Northbridge Vestal Podcast

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

Invisible God: Silence and Solitude

In the chaos of our urban, digital age, it’s easier than ever to “gain the whole world and yet lose your soul.” But how can we have a relationship with a God we cannot see? The answer lies in intentionally setting aside time to be alone with God. Silence and solitude allow us to break free from the noise and distractions of everyday life, enabling us to be fully present in the presence of God.
Text: Luke 5:15-16
Speaker: Aaron Patton

Invisible God: Fasting (with prayer)

Fasting is often misunderstood and underutilized in today's indulgent culture, despite being a vital practice in the teachings of Jesus. If we desire a genuine relationship with God, we must engage in fasting. In a society characterized by excess and indulgence, many have become enslaved to their bodily desires. Fasting provides a path to regain control over those desires and achieve mastery over ourselves.
Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Speaker: Aaron Patton

Invisible God: Sabbath

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Jesus says, come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. If you want to have a relationship with a God you can’t see, you will have to slow down and sabbath. If you don’t take the Sabbath, the Sabbath will take you. 
Text: Matthew 11:28-12:1; Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11
Speaker: Aaron Patton