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Upside Down World
February 02, 2023
This week we’ll be considering some of Jesus’ most famous teachings, The Beatitudes. You can read them in Matthew 5:1-12. It is important to remember that Jesus is here describing the ways the poor, the meek, the merciful, and the persecuted will experience the breaking in of God’s Realm into our lives. In other words, when our world is as it should be, all of those who have been hurt by our status quo will find relief. More than relief, in fact. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write in to admin@indyncc.org.
Not Alone
January 24, 2023
This week we’ll be considering a passage from the Gospel of Matthew 4:12-23. Here we read of Jesus’ calling of his first disciples. They were called away from what was usual and into a work that would be challenging and draining. Did Jesus call them to too big a task? In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write in to admin@indyncc.org.
Come and See… What Exactly?
January 19, 2023
This week we’ll be considering a passage from the 1st chapter of the Gospel of John. In that chapter is described the beginnings of Jesus’ movement and the process by which people were drawn into his orbit. This message reflects on Jesus’ ministry and what it was about him that made him so compelling. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write in to admin@indyncc.org.
Troubled Waters
January 09, 2023
This week we’ll be considering Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism. (Matthew 3:13-17) One of the things that catches John the Baptist off guard in this story is the very request itself. Why does Jesus feel it necessary to enter into the Baptismal Waters? Especially as he is, allegedly, supposed to be the Messiah and savior of the people. What need has he for repentance, or any other blessing from God? This message reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write in to admin@indyncc.org.
God is Still With Us
January 03, 2023
Christmas has come and gone. Life is returning to normal, which may not be a good thing. Themes of Hope, Peace,, Joy, and Love overcame the anxieties of the time, if only for a moment. How might the perspective Christmas gives us last the year long and beyond? This episode considers this question. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
God is With Us
December 20, 2022
We are told in the Bible that “God is with us,” but there are seasons in life when it feels as though God has abandoned us. Lately, the human race has been through a lot, and it has been challenging at times to notice God’s abiding presence. This message reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
Waiting is Not Easy
December 14, 2022
Waiting is not easy. This is no revelation; that we all find ourselves waiting for things to change for the better. This message considers some wisdom found in the Epistle of James meant for a community that was waiting. What have these words to teach us today? In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
Don’t Forget About the Roots
December 09, 2022
In today’s story we read a selection from the Prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 11:1-10, the prophet paints a picture for his people’s future that is grand, expansive, and nearly too spectacular to be true. These promises still speak to us through the centuries. What hope might they inspire? This episode reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
Wake Up! You’re Missing It
December 07, 2022
Today’s message marks the kickoff of Advent. And, per usual, we’ll be considering some of the apocalyptic sayings of Jesus; things he said concerning the coming breaking in of God’s Realm upon us. This episode reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
Pause, and Say ‘Thanks’
December 06, 2022
In today’s story we read about a man who, upon being restored to health, returned to Jesus (the source of his healing) to express his joy and gratitude. His example should inspire us all to pause and take stock of all that we have to be grateful for. This message reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
When Temples Fall (Have Fallen)
November 15, 2022
Much of what has been familiar and dependable has changed or is gone. This reality has likely been true for most generations. The question becomes: How is one to live whilst our beloved ‘temples’ topple around us? Luke’s Gospel was written for an audience who had literally witnessed their beloved and sacred temple torn down by Roman imperialists. All that they knew had changed, yet they endured. What was their secret? This episode reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
How to Live
November 08, 2022
The prophet Habakkuk wrote during a time of great duress, yet he was not willing to give up on his people’s future. He did not believe God would abandon the people, so he cried out to God for justice and some relief. This message reflects on his writings and considers what they have to say to us today. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
On Earth as it is in Heaven pt. 4 – Delivered
November 03, 2022
This message marks the fourth in a series on the Lord’s Prayer. This series corresponds with Northwood’s yearly stewardship campaign; a time when we look hopefully into the next year with a mind to plan how we will use our resources to make the world a better place. Part 4 considers the line in the prayer that reminds us of the ways God has delivered desperate people in the past. Our forebears testify to the ways God has seen them through good times and bad. This message reflects on these themes. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
On Earth as it is in Heaven pt. 3 – Keeping All the Tickets
October 26, 2022
This message marks the third in a series on the Lord’s Prayer. This series corresponds with Northwood’s yearly stewardship campaign; a time when we look hopefully into the next year with a mind to plan how we will use our resources to make the world a better place. Part 3 considers the lines in the prayer that acknowledge the temptation we will face along the way. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
On Earth as it is in Heaven pt. 2 – Debt and Daily Bread
October 17, 2022
This message marks the second in a series on the Lord’s Prayer. This series corresponds with Northwood’s yearly stewardship campaign; a time when we look hopefully into the next year with a mind to plan how we will use our resources to make the world a better place. Part 2 considers the lines in the prayer that draw our attention to our ‘debts’ and ‘daily bread.’ In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
On Earth as it is in Heaven pt. 1 – The Realm Comes
October 10, 2022
This message marks the first in a series on the Lord’s Prayer. This series corresponds with Northwood’s yearly stewardship campaign; a time when we look hopefully into the next year with a mind to plan how we will use our resources to make the world a better place. We hope to see what we pray for in the Lord’s Prayer come alive around us! And, how might you play a part? In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. If you’d like to join our mailing/emailing list, please write admin@indyncc.org.
Insulated Life
October 05, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 16:19-31. In this passage Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who could not see his poor neighbor for who he truly was. This message reflects on our tendency to do the same. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. Also, check out The Northwood Podcast at www.WishTV.com/podcasts
Playing the Game
September 29, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 16:1-15. In this passage Jesus tells a parable about a manager who gamed the system to his advantage. Jesus appears to laud the shrewd dealings of the dishonest manager. What gives? Could Jesus really condone such behavior? Of course not, but then, how to make sense of this parable? This message unpacks these things. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. Also, check out The Northwood Podcast at www.WishTV.com/podcasts.
Lost Saints
September 13, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 15:1-7. In this passage, Jesus tells us a parable meant to help open us understand the depths of God’s love for us. The Parable of the Lost Sheep challenges our assumptions about who is worthy of our efforts to help and journey through life with. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. Also, check out The Northwood Podcast at www.WishTV.com/podcasts.
Worth Every Penny
September 06, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 14:25-33. In this passage, Jesus warns his disciples upfront about the cost of being his disciple. His warnings are sobering, even dire. So much so that in the midst of these ominous warnings we one can forget that the end goal makes the cost worth it. In the end, we make sacrifices along with Jesus for the sake of a better world and a better future. Today’s episode reminds us that what this life costs us is worth every penny in the end. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. Also, check out The Northwood Podcast at www.WishTV.com/podcasts.
More of the Same
August 29, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 20:27-40. In this story, Jesus is confronted by a religious leader with a question about marriage. But at root this question was not about marriage, but about maintaining the status quo; the current unjust order of things. Today’s message considers this stories’ implications for us today. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8. Also, check out The Northwood Podcast at www.WishTV.com/podcasts.
Can’t Stand Straight
August 22, 2022
Today, we’ll be going over a Bible passage found in Luke 13:10-17. In this story, Jesus is approached by a woman with a bent back, who has been unable to stand up straight for nearly 20 years. Jesus heals the woman, and she and her community rejoice. However, not everyone is happy, and Jesus is confronted by a religious leader who is upset at Jesus’ actions. Today’s message considered this story’s implications for us today. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8.
Surprise!!!
August 08, 2022
We’re back from a long hiatus to go over a Bible passage found in Luke 12:32-40. Here, Jesus tells two parables meant to prepare the people for something amazing; some good news about to break in upon them. We’ll consider the implications for us today. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Northwood Christian Church, please visit our website at www.indyncc.org. If you’d like to donate, please follow this link: https://giv.li/ub25h8.
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is… (Luke 4:21-30)
February 16, 2022
In today’s story Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah. In the passage he reads the prophet casts a vision for the people that is beyond what they dared to hope for. It foretold of their liberation and restoration. What’s more, Jesus claimed to have come to make the dream come alive! What might this mean for us today? If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Awkward at the Table
October 07, 2021
Today, we’re going to be going over a story from the Bible found in the Gospel of Mark 2:13-17. In the story we discover that Jesus was not adverse to sitting down for awkward meals with exceedingly flawed persons. In fact, he seems to have sought out these moments in hopes to reconcile people to God and to one another. At church, our communion tables are meant to reflect the table set by Jesus for “tax collectors and sinners.” If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Words of death, words of life
September 16, 2021
Today, we’re going to be going over a passage in the Bible found in the Epistle of James 3:1-12. We won’t read it in total for the sake of time, but will be touching on a verse here or there, but here’s the gist. James compares the tongue to the rudder of a ship. This metaphor is meant to emphasize the point that we can create wonderful things with our words. We can build up a life, encourage someone who needs to hear a word of hope, or we can tear down a life and speak poison into the life of another. Today’s episode is all about words; how they can harm or help. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Investments
August 13, 2021
Today, we are going to continue to talk about the topic of last week which was hope. We’ll approach the topic by way of the prophet Jeremiah who was challenged to purchase a piece of land during a time when his nation was under siege. From his vantage point this seemed like a poor investment, but what at first seemed a poor investment was in fact a choice to invest in a positive future; a future where he and his people were free and living well. What similar investments might we make in faith today? If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Hope and Future Figs
August 05, 2021
Today’s topic for conversation is hope; hope for our future, especially in the face of uncertainty and calamity. It may seem that there are few reasons to hope in the year 2021, especially after the year we’ve just had. Just when it seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel hope stalls out, and relief from the challenges we face seems still further off. As we wonder about the future, have we reason to hope? This episode explores this question. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Enough to Go Around
July 21, 2021
One day, thousands of years ago, twelve persons were tasked with feeding thousands of people. Jesus turned the twelve and said, “You feed them.” The disciples pushed back, and gist of their response can be summarized in two words: With what? With what will we feed them? This question still haunts us today. The world is still filled with people in desperate need. We’d like to meet those needs, but is there enough to go around? This episode explores this question. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Prophets in Our Midst
July 08, 2021
Jesus once famously said, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown” (Mark 6:4). In other words, the prophets we are most apt to miss are the ones most familiar to us. Might there be prophets in our midst that we fail to notice because of their familiarity and seeming insignificance? If so, what wisdom and insights might we be missing for our failure to see the prophets near and around us? In this message we consider these questions. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Healer pt. 2 – Two Daughters
July 01, 2021
If you listened to last week’s message you’ll know that we began a two part series meant to prompt the question: In what ways might we bring healing and wholeness into a world that desperately needs it? This week we’ll pick up the story we where we left off and consider the fate of Jairus’ daughter. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org. Also, please subscribe or write a review.
Healer pt. 1 – You’ll Never Know…
June 24, 2021
We will never be fully aware of the ways our lives impact those around us. We are, each and every day, influencing the lives of others for good or for ill. With this in mind, we should make every effort to be a healing presence in our communities and social networks. With each word and action we must try to bring life and wholeness into the lives of those around us; even strangers. This week’s episode is the first of a two part series that considers the question: What might it look like us to be healers like Jesus? If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast or leave a review. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
In the Storm
June 16, 2021
The storms of life are bound to find us, and they can leave us feeling disoriented, afraid, or hopeless. Jesus once found himself asleep in a boat during a violent storm. His friends were flabbergasted at his ability to sleep in the midst of such chaos. What peace and calm did Jesus possess, and might that peace and calm find us in the midst of our own storms?
If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast or leave a review. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
She’ll Find You
May 05, 2021
Mother’s Day Special: The Bible includes multiple instances where God’s ways and nature are described using feminine language and metaphor. When we do not see God reflected in our mothers, we cut ourselves off from a powerful example of God’s active love for us. If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
God on Paper
April 22, 2021
God constantly strives to reconcile humanity in spite of all our divisions. The spirit of God is on the move calling all peoples across traditions together. We must try and become a part of this work; moving with the spirit as she calls all persons together in unity. If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
Between Fear and Awe
April 04, 2021
Mark’s telling of the Easter story concludes with more questions than answers. It calls us to live in the tension between hope and fear. Much of life is lived in that tension. The message of Easter calls us to hope in spite of our fears. This episode of The Northwood Podcast considers what it may be like for us to find the faith to live as if our redemption were just around the corner. If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
On Letting Go
March 23, 2021
Jesus once said that before a seed may grow it must first die a kind of death; fall to the ground and seemingly fade away. But we all know that what comes next is new life and rebirth. In a similar way we must discern what of ourselves we must let go of before we are transformed into the better persons we hope to become. Today’s episode considers what might happen if we are able to let go of what keeps us from finding new life. If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
What Belongs to Caesar?
March 07, 2021
Jesus was once asked whether it was right to pay taxes to the Roman Empire. Questions about our civic responsibilities are still with us today. Today’s episode considers a question Jesus once presented to an antagonistic crowd: What Belongs to Caesar? In other words, what do we owe to our society, and what do we owe to God? If you enjoyed listening to this episode please subscribe to The Northwood Podcast. If you are interested in learning more about Northwood Christian Church, please check out our website at www.indyncc.org.
The Dangerous Life
February 27, 2021
We do well to avoid suffering but not at the expense of doing the right thing. Sometimes living well calls us away from security and complacency and out onto a more dangerous path. In fact, Jesus taught that the way to a life that matters will inevitably pass through suffering. Those who avoid danger and discomfort for the sake of protecting their material wellbeing may well lose all that really matters in the end. Today’s episode considers what a dangerous life may cost us, but also what we gain along the way.
Naming the Truth
February 21, 2021
Sometimes it is difficult to name the truth. It can be difficult to face what is true about ourselves, let alone speak our truth to others. This week’s episode considers what might happen when/if we confess the truth about our shortcomings and weaknesses so that we might step foot on the path to healing, wholeness, and restoration to our communities.
Just a Stone …
February 12, 2021
There’s no denying it. These are isolating times. Not only are we isolated from one another, but we have been cut off from our sacred spaces by a pandemic. We’ve avoided public gatherings in our houses of worship for safeties’ sake, but this has made many of us feel so alone. Today’s story is about a man who was also isolated, but discovered that God was with him even while he was unaware.
