God's Grace at Every Turn

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:15)

As I look back at 2010, I see quite a few more curves in the road than I expected.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, there have been incredible blessings and outstanding outcomes; but there have also been some ugly challenges.  Some of us have lost jobs and seen our resources become scarce.  Illness has attacked some, and others have been hurt by people, misunderstood, or judged unfairly.  Still others have suffered losses; from the departure of a trusted friend, to the death of a spouse or parent.

I’ve personally had a few of those things happen in my life this year; and as much as that road is difficult to travel, I can also tell you that God’s grace has been at every turn.  I don’t ever doubt that He’s there, and I’ve been amazed and encouraged to find that He blesses through challenges, He guides through trials and, He provides through loss.

I’d love to tell you some of the specifics of how friends and family and His Spirit have done that, but it’s probably better in person than here on the blog - so join us over these next Sunday mornings and I’ll tell you more.  As we begin a new year, be assured that there will be more curves, but God’s grace will be at every turn!  

Pastor Brent 

Lord of Every Season

Have you noticed how perfectly the calendar has coordinated with the weather this year?

We had the most beautiful summer most of us can remember in Ohio. The skies were blue and the clouds formed pictures for us almost every day. Fall arrived on the day the calendar announced it, as the weather began to turn cold. There were still beautiful days, and the leaves fell with time for us to rake and blow them to the appropriate places. This week, snow began to fall on December 1st, and it’s beginning to feel like Christmas. I love the sights and sounds of this time of year. I’ve been streaming “classical Christmas” on my computer and enjoying the nostalgia of each song that is being played.

As “perfect” as this season has been, it fades in comparison to the reality of the meaning of Jesus Christ’s coming into our world. Paul write in Galatians 4:4, “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” That’s perfect timing! That’s a perfect plan- and I pray that whatever we experience this month, we’ll appreciate what Jesus has done for us, in each and every season.

Brent

Fruit of the Spirit Video Series

Our entire Fruit of the Spirit video series is now available via the Old North YouTube channel.  Thanks to all those who participated in the series and Eric Harper, our outstanding video producer.

Enjoy!

Fruit Filling

As we continue and wrap up our “Fruit of the Spirit” series this month,  I find myself coming up short.  In every aspect of this singular way we are to nourish others and reproduce our faith, I can give myself some “atta boys!”, but I am also very convicted about my own needs to grow.  Especially when we’ve talked about love, patience and even faithfulness; the Lord is reminding me that I must be filled in order to bear fruit.

So here’s what I’ve been reminding myself about:  According to Ephesians 5:18, the filling of the Spirit is a matter of His offer and my obedience.  Technically, His “offer” “…be filled with the Spirit” is really a command, so I have to determine whether or not I will do what He asks me to do.

I’m so thankful that my relationship with Jesus is secure, and I can seek His control. When I submit to Him, I am filled with Him.   Just like I have to remember to dress correctly for the day, make sure there’s gas in my car to get me where I need to be, plan where I’ll eat lunch and how I’ll spend my day;  I need to remember to be aware of His offer and my obedience. 

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”    -John 14:21

Brent Allen

Living and Walking by the Spirit

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)

This is the simple yet profound statement that Paul makes after noting the fruit of the Spirit to the Galatian church. As we prepare for the start of a new Fall teaching series, "The Fruit of the Spirit", let's examine a Biblical truth that establishes a foundation for fruit bearing in the Christian life.

God the Holy Spirit is a key player in the process of salvation, specifically, the miracle of regeneration.  Take a look at Paul's words to Titus:

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7, ESV)

In this passage, we read a familiar story of a lost and broken people being graciously rescued by a loving and powerful God. In this context, Paul uses an interesting Greek word, palingenesia (regeneration), in relationship to the Holy Spirit's work of washing and renewal. Regeneration is a word used to describe new birth or the production of a new life consecrated to God.  The image of new birth points us back to Jesus' words to Nicodemus:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:5, ESV)

We observe from these and other Biblical passages that the Holy Spirit is the dynamic agent of regeneration.  He applies the work of Jesus and brings us from a state of death in sin, to a state of life in Christ.  Understanding this truth is paramount in understanding the fruit of the Spirit.  With that, let's go back to our original verse in Galatians:

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)

If we have new life by the Spirit of God (through the work of regeneration), we should also walk in a life of fruitfulness by that same Spirit. In other words, new life in the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Please join us this Fall as we study "The Fruit of the Spirit" together!

Chris Drombetta

What's in a Word?

I don’t know if I just dreamed it up or not, but I think someone once said, “What’s in a word?” and the answer is lots! Words conjure up memories, hopes, dreams and desires and the same word can mean different things to each of us. Words like, “fun,” “scary,” and “weird” all mean different things and evoke different emotions. But enough of that.

I do know that someone once told me, “Choose your words carefully because someday you might have to eat them.” So today, I am eating a few words. Specifically “traditional,” “blended,” and “contemporary.” Years ago, we thought it was so cool to call our services by those names. To some extent, they worked for us, but they also worked against us. We not only have different definitions of the words themselves, but different dreams and desires associated with them.

So that’s why we’re going to do our best to stop using those words to describe our Sunday Worship Services. As a matter of fact, we’re not even having two different kinds right now, but the same music and message at both 9:30 and 11:00 that simply exalts Jesus and teaches truth. It’s been great seeing the results of that through the end of summer and now as we enter Fall, each week will give us a chance to grow and understand what corporate worship and corporate learning is all about.

Let’s eat a few words, and find nourishment in Jesus - the Living Word!

Brent Allen

Hot Summer...Cool Baptism

As summer winds down, the days are getting shorter and the chill of Fall is just around the corner.  The weather this summer has been incredible and because of one warm morning - I got to do something I’ve never done before.  Let me give you a little background:

I’ve made a habit for almost 20 years of running in Mill Creek Park.  Some of you have been part of that journey for me.  I’ve run with my wife, run with my kids, run with my dog, run with Dave Dravecky after his arm was amputated, and most recently a couple of very cool guys have been my companions.  One actually is a friend of my daughter’s from the high school days and the other is from here at Old North.  We’ve been meeting at 6:30 AM, logging a few miles, praying for each other, and then getting on with our days.   We talk about wives, lives, movies, kids, TV, food and many of the things that the Bible says are important.

Throughout the spring and summer, the idea of baptism has come up and it led to some interesting discussions about salvation, commitment, obedience, and obviously whether or not baptism by immersion is really as important as many of us think. The discussions waxed and waned over a few months.  Then quite unexpectedly, one morning Mike told me that he’d been reading Acts and realized that, “They took baptism very seriously, didn’t they?”;  and asked if he could be baptized “right here, right now”.  So that’s exactly what we did – we walked down the trail to Mill Creek itself, took off our shirts and shoes, and waded in.  After talking about the significance of Christ in his life and the act of obedience of baptism, I immersed him in the warm waters of that early morning.  It was one of the most significant baptisms I’ve ever experienced.

All of this reminds me that the Holy Spirit is the one who takes God’s truth and convicts our hearts.  He is the one who prompts us to obedience.  He moves in the stillness of the morning, as well as in the restlessness of our souls.  He will always exalt Christ and always teach obedience to God’s truth.

As summer winds down, I encourage you to listen…and obey!

Brent Allen

Moving Lyrics

I'm sitting in my office preparing this week's song selections and find myself deeply moved by the words of "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing".  Check it out...

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O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise

The glories of my God and King

The triumphs of His grace

The song begins with an expressed desire for a thousand tongues (a cool metaphor) to sing of the praise, glory, and triumphs of our great Redeemer, Jesus.

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My gracious Master and my God

Assist me to proclaim

To spread through all the earth abroad

The honors of Thy name

We then sing a petition to our gracious God to help us tell of His honor and character to all the earth.

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Jesus the name that charms our fears

That bids our sorrows cease

‘Tis music in the sinner’s ear
‘Tis life and health and peace

I love this!  "The name that charms our fears" takes me to 2 Timothy 1:7 - "God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control."  The gift of Jesus is truly one of joyful music, life, heath, and peace.

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He breaks the power of canceled sin

He sets the prisoner free

His blood can make the foulest clean

His blood availed for me

Here we sing of the magnificent work of Jesus on the cross.  He breaks the deadly curse and power of sin and sets the prisoner (us!) free from captivity.  His precious blood cleanses us from the stain of sin.  1 John 1:7 teaches us that "if we walk in the light, as he (God the Father) is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."  What a great truth to meditate on!

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He speaks and listening to His voice

New life the dead receive

The mournful broken hearts rejoice

The humble poor believe

This verse speaks to the life giving power of Jesus.  As the Good Shepherd speaks and calls, His sheep hear His voice and follow Him to safety and life (cf. John 10:3).  Our broken hearts are made new!  The gift of salvation by God's grace takes us from darkness to light, death to life.

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Glory to God and praise and love

Be ever ever given

By saints below and saints above

The church in earth and heaven

The song ends with a final call for the church, both on earth and heaven, to ascribe glory, praise, and love to God.  Not only "ever" given...but "ever ever" given!

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Have a great week, everyone!

Chris Drombetta

Summer Worship

Paul told the church at Rome, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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." (Romans 12:1-2, NIV)

In these verses, Paul ties the idea of worship to our response to God's mercy with lives of transformation, obedience, and gratitude. This is truly the heart of worship. Worship goes far beyond the twenty minutes we spend in song on Sunday morning. Worship infuses every part of our lives.

This Biblical view of worship is the lens through which we should view every individual expression of worship…including the expression of music. We highly value music and the arts at Old North. From our commitment to worshipping Jesus each week in song, to our art gallery that showcases the beauty of our Creator and His creation, we are fully committed to the creative worship experience.

Most of you are aware that we are currently without a pastor overseeing the area of worship and creative arts. One of the first steps in determining what comes next for this area of ministry is establishing a candidate assessment team, which was completed at the end of June. That team is currently praying through the next steps and includes: Lori Allen, Rick Blanco, Jackie Evans, Sherry Larson, Bob Schmid, Chris Drombetta, Ted Miller, Nick Burkert, Brent Allen, and Darla Funk.

As we go through the summer, we're looking to accomplish two simple and primary objectives in our worship services; exalting Jesus and teaching Biblical truth. One way that we're making this happen is by simplifying and streamlining our two services into a more unified format. This approach has been helpful in several areas. The first is very practical, in that, planning and organizing one service is much more efficient than planning and organizing two services. This has been very helpful as we've gone through the summer shorthanded on our staff. The second area is that for the first time in many years, we are celebrating in worship as an entire congregation with a unified expression. While musical taste and style are very personal, it's been great to take the summer and rally together around the simple truths of exalting Jesus and teaching Biblical truth in our worship.

This does not mean that we're definatively moving away from our two service formats, "blended" and "contemporary". That would be a much broader decision and one that we're not in a position to make at this juncture. However, we do know that God is calling us deeper into unity as a community of believers. We know that he's calling us to authentic, Biblical worship that exalts Jesus and teaches Biblical truth in our music.

Therefore, as we go through the summer exercising some flexibility on how to accomplish these objectives in worship, we'd ask for your prayers and input. What do you feel God calling us to do in the area of worship and arts? Is the "blended/contemporary" spilt in the services a good thing or something we should pray about moving away from? What lessons is God teaching you about what worship is and what worship is not? How do you best connect to God in the musical expression of worship? What opportunities do you see for connecting with one another and our communities in worship?

We'd encourage you to really pray through these questions and touch base with the Elders, leaders, and candidate assessment team with your insight. We are so excited about what God has in store for our church community. Thank you for your prayers and participation in this process...and thank you for your commitment to worshipping with the whole of your life, in grateful response and obedience to God's mercy!

Haiti Missions Report

Below is a report from John Burr, one of the leaders of the Haiti missions team who returned on Saturday.  I was touched by John’s story and know you will be too.

Chris Drombetta

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Good evening everyone! I am back in the land of the free and the home of the beef! I had to go out for lunch today to get a hamburger and french fries! I was tired of overcooked goat!

The mission’s trip to Haiti was hard. It was hard to prepare for and it was hard to do. It began with lost luggage at the airport in Port Au Prince and never really got much better. We did retrieve the luggage a few days later. It rained 4 or 5 nights and if you have ever camped out in a tent, in a torrential downpour you know the feeling of sleeping in wet clothes and with a wet blanket. If it wasn’t raining you were soaked to the skin with sweat in the 100 degree temps with no ventilation in those tents. The rain did feel good after a hard day in the high temps. After a few days I got used to wet shoes or just flip-flops sloshing through the muddy puddles. I am still processing much of the memories and emotions, (they come in spurts of tears for no apparent reason) but I wanted to give you a brief update.

The land: it is beautiful as you would imagine a Caribbean island to be. It was however littered with rubble from the earthquake, with trash not from the earthquake, and with desperate eyes and open hands.

The people: Unlike the Dominican Republic where you can see the evidence of the wealthy and the very poor. Haiti does not show any evidence of wealth, at least as we would recognize it. I am sure there are some Haitians who have enough food and water and clothing. There are many who survive on what they can beg. There are some who live off the land quite literally, by eating the food God grows in abundance there, but do not have anything else.

We worked at and around a little compound about 50 miles south from Port Au Prince just outside of a little town called Petit Goave. It was near the ocean with a grand mountain behind. This little compound is half Christian school and half medical clinic. It sprang from the God given desire of a few Haitians and a few Americans with the help of Missionary Ventures International.

There were always people around, mostly children. At night there were always the sounds of cows, dogs and chickens. When it was quiet, in the still of the night, you sometimes heard the drumbeats and chanting way off in the distance, up in the mountain. The sound of Voodoo services. The people were trained from birth to seek a handout and every one of them, at least once would ask you for money or food or water. It really is hard to help them learn to be self-sufficient. That will be the trial of Haiti. They do love you for being there and it is sincere. They do also know how to work a mission’s team. They size you up and befriend you in hopes of getting all you have before you leave. Do not think badly of that. I would too if I was living that way, and so would each of us. They live in that little space between being deceitful and loving you more that you thought possible. I made some friends who if I never see again in this life will be a joy to me in our eternal life. I never walked far without little hands in mine. They just show up, you feel them slip into yours with little notice. If I sat down anywhere outside of the compound, there was little hands feeling my hair, my skin, or fanning my face. They live to please those frequent visitors. The one’s that put a lump in your throat are the ones who put their heads on your chest and hold on hoping you will take them with you.

The water flows down both sides of the street in man-made open trenches. I don’t know where it all comes from, but I do know that it is the bathroom, the laundry-room and the toilet. All at one time.

There is construction on-going there and we started a few and we finished a few. We roofed a house, we helped raise the block on another, we helped finish a floor, and we built furniture and ran some electric lines. Yes they do have electric, from dusk until dawn. The 2 wire system that is there is unbelievably dangerous with no circuit protection and in some places held together with scotch tape. During the day we needed a generator.

I learned all the normal things I expected to learn about poverty and living conditions. I also learned some things about humility and about how the hands and feet of the body of Christ…are dirty. It must be so, to do the good work He has prepared. I look forward to when Christ will wash the hands of His bride and says well done; now enter into eternity with me. Then, all those hungry eyes that chose to believe in the love that was shown to them will rejoice together as one.

John Burr
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Direction in the Last Days - Series Introduction

There’s a lot in the news these days that can freak us out.  The issues of politics, economics, environmental disasters, or terrorism can consume and even cripple us if we let them.  Unfortunately, I’m seeing a lot of folks being consumed and crippled.  There are some bad things taking place, to be sure.  At the same time, some of us are scared because we’ve lost the sense of priority and purpose that only God can give.

As a matter of fact, throughout the Bible we see instruction on how to live during strange and difficult times and frankly, I’m pretty convinced that’s the way the world has always been.  Jesus talked about it.  His followers did the same.  Our next teaching series will take us along that same path, as we study God’s word around the theme of “Direction in the Last Days”.   On Sunday mornings, we’ll be studying I and II Timothy,  I Thessalonians 4 and 5, Matthew 24 and 25, and other passages in Revelation and II Peter.  Over the next few months, we’ll learn from God’s word how we should live in the last days.  While this idea can rattle people, it’s one that has applied to the last 2,000 years of church history and is as current as tomorrow’s newspaper.

So this week, take a look at I Timothy 1-3 in preparation for the study of chapter 4 this Sunday morning.  You may also want to stop in to Nick Burkert and Ted Miller’s class at 11:00 AM on Sunday in the Great Room called, “What on Earth Is Going On?”  It’s a great class built around David Jeremiah’s book of the same title.

While I can’t tell you what will be in tomorrow’s news, I can promise you that God’s word holds the key to handling it successfully.  Come along for the journey, as we pursue the truth of God’s word for “Direction in the Last Days”!

Brent Allen

Baptism and Fullness

One of the books I’ve been reading this month is Baptism and Fullness by John Stott.  Bill Barnes (one of our elders) graciously gave a copy to each of the elders and pastors so we have the opportunity to study it together.  I wanted to pass along what I thought was a very cool excerpt from pp. 74-75:

“It is very striking that the first evidence of being filled with the Spirit is that we speak to each other.  Yet it is not surprising since the first fruit of the Spirit is love.  However deep and intimate our communion with God may seem, we cannot claim the fullness of the Spirit if we are not on speaking terms with any of our fellows. The first sign of fullness is fellowship.”

It seems simple, doesn’t it?  Simply speaking to each other? Sharing concerns, asking for advice, being encouragers and connecting with each other?  So many times we have thought that the filling of His Spirit becomes something supernatural or extraordinary when Ephesians 5:19-21 gives us such a natural outcome and ordinary responsibility.  As a matter of fact, you might want to spend some time in the rest of the passage seeing the three other evidences of that filling - because they all continue to reiterate what the Lord has been teaching us throughout the month of June.

Let’s continue this summer in unity, order, and authority as we exalt Jesus and live in obedience to His word!

Brent Allen

Reflection and Anticipation

As I reflect back on the month of June, I’m thanking God for the things He has taught us in some very unique ways. Old North is a diverse church but our unity is in Jesus Christ. God is affirming that truth to us more than ever. His providential hand through the month of June gives me great anticipation and excitement of things to come this summer!

Studying the book of Galatians this spring has taught us that it’s only by God’s grace we are saved through faith in Jesus. We believe that our authority comes from the written word of God revealed to us by the power of God the Holy Spirit - and it’s on that foundation that we stand. God has confirmed those truths over and over as we’ve transitioned into the summer season. As your pastor, I want to thank you for being part of what God is doing through this unique and special season in the life of our church. Thank you for your encouragement, participation, and perseverance, as we face some spiritual challenges that we’ve never faced before. We know that God is sovereign and “for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

As we’ve been studying 1 Corinthians 12-14 on Sunday mornings, we’re learning that the way we function as a church flows from our unity in Christ. This coming week, we will be very specific about that, so please join us in the study of God’s word. A key verse from chapter 14 says, “all of these must be done for the strengthening of the church,” so we’ll see that even with different gifts and perspectives, God strengthens and unifies us.

Interestingly enough, the next series we’ll begin this summer is called, “Living in the Last Days.” This teaching series will include admonition and direction from Jesus, Peter, and Paul concerning what is taking place in our world today and in the days to come.

By the way; if you didn’t hear Rick Enlow’s message on Father’s day, order a CD or download it free from our web site - you will be challenged and encouraged through God’s word and Rick’s incredible story. Thank you all for your participation in the Gospel and your continued commitment to connecting with God, one another, and our communities!

Brent Allen

Guys in White Suits

Why is it that when I think of prophecy, I think of guys on TV in white suits, sitting on gold thrones? Presuppositions are so interesting.

The truth is, God's Word speaks to the gift of prophecy and contrary to some stereotypes, it is a wonderful and profitable gift to God's church.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Interesting that Paul pairs prophecy with love. This is especially potent, as the entire previous chapter of 1 Corinthians is dedicated to elevating love as the regulator for all the spiritual gifts, including prophecy and tongues. The Corinthians were in a situation where some within their church were elevating certain gifts (most likely the gift of tongues) above others. This is why Paul takes so much time laying a foundation of love and purpose for the spiritual gifts. With love as the governor, the purpose of all the spiritual gifts is “for the common good” and mutual upbuilding of all those within the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). This “common good” is also true of the gift of prophecy, for “everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Paul continues along this theme of upbuilding, noting “one who prophesies builds up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:4). This truth also confirms that prophecy is even more beneficial to the church than tongues (less an intelligible interpretation), which would have really hit the Corinthians who were potentially elevating tongues over the other gifts.

Regardless of where we fall on the modern day use of tongues and prophecy, all of God’s people can and should rally around the truths of love, unity, and mutual upbuilding. May we walk in obedience to God the Holy Spirit, as Paul encouraged the Corinthians, “since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12). So much for guys in white suits.

Join us this Sunday morning, as we gather to worship Jesus and continue in the study His Word!

Chris Drombetta

Lessons from the Church in Corinth

What an encouraging time of worship, instruction, and community we experienced on Sunday! God’s grace and faithfulness were clearly evidenced in our time together. If you missed the morning teaching, it is now available via our website.

This week we continue in our study of the book of 1 Corinthians. Specifically, we’ll be unpacking chapters 12 and 13, which contain some amazing and challenging truth. Please take a look at these chapters this week, study their content, write down your thoughts and questions, and come Sunday ready to learn and worship!

We decided to take a peek back at some earlier chapters in 1 Corinthians in attempt to gain a little momentum coming into chapters 12 and 13. We're so glad we did. Check out Paul’s words in chapter 10, verses 23-24:

23 “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, NIV)

Paul continues in this manner with the closing words of chapter 10:

³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ³² Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, ³³ just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

In these verses, a key theme jumps out at us. It is one that runs through the book of 1 Corinthians and provides some critical context as we look ahead to chapters 12 and 13. That key theme is one of looking to the “good of others”, rather than to the good of “me”. The apostle Paul is communicating to the Corinthians that the question should not be, “what about me?” Rather, the question should be, “what about them?” Paul is calling the Corinthians away from a “me” mentality, to glorify God and look outside of themselves for the benefit of others.

This truth also reflects the theme of unity that Paul so clearly communicates throughout the book. How much easier is it for us to be unified when we are continually laying down selfishness and picking up selflessness? This “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7) is something Paul touches on early in chapter 12 as he outlines spiritual gifts and carries it over throughout his illustration of the human body. He then transitions to the “more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), teaching the Corinthians about love and its role as the foundation of the spiritual gifts.

As we look to the week ahead and prepare for the study of 1 Corinthians 12-13, let us set the stage by living “to the glory of God” and “the good of others”. Have a great week, everyone!

Brent and Chris

In Response...

Family and Friends of Old North,

As some of you know, there was an experience this morning in our 11am worship gathering concerning one of our college students. I want to provide some insight and explanation to everyone in our community, from myself and the rest of our leadership team.

It is no secret that within our youth and college groups, there has been some incorrect doctrine and harmful teaching facilitated by individuals outside of the Old North family. This event was an overflow of these challenges. At the end of our worship time, while we sensed the Holy Spirit moving and ministering to the congregation; a young woman began to scream uncontrollably. This created an atmosphere that was disorderly and confusing. She spoke in words that were not understandable which no one interpreted, and when my wife and I asked this woman to please leave with us so she could privately communicate what she was sensing; she only became more loud and out of control. According to 1 Corinthians 14, the gift of tongues will be legitimized by another person interpreting; and v.40 reminds us that everything should be one in a “fitting and orderly way.”

I also want to provide a brief overview about what Old North believes regarding the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity and fully God in the same substance as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is intimated connected to the other members of the Godhead and one cannot have a relationship with Jesus and God the Father apart from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3, John 14:26, John 16:14-15, Rom. 8:9). We believe that all believers, upon casting their faith on the person and work of Jesus for salvation, enter into a relationship with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). The Holy Spirit is our counselor, helper, and teacher, and He never teaches anything contrary to His written word (John 14:16-17, 26).

Just a few of the false and hurtful things that were said this morning are:
-Our leadership does not know or love Jesus
-Innocent children will die
-Judgment is coming to this church

Therefore, our leadership has concluded that what we witnessed this morning does not line up with Biblical truth. This being the case, action will be taken, truth protected, and people loved. We have already reached out to those who we believe are struggling with their understanding of Biblical doctrine. We want to love and instruct these young people. However, we also need to utilize wisdom in achieving these goals of love and instruction. We will first meet with them apart from our corporate worship gatherings and provide specific individualized teaching sessions. If these individuals do not choose to participate in the process of reconciliation and assimilation, they will be asked to leave the body of Old North.

While experiences like this can cause division, confusion, and strife, we know that God is sovereign over all things. He can use even the most challenging circumstances to His glory and the good of His people. We believe that God will reign in this situation and will bring us closer together as a family that seeks to connect with Him, one another, and our communities. God bless you.

Pastor Brent for the Staff and Leadership of Old North

The Community of Grace

This Sunday we talked about the community of grace, as we continued together in our study of Galatians.  We learned from Galatians 6:6-10 that the community of grace should:


- Hold high the teaching of God's Word and its teachers
- Sow and invest our lives into God the Holy Spirit
- Recognize and act upon the opportunities God gives us to do good


We closed our time together with Paul's words to Titus, which would be a great verse to study and meditate on this week:


"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)


I pray that Old North would be "zealous for good works" this week, as we continue in connection with God, each other, and our communities.


Have a great week!


Chris