? How do you hear others and God? Benjamin walks with us toward discovering the power of a listening ear.

None of us want to be lost. Finding True North (Jesus) is the goal of each believer and the need of all of humanity. How do we make effort that matters to connect with God? Benjamin looks at the importance of being spiritual AND disciplined in order to live the flourishing life in Christ.

Life is hard, and finishing the race of life is important. How do we process the difficulties of life in light of God's goodness? Can we be blessed? What does that mean? Benjamin explains how God wants us to navigate the difficulties well so that we can finish well. Blessing is on the line.

What do you do with your doubt in the pursuit of wisdom? What is wisdom and how do we get it? Benjamin discusses what James means when he tells us how to receive wisdom. We might just need to reconsider our doubts.

How can we enjoy trials? Is that what God is asking us to do when He tells us to "consider it all joy?" Benjamin explains God's intent for His invitation of purpose. There is a joy set before us, and it's for today.

The letter of James to the Church challenges us to walk in humility. What does that look like? How is that possible? Who is James to tell us this? Benjamin explains God’s desire for each of us as we grapple with humility.

Life is a race toward something. Those who run toward Christ often fall, find themselves running slower than they would like, or losing steam. Benjamin encourages us to run even in the midst of failure and invites us to cast off whatever may slow us down.

Certainly the number of reasons one should worship God is countless; eternity may be spent examining each. But why don’t people worship God? Or why do we sometimes not feel like worshiping Him? Benjamin looks at some reasons to worship God to give insight into why we may not. Glory and majesty may be more than religious words.

Life is hard, yet God is good. How do we honestly live in the balance of the groaning of this life while recognizing the glory of God? Creation has a clue.

What is worship? Does it matter? What’s our role? Benjamin begins a conversation about worship that outlines the part we play and scratches the surface of the weightiness of worship. What we worship orders our life.

In this final episode about the ministry of Judas, Benjamin compares and contrasts the journey of Peter and Judas. Each of us has a legacy, how do we change our legacy and avoid being known for our failings? Scripture answers this question and more.

We all have been trusted with treasure, but how will we use it? Benjamin discusses the posture of our hearts toward Christ and how the ministry of Judas serves as a warning against our own sense of self-importance.

Are there limits to how far you will follow Jesus? Benjamin shares the limits to the disciples’ faithfulness and invites us to learn from the ministry of Judas to press on toward Christ.

It’s easy to look at those who failed Christ and attempt to separate ourselves from them by counting our own efforts toward righteousness. Benjamin explores the ministry of Judas to help us to seek Jesus with humility and avoid common pitfalls to followers of Jesus.

Each of the followers of Jesus that encountered Him in person after His resurrection had to see and experience certain things before they believed He was risen. Benjamin explores the different ways that Jesus revealed Himself after resurrection. Are you a “Doubting Thomas”? You may not be in such bad company after all.

Barabbas stands as a mirror before us of our own choices of salvation, and he serves as a reminder of the grace that Jesus extends. Benjamin unpacks some of what we know about Barabbas and the gift that Jesus gave to make Good Friday so good.

Forgiveness can be difficult. In fact, it can be a trigger for many of us who walk around with hurts from our past. In this episode, Benjamin unpacks God’s heart for forgiveness and the steps of forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated to us. Freedom through forgiveness awaits.