Digging Deeper – Page 2 – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper – Spiritual Rest

Ryan Hoffer on September 4, 2025

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Matthew 11:28

SPIRITUAL REST

In Matthew 11, Jesus gives a gracious invitation to the crowd, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (v. 28). This rest is not simply a reprieve or deferment from labor, but rather “rest for your souls” (v. 29). But who could do such a thing? What a mighty claim! Indeed, the appeal underscores the divinity of Christ—for no one else could provide a remedy that touches beyond the natural. It is one thing to offer a man refreshment; it is another to refresh his very existence—an act that the Old Testament frequently ascribes to God alone.

And yet, Jesus’ invitation is reminiscent of remarks made about this very work. A brief survey of some Old Testament passages shows the similarities between the words of Jesus and those of God in the OT, underscoring that Jesus is, indeed, God:

Isaiah 14:3 — When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve.
Jeremiah 6:16 — Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 31:25 — For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.
Psalm 23:3 — He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 116:7 — Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

It is not difficult to see, then, how Jesus’ claim to restore the souls of men is something that God alone could accomplish. Many of His hearers—Jews likely familiar with the language of the Scriptures—would have made this connection. Similarly, when we hear Jesus’ words in light of similar promises made in the Old Testament, we better understand how He is divinely qualified to be the Savior of our souls.

Be encouraged today by the fact that the One who made you and knows you is also the One who invites you to come to Him, that your soul may be refreshed.

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – The Good Portion

Ryan Hoffer on September 3, 2025

“Mary has chosen the good portion…”

Luke 10:42

THE GOOD PORTION

In the Mary–Martha pericope of Luke 10, Jesus contrasts Martha’s many distractions with Mary’s singular devotion by stating that she has chosen “the good portion.” The concept is easily understood—time and affection given to the Lord are greater than busyness spent elsewhere—but the turn of phrase is of particular interest. Frequently throughout the Bible, the word portion is used to describe our inheritance as a people who belong to God. A quick survey of its use elsewhere in Scripture helps us gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ words about Mary’s “good portion.”

In Psalm 16, David wrote about the LORD being his portion—his source of blessing, counsel, happiness, and protection: “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot” (Psalm 16:5). This is contrasted with the sorrow of “those who run after another god” (v. 4)—in other words, those who have not chosen the Lord as their portion.

In Psalm 73, Asaph echoes David’s sentiment by declaring, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” The force of this statement is increased by the preceding verse: “There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (v. 25).

Reflecting on the righteous statutes and precepts of God, the author of Psalm 119 likewise proclaims, “The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words” (v. 57). For this reason, he is able to say, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (v. 50).

Elsewhere in the Old Testament, the LORD is described as the portion of those who follow Him:

Lamentations 3:24 — “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Deuteronomy 10:9 — “Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.”

Let us return to the story of Mary and Martha attending to Jesus with these things in mind. Recall that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (v. 39), and for this reason Jesus described her as having chosen the good portion. Echoes of the Psalms come to mind—David and Asaph declaring that God alone is their source of being, their portion. Mary hadn’t merely chosen resting over working or listening over commanding—she had chosen the Lord. He was her portion, and that would never be taken from her.

Sit at the feet of Jesus today, and understand what it means to choose Him as your portion.

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – When Jesus Calls You By Name (Twice)

Ryan Hoffer on September 2, 2025

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things

Luke 10:41

WHEN JESUS CALLS YOU BY NAME (TWICE)

This week, while studying the sermon passage in Luke 10:38–42, I also decided to read some ancient commentary to familiarize myself with the history of interpretation on the famous Mary and Martha story (hence the earlier devotion on John Wesley). In doing so, I came across one of Augustine’s sermons on the passage (Sermon 53), written sometime in the fourth or fifth century. In the great Church Father’s commentary, he pointed out a detail that I had never even considered, simple as it may seem:

Therefore, the Lord answered, who was in no difficulty for words, in that He was the Word. What then did He say? “Martha, Martha.” The repetition of the name is a token of love, or perhaps of exciting attention; she is named twice, that she might give the more attentive heed.

Jesus, in His reply to Martha, calls her name twice. Augustine considers this a “token of love.” Indeed, it seems to soften His reproof. There is something endearing about the moment—almost as if the Savior overpowers the nervousness of her own heart by addressing her in a twofold manner.

Six other times in the Bible God calls someone’s name twice when addressing them: Abraham (Gen. 22:11); Jacob (Gen. 46:2); Moses (Ex. 3:4); Samuel (1 Sam. 3:10); Simon Peter (Luke 22:31); and Paul (Acts 9:4). What can be greater than to be known by the Creator of the universe and, what’s more, to be sought after in fellowship by Him?

But therein lies the astonishing fact of Christianity: that God is deeply relational. After all, it was He who said to Moses, “I know you by name.”

Take a moment today to look at some of the aforementioned biblical accounts where God calls someone by name, and reflect on the fact that He knows your name, too. Indeed, He gave you these very examples so that you would be sure of it.

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – John Wesley’s Journal

Ryan Hoffer on September 1, 2025

“…but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion…”

Luke 10:42

JOHN WESLEY’S JOURNAL

On Sunday, October 24, 1790, the eighty-eight-year-old founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, recorded his last journal entry:

I explained to a numerous congregation in Spitalfields Church “the whole armor of God.” St. Paul’s, Shadwell, was still more crowded in the afternoon while I enforced that important truth, “one thing is needful”; and I hope many, even then, resolved to choose the better part.

Of course, the “one thing” is a reference to the words of Jesus in Luke 10:42, when He reproves Martha for her worry about many things in contrast to the one thing of importance—an audience with Him. That Wesley’s last sermon would touch on such a text is no surprise; few men in the history of Christianity have been so thoroughly devoted to the priority of evangelism.

As the founder of Methodism and a leading figure in the Great Awakening of the 18th century, Wesley is said to have traveled over 250,000 miles on horseback (the equivalent of ten trips around the earth!), often preaching three or four sermons a day. He was wont to preach on Luke 10:42 frequently, as there are at least fifty references to it throughout his journal (which is freely available online and documents his travels from 1735–1790). It is fitting, therefore, that he ended his ministry in like manner—focused on “the good portion,” in the words of the Savior.

The matter is as important to us as it was to Wesley (and to Mary, of whom it was originally said): are we anxious and troubled about many things, or have we chosen the one necessary thing—spending time with Jesus?

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper: Be Different

Lee Wilson on August 29, 2025

³²This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

³⁷Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:32-38 (NLT)

BE DIFFERENT

We have examined the passage from last Sunday in Acts, where the Holy Spirit descends and Peter addresses the group at Pentecost. What followed was the rapid growth of the first church as the group of believers began to multiply.

Answering the call to follow Jesus means setting every other desire aside and prioritizing Him. A tall order, to be sure—but a life-changing decision that can have a meaningful impact on us and everyone we come into contact with. Sometimes, our obedience is the very method through which God accomplishes incredible things.

The point is this: following Jesus makes you different.

In December of 1944, the world was at war. In the midst of it was a small town called Sommocolonia, Italy. It was a hilltop village overlooking the Serchio Valley. Its location was strategic, offering wide views of the surrounding terrain and enemy positions.

Army First Lieutenant John R. Fox served in the 92nd Infantry Division, a segregated unit known as the Buffalo Soldiers. They were assigned to support the 366th Infantry Regiment and were sent to Sommocolonia to maintain U.S. control of the town.

On Christmas night, German troops infiltrated the town in civilian disguise and launched a surprise attack the following morning. They overwhelmed Allied forces and pushed the Americans to retreat.

Fox and several others volunteered to stay behind in the face of danger to serve as a forward observer party. From the second floor of a house on the hilltop, Fox began calling in defensive artillery fire, aiming to deter the Germans. But the enemy did not relent. As they continued their attack, Fox made the unthinkable decision: he called in an artillery barrage on his own exact coordinates.

The soldier on the other end of the call was Fox’s close friend, Lieutenant Otis Zachary. Stunned at the order, he hesitated, knowing his friend would have little to no chance of survival. Sensing his reluctance, Fox shouted, “FIRE IT! There’s more of them than there are of us! Give ’em hell!”

The barrage was called in. Fox and his team perished, but over 100 German soldiers were killed in the strike. His selfless sacrifice allowed U.S. forces to regroup and counterattack, and five days later they retook control of the village.

Lt. Zachary had to answer an impossible call, knowing it would cost his friend’s life, but failure to do so would have resulted in devastating enemy gains. Zachary later recalled that the entire group wept for three minutes after the strike, mourning the fate of Fox. One author reflected, “God let him become the great man that he was, that he might save many.”

We may not face situations as dramatic as this—at least, I hope not—but there is a common link. If we fail to answer God’s call, it can result in enemy gains. We have a real enemy in this world, and our Lord uses willing hearts to advance His Kingdom and thwart the enemy.

In 1997, Lt. Fox and six other men were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their selfless bravery. In addition, the Italian government commemorated the soldiers who died at Sommocolonia and erected a statue honoring Fox in the village.

May we all act with such boldness—standing out, living differently, and answering the call as believers in Christ. We serve the God who sent His Son to earth to be punished for sins He did not commit, so that He might be the one to die in order to save many.

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

Digging Deeper: Playing with Fire

Lee Wilson on August 28, 2025

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:32-38 (NLT)

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Over the last couple of years, wildfires have become a very real danger for certain locations in our country. Wildfires are characterized by their uncontrollable nature and ability to spread rapidly across vegetation and combustible materials. They can be devastating and present numerous challenges for firefighters in their attempts to contain and extinguish them.

A controlled burn, or prescribed burn, on the other hand, has quite the opposite effect. It is a specific and strategically managed fire aimed at controlling vegetation and minimizing the risk of wildfire. It can restore ecosystems and, in that sense, be life-giving. For any fire to burn, there must be three things, known as the “fire triangle”: fuel (something to burn), heat (an ignition source), and oxygen.

When Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost and passionately explains the preceding events and their significance in this week’s passage, he provides the divine nudge for many listening to accept Jesus and become the first Christians.

It did not stop there. The chapter continues to describe how this new group of believers were selling their possessions to care for one another’s needs, attending the temple together daily, breaking bread, and praising God (Acts 2:42–46).

The Holy Spirit had made a dwelling place among these new believers, just as Jesus had promised (Acts 1:4–5). The fruits of the Spirit were already evident in this group of believers. They were living selflessly and generously, and they were continually praising God.

When we heed God’s call on our lives, we can live with this kind of irrevocable joy because our joy rests in something we cannot lose—Jesus. The ultimate source of joy resides in all who believe in Him.

The Spirit took hold in this early church and, just like a fire, it began to spread. The believers were so convicted and passionate that they were selling possessions and attending the temple daily. The unbridled joy they had in Jesus surpassed any other aspect of life they had known before Him.

In their fervor, they created their own version of the fire triangle: they had fuel (the call to the cross), an ignition source (Jesus), and oxygen (the very breath in their lungs!). As long as they were living on this side of heaven, they were focused on serving Jesus. And through them, it says, “The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

What an incredible testimony to the commitment of the early church. Let us all find such unshakable joy in Jesus!

Digging Deeper: Lost (and Found) in Space

Lee Wilson on August 27, 2025

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:32-38 (NLT)

LOST (AND FOUND) IN SPACE

When we find Peter and the disciples this week, they are speaking on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has just arrived in the form of “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3), and those on whom it rested began to speak in tongues.

The behavior was alarming and unusual, causing those present to ponder its meaning. Was it something of significance, or were they just filled with “new wine”? (v. 13). It is in this moment that Peter takes hold and addresses the crowd, citing prophecies about this event and pointing everything back to Jesus.

Those present knew they were witnessing something incredible, and perhaps even frightening. Those feelings of trepidation and amazement helped convict their hearts and point them to Jesus. Sometimes we also encounter things that have a profound impact on us.

In the 1960s, the United States was in the throes of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. One element of that conflict was the “space race,” as each nation sought to assert dominance among the stars. After successfully landing on the moon in 1969, the U.S. had a significant interest in learning as much as possible about the lunar surface—quite literally at ground level.

On July 26, 1971, Apollo 15 launched. It was the first mission to feature the lunar roving vehicle (LRV), which allowed for longer excursions than had previously been possible. Among the crew was Colonel Jim Irwin, who helped collect over 170 pounds of moon rock samples with the LRV.

While on the lunar surface, Col. Irwin had a unique, deeply spiritual encounter—described in a documentary about the moon landings as a “Damascus road” type of experience. In his book To Rule the Night, Irwin reflected on what happened:

“I felt an overwhelming sense of the presence of God on the moon. The ultimate effect was to deepen and strengthen all the religious insight I ever had. It remade my faith. I had become a skeptic about getting guidance from God, and I know I had lost the feeling of His nearness. On the moon the total picture of the power of God and His Son Jesus Christ became abundantly clear to me. I felt His Spirit more closely than I have ever felt it on earth, right there beside me…it was amazing.”

Far from the routines and worries of everyday life, Col. Irwin was standing where few had ever ventured before. Out among the stars, he observed the vastness of creation and felt closer to God than ever. After his experience, Irwin often said, “I believe Jesus Christ walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.”

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” At night, we can gaze up at the vast, star-scattered canopy that stretches overhead. When we notice the beauty and the miracles in the creation that surrounds us, perhaps we too can glimpse what compelled those believers at Pentecost all those years ago.

Digging Deeper: Answering the Call

Lee Wilson on August 26, 2025

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:32-38 (NLT)

ANSWERING THE CALL

This past Sunday, we discussed Peter speaking to the first church after the ascension of Christ into Heaven. In the awestruck wonder of the moment, dozens of souls surrendered to Christ. Compelled by the miracles they had just witnessed, they answered the call to come home.

For the last decade, I have worked at a Chick-fil-A restaurant. I handle all of the HR functions for the restaurant and spend much of my time interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new talent. Given the reputation of the brand, we are often fortunate enough to attract high-performing young people, most of them between 17 and 20 years old.

The most common theme I hear when I spend time with them is this: “What am I going to do when I finish school?” We are overflowing with straight-A students who are searching for a purpose.

Our work is indeed purposeful and can be fulfilling, but our ultimate purpose lies beyond our career or means of paying bills. When Peter spoke to these people and “pierced their hearts,” he was revealing our true purpose in this life—to answer the call to follow Jesus and to serve Him above all else.

Reverend Billy Graham was once asked why he chose the profession he did. The questioner implied that Graham might have made a successful politician and almost certainly possessed the skills to become a successful businessman. Graham responded by saying, “The only thing I can tell you is that God called me to be an evangelist, and I could do nothing else but respond to His call.”

Answering Jesus’ call on our hearts and our lives is more important than any other call we receive. Moreover, it is not only important—it is ultimately our true path to fulfillment and purpose. According to Graham:

“The question I would ask you, however, is this: What is your priority in life? Is it money, or prestige, or security, or comfort? Or is it Christ and His will? Don’t settle for anything less…Make sure of your commitment to Christ. Only He can give you the satisfaction and fulfillment we all seek. Then ask God to help you live for Christ in all you do. The Bible says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’ (Colossians 3:23).”

We have many responsibilities in this life. Each of us is uniquely filled with aspirations, hopes, and dreams, and many of those are good things. Let us, however, always remember to pursue God above all of them.

Digging Deeper: Joyful and Obedient

Lee Wilson on August 25, 2025

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:32-38 (NLT)

JOYFUL AND OBEDIENT

This week, as we finished up our Training Camp series, we focused on the second chapter of Acts in a powerful passage. We hear a proclamation of who Jesus is and a very convicting series of descriptors of the events that had preceded this.

It says, “We are all witnesses” in verse 32, meaning the audience had the incredible experience of witnessing Jesus ascend to heaven. After that miraculous series of events, we have Peter proclaiming his Savior to the crowd—who were likely still in awe—and then we get a very honest response in verse 37: “Brothers, what shall we do?”

What do we do now? Peter’s words had “cut to the heart” of his audience (v. 37), and they were sincerely asking for guidance on what to do next. Peter responds very directly, saying, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the Holy Spirit” (v. 38).

The Holy Spirit is a unique and personal connection directly to our Creator, and that connection changes us forever. Pastor and author John Piper mentions two things in particular that mark the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit:

A heart of praise: In Acts 10:46, the disciples knew the Holy Spirit had fallen because “they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling (or magnifying) God.” Speaking in tongues is one particular way of releasing the heart of praise. It may be present or may not. But one thing is sure: the heart in which the Holy Spirit has been poured out will stop magnifying self and start magnifying God. Heartfelt praise and worship are the marks of a real experience of the Holy Spirit.
Obedience: The other mark is obedience. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles say to the Sadducees who had arrested them, “We must obey God rather than men.” Then, in verse 32, he says, “We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God gave to those who are obeying him.” (“Gave” is past tense; “obey” is present, ongoing tense.)

Let us never forget what it felt like when His words first cut to our hearts. In those moments, we were touched by an eternal joy from our Creator. That feeling of awe and wonder, followed by the humble question “What shall we do?” serves as a great motivation to obey His commands. May we forever be joyful and obedient in Him!

Digging Deeper: A Place for Both Public and Private Faith

Larry Grays on August 22, 2025

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God…

Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)

A PLACE FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FAITH

In an article by The New York Times, it was noted that many prominent figures, from athletes to business leaders, maintain a dual life of public influence and private community. For example, a well-known CEO might lead a multi-billion-dollar company but finds their most meaningful connection and support in a small, private group that meets weekly. This duality is a powerful model for faith today, a balance that the early church, as described in Acts, understood completely.

The text says they “worshiped together at the Temple each day,” a very public and formal act, and they also “met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals.” This duality is a powerful model for faith. The corporate gathering at the Temple was a public declaration of their shared faith, a space for collective praise and teaching. It provided a sense of unity and strength in numbers. The intimate gatherings in homes, however, were where genuine community flourished. In these smaller settings, they could meet needs, share life, and truly encourage one another. This was where the “great joy and generosity” could be expressed in personal, tangible ways. The early church understood that both are vital for a healthy faith.

Public worship builds up and unifies believers as the body of Christ, while private fellowship and service connect them on a deeper, personal level. Faith needs to be visible in both the public square and the intimate spaces of life.

Reflection Questions:

How can you more intentionally engage in both corporate worship and small-group fellowship at Northstar?
What does it look like to bring the “spirit of gladness from Sunday worship” into your everyday life?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the church, both the public gathering and the intimate community. Help me to be a faithful member of Your family, connecting with others in both worship and fellowship. Amen.

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.