April 17th, 2009
Bragging on God and NorthRidge
Psalm 98:1a – “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” This Psalm was part of my time in God’s Word this morning, and it motivated me to “blog for the Lord a new blog, for He has done marvelous things.” Corny yes! But, come on. It is an acceptable and appropriate application of the principle. Right?
I want to brag on God and on the unbelievable people that make NorthRidge so amazing.
In a word, Easter this year at NorthRidge was REMARKABLE. We had over 23,000 attend. It’s hard to imagine that many people attending one church, and yet that’s how many people were at NorthRidge this past weekend. But, here’s the vital fact. It would have never happened if our people hadn’t reached out to invite so many people. Think about it. With a simple invitation, they introduced over 23,000 people to the love and hope of Jesus Christ. That’s unbelievable. And, as an answer to prayer, all of those people were wonderfully distributed between all nine services.
To date, we know of 188 first time decisions to follow Christ and 20 spiritual renewals. Of course, this only represents those who have already shared their decision with us. Imagine how many genuine spiritual decisions were made and how those decisions will change their lives, relationships, and families for generations to come. I like to call this the redemption ripple. Because of our peoples willingness to invite others, the face of eternity was dramatically changed.
Of course, it’s always important to remember that each of these numbers represents a real person that Jesus loves and died for. As an example, I received the following note from one of those who made the decision to follow Christ.
“My praise is for such a powerful portrayal of Jesus. I’ve read and heard stories of Jesus, but until I saw “him’ in your production, he was just a character in a story. He is now a person to me and I am eager to know him and experience his life. Thank you.”
Can you believe the power of those words? They make my heart melt. This is church as it ought to be. I think that Jesus’ words in Luke 15:7 really do put this amazing weekend in perspective. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Think about it this way. NorthRidge sponsored a heavenly celebration this past weekend. It doesn’t get any better than that and it couldn’t have happened without our people investing themselves in inviting and serving.
I can’t end this blog without giving a special thanks to those who volunteered over the weekend. To put it simply,
they inspire me. Before, between, and after our 9 Easter services, I wandered around the NorthRidge campus both inside and out. Seeing so many serving so unselfishly made me emotional. Easter was so large that it seemed beyond reasonable to pull it off. And yet, because of the commitment of so many, we not only pulled it off but did so with both heart and excellence. Even as I write this, I am still in awe of their passion and commitment. Without them, it wouldn’t and couldn’t have happened. But, because of them, it did. Wow, did it.
I am so privileged to serve such a great God and to serve with such awesome people.
If you attended NorthRidge for Easter, I’d love to hear your thoughts or story. If you experienced Easter somewhere else that positively impacted you, I’d love to hear your story as well.
Categorized: Leadership |
Nina Marvin
I attended the Good Friday 5:15 service. I was so moved that I was teary eyed through most of the service. I am currently waiting to have surgery for cervical spinal stenosis, so I had to attend wearing a neck brace and carrying my cane. I truly felt God was with us. I am fairly new to Northridge Church. An online friend gave me tickets to see The Glory of Christmas several years ago. My husband and I were amazed that this was “just a church play”. A couple of years went by and my daughter (former unbeliever) asked about Northridge services. I was shocked to say the least. She and I started attending weekly services last fall, and we bought tickets to The Glory of Christmas this year, bringing a new friend with us. I have been sick since the end of February with nerves pinched in my neck and haven’t been up to coming to church. (I’m happy to say my daughter has continued to come alone.) As Easter was approaching I kept thinking of coming to church and praying I would be able to attend. God blessed me and I was able to be there and as soon as the doctor lets me I will be coming back to be with the Northridge “family” I have come to enjoy and love. May God Bless You, Nina Marvin
Latoya Arnold
I have been attending Northridge since January and I absolutely love it! My grandmother has been a member for three years and she invited me to Easter service last year. It was amazing and it’s what brought me back there when I begin thinking about finding a new church home. I invited my entire immediate family to Easter service and all 11 of them showed up! I was surprised and happy that I was able to spend Easter with all my siblings, niece, nephews and my mom while introducing them to my “new” church. They loved it and one of my sisters and her fiance plan on attending this Sunday. This is a blessing within itself. Northridge is a great church!
Judy
I was one of the door greeters for all the services on Friday and Saturday, saw the service myself for the 1:15 on Friday and was so moved to tears (again). I have been coming to Northridge over 2 years now, have been baptized and recently become a member, attended the Discovering your Style workshop, in which I’m finding myself training for Care Ministries. Due to being laid off back in March, I’m at a point, where as all I did was pray to God to show me how he wants me to serve him for the rest of my days here on earth. I’m so glad I was pointed to Northridge by my daughter (I had been away from the church for many years), and now, with your new series starting tomorrow, my 83 year old Mother has asked to come to a service with me. God has been really doing some fantastic work with me since I have given my life to Him. He is providing for me in ways I never knew existed before. I love your honesty and openness, which keeps me reminding myself that I have a long way to go to be where I will feel comfortable with my knowledge of Knowing Jesus. Took me 53 years to get to this spot, so I’m looking forward to the next ??? with all my heart! Keep up the good work, Brad!
Anonymous
The service was spectacular, of course, but let me just say that serving that weekend was phenomenal as well! It was such a joy to be used in such a “little” serving role, but it filled every brim of my heart to get to see everyone coming into our NorthRidge home. Jesus, the one I know and love, is to thank! He told me where to go and filled me up with His love for others. God showed up in service, but He showed up in other places throughout the campus, too!
Mark Walker
Brad,
WOW What a blessing being able to serve at NRC since my family and have become members the blessings keep flowing in our lifes!!
The messages that come from Northridge Church have had a great effect in my family and I.
When I first walked into Northridge about 4 yous ago, I was working at a company where a few employees attended Northridge.
I was intivied to attend service By a great friend and brother in Christ Dennis, and I went to my first service called Extreme Makeover where you through the stool at the mirror, I thought you were NUT, but the message that day hit home very deep and I know I found home at NRC.
The next step was to get Debbie to join me, at first she thought the church was too big, too showy, WHAT WAS SO GOOD ABOUT NORTHRIDGE CHURCH?
One Sunday moring we attended 11:30am service and as many have the church was packed out dearing worship I looked around and seen all the people and the number of people, I nugged Debbie and asked her now is it to showy? I said to her a church was big and a church
Mark Walker
CONTIUED, I told Debbie A church of this size and this many people must have a very powerful message that comes along with it, and that has been very well true, A great deal of the talks that have touched home I my heart that take me back to reality.
My journey in the footstep of Christ are getting longer I am looking forward to God to mold me, and guild me where he needs me.
Thanks Brad and Family for sharing your messages with us
MY FAMILY AND I ARE TRULY BLESSED
THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
MARK WALKER
Annette Avery
Yes, I attended NRC for the Easter Service on Friday 5:15. It was my first Easter Service there. My family joined me also, which was moving in itself for me. They took the time and made it a priority to be there and share in the celebration. We left the next day for a blessed filled vacation as a family! No better way to give thanks to God for all his wonders. I felt my vacation trip started the minute I entered to worship with NRC! Then I continued my prayers at God’s pool (the pacific ocean) giving thanks and asking for strength for each of you on long weekend NRC had !
Michele Mohan
Beautiful, beautiful service! Praise God!
lou preiditsch northville mi (former navy corpsman 66-70)
wonderful! brad, i hear you at times wonder if you’re making a difference. trust me, you are, and not just for me, but many others. i’ll miss attending in person this sun., but will catch war or the worlds on the web. thanks so much.
Jenn
I’ve been attending NRC since October and this was my first Easter service. I had never felt God’s presence in such a palpable way until that service. I could not suppress my tears throughout the service. And the praise music – the last song made the ground shake! (Take that, devil!) My mom was visiting that weekend and remarked that God was working in powerful ways in our church. My 8 year old niece begs to come to church with me each week and I continue to pray that my sister will follow suite. Don’t ever question the lives you are reaching. God is alive in me again because of the work you do at NRC. THANK YOU!
Brian Duka
Thanks again for your staff, my daughter had a sesure saturday nite, your staff was wonderful, thank you
Kathy
Doesn’t God Just Rock!
bob burnside
Aliens PT2 : Podcast 4/26/09-POWELL hits it out of the park ! Every word chosen carefully and backed by life experience and our HOLY BIBLE.Thank you Pastor.Take it from a guy whose failed at both marriage and at times relationships.Put this talk in the hall of fame.hey why don’t people blog .As Homer Simpson says they have the internet on the computer now.
Brian Duka
cant leave updates on twitter please add me on your list thanks
Rachel
My husband is a Navy recruiter in the area, and the mother of a guy that he put in the Navy invited us to the Easter service. My husband and I have been christians since childhood, but have been out of church for more than 10 years. We have attended churchs here and there but have not felt so moved as we were when we came to Northridge. The service wes great but we were blown away at hearing Brad speak. I heard God talking to me through Brad. We have not missed a Sunday since and as a family ,we have 2 boys, we love coming to church. I feel the massages were written for me every Sunday!!! I feel dedicated to Christ now. I have started a daily bible study for myself. We are trusting in God and we have not done that before. I am so thankful to my husbands friend for inviting us that Saturday afternoon.It has changed our lives.