NorthStar Church Blog

Your Job is Part of Your Faith Journey

C.A. Phillips on February 21, 2024

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

Earlier this week Anthony Rendon, third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, made some waves with an exchange he had with a member of the media. In the interview, Rendon is asked if the game of baseball is a top priority in his life.

“It’s never been a top priority for me,” he replied. “This is a job. So, I do this to make a living. My faith, my family, come first before this job. So, if those things (job) come before it (faith and family), I’m leaving.”

The same member of the media then asks Rendon if baseball is a priority. Rendon answers, “Oh, it’s a priority for sure. It’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I? I don’t want to talk to you guys at 7 in the morning, or whatever time it is.”

Reporter: “So, do you, like, want to be here playing baseball?”

Rendon: “I have answered your question. So, why do you want to keep picking at it?”

As you can see (and hear) in watching the exchange, it becomes a bit uncomfortable. And, as much as I appreciate Rendon’s answers to the questions, I don’t blame the reporter for pushing in on him a bit.

Several hours after this video aired on TikTok, the MLB Network show, MLB Tonight, showed this exchange and then began to analyze it from a number of angles. They discussed the fact that Rendon has only played in 128 games over the past three seasons (approx. 26 percent of all games). Additionally, Rendon has batted only .235 over that stretch, nearly 50 points lower than his career average. Compounding those abysmal numbers is the fact the Angels are paying him $38M/ year as a part of his 7-year/ $245M contract.

One of the analysts on the show, Dan O’Dowd, former General Manager for the Colorado Rockies for 15 years, commented that if faith and family are the priorities for someone, then all the more reason those same priorities should be reflected in how that person should approach their job, and the amount of heart and passion they put into it.

Essentially, if faith is central to who you are, then that same faith should drive all you do – how you treat others, your personal integrity, your language, your attitude, and yes – how you approach your job. Even if you hate your job, you should work in such a way that people can see you have joy in your life, and that you do it for a much greater reason than a paycheck.

I’m sure Rendon does have his priorities in order, and it’s not my place to question them. But, it does provide a great reminder for each of us, when it comes to making sure our faith and our work ethic are in alignment. Just as Paul wrote in Colossians, let’s be sure to work as if unto the Lord – not men – because it is Christ we are serving!

C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

Digging Deeper – Living Sent First

Chris Boggess on February 20, 2024

After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

Luke 10:1-2 (NLT)

LIVING SENT FIRST

Several months ago, Shelby, our NextGen Director of Student Worship, approached me. She told me she had an opportunity to attend a graduate music program. As she described it to me, I heard what a fantastic opportunity it would be for her to grow musically and professionally. But as we talked more, she let me know she wanted to do it, not because of the personal growth, but for the ministry opportunity it provided. This was a chance to minister in an exclusive world that would not be open to just anyone. This was a chance to minister in a way that she was ideally and specifically suited. She was being invited into this world, and even though it meant more work for her, she wanted the chance to try to reach some of the people in the program.

It strikes me that we make many decisions based on whether we will make more money, move up in our jobs, or grow personally. While none of those motivations are wrong, most of us do not consider the opportunity to minister and share the gospel when considering a job change or a promotion. We just think about how it will make us better or give us a financial boost. We will acknowledge the blessing of it, but do we ever consider it an appointment like what Jesus did with the 72?

Each of us is divinely gifted and ordained to serve God. For most, the field of service is in the place where you are each day. Students, do you realize that God is appointing you to be his ministers in your school and that each class and club is a divine opportunity to reach out to students that maybe no one else can or will reach? Adults, the same goes for your workplace, college classes, neighborhood, and pickleball club. Everywhere you go, you can be a lifeline to the gospel for the people who may not have another.

I pray that we will be people who consider the opportunities we are given as blessings that lead to opportunities to share the grace of God with the people to whom God has provided us access. And that will be our first consideration as we look at new life opportunities. This is the core of living sent.

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper – What Can a Few Do?

Chris Boggess on February 19, 2024

After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go.

Luke 10:1 (NLT)

WHAT CAN A FEW DO?

When I think of a large population that is mainly non-Christian, my mind goes to the nation of China. China’s population is approximately 1.42 billion people. A liberal estimate of the percentage of Christians would be around 2.9%, meaning there are roughly 1.38 billion non-Christians in the country. The harvest is plentiful, for sure!

Let us do a little thought experiment. Let’s say we could transport NorthStar Church to China, and that we do three packed-out services with 3000 people every Sunday! Even more extraordinary is that everyone who comes turns to Jesus as their savior. With that kind of fantastic response, it would only take us 9,137 years to reach the unchurched population of China as long as we didn’t take any Sundays off. The population would die off long before they could be reached.

But what if we sent one person, and they spent a year teaching and discipling one person who comes to Christ. At the end of the year, they each find one new person to walk with, and at the end of two years, one person will have reached three. If they continued like this, with each one reaching one person and then doing the same year after year, the unchurched in China would be reached in around 30 years. And not just reached, but discipled and reaching out to others (by the way, I did the same math starting with 72 instead of one person, and they would be able to reach the nation in 24 years, which is fewer than NorthStar has been around).

So, when we ask, “What are we to do? The harvest is so large, and I am so small.” The answer is to reach one. Find that one person you can intentionally pour into and show them who Jesus is, then encourage them to do the same.

One patient, intentional relationship – is that something you could do? Then you can follow the parable of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark: “And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.'” Mark 4:26-29.

You may not see the seed germinate, or the first sprouts grow, but the harvest will come if you are patient.

A few can do much. Even one can reach billions.

Digging Deeper – Land of the Lost

C.A. Phillips on February 16, 2024

Luke 15:3-4 (NLT)

LAND OF THE LOST

While Jesus is doing his best to teach the crowd where his priorities lie in this parable, we can’t miss the central figure in this story: the lost sheep. There are any number of reasons the sheep could have been lost: injury is the most likely, but in any event the sheep is weak and falls behind.

One rather interesting characteristic of sheep is that they are not only highly dependent creatures, but they are sensitive. In fact, if a sheep is rejected by its mother – or is not accepted by the flock – it is known as a “bummer lamb.” Like human beings who are rejected, sheep grieve if they are not welcomed into community with others. And, unless the shepherd intervenes, the sheep very well may die.

With that in mind, is it any surprise that we see Jesus consistently seeking out those who are considered outcasts? As we wrap up this week, I pray our eyes are opened anew to those around us who are hurting, feeling “less than,” or have simply been left behind. You and I have an opportunity – like Jesus – to let these men and women know they are valued and loved!

Find ways to engage others who might be looking for community. Speak a word of encouragement to someone – co-worker, neighbor, friend. And always remember that Jesus once came searching for you – because the Good Shepherd always accepts his children.

C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

Digging Deeper – He Carries Us Home

C.A. Phillips on February 15, 2024

Luke 15:3-5 (NLT)

HE CARRIES US HOME

When Jim Redmond walked into Olympic Stadium that summer day in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992, little did he know he would make history. After all, he was simply there to support his son, Derek, who earlier had qualified for the semifinals in the 400M race.

Derek was quick off the starting line and was in great position as he rounded the first bend. He had made the conscious decision at that moment to conserve his energy for a late surge at the finish line. Three strides later, however – roughly 19 seconds into the race – he felt a pop in his hamstring, and his Olympic dreams were dashed. Derek initially collapsed to the ground in agony and disappointment. But after American Steve Lewis crossed the finish line as the winner, the cameras turned their focus back on Derek, who was up again – hobbling his way around the track!

In watching the video of this inspirational moment, you can see the determination – and pain – on Derek’s face as he approaches the home stretch. The crowd takes notice, and what begins as a smattering of applause transitions into a standing ovation as the 65,000 people in attendance encourage Derek to cross the finish line! Then an unknown man enters the frame. He runs up and alongside Derek, wrapping his right arm around his waist, and takes hold of Derek’s left wrist in his left hand. It’s Jim Redmond – Derek’s dad – who has rushed out onto the track to help his son!

Derek breaks down at this moment, overcome with emotion and heartache. But Jim continues to walk alongside him, becoming a human crutch for Derek.

Jim recounted later, “It was a father’s instinct, I had to stop him, to prevent him doing any more damage to his leg. When I got there, he insisted on finishing the race, so I said to him, ‘We started your career together and we will finish it together.’”

Our Heavenly Father also wants us to finish the race, and He will do whatever it takes to bring us back home to him. It’s a minor detail in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, but when the shepherd searches for – and ultimately finds – the missing sheep, he carries it back home on his shoulders. Why? Because the sheep is too weak to come home on its own!

Throughout scripture, the narrative of shepherds and sheep is used to mirror the relationship between us and Jesus – our Good Shepherd! There are many parallels, but one worth noting is that, like spiritually, emotionally, and physically wounded humans, sheep cannot get up without help. In fact, if a sheep is “cast down” (on its back, with legs in the air), it will die, as it is totally defenseless to its prey.

Isaiah 40:11 says, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

Our Good Shepherd cares for you, and He’ll search high and low if you go missing. And, like Jim Redmond, He’ll carry you back home when you’re too weak to continue on your own.

Digging Deeper – Heaven Loves a Party

C.A. Phillips on February 14, 2024

3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Luke 15:3-7 (NLT)

HEAVEN LOVES A PARTY

When I was growing up in church as a kid, I really didn’t hear a whole lot about heaven. I mean sure, it was a place much preferred over the alternative; but, about the only notion of heaven ever conveyed to me left me with the image of floating in the clouds and singing a bunch of songs for eternity while the angels play harps. That’s a grossly incomplete picture of the place our Creator has crafted for his children to spend with Him!

It wasn’t until much later in life that I began to look more into what heaven will truly be like. I don’t know if George Burns or Morgan Freeman will be there, but it’s going to be infinitely greater than anything we can comprehend – and certainly more incredible than what has been depicted in the movies!

According to scripture, heaven will be a tangible place where we’ll know people, and where we will still have a purpose. For an in-depth look at what the Bible has to say about it, I highly recommend the book by the same name: Heaven, by Randy Alcorn.

But another aspect I didn’t grasp until more recently is the amount of celebrating happening in heaven! Not only for those new arrivals – but perhaps more so for those on earth who have made eternal decisions and will reside there one day!

In verse 7 in the above passage, Jesus tells his audience that “there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.” We’d all agree that there’s joy in heaven; but it’s important for us to be aware that heaven is paying close attention to what’s happening here, and they have streamers and a DJ on standby 24/7!

So, let that be the wind in your sails when it comes to doing “whatever it takes” to serve as an ambassador for Christ to a hurting world. We may not witness someone’s salvation here, but when we plant seeds, water the soil, and trust the Lord to do His part, there’s a harvest coming in due time. And, without question, there’ll be a heavenly bash to follow!

Read the Book

C.A. Phillips on February 14, 2024

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

One thing I learned early in my “second career” as a youth baseball umpire was that I needed to study the rules of the game. First, I want to avoid looking foolish. Second, I want to be a step ahead of the coaches who come out to challenge a call on the field.

Most of the time – believe it or not – youth baseball coaches simply do not know the rules. From time to time, they will run out onto the field, flailing their arms and expressing their dismay at something that didn’t go their way. First, they should always ask for “time” before coming onto the field. And, once they are granted “time,” they should handle themselves respectfully. But, this doesn’t always happen, of course.

When a coach starts to disagree and tell me what he thinks, I will often reply by saying, “Do you have a question for me? Because if you just want to disagree with me, you just need to go back to the dugout. But, if you have a question, I will do my best to answer it.”

Normally, they come to their senses and see that I am actually trying to help them. Then they’ll ask a question, often about the rules of the game. The majority of the time, when I explain the rule, they’ll humbly state, “Oh. I didn’t know that was the rule” (I don’t know EVERY rule – but I try to learn as much as I can – there’s some crazy things that happen in a baseball game from time to time).

I’ve learned that I can approach the game of baseball – as an umpire – with more confidence, because I have read the Official Rule Book. Reading the book gives clarity and a ton of insight as to why and how certain rules have been written through the years.

Similarly, when we read God’s Book, we can experience clarity, direction, and peace of mind as we encounter the stuff of this life. Conversely, if I don’t consistently dive into God’s Word, I am depriving myself of heavenly insights from our loving Father. How can I possibly navigate my marriage, job, relationships, finances, temptations – if I don’t have Biblical wisdom tucked away in my heart?

Do yourself a huge favor and make time daily – even if for 5-10 minutes – to soak in Scripture as a part of your faith journey. You’ll never know how much you – and others – can benefit from you syncing up your heart with God’s until you make it your first priority each day.

Digging Deeper – God Even Chases After the Hard-Hearted

C.A. Phillips on February 13, 2024

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:1-7 (NLT)

GOD EVEN CHASES AFTER THE HARD-HEARTED

Many times, we read Jesus’ parables and think of the “lost” as being those who do not yet know the Lord. While that is certainly appropriate in many scenarios, I can’t help but believe that in this case, Jesus’ words are aimed directly at the men and women who claim to know God, but whose hearts have strayed far from Him.

Consider verse 2 above: “And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

We see this pattern of behavior throughout Jesus’ ministry: outcasts being drawn to Jesus juxtaposed with the religious leaders’ contempt for Jesus’ willingness to spend time with those outcasts.

It happened when Matthew (Levi) held a banquet in Jesus’ honor:

Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” (Luke 5:29-30)

It happened when Jesus healed a man with a deformity on the Sabbath:

At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him. (Luke 6:11)

It happened when an immoral woman anointed Jesus’ feet with her tears and expensive perfume:

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” (Luke 7:39)

Many more times during his ministry we see Jesus’ compassion for the hurting drawing the ire of the self-righteous. But Jesus is imploring sinners – especially the hypocritical Pharisees – to see that their hard hearts can find the peace that eludes them, through repentance. Alas, these religious leaders are so focused on snuffing the threat Jesus poses to their power that they are blinded and deafened to the true message behind Jesus’ actions and words.

So, how about you? Where do you find yourself in this story? Are you hurting and feeling like an outcast? Or, has your heart hardened over time, and you now find yourself far from the Lord? The good news is that Jesus provides the healing in either scenario – simply by turning your mind and heart to Him.

Digging Deeper – God Always Pursues Us

C.A. Phillips on February 12, 2024

Luke 15:3-7 (NLT)

GOD ALWAYS PURSUES US

Panic began to set in. I had looked everywhere – and even places beyond the reasonable locations to find one of the rare material possessions on earth that I treasured: my University of Georgia class ring. I emptied nearly every drawer in the house, then began frantically looking through boxes in the basement, but nothing. Then, I started going through every piece of luggage – suitcases and duffel bags. Perhaps I had put it in there when we had moved into our new home just a few weeks prior. Nope.

After a week of scouring every nook and cranny, I finally gave up my search. It hurt to surrender any hope of finding the ring. I remembered that I had taken a photo of it and posted it on Instagram just a few months prior. So, I could at least remember it fondly as I scrolled through my iPhone photos from time to time.

If you’ve ever lost or misplaced something of value – personal or material – you know the feelings that come over you: exasperation, fear, anger, regret, fleeting hope, then sadness if you don’t recover it. I am not a guy who gets caught up in “things.” But with my ring, it was a special gift my parents gave me after earning my degree. It meant so much to me – and it had the Power G in gold, set in a red stone! I loved looking at it when it was on my finger.

In the passage above, Jesus is talking about lost treasure of a different type: a lost soul. Far more valuable than the shepherd’s missing sheep – or a class ring – this lost man or woman is being pursued by the Lord, and the search will never be called off. And aren’t you glad! If you have a son, daughter, parent, friend, or neighbor who is spiritually lost, there is hope!

The Story contained in scripture is one of a loving Heavenly Father who relentlessly chases after his children. He pursued Adam and Eve, even after their tragic and fatal error in judgment. He pursued Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. He chased down Moses, David, and Elijah. And in the New Testament, Jesus sought out prostitutes, tax collectors, murderers, and thieves. Why? Because every soul matters!

He does the same today. It might look different than it did thousands of years ago, as He chooses to use His children to share His message with the hopeless, to serve and to give to those in need. But make no mistake: He is forever on the move, while the saints plan the heavenly celebration for the one who turns to Him!

Digging Deeper – Extra

Steve Roach on February 9, 2024

The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

Luke 10:35 (NLT)

Extra

When the Samaritan left the next morning, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him.” Depending on the quality of the inn, that amount would have paid for the injured man’s room and board for anywhere from three weeks to two months. This was another example of the Samaritan’s generous, compassionate love. But he still was not finished. He promised the innkeeper, “Whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.” In effect, he gave him a blank check. His generosity knew no bounds.

When I think about what this Samaritan did (and didn’t have to do), my mind goes to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:41. Jesus said, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.” Roman law gave a soldier the right to force a civilian to carry his pack for a Roman mile, which was slightly shorter than our modern mile. The law, designed to relieve the soldier, not only caused great inconvenience to civilians but was made even more despicable by the fact that the oppressed were made to carry the equipment and weapons of their oppressors.

By helping the wounded man that day, the Samaritan would have done more than the two religious temple workers did (which was nothing). But love called for more. He chose to pay for weeks and even months of care for the wounded man. He arranged to return later, check on him, and pick up the tab for all expenses incurred. Love doesn’t do the minimum. Love goes the extra mile and does what we would want others to do for us. How far are you willing to go to love your neighbor?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity 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.