Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 9:31 NIV

This past weekend I went over to a friend’s house to pick up some furniture he was giving us for our son Matteo. When I spoke with his wife on the phone, she said it would be helpful if I came over before five o’clock. So like usual, I was running a little behind and arrived just before five. When I walked into the house I asked, ‘Are you guys going anywhere this evening?’ thinking there was a possibility we could get together for dinner. He said, ‘No… but we are having our ‘house church’ over for dinner. The pastor should be here any minute…’

I know they were looking at other churches, but I was still momentarily disappointed because I have been inviting them to come to Northshore for some time now. They came a few times, but they never really connected because I believe they were looking for something else…

My disappointment stemmed from the fact that it would be awesome to share fellowship together at Northshore and through some of the ministries here. My friend is a very knowledgeable guy on the scriptures and has an awesome heart. He has so many gifts that would benefit Northshore…

Then I remembered this verse from the book of Acts where it said ‘the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace’. They were not mentioned as a group of churches, but instead mentioned as the church. The entire region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was looked upon by God as one universal church singular, not plural.

This is very exciting news and what a powerful message for all of us today. We are all connected as one universal church through our Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection has united us as one family with those who believe in Marysville, Everett, and beyond. So instead of being disappointed, I should be excited to know that my friend is actually part of the same family, the same church…

Yet this did not happen initially when I heard about my friend attending a ‘house church’. Which brings me to the question—do we look at what unites or what divides the church? Because I really believe my reaction is not that different to how many people look at the church at times.

Just examine my disappointment. My view about my friend’s choice to join a ‘house church’ was almost initially looked upon as a decision to join another team. It was looked upon through my own ‘selfish’ lens about how this affects me. This happens every day to each one of us in and outside of the church. We have this ingrained tendency to look out for ourselves first, not how it plays into the larger picture.

But then five o’clock came and my friend’s pastor and his family arrived. A few minutes later a few other people showed up with all of them carrying this feeling of excitement and energy about what it means to be a part of this ‘house church’.

As I introduced myself and began to greet them, I realized that in a way I was carrying forth a similar message the Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Romans when he said:

“Greet also the church that meets at their house…” Romans 16:5a NIV

Which is what I believe is the truth—authentic relationships with others matter. This is where the church exists. When we connect with others, we live out the true meaning of the church. When we do not connect with others, the church cannot exist regardless to its size or programs. And this may become a higher priority as times become more difficult…

I believe the ‘house church’ my friend is attending exists because it is a place where real relationships have begun. You can just feel that type of connection when you meet this group of people…

Now I know life will always cause strain in relationships within any church because we are all different. All of us have different interests and see things sometimes very differently from one another.

But we should put our relationships with others as the very top priority outside of our relationship with Christ, because love is at the center. If we truly put this as our focus; real relationships will begin; friendships will develop; caring will happen. Then Northshore will have the same type of excitement of any ‘house church’ and therefore connect people to Christ…

Let us look at what unites, and pray about everything which divides…


Prayer requests

Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job

Bill M – pray that the treatment will go as planned and will successfully remove the cancer

Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students

Greg – pray for hearing from the doctor regarding his sleep apnea, pray for the leadership of Northshore

Richard – pray for the health of his wife who is having some unknown skin problems

Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife

Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything

David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids

Ernie – pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer in the mouth and 16 hour surgery which is scheduled for September 30th

Tim W – pray for structural changes at work and that everything will go smooth

Steve – pray that this group will grow to affect others and make a larger impact on the church

Vince – pray for financial support in paying medical bills, pray for Destiny who was running a high fever

Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength

Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for financial discernment and the difficulties we are going through, pray for the health of this country

***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God


Continued prayer needs

Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry

Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore

Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry

Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife

Sky – pray for some financial help and that he can help make some additional income for the family

Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness

Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return

Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church

Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry

Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease

Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord

Carmine – pray that he can deal with the stresses of work

Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with

Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college

Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life


Future Meetings

**** Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.

Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

**** Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

Remember, our focus is going to be on an every-other week schedule for those who wish to attend CTL. But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. Therefore please consider this as an option if you wish to continue meeting in fellowship with others and continuing in your growth in the Word…

Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…

Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…


Memory Verse

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV