Northbridge Vestal Podcast

What Do You Do When...? It's hard to believe it because you can't see it.

After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to several of the disciples. In fact there are 13 post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in the N.T. When the disciples told Thomas about seeing Jesus, his response was “Unless I see the nail wounds and put my fingers into them, I won’t believe.” Thomas has unfortunately been given a bad rap, but in reality, most of us have similar questions and doubts.
Text: John 20:19-30; Matt 28:16-20
Speaker: Aaron Patton

A Gentle Answer: More Than Just Our Words

This week we close out our series by looking at some very practical steps that we can take beyond our words in order to demonstrate meekness and gentleness.
Text: James 1:19-27; Matthew 6:14-15
Speaker: Aaron Patton 

A Gentle Answer: "Us vs. Them"

We live in a very tribalistic society that has created an “Us vs. Them” approach to life.  If someone doesn’t agree with you - they are them.  When we choose gentleness, we create room for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.  Maybe we can break the cycle of “Us vs. Them”.  
Text: 2 Timothy 2:14-15, 22-26
Speaker: Aaron Patton

A Gentle Answer: Following The Leader

Jesus embodied Gentleness over and over, including with people who opposed Him.  We have the opportunity to follow His example and reflect this gentleness in our own lives, especially as we face contentious situations. 
Text: John 8:1-11; Luke 23:32-36; Matthew 26:50-54; Matthew 5: 38-39
Speaker: Tim Sullivan 

A Gentle Answer: There Is A Better Way

Gentleness is not weakness.  In fact, gentleness is a powerful, Christ-like response that disarms hostility and helps to build better relationships.  What if we didn’t have to respond to opposition with aggression and defensiveness? 
Text: Proverbs 15:1, 4; 19:11, 18; 29:11; 14:1, 3
Speaker: Aaron Patton

Leftovers: The Problem of Half-Hearted Obedience

God actively calls his people to holy living - no matter where or when they live. When we only obey partially, it results in full disobedience. However, if we will obey the Lord and follow Him, he promises to bring blessings.
Text: Haggai 2:10-24
Speaker: Aaron Patton

Leftovers: More Than We Can See

Have you ever been discouraged? Ever felt like everything you’re doing isn’t amounting to anything compared to others? When we give God the priority in our lives, he demonstrates that we can resist discouragement and trust that His work is bigger, greater, and more long-term than we can currently see.
Text: Haggai 2:1-9
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Leftovers: Misplaced Priorities

The Israelite people had been through a lot! Years of captivity under the Babylonian and Media/Persian empires had cost them dearly. When they were finally released to return home and restore things, the daily challenges that they faced surely caused them to reorient their priorities. Sadly, the new priorities led to some major problems. What happens when God’s people shift their priorities from God’s instructions to their own comforts? Haggai 1 shows us and calls us to examine our priorities and act promptly on what God has commanded.
 
Text: Haggai 1
Speaker: Aaron Patton