From Pastor Josh Laxton
"As a result of sin, humanity deserves God's judgment and God's wrath."
"We need more than functional saviors. We need a Foundational SAVIOR."
Imagine being in a perfect relationship with God and living in an ideal world. We would be able to walk with God. Nothing would go wrong. Relationships would be harmonious without strife, anger ,or bad feelings. It would be easy and enjoyable to make a living. Evil would not exist.
Unfortunately, our world is fractured between us and God, and us and other people, because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We don't live in peace and harmony because of sin. But God had a plan to save humanity. God sent Jesus to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 states, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." By Christ's death, we have been given the gift of salvation and reconciled to God.
So what are we to do about our sin? The Bible teaches we are to repent and confess our sins. We are to diligently study the Bible to learn what God expects from us, live godly, obedient lifestyles, and leave our sinful behavior behind us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, we are to share our faith with others and expectantly look for our Lord's return. As we serve others, we serve our Lord and Savior, King Jesus. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
Man (Humanity)
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Genesis 1:26–28; 2:5, 7, 18–22; Psalm 8:3–6; Romans 1:19–22; 3:10–18, 23; 5:6, 12, 19; 6:6; 7:14–25; 8:14–18, 29; 1 Corinthians 1:21–31; 15:19, 21–22; Ephesians 2:1–22; Colossians 1:21–22; 3:9–11.
We believe that man (humanity) was the crowning creation of God. Humanity was created in the image of God to reflect His glory (His character, nature and attributes) throughout the created order. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and was endowed by the Creator with freedom of choice.
By their choice humanity sinned, incurring not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. Ever since the Fall of Adam and Eve, all humanity has been marred by a sinful nature that turns away from God. We believe that man (humanity) has no possible means of recovery or salvation in their own power.
Because of the Imago Dei (Image of God), we value the following:
As a result of the fall (original sin) sin affects our life:
Salvation (Gospel)
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11- 16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
We believe that salvation from the guilt and condemnation of sin is possible only as the gift of God's grace—through Jesus Christ. It cannot be gained by good resolutions, sincere efforts, nor submission to rules, regulations, or ordinances of any church, but is freely bestowed on all who put their faith in Christ and trust in the work of Christ which was accomplished on the cross of Calvary.
All who trust Jesus as the Savior and King pass from death unto life are forgiven of their sins, accepted by the Father, and born into God's family and indwelt by the Holy Spirit and therefore become fully alive.
Three Legs of Salvation
Justification: (John 3:16; Romans 3:23– 25; 10:9; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:1–10)
Sanctification: (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Colossians 3:10)
Glorification: (Romans 8:30; Philippians 3:20; Revelation 21:1– 22:5)
How Do You Know You're Saved?
This week, think about what you embrace and cling to that isn't God. Could it be family, friends, money, prestige, possessions or something else that is taking the place of God in your life? Consider how God is the ultimate source of your identity, security and significance. Based on what you have learned about our need for God and faith in Jesus Christ, what areas do you need to change so that your life bears fruit? Meditate and reflect on these verses:
Lord, I am thankful for your love for me and for my salvation through my faith in Jesus Christ. Today, I ask that you put people in my path who need to hear the Gospel, the Good News about King Jesus. Help me to share that, as human beings, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and what He created us to be and that we need to repent of our sins. When I share my faith, help me explain that salvation is a gift from you that neither I, nor they, deserve. Give me the boldness to ask if they know You as their Lord and Savior, and most of all, let me be a reflection of Your glory and love others as I go about my week. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
–LIFE² Group - Sharing Your Hope with Others - starting September 10 with Dan Hardaway, Sunday mornings at 11 a.m.
–LIFE² Group - What is the Bible and Can it be Trusted? - starting September 12, with Pastor Derwin Anderson, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.
–LIFE² Group - Exploring the Spiritual Disciplines - starting September 10 with Pastor Gus Davies, Sunday mornings at 11 a.m.
–LIFE² Group - Foundations of Your Faith - starting September 10 with Kari and Ed Maggard on Sunday mornings.
-Reference Books for this series:
» July 15-16
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | Marriage & Family // Gender & Sexuality | Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» July 22-23
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | The Church // Christian Discipleship | Senior Executive Director of Leadership Development Tom Horvath & Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
» July 15-16
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | Marriage & Family // Gender & Sexuality | Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» July 22-23
TED —THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSES | The Church // Christian Discipleship | Senior Executive Director of Leadership Development Tom Horvath & Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor Derwin Anderson
Sunday, July 30 at 10 a.m.
Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus’ saving grace and symbolizes the washing away of our old life and resurrection into a new life with Him. Are you ready to take this important next step in your faith story? Register for baptism, and be sure to invite your family and friends to the party!
Tuesday, July 25 at 6 p.m.
Gil and Michika Cauthorn are reaching young adults, students, and families in Osaka, Japan with the good news of Jesus. On July 25, join them at Northland to be inspired by faith-building stories and find out how you can be part of God’s mission in the heart of Japan.
Sundays, August 6 through November 19 at 3 p.m.
This 15-week class offers an awe-inspiring look at the purposes and character of God. Come discover how God has worked throughout history to tell His story of love and redemption and how you can join Him on mission to redeem a people from all peoples.