GrowthStarts

Previously @ NorthStar ... Seasons of Change

Labor Day weekend at NorthStarMike Linch shared the message "Seasons of Change" as we thought about how to make sense of the seasons of life, especially the difficult ones.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

Some bullet points from the day:

• The seasons of life are beyond my control (Daniel 2:21). And God requires no explanation. So let go.
• The seasons of life include both good and bad times (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). We would only choose good if we had the choice, but we are not in charge.
• The seasons of life are often confusing (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We have a limited perspective. We get discouraged, frustrated, upset. But God's timetable is different from ours.
• God has a purpose for every season of your life (Romans 8:28). We are defined by the tough times. God never wastes our experiences.
• What I sow in one season, I will reap in another season (Galatians 6:9). Always keep doing what's good and what's right. It's never wrong to do what's right and it's never right to do what's wrong.

How can I make the most of each season? Ask:

• What can I learn in this season of life? Don't ask "why?" but "what?"--"What are you trying to teach me, Lord?" (The problem is we don't really want to know "why?" We want to know "why me?")
• What can I enjoy right now in this season of my life? Don't wish your life away.
• What should be my priority right now in this season of my life?
• How can I help others right now in this season of my life? How can I give back in every season of life? (This helps me get through.)

This Week @ NorthStar

• NorthStar in the Community: Join us as we serve in our community at the following places this week: MUST Marietta laundry; MUST Smyrna pantry; concessions at North Cobb High School; the Great Locomotive Chase 5K; the Great Allatoona Lake Cleanup; and the Taste of Kennesaw. Volunteer online.
• The Clothesline: The Clothesline will be open to the community this Saturday, September 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Join us as we set up and sort clothes on Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Help for 30 minutes or as long as you can. We also need folks with pickup trucks to help us move the clothes from the trailer to the building on Thursday, September 10 beginning at 7 a.m. And we need people on Saturday, September 12 at 2 p.m. to help clean up and turn the building around for weekend services. Volunteer online.
• Communion: Drop in anytime from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the True North Auditorium this Friday, September 11 for prayer and communion.
• New Series: The new four-week series Honeymoon: When Marriage Meets Reality starts this Sunday, September 13 in all services: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m.
• Game Day: This Sunday, September 13, wear your team colors and show your support! And stop by for a hot dog after the service courtesy of the Men of NorthStar!
• Membership Class: This Sunday, September 13, 9:30-11 a.m. in Center Court. Find out what being a member of NorthStar means. Register online.

More Upcoming

• Big Give: "Undie Sunday": September 20.
• Men's Fall Retreat: September 25-26.
• GrowthStarts Class: "LOVE DARE: Fireproof Your Marriage": Six-week study beginning Sunday, September 27.
• Baptism Service: Sunday, September 27.

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... United: United by God's Love

Yesterday at NorthStar, Mike Linch concluded the United series on Jesus' prayer in John 17 with the message "United by God's Love" as we looked at John 17:20-26.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

I. WHAT DOES PERFECT UNITY LOOK LIKE?

“I pray … that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”  John 17:20-21 (NIV)

• Jesus prayed that His followers would have the same kind of UNITY with one another that He had with the Father.
• A common bond of love keeps us on the same page.

II. HOW DO WE GET THERE?

1. INVEST in my relationship with God.

“May they also be IN US so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  John 17:21 (NIV)

• If you and I work on developing our relationship with God, unity would be the natural result.  You don’t have to force it or vote on it.  We get unity by getting closer to the One we’re unified with – Jesus.
• The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.
• You only get something out of what you invest in...and then it grows like compound interest.

2. LOVE OTHERS with the same love God has shown me.

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:26 (NIV) 

• Your life becomes contagious to people around you.
• Remember:  God loves me as much as He loves His Son Jesus.

III.  WHAT WILL KEEP US FROM BEING UNITED?

1. When we love the WAY WE DO CHURCH more than we love people.

• Our Message will always stay the same.
• Our Methods must always be open to change.

2. When we love our WAY OF LIFE more than we love people.

• What is God asking me to give up?
• Where does God want me to step in and serve?
• Don't forget what it's like to be lost.
• God called us to live in an extraordinary way.
• God called us to be the answer to His prayer (in John 17).
• The only reason He hasn't returned is because some still need to know.

This Week @ NorthStar

• Men's Fall Retreat Deadline: Today (Monday, August 31) is the last day to register for the September 25-26 retreat at the reduced rate of $75. It's $85 after today.
• NorthStar in the Community: Join us this week as we serve at MUST and at the Love the Lake Festival.
• The Clothesline Drop-offs: This Sunday, September 6 is the last day to drop off clothes.

More Upcoming

• Membership Class: Sunday, September 13.
• Baptism: Sunday, September 20.
• GrowthStarts Class: "LOVE DARE: Fireproof Your Marriage": Begins Sunday, September 27.
• Guatemala Mission Trip: November 7-14.

Check out Digging Deeper this week as we conclude our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... United: United by God's Plan

Yesterday at NorthStar Mike Linch brought part 3 of the United series with "United by God's Plan" on John 17:17-23. We continued our study of Jesus' "high-priestly prayer" in John 17 as we saw how we are all united in our participation in God's plan.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

I.  WHAT IS GOD’S BIG PLAN FOR US?

God’s plan for His people is that they GROW IN UNITY and REACH THE WORLD FOR JESUS. You need to tell them what He did for you. You need to invite them to church.

"My prayer is … that all of them may be one … SO THAT the world may believe that you have sent me. … May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” -- John 17:20-23 (NIV) 

II. HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN HIS PLAN?

• Sanctification is when something is used for its INTENDED PURPOSE. 
• How are we sanctified?  We let God USE US for His purposes.

1. TRUST IN JESUS’ WORK ON THE CROSS. 
“For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” -- John 17:19 (NIV)

• Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to be used by God.

2. FOLLOW GOD’S WORD.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” -- John 17:17 (NIV)

• Following God’s Word will keep us on track to be used by God. The Word of God does not just make us smart. Its intended purpose is to make us holy.

3. SHARE THE MESSAGE ABOUT JESUS.
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” -- John 17:20b (NIV)

• Bringing people to Jesus is the primary way we are used by God.

Key Point:  We become an answer to Jesus’ prayer and become more united when His followers FOLLOW GOD’S PLAN.

Upcoming

Check out these upcoming events at NorthStar...

• The Women's League Fall Kickoff: Meet other women and find a Bible study to jump into this fall. Tomorrow (Tuesday, August 25) at 7 p.m. in the Compass Centre. More info here about this free event.
• The Clothesline: Bring your new or gently used clothing this Sunday to the trailer. The big giveaway takes place Saturday, September 12.
• Crown Financial Small Group Orientation: This Sunday, August 30 immediately following each service on the bricks in the Compass Centre lobby. Drop by and find out more about this incredibly helpful 10-week study starting in September. Crown helps you manage your money according to the principles in God's Word.
• Couples Community Groups: New groups are forming this fall. Join a group or lead a group. Fill out the form in Sunday's Navigator.
• Quiet Time Seminar: This Sunday, August 30, 11 a.m.-12 noon in Center Court (Compass Building). Find out what a quiet time is and how it can take you to the next level in your walk with Christ. Register here.
• Men of NorthStar Fall Retreat: September 26-27 at Winshape Wilderness at Berry College in Rome. Cost is $75 until August 31; $85 thereafter. Register online.

Check out Digging Deeper this week as we continue our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... United: United by God's Power

Yesterday at NorthStar, Mike Linch continued the United series with part 2, "United by God's Power," as we looked at verses 11-16 of Jesus' "high-priestly prayer" in John 17.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

I. WHAT DID JESUS MEAN BY “THE WORLD”?

1. By “the world,” Jesus meant the world’s system of values, sponsored by Satan, which is designed to turn people’s hearts against God and His truth.

2. According to 1 John 2:16, the world’s values can be placed into one of three categories:

• The impure desire for pleasure - “craving of sinful man”
• The insatiable desire for possessions - “the lust of his eyes”
• The pursuit of significance apart from God - “boasting of what he has and does”

The "world" is how humanity organizes itself without God.

3. Those who are living by the world’s values will come against those of us who seek to live according to God’s word.  Jesus said:  “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more that I am of the world” (John 17:14 NIV).

II. WHY DO WE NEED GOD’S POWER & PROTECTION?

1. TO MAINTAIN OUR INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name… so that they may be one as we are one… so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them…  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:11b,13b,15 NIV).

• God has not called us to separate from the world and become monks.
• God has called us to infiltrate the world and reach others for Christ.
• Our influence in the world is dependent on our joy and our unity.

2. TO MAKE IT TO THE FINISH LINE WITH OUR FAITH (and so the world will notice!)

• Jesus’ Prayers: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me…My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one"  (John 17:11 NIV).
• Jesus’ Promise:  “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away… this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:37-40 NIV).

Key Point:  We become an answer to Jesus’ prayer and become more united when all of us as His followers LEAN ON GOD’S POWER to maintain our influence in the world and make it safely to the finish.

Upcoming

Check out these upcoming events at NorthStar...

• Marriage Tune Up Conference: This weekend, August 21-22, at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta. Register online.
• The Clothesline: Bring your new or gently used clothing this Sunday to the trailer. The big giveaway takes place Saturday, September 12.
• Premarital Seminar: This Sunday, August 23. Register online.
• NorthStar in the Community Orientation: This Sunday, August 23, 9:30 a.m., Center Court. Come and find out what's happening and how you can be a part of something big!
• The Women's League Fall Kickoff: Meet other women and find a Bible study to jump into this fall. Tuesday, August 25. More info here about this free event.
• Quiet Time Seminar: Sunday, August 30.
• Men of NorthStar Fall Retreat: September 26-27.

Check out Digging Deeper this week as we continue our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... United: United by God's Glory

Sunday at NorthStar Mike Linch began the four-week series United. This series, which we are doing in conjunction with several other area churches, is based on Jesus' prayer in John 17, where Jesus prays that His believers will be one. This week we focused on the word "glory" and how we bring glory to God in "United by God's Glory" (John 17:1-10).

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

The heart of John 17: It's all about you and me. We were on Christ's mind as He went to the cross.

In John 17, Jesus prays about three things:

1. For Himself, that He would be glorified
2. For His disciples, that they would be protected and sanctified
3. For His church, that they would be unified

I. UNDERSTANDING GOD’S GLORY

• The word “glory” is used eight times in this prayer. 
• The word “glorify” means to “bring hidden values or riches out into the open.”
• The glory of God is essentially the greatness of God – all that makes God who He is. 
• Bringing God glory means that we do something that directs someone’s attention to something great about God.

Key Point:  We become an answer to Jesus’ prayer and become more united when all of us as His followers LIVE FOR GOD’S GLORY.

Jesus said, “And glory has come to me through them [His followers]” (John 17:10b NIV).

II. HOW DID JESUS BRING THE FATHER GLORY? 

Jesus said, “I have brought you [God the Father] glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4 NIV).

Jesus details his obedience to the Father in verses 6-10:

• I revealed you to them.
• I gave them the words you gave me.
• I taught them to obey your word.
• I showed them that you’re the source of all I have.
• I helped them understand and believe that you sent me.

Ultimately, He was obedient and went to the cross for us.

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8 NIV).

III. JESUS SHOWED US THE ROAD TO GLORY:  Obedience

At the end of our lives, we should be able to say: “I did what God gave me to do.”

Big Question:  Is my life pointing others to the greatness of God or are there areas of my life that are hiding the glory of God for others?

Apply It

Here are some thoughts on applying Sunday's message:

• Volunteer to serve our kids in nursery, preschool, or elementary. You can make a difference in the life of a child! Check here to see the possibilities!
• Serve our community and show the glory of God to those around us. Volunteer here.

Next Steps

Is it time to take one of these next steps in your spiritual journey?

• Newcomers: Find out more about NorthStar in an informal setting. Next gathering this Sunday, August 16. Register or find more info here.
• The Women's League Fall Kickoff: Meet other women and find a Bible study to jump into this fall. Tuesday, August 25. More info here about this free event.

This Week

Coming up this week at NorthStar...

• The Clothesline: Bring your new or gently used clothing this Sunday to the trailer. The big giveaway takes place Saturday, September 12.
• Men of NorthStar Monthly Breakfast: Saturday, August 15 at 8 a.m. at Northwest Christian Church.
• Promotion Sunday: All kids move up a grade to their new class for the year this Sunday, August 16.
• Surviving Divorce: New class begins this Sunday, August 16.
• Parent Fuel: Derek Boyd leads a seminar on drug and alcohol abuse this Sunday, August 16 at 5 p.m. for parents of middle and high school students.

More Upcoming

Check out more upcoming events at NorthStar...

• Marriage Tune Up Conference: August 21-22.
• Premarital Seminar: Sunday, August 23.
• Quiet Time Seminar: Sunday, August 30.
• Men of NorthStar Fall Retreat: September 26-27.

Check out Digging Deeper this week as we begin our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... Higher Ground

Sunday at NorthStar Marlon Longacre talked to us about the life of Noah in the message "Higher Ground."

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Marlon's message or to view or print sermon notes.

Noah was a godly man and had a good name in the community (Genesis 6:9-10). God called Noah out to do something great for Him and upgrade his faith.

Four qualities God looks for to upgrade your faith...

1. God needs people He can call (Genesis 6:5-8). Availability is more important than ability.
2. God needs people who don't comply (Genesis 6:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:15). Conformity is the enemy of Christianity. We were created to be an original masterpiece of God, but instead we become carbon copies of others. NorthStar didn't start to just plant another church, but to reach a community.
3. God needs people who follow His commands (Genesis 6:22). No excuses. Trust God even when it doesn't make sense.
4. God needs people who are committed (Genesis 6:3). When you're not committed, you're saying, "It's all about me."

Life is preparation for eternity. At the end of your life, God will ask you two questions:

1. What did you do with My Son?
2. What did you do with the talents I gave you?

Apply It

Volunteer to serve our kids in nursery, preschool, or elementary. You can make a difference in the life of a child! Check here to see the possibilities!

Next Steps

Is it time to take one of these next steps in your spiritual journey?

• Newcomers: Find out more about NorthStar in an informal setting. Next gathering on Sunday, August 16. Register or find more info here.
• The Women's League Fall Kickoff: Meet other women and find a Bible study to jump into this fall. Tuesday, August 25. More info here about this free event.

This Week

Coming up this week at NorthStar...

• August "Big Give" at MUST! Wednesday, August 5 will be our last opportunity to provide lunch this summer for 600+ kids! Volunteer online for this or other events in August.
• The True North venue returns this Sunday, August 9! Join us at 9:30 or 11 a.m.!
• United: New series starts this Sunday!
• The Clothesline: Bring your new or gently used clothing this Sunday to the trailer. The big giveaway takes place Saturday, September 12.

More Upcoming

Check out more upcoming events at NorthStar...

• Promotion Sunday: All kids move up a grade to their new class for the year on Sunday, August 16.
• Surviving Divorce: New class begins Sunday, August 16.
• Marriage Tune Up Conference: August 21-22.
• Premarital Seminar: Sunday, August 23.
• Quiet Time Seminar: Sunday, August 30.
• Men of NorthStar Fall Retreat: September 26-27.

Check out Digging Deeper this week! This week we conclude our two-week journey through the Gospel of John. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... Baptism

Sunday morning at NorthStar Mike Linch taught on the importance of "Baptism" from Mark 1:9-11. Then over 750 of us met at the lake Sunday evening to picnic and watch about 100 friends and family get baptized as we cheered them on! Go here to see pictures from the night!

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

Why should I be baptized?

1. It follows the example of Christ (Mark 1:9). Christ never asks us to do something that He Himself didn't do.
2. Jesus commands His followers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. It demonstrates my commitment (Acts 18:8; 1 John 2:3; Acts 2:41; 8:12). Baptism does not save you or wash away your sins. Baptism is simply "putting on the uniform."

What is preventing me from being baptized tonight? (Acts 8:35-38)

1. "I'm not ready to join the church." It's not the same. Baptism is simply a spiritual act of obedience.
2. "I'm not yet a Christian."
3. "I've been baptized already as an infant or as a child." Baptism comes after salvation. And it's about my faith and no one else's.
4. "Yeah, but it's not required for salvation."
5. "I just need more time."

Want to get baptized but missed Sunday night? Go here to register for our next Baptism on September 20!

Check out Digging Deeper this week! For the next couple of weeks we'll be taking a journey through the Gospel of John. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... Bring It: Chin Up

Yesterday at NorthStar we concluded our summer series Bring It with part 8, "Chin Up." Daniel Hoover concluded the book of James talking about prayer in James 5:13-18.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Daniel's message or to view or print sermon notes.

When should I pray?

1. When I am hurting emotionally (James 5:13). When I am suffering emtotional distress, I should pray.
2. When I am hurting physically (James 5:14-15). Not just a cold, but when I have a serious physical ailment. To have people come pray for me means that I must know people in the church. This is a good reason not to church hop.
3. When I am hurting spiritually (James 5:16a). I can pray about anything and everything.

How can I pray effectively?

1. I must ask (James 4:2b). The first step is to actually ask God.
2. I must have the right motives (James 4:3). Is it for God's glory?
3. I must have a clean life (James 5:16b; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2). Not sinless perfection, but right standing before God is what is needed.
4. I must ask in faith (James 1:6a). Faith is simply believing. Sometimes God changes the situation; sometimes He changes me.

What kind of person can pray? Anyone.

NorthStar @ the Lake

Don't miss the Annual Church Picnic and Baptism at the Lake this Sunday, July 26 at 6 p.m. at Dallas Landing. Check out the details here. (Remember, there will be no 5 p.m. service that day.)

Digging Deeper

Check out Digging Deeper to help you apply Sunday's message and develop a daily quiet time. These daily devotions can be found as an insert in each week's Navigator. They are also posted each day on the GrowthStarts blog (www.growthstarts.org). Use them to establish or strengthen your daily appointment with God and to further apply the truths of Sunday's message.

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... Bring It: Spent

Yesterday at NorthStar Mike Linch brought part 7 of the Bring It series: "Spent." We looked at what Jesus' brother had to say about wealth in James 5:1-6.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

Some highlights from the message:

• The amount of money you have has no correlation to your happiness.
• God has no problem with wealth, but He does have a problem with the misuse of wealth.
• Either we learn to manage our money, or our money will manage us.

How can I exercise my faith with my money?

1. Save it faithfully, don't hoard it (James 5:2-3; Proverbs 21:20).

• I am a manager, not an owner. (It all belongs to God.)
• There are no U-hauls attached to hearses.
• What you accumulate will deteriorate.
• Remember: I am "blessed to be a blessing," not to be selfish.
• This will require that I...
  • Learn to live on less than I make.
  • Learn to be satisfied with what I have.

2. Earn it honestly, don't steal it (James 5:4; Proverbs 13:11).

3. Spend it wisely, don't waste it (James 5:4; Proverbs 21:5).

• Money will test my trust. And it will be a lifelong battle.
• With affluence comes influence.

4. Give it generously, don't abuse it (James 5:6; Proverbs 11:24-25).

• We're never more like Jesus than when we give and serve.
• The enemy will try to get us to live above our means (both in our money and in our time) so that we have no margin.

Apply It

Here are some ideas on how to apply Sunday's message to your life:

• Giving @ NorthStar: Mike said that we're never more like Jesus than when we give and serve. Make that commitment now to tithe (give 10 percent of your income) to the Lord. Remember, it's really all His anyway.
• Volunteering @ NorthStar: Promotion Sunday is coming up on August 16. That's the day that all kids move up to the next grade for the year. Serve God by serving our kids. Check out some of the possibilities here with babies through high-schoolers.
• NorthStar in the Community: Serve others like Jesus did by signing up for one of our many community events. Check out the calendar here.

Next Steps

Is it time to take one of these next steps along the road of your spiritual journey?

• NorthStar at the Lake: Sunday, July 26, 6 p.m., Dallas Landing. Register here to be baptized. Every family is encouraged to bring two large dishes to share. Drinks and paper products will be provided. Picnic starts at 6:00 with baptism to follow. (No 5:00 Compass service that day.)
• Newcomers: Sunday, August 16, 6:30 p.m., home of Thomas & Cindy Rainey.New to NorthStar? Learn more about the church, meet Mike and some of the staff, and hear about how NorthStar is impacting lives for Christ. Register here.

Upcoming

Check out more upcoming dates at NorthStar!

• Clothesline: Collections begin Sunday, August 2 for this annual clothing drive.
• True North Services Return: Sunday, August 9.
• Surviving Divorce Class: Begins Sunday, August 16.

Check out Digging Deeperto help you apply Sunday's message and develop a daily quiet time. These daily devotions can be found as an insert in each week's Navigator. They are also posted each day on the GrowthStarts blog (www.growthstarts.org). Use them to establish or strengthen your daily appointment with God and to further apply the truths of Sunday's message.

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Previously @ NorthStar ... Bring It: Cool Down

Yesterday at NorthStar we continued the Bring It series with part 6, "Cool Down," on James 4:1-10. High School Pastor Brad Parkhurst talked to us about how to resolve the conflict within us.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Brad's message or to view or print sermon notes.

All the conflict in your life is caused by your desires (James 4:1; Romans 7:15, 18-19, 24).

Like callouses from repeated work, we get callouses on our hearts from repeatedly ignoring the voice of the Spirit. The more we ignore Him, the less able we are to hear Him. Sometimes we actually do get just what we want, only to discover that we still do not have what we really need—the deep contentment that only comes when we are right with God (James 4:2-3).

When the Holy Spirit resides in us, His desires conflict with our sinful spirit’s desires. This conflict within us creates a dual-minded or “adulterous” person (James 4:4-5; Isaiah 1:12-15; 29:13).

No matter how hopeless this situation may seem, God says He gives us more grace (James 4:6; Romans 5:20).

How do we resolve the conflict within us?

1. Submit (James 4:7a). Voluntarily place yourself under His authority.
2. Resist (James 4:7b). Satan cannot lead you into sin without your consent.
3. Come near (James 4:8a). Sincerely approach God in humility and repentance and desire fellowship with Him.
4. Cleanse (James 4:8b). Ask forgiveness for outward sins.
5. Purify (James 4:8c). Ask forgiveness for inward sins of the heart.
6. Feel (James 4:9). Mourn as if over the death of a loved one.

The result: He lifts you up (James 4:10; Matthew 23:12).

Next Steps

Is it time to take one of these next steps along the road of your spiritual journey?

• Membership Class: This Sunday, July 12, 9:30-11 a.m., Center Court.Find out what it means to be a member of NorthStar with a no-pressure opportunity to join the church. Register here.
• NorthStar at the Lake: Sunday, July 26, 6 p.m., Dallas Landing. Register here to be baptized. Every family is encouraged to bring two large dishes to share. Drinks and paper products will be provided. Picnic starts at 6:00 with baptism to follow. (No 5:00 Compass service that day.)
• Newcomers: Sunday, August 16, 6:30 p.m., home of Thomas & Cindy Rainey. New to NorthStar? Learn more about the church, meet Mike and some of the staff, and hear about how NorthStar is impacting lives for Christ. Register here.

Upcoming

Check out more upcoming dates at NorthStar!

• True North Services Return: Sunday, August 9.
• Surviving Divorce Class: Begins Sunday, August 16.
• NorthStar in the Community: Check the calendar for many upcoming dates to serve.

Check out Digging Deeper to help you apply Sunday's message and develop a daily quiet time. These daily devotions can be found as an insert in each week's Navigator. They are also posted each day on the GrowthStarts blog (www.growthstarts.org). Use them to establish or strengthen your daily appointment with God and to further apply the truths of Sunday's message.

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weeklyin your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!