The Chronicles of Northside

Today’s Message in a Nutshell–“From Theocracy to Monarchy”, a study of 1 Samuel The book of 1 Samuel takes us from the birth of Samuel, the last and greatest judge of Israel, to the anointing of Israel’s most beloved king, David. We find in this book a transition from “theocracy to monarchy” as God’s people chose to be “like all the nations” by demanding that a human king rule over them (1 Samuel 8:5), an outright rejection of the King of kings who had led them from Egypt to the Promised Land. Sadly, a number of believers today follow the error of God’s people in Samuel’s time. We reject God’s rule over us.  Rather than following God’s way, we instead embrace the ways of the world. The Scriptures, therefore, remind us to not love this world (1 John 2:15-17) or be conformed to it (Romans 12:1-2).  Rather, we should “set our affections on things above” (See Colossians 3). We also find in 1 Samuel repeated portraits of individuals who had a good beginning but a sad ending.  Eli...

Sunday Worship Message in a Nutshell: “Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence” (Ruth 3:11, NASB). This outstanding commendation was given to Ruth the Moabite. This attention given to her character, her “inner beauty,” stands in stark contrast to the world’s focus on physical beauty, evidenced by Hollywood celebrities and today’s multi-billion dollar cosmetic business. Though it is not wrong to be physically handsome or beautiful, as Scriptures speak of such beauties as Sarah and Queen Esther, the problem begins when outward appearance becomes our pursuit. May we not be swayed by the world’s perspective; instead, may our pursuit be Christ—to be more like him (Romans 8:29). Through her character, Ruth demonstrates to us the importance of inner beauty—that which comes from a heart transformed by and in submission to God. Praises: What a blessing to celebrate the 15th birthday of on...

“…. and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). The book of Judges paints a sad picture of what happened to Israel after Joshua died. The generation that followed him and the elders who witnessed God’s great act of redemption did not know the Lord.  “[E]very man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25). Israel’s moral decline and sin of spiritual adultery proves more than just a repeating cycle; it was a cycle that spiraled downward. In fact, even the majority of the judges (“deliverers”) lived questionable lives ( An Introduction to the Old Testament, Dillard and Longman, 125). Still, we see God’s gracious act of deliverance in response to the people’s cry for mercy. Note: It only took one generation for Israel to forget the true God.  Let us learn from the book of Judges.  Let us not forsake the study of the Word of God and the fellowship with believers. Let us be intent...

After giving an overview of the book of Joshua, Pastor Sidney focused on chapter one. Two questions he posed remain in my mind: (1) “What is ‘success?'” and (2) “Who is your ‘God?'” Think about it: your definition of “success” can actually reveal who your “God” is.  For example, if “success” to you means being wealthy, then your pursuit of riches reveals that money is your “god.” In Joshua 1, we are reminded that true success is in knowing and obeying the Word of God (Joshua 1:8).  Joshua himself challenged the Israelites to choose whom they will serve (Joshua 24:15).  Just remember: “Our woes began when God was forced out of His central shrine and things were allowed to enter. Within the human heart things have taken over.  Men have now by nature no peace within their hearts, for God is crowned there no longer, but there in the moral dusk, stubborn and aggressive usurpers fight among themselves fo...

In answer to a lawyer’s question concerning the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus said,  “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  This is the great and   foremost commandment.   The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). These words by our Lord Jesus remind us of what we should truly value– our relationship with God and the relationships we have with others.  This Thanksgiving, why not set aside some special time to give God thanks for who He is, what He has done and what He continues to do in your life? After time with the Lord, go and express your gratitude to others. Let us not take each other for granted. Do take time to say, “Thank you.” On that note, we thank the LORD for He is good, faithful and longsuffering. We thank Him for His grace in having saved and called us ...

“What if you only had a few weeks to live? What would you do?” This was my opening question today, a question that created a moment of deep thought among the people. In the book of Deuteronomy, we find Moses, God’s great prophet, who knows of his impending death. After decades of wandering in the wilderness, the people he had led under God is finally ready to enter the promised land, the land that he himself will not be allowed to enter.  What did Moses do in his last days? Scripture says that “Moses undertook to expound this law” (emphasis mine, meaning “all that the LORD had commanded him to give to them” (Deut. 1:3b)) Deut. 1:5. What Moses did during his last days demonstrates what was important in his life– God, His Word, and His people.  How about you? What is important to you? I pray that we will daily search the Word so that we will know, indeed, the true treasures of life.  Life is short. There is eternity to think about. Death i...

Have you ever prayed, “Thank you, Lord, for this food,” and then later complain about it? Have you ever praised God one day and then doubt Him the next? In the book of Numbers, we find the Israelites complain time and time again, doubting God and His promises, even though they had repeatedly witnessed His miracles, provision and faithfulness.  We say to ourselves, “What rebellious hearts!” But aren’t we guilty, too? How often have we found ourselves complaining about our situation? How often have we found ourselves doubting God? When was the last time you ate your food, after giving thanks, without complaining about it? This morning at Northside Harvest, God’s Word reminded us of the need to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5:18).  What a faithful God we serve; and, we thank Him today for those who, from Sunday to Sunday, have been faithfully coming… Till next time, please be ...