NCC Unplugged
by Norwin Christian Church
Ready for a podcast focused on Conversations, Community, and Culture? Then grab your headphones and get ready for NCC Unplugged. We’re breaking free from the traditional sermon format to engage in raw conversations about faith, life, and everything in between. So join us as we unplug from the noise of everyday life and plug into something more. This is NCC Unplugged, Conversations, Community and Culture.
Episodes
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The Life We Receive (Romans Part 2) Two Representatives
Every person is born into a broken world through Adam, inheriting the consequences of his sin whether we chose it or not. Romans 5 reveals that this is not the end of the story. God provided a second representative, Jesus Christ, whose perfect obedience and sacrificial death made a way out of the...
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The Gospel We Need (Romans Part 1) - Don’t Stop Believing
What does it mean to be justified by faith? Romans 4 uses the lives of Abraham and David to show that our standing before God has never been based on what we do, but on what we believe. Abraham was counted righteous before he was even circumcised, and David wrote of the blessing of having sins...
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The Gospel We Need (Romans Part 1) - Righteous Because of Jesus
Many of us approach God like a job application, hoping our good deeds are enough to earn His approval. Romans 3 dismantles that idea entirely. Righteousness before God is not earned through effort or religious performance. It comes freely, through faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood serves as the...
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The Gospel We Need (Part 1) - Nothing to Bring
How do you know you are truly right with God? Romans 3 forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: no one, regardless of their religious background or moral record, is exempt from the problem of sin. Paul makes clear that all people, whether deeply religious or not, fall short of God's glory.…
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The Gospel We Need - The Exchange
Sin does not begin with bad behavior. It begins with a great exchange, trading the worship of the Creator for the worship of creation. Romans 1 makes this uncomfortably clear, and it does so for a reason. The darker the background, the more brilliantly the gospel shines against it. God's wrath is...
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The Gospel We Need (Romans Part 1) - The Power of the Gospel
The Book of Romans opens with one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture. Paul identifies himself not by his accomplishments or reputation, but as a servant set apart for the gospel of God. From the very first verses, he makes clear that the gospel is not a philosophy or a set of...
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Being a Daily Disciple With Others
The parable of the Good Samaritan answers a question most of us quietly ask: who do I actually have to love? Jesus responded not with a rule but with a story that erased every boundary the lawyer was hoping to find. A neighbor is not just someone who looks like you or lives near you. A neighbor…
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Being a Daily Disciple in the Interruptions
Most of us treat interruptions as obstacles, but some of them are actually invitations from God to something greater. In Luke 10, two stories reveal two kinds of good interruptions every follower of Jesus needs to be open to. The Good Samaritan shows us what it looks like to truly see a person in...
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Being a Daily Disciple In Our Activities
Discipleship is not reserved for Sunday mornings or mission trips. It happens in the ordinary moments of everyday life, from the checkout line to the dinner table. Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, true discipleship involves following Jesus, being changed by Him, and...
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Summer in the Psalms - Let Everything Praise
Psalm 150 is the grand finale of the book of Psalms, and in just six verses the word 'praise' appears thirteen times. Praise belongs to God alone, not to angels, leaders, or any other person. It can happen anywhere, because believers carry the presence of God within them through the Holy Spirit.…
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Summer in the Psalms - Remember His Benefits
Praise is not just a Sunday morning ritual. It is the highest calling of every believer and, according to Psalm 103, the greatest source of joy available to us. David opens and closes the psalm with the same declaration, reminding us that praise is a posture for all of life, not just a practice…
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Summer in the Psalms - A God Who Keeps
What if God's protection was never meant to keep you from hard things, but to prepare you for them? Psalm 121 has been speaking to weary travelers for thousands of years, and it still has something to say to you today. He is not watching from a distance. He is right beside you, and He has not slept.
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Summer in the Psalms - A God Who Guides
Psalm 25 offers a powerful framework for positioning ourselves to receive God's direction. Before asking for guidance, David opens with trust, declaring his confidence in God before making a single request. Humility is equally essential, because God guides the humble, not the most experienced or...
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Summer in the Psalms - When God Feels Far Away
Feeling distant from God is one of the most common struggles in the Christian life, and Psalm 42 speaks directly to that tension. Our souls were designed for God's presence, but life, pain, and distraction can make Him feel far away. The key insight is that our feelings, while real, are not…
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Summer in the Psalms - A Faithful God
Psalm 51 is one of the most honest prayers ever recorded, written by King David after a season of devastating moral failure. Rather than making excuses or minimizing what he had done, David came before God with full humility and named his sin directly. His prayer moves through three powerful...
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Summer in the Psalms - Psalm 23
Psalm 23 reveals profound truths about God's character through David's shepherd imagery. The declaration that we lack nothing doesn't mean we get everything we want, but that God provides what we truly need. Our struggle to find rest often stems from trust issues rather than scheduling problems…
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Summer in the Psalms - My God in Whom I Trust
Psalm 91 presents a powerful choice about who we will ultimately trust in life's uncertainties. The psalmist declares God as his refuge and fortress, inviting us into intimate spiritual closeness where we can find safety in God's presence. While healthy fear protects us, paralyzing anxieties…
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Summer in the Psalms - A God Who Comforts
In our anxiety-driven world, Psalm 131 offers a beautiful picture of spiritual rest - like a child sleeping peacefully in their parent's arms. David teaches us that true contentment comes not from constantly seeking more, but from recognizing God's goodness and accepting our human limitations. We...
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Finding Purpose: Purpose in Relationships
Finding your God-given purpose isn't about completing spiritual checklists or searching endlessly for your calling. Scripture reveals that purpose is deeply connected to the relationships God places in our lives. From the Garden of Eden, where God declared it wasn't good for man to be alone, to...
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Discovering Purpose: Purpose Beyond Talent
Many people search for purpose by looking inward at their own abilities and achievements, but this approach always falls short. Like Leonardo da Vinci watching his masterpiece deteriorate, human accomplishments are temporary. True purpose comes through the Holy Spirit, who reveals our God-given...
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Discovering Purpose: Purpose in Work
Many people search for the perfect job to find purpose and fulfillment, but true purpose comes from how we live for God in whatever work we do. Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us that work viewed only from an earthly perspective can feel meaningless. However, when we shift our focus from...
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Discovering Purpose: Purpose on Mission
Being a missionary isn't about traveling to distant countries or learning new languages. It's about making disciples who follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and are committed to His mission, right where you are. Purpose isn't something to hunt for but staying close to Jesus and taking your next...
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Discovering Purpose: The Foundation of Purpose
Many people exhaust themselves searching for their life's purpose, believing it's hidden somewhere waiting to be discovered. However, purpose isn't found through endless searching but through staying close to Jesus and faithfully following Him in current circumstances. Biblical heroes like Moses...
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Easter Sunday When Jesus Calls Your Name
The resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything, transforming fearful disciples into martyrs who wouldn't stop proclaiming what they witnessed. Mary Magdalene, devastated by Jesus' death and the empty tomb, searched desperately for His body until Jesus called her name - that single word...
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The Book of John The Messiah–Hope Has Come
For thousands of years, God's people waited for the promised Messiah - the anointed one who would bring salvation to all humanity. The Gospel of John reveals three crucial aspects of Jesus as the Messiah that give us hope today. First, Jesus is the way to God, welcoming everyone regardless of...
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The Book of John: Jesus is the Flesh
Jesus chose to become fully human not because He had to, but because He wanted to identify with us completely. By experiencing physical exhaustion, temptation, and human limitations, Jesus moved into our neighborhood to empathize with our struggles. Unlike celebrities telling us to stay home from...
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The Book of John: The Advocate
The Holy Spirit serves as our advocate and helper, coming alongside us like a paramedic or sponsor to provide spiritual support when we need it most. Rather than leaving us to try harder on our own, Jesus promised this Helper who reveals spiritual truths about both Christ and our identity as…
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The Book of John: Light in the Darkness
Jesus is the light of the world, representing God's presence among us. Throughout Scripture, light has consistently revealed God's presence, from creation to the pillar of fire guiding Israel. When Jesus came, He declared Himself to be this light, bringing God's presence in human form. Light...
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The Book of John: All Will Know If You
Jesus gave his disciples a revolutionary command during their final Passover meal together: love one another as I have loved you. This wasn't just any kind of love, but sacrificial agape love that puts others' needs before our own comfort and status. Jesus demonstrated this by washing his...
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The Book of John: When Jesus says "I Am"
Jesus revealed His divine identity through seven powerful "I Am" statements in John's Gospel. He declared Himself the Bread of Life, Light of the World, Gate, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way Truth and Life, and True Vine. Each statement addresses fundamental human insecurities and…
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NCC Vision 2026
Fire provides warmth when contained but destroys forests when uncontrolled. The same is true with spiritual zeal. Are you channeling your passion for God in ways that build His kingdom or are you burning bridges? When Jesus cleansed the temple, it wasn't anger - it was holy zeal that couldn't be...
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The Book of John: The Word Became Flesh
John begins his Gospel not with Jesus' birth, but by declaring that Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before creation. The Greek concept of Logos represented the organizing force of the universe, while Jewish understanding saw God's Word as powerful and creative. John's revolutionary claim is...
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The Book of John: More than Knowledge
John's Gospel was written with a specific purpose: to help readers believe that Jesus is the Messiah and experience true life through Him. Unlike other Gospel writers, John begins by revealing Jesus as the eternal Word who existed before creation. Through seven carefully chosen miracles, John…
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At the Table: The Table of Hope
What if hope isn't about what you bring to the table, but about who invites you to sit down? The disciples on the road to Emmaus thought all was lost until they recognized Jesus breaking bread with them. Sometimes we think we need to get our act together before coming to God, but what if He's...
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At The Table: The Table of Communion
The Last Supper stands as history's most significant meal, where Jesus demonstrated profound love through humble service. Despite knowing betrayal and suffering awaited Him, Jesus eagerly desired this time with his disciples. He washed their feet, showing that true greatness comes through serving...
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At The Table: A Table of Community
Jesus chose the title Son of Man to describe himself, connecting to Daniel's prophecy of one who would overthrow earthly kingdoms. However, instead of coming with armies, Jesus revolutionized the world through sharing meals and building relationships. His three purpose statements reveal that he...
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At The Table: The Table of Grace
Jesus doesn’t reserve His table for the put-together—He welcomes the broken. In Luke 7, we see how grace levels the ground, transforms hearts, and sends people away changed. The invitation is simple: come to the table.
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NCC Unplugged Update
Hey NCC family, Just a quick update on NCC Unplugged. The podcast isn’t going away—it’s just taking a short break. We’re in a busy season and want to be thoughtful about how we care for what we’re producing. During the hiatus, we’ll be sharing our weekly sermons here instead. We’re already…
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Merry Christmas from NCC Unplugged
Merry Christmas from all of us at NCC Unplugged. We’re so grateful for this season and for a Savior who stepped into our world to bring hope, peace, and new life. Our prayer is that you and your family experience the joy and love of Jesus today and throughout the year ahead.
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Ask Us Anything Episode 2: God's Purpose, Growing Church and Pro Wrestling?
Welcome back to Part 2 of Ask Us Anything on NCC Unplugged. In this episode, the NCC staff continues answering real questions submitted by our church family—ranging from fun and lighthearted to deeply thoughtful and personal. The conversation kicks off with a fan-favorite question: If you weren’t...
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Ask Us Anything Episode 1: Baptism, Staff Struggles and Candy Crush?
In this special Ask Us Anything edition of NCC Unplugged, Matt sits down with Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister), Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Alison Murray (Children’s Director), and Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister) to answer real, anonymous questions straight from our congregation. This…
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Our Thanksgiving Episode: Ugly Turkeys, Fleas & God's Faithfulness
In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff sits down with Joshua and Allison to talk about gratitude — not just the kind we share around a holiday table, but the deep, internal thankfulness that grows from what God has done in us. From the misunderstood history of Thanksgiving to...
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Lessons from the Spire Conference: Finding Spiritual Renewal in Ministry and Life
In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra sits down with Joshua and Allison, to reflect on their time at the 2025 Spire Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The team unpacks what it means to “Catch the Wind” — the conference theme centered around the Holy Spirit — and shares how it…
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NCC Unplugged Round Table: Summer Stories, Ministry Highlights & What’s Next at NCC
Join the staff of Norwin Christian Church for a special Roundtable Edition of NCC Unplugged, where conversations, community, and culture come together. In this episode, Jeff, Matt, Jonathan, Allison, and Brion sit down to share stories from the summer—mission trips, skydiving, family milestones,...
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Discipleship Series 06: Discipleship in Everyday Life: Wrapping Up the Series
In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Allison Murray (Children’s Ministries Director), and Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister) conclude our six-part discipleship series. Together, they reflect on what it truly means to live as a disciple of Jesus and how to naturally...
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Discipleship Series 05: What Makes a Church a Disciple-Making Church?
In this week’s episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister), and Allison Murray (Children’s Ministry Director) dive into what it means for a church to truly be a disciple-making church. They explore: The difference between “doing church” and...
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Discipleship Series 04: From Home to Workplace: Living as a Disciple
This week on NCC Unplugged, Joshua is joined by Allison Murray (Children’s Ministry Director), Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister), and Richard Seaman (Elder & Forge Team Member) to continue our series on discipleship. We explore what it looks like to follow Jesus in every context of life—from…
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Discipleship Series 03: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples
On this episode of NCC Unplugged, we dive into one of the most important yet often misunderstood aspects of following Jesus—discipleship. More than just a label, being a disciple means walking in intentional relationship with Christ and others. Together with Allison Murray, NCC’s Director of...
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Discipleship Series 02: Is being a Disciple greater than being a Christian? Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus
In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua and Allison dive into the second installment of our discipleship series by exploring a surprising fact: the word Christian only appears three times in the New Testament, while disciple shows up over 250 times. What does that tell us about how Jesus wants…
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Discipleship Series 01: Discipleship Starts Here: Redefining What It Means to Follow Jesus
Welcome to the first episode in our brand-new NCC Unplugged series on Discipleship! In this conversation, Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister) hands the mic to Executive Minister Joshua Persall as they unpack one of the most important—yet often misunderstood—concepts in the church today: being a...
About this show
Ready for a podcast focused on Conversations, Community, and Culture? Then grab your headphones and get ready for NCC Unplugged. We’re breaking free from the traditional sermon format to engage in raw conversations about faith, life, and everything in between. So join us as we unplug from the noise of everyday life and plug into something more. This is NCC Unplugged, Conversations, Community and Culture.
Hosted by
Norwin Christian Church
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