Author: Steve Roach

 

“So that I could gain Christ and become one with him.”

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

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KNOWING JESUS IS EVERYTHING

Paul wanted one thing above all: to know Jesus more personally and deeply. His past achievements, his reputation, and even his religious practices were no longer his identity. He saw Jesus not as an addition to life but as the very center of it.

Jesus once told a parable about a man who found a pearl so valuable that he sold everything he had just to own it (Matthew 13:45–46). Why? Because nothing compares. That is the kind of discovery Paul made. Knowing Jesus became the priceless pearl, worth every exchange, and he never looked back.

Years ago, a Hall of Fame baseball player donated his entire collection of trophies and memorabilia to a small-town school. Over time, the school relocated, and many of the items ended up in storage. Decades later, a janitor cleaning out an old closet found a dusty box of awards that had once meant the world to the sports world. They were forgotten. That is what Paul is saying: earthly success eventually gathers dust, but knowing Christ never fades.

What “trophies” are you clinging to for identity or meaning? Are you ready to trade them in for something lasting?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“Rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.”

Philippians 3:9 (NLT)

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ONLY JESUS CAN MAKE ME NEW

Paul realized that being made right with God couldn’t be earned. It’s a gift received by faith. No amount of religious effort or moral behavior could cleanse his heart. Only Jesus could do that. That truth changes how we live. We don’t perform to earn love; we live from a place of being deeply loved already.

Max Lucado writes about the story of an old, broken violin left in the attic. It sat silent, its strings rusted and body cracked. One day, a skilled violin maker found it, took it down, replaced the wood, tuned the strings, and polished the finish until it produced music again. The violin could not restore itself; it needed an artisan’s care. Likewise, we cannot repair our souls by effort alone. Jesus is the artisan who restores, renews, and gives us new life by grace.

There was once a man who spent most of his life trapped in guilt over choices he had made decades earlier. He tried self-help programs, philosophy books, and motivational seminars, but nothing worked. One night, someone invited him to a Bible study, where he heard the gospel clearly for the first time. That night, he surrendered his life to Christ and later said, “I thought I had to clean up to come to God. I didn’t realize He was ready to meet me in the middle of my mess.”

This is the gospel: we don’t achieve righteousness; we receive it. Christ did what we couldn’t do. Our job is to trust Him. When we do, our shame is replaced with peace, and our past no longer defines us. Our role is not to rework ourselves by force, but to surrender ourselves and trust Him. He does the transformation.

Are you trying to fix yourself before you fully surrender to Jesus? Come as you are. His grace is the starting point.

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

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WHAT THE WORLD VALUES IS TEMPORARY

When Paul says, “everything else is worthless,” he’s not exaggerating. He’s putting life in perspective. The things we tend to chase, such as fame, money, influence, and image, are temporary. They don’t last. But knowing Jesus? That’s eternal. That’s the one pursuit that truly satisfies and endures.

There was once a man who built a beautiful sandcastle by the sea. He worked for hours, sculpting towers and walls, protecting the castle with moats and deep trenches. Finally, at the end of a weary day of building, the tide came in, and in a matter of minutes, the sandcastle washed away as if it had never been there. He stood by the shore empty-handed, amazed that such beauty could vanish so quickly.

Like this man’s story, we can spend our lives making earthly investments, like those sandcastles. But when the waves of time, loss, or change rise, they disappear. However, for those who invest in their relationship with Christ and in things that will matter for eternity, those investments will remain.

Consider the plight of a businessman who once devoted his life to building an empire. He spent years climbing the corporate ladder, amassing wealth and recognition. But when his health began to fail, he realized he had spent so much time investing in things that could not last. One day, sitting in a hospital room, he told his son, “I built towers of money but forgot to build a life with God. Don’t do what I did.”

What are you building your life upon: sand or rock? What “sandcastle” areas in your life need to be replaced with the solid foundation of Jesus?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.”

Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT)

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SUCCESS WON’T SATISFY ME

Paul once lived for accomplishment, status, and the applause of others. But after surrendering his life to Christ, everything changed. Success wasn’t the goal anymore; knowing Jesus was. That’s still true today. You can reach the top and still feel empty. You can achieve more than anyone around you and still feel like something’s missing. Paul is reminding us: success is not the savior our hearts long for.

Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Tom Brady once said in an interview, “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? There’s got to be more than this.” That statement could be echoed by many standing at the top of the ladder of success. It proves that even the world’s greatest achievements can’t fill the spiritual void in our hearts. Only Christ can fill that void.

Knowing Christ gives our lives a deeper meaning than success ever could. Paul isn’t saying your work doesn’t matter. He’s saying it can’t define you or satisfy the deepest longings of your soul, such as love, acceptance, and lasting purpose. Let Jesus define your worth, not your wins. Chasing achievement is exhausting, but walking with Jesus brings purpose and peace.

What area of your life are you trying to “prove” yourself in right now? What would it look like to lay that down and rest in the approval you already have in Christ?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort…”

Philippians 3:3-6 (NLT)

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RELIGION CAN’T CHANGE ME

Paul had an impeccable religious record. His résumé was spotless by the standards of his day. But it didn’t bring him peace, joy, or a real connection with God. That only happened when he met Jesus.

In our modern lives, it’s easy to believe that going to church, doing good things, and avoiding bad things will make us right with God. But religion without a relationship is powerless to transform our hearts.

Tim Keller once said, “Religion says, ‘I obey, therefore I’m accepted.’ But the gospel says, ‘I’m accepted, therefore I obey.’” That truth changes everything. Religion often keeps people stuck in fear or pride. But being a Christian is about a personal relationship with Christ, where the Holy Spirit makes His home in our hearts and works to make us look more like Jesus daily.

In this grace-filled relationship, we don’t obey to earn love; we obey because we are already loved as much as we will ever be loved.

Many people mistake proximity to church for intimacy with God. But going through religious motions can’t remove guilt or change the heart. Paul realized that even though he followed every rule, his heart was far from God. Only Jesus can deal with our sin, break our pride, and restore our right standing with God.

A man once visited a gym faithfully for months, checking in at the front desk every day. He wore the gear, drank the protein shakes, and posted about his workouts online. But here’s the catch: he never actually worked out. He never lifted a weight or ran a mile. He assumed that just being in the environment would be enough.

That’s how religion without relationship works. It gives the appearance of transformation, but the change never reaches the heart.

Ask yourself: Am I trusting my religious performance, or my relationship with Jesus? What spiritual habits are helping me grow closer to Him?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives…

Acts 1:12 (NLT)

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FOCUS FORWARD WITH OBEDIENCE

After everything they had seen and heard, the disciples did what Jesus said. They returned to Jerusalem. They obeyed. It may have seemed anticlimactic, but it was crucial. Their obedience positioned them for what God would do next.

Obedience may not feel exciting, but it is always essential. Sometimes it looks like showing up again, staying faithful in your work, loving difficult people, or forgiving even when it still hurts. Obedience creates space for God’s power to work.

A single mom named Denise felt God prompting her to invite her estranged father to church. They hadn’t spoken in years. She resisted the idea for months, but the conviction wouldn’t go away. Finally, she sent the text. To her shock, he came. That morning, he gave his life to Christ.

Weeks later, he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and passed away within the year. Denise said, “If I hadn’t obeyed, I would have missed the miracle.”

Where is God asking you to return, obey, or remain faithful today? Write it down, and commit to walk it out.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…

Acts 1:14 (NLT)

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STAY DEVOTED TO PRAYER AND COMMUNITY

Before preaching, before miracles, before the early church exploded in growth, the disciples gathered to pray. They did not isolate. They did not try to figure things out alone. They stayed in community, devoted to prayer. There is power when God’s people pray together. Prayer aligns us with God’s will, strengthens our unity, and invites the Spirit to move. Community reminds us we are not alone. The early church understood they needed each other to stay faithful.

One of the most inspiring historical examples of the power of prayer and community comes from George Müller, who ran orphanages in 19th-century England. He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime, never once asking people for money. Instead, he prayed and trusted God for every need.

On one famous morning, the orphanage had no food. Yet Müller led the children in giving thanks anyway. Moments later, a baker knocked on the door. He had woken up at 2 a.m., sensing God wanted him to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milk cart broke down right outside, and the milkman offered all the milk before it spoiled. Müller’s faith and community of prayer became a global testimony of God’s provision.

Who are you praying for today? Who are you joining in prayer with to ask God for answers?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return…”

Acts 1:10-11 (NLT)

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DON’T GET DISTRACTED FROM THE MISSION

The disciples were understandably amazed by Jesus’ ascension. But then the angels appeared and asked a powerful question: “Why are you standing here?” In other words, do not just admire the moment—go live the mission.

We can easily become stuck in our walk with Jesus because we are staring, stalling, or spectating. Distractions come in many forms: fear, comfort, entertainment, or even routine. We can be so caught up in consuming Christian content that we forget to live it out.

A college student once felt a strong call to start a Bible study in his dorm. But weeks passed, and he kept putting it off—too busy, too nervous, too distracted. Then one day, a classmate overdosed in the room across the hall. The student sensed that this was the moment God wanted him to begin the study, especially with so many students struggling with what had happened. He launched the study the following week. Today, three of those original students are in full-time ministry.

What is distracting you from fully engaging in the mission?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

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EMPOWERED TO LIVE SENT

Jesus does not just call us to a mission; He also gives us the power to fulfill it. When we think about sharing our faith, serving others, or making disciples, it can feel overwhelming. But God never intended for us to do this in our own strength.

To “live sent” means understanding that our daily lives are integral to God’s greater plan. Every relationship, every responsibility, and every place we go is a mission field. The power of the Holy Spirit enables ordinary people to live with extraordinary purpose.

Years ago, a UPS driver in Texas delivered packages in the same neighborhood for over a decade. One day, he stopped to help a woman whose groceries had spilled in the street. That small act led to a conversation. Over time, neighbors came to trust him with their struggles. Eventually, he began praying with people on his route and even led two neighbors to Christ. His delivery truck became a mobile mission field.

How can you “live sent” today, right where you are? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with boldness, compassion, and clarity.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

Once when He was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised… In just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4-5 (NLT)

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WAITING ON GOD

Jesus had just risen from the dead. The disciples were eager. The world was in need. But Jesus said, “Wait.”

That may sound surprising. Why wait when you have the greatest news in history? Because Jesus knew the mission was impossible without the Spirit. The gospel cannot be lived out or shared effectively without God’s power.

Waiting on God is not about inactivity; it is about preparation. It is about learning to trust God’s timing more than our impulses or feelings. The temptation we face is to rush into decisions, relationships, or conversations without seeking God’s direction. But Jesus modeled a different way of living. He made sure to include time alone with His Father in prayer. He was never in a hurry. In fact, He even delayed a day when His friend Lazarus was close to death. Jesus never made a move without considering His Father’s will.

During World War II, General George Patton was told to wait before advancing his troops. Instead of pushing forward out of impatience, he followed orders. Days later, he learned that his delay had prevented his men from walking into a deadly ambush. What looked like wasted time turned out to be divine protection.

Waiting isn’t weakness when it’s obedience. Where do you need to slow down and wait on the Spirit before moving forward? Ask God to prepare your heart and equip you as you wait.

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.