The Official Podcast of Northpark Church

Genesis 13

Genesis 6-9

Genesis 6

Genesis 4

Chad Huffman

Genesis3

Genesis 2

Genesis 1

Stephanie Nobles Sunday April 12, 2026

Easter 2026

Mark 11

A powerful look at why we argue, compare, and tear others down—not from pride, but from the deep fear that we don’t matter. This message exposes the insecurity beneath our behavior and points to the only place that question is truly answered: the cross. You don’t have to prove your worth because in Jesus, you already matter.

In this message from Mark 8:22–30, we explore a turning point in Jesus’ ministry and the question at the center of the Gospel: Who is Jesus? Through the healing of the blind man and Peter’s confession, we see that spiritual clarity doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a process. Jesus reveals that our vision is often blurred by public opinion, suffering, and our own reasoning, but true sight comes through continual encounters with Him.The big idea: following Jesus isn’t instant clarity—it’s ongoing transformation.

The Gospel of Mark

Many of us grew up in church learning what not to do when it came to sex, but never learning what it was actually for. In this message, we explore how silence and shame have shaped our understanding of desire, and why that silence hasn’t protected us, but it’s hurt us. Walking through Song of Songs 1, we discover that God isn’t embarrassed by desire and doesn’t treat our bodies as problems to fix. Instead, He speaks honestly about love, attraction, and covenant. The gospel frees us from both shame and distortion, reshaping our desires into something good, sacred, and life-giving within marriage.

Than and Megan Graffam with Hope Project International

In this message, Pastor Chris unpacks the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 and why storms in our lives don’t mean God is absent or angry. Drawing from ancient Jewish imagery of the sea as chaos, Chris shows how Jesus leads us into storms to reveal who He really is. You’ll learn how to stop interpreting God’s love by the size of your storm, regain perspective by seeing you’re not the only “boat” out there, and ask a better question: not “Don’t You care?” but “What are You revealing?”

In this message from Mark 4:21–33, Pastor Chris unpacks three parables that expose how easily we misuse, misunderstand, or completely miss what God is doing in our lives. This sermon will help you recognize where you’re hiding your light, doubting God’s timing, or dismissing the small things He’s planted in you.

Drawing from Mark 3, we’ll explore how Jesus confronts the religious leaders who refused to see what God was revealing because admitting they were wrong felt too costly.Why do we avoid confronting sin? Why do we numb ourselves, excuse ourselves, or shame ourselves into silence? And more importantly—how do we repent in a way that actually leads to freedom?

“Who’s Will Wins? — When Jesus Doesn’t Follow Your Plan”We don’t just want God’s plan for our life… we want God to follow our plan for Him.From the crowds who wanted miracles…to the family who wanted Jesus to play it safe…to the religious leaders who wanted Him to behave and not upset Rome.

Sometimes faith looks right on the outside—but something’s off underneath. In this message from Mark 4:1–20, Pastor Chris unpacks Jesus’ parable of the soils and shows how our hearts determine whether God’s Word truly takes root. From the hardened heart to the crowded heart, this sermon challenges us to clear the path, dig deeper, pull the weeds, and water the Word. Because real growth doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from letting the gospel change the soil of your heart.

Week 2 in the Gospel of Mark

Mark 1:1-20

Change always feels like loss—until you see what God is making room for.

When Saul’s army was worn down and facing the Philistines, he made a bold-sounding—but foolish—oath: no one could eat until victory was won. His rash words nearly cost his son Jonathan’s life and drained the strength of his people. In this episode, we explore how emotional foolishness shows up in our own words and relationships, and how the gospel makes us secure enough to stay quiet—and brave enough to speak truth in love.

Kingdom Reclaimed – Week 2: Breaking the Walls of IsolationEver tried to “punish” someone by giving them the silent treatment—only to realize the only one hurting was you? That’s exactly what isolation does. We think it protects us, but it actually sabotages us.This week in Kingdom Reclaimed, we look at Saul in 1 Samuel 18–20: a king who let jealousy, fear, and insecurity drive him into isolation. Instead of listening, he lashed out—at David, at Jonathan, even at his own future.But there’s a better way. In Christ, we don’t have to hide, wall ourselves off, or push people away. The gospel gives us the security to be fully known and fully loved—free to risk vulnerability, invite trusted voices in, and build real community.

We’re obsessed with royalty—from fairy tale weddings to royal scandals—but Israel didn’t just watch kings, they demanded one. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul’s insecurity under pressure cost him more than a battle—it cost him his kingdom. In this episode, we’ll unpack how insecurity is like a slow leak that flattens your influence, and how the gospel gives us the security we need to lead with freedom and strength.

In this message from Jonah 4, we explore how God often reveals Himself through the ordinary—small moments, unexpected conversations, and even interruptions. If we’re only looking for the dramatic, we’ll miss how faithfully He shows up in the everyday.

Today we’re excited to welcome Chad Huffman as our guest speaker! Chad serves as the Head of the Bible Department at North Raleigh Christian Academy and is also an adjunct professor at Graceland University.

In this episode, we get real about fear—the kind we rename “wisdom” or “concern” to make it sound more respectable. But underneath, it’s still fear. Fear of what God might ask us to do… or what He might not do at all.We’ll explore how Jonah found himself in the same struggle—afraid of what God’s mercy might mean for people who didn’t deserve it, and afraid God wouldn’t protect him in the process.What if the thing holding you back isn’t your situation—but your fear of how God will show up in it? What if trusting His heart could free you from that fear?This is a call to honesty, surrender, and worship—even when it’s hard. Because fear doesn’t get the final word. God’s mercy does.

Jonah chapter 3

We know God has called us, but often there are obstacles that get in the way—some we recognize, and others we don’t even realize are there. In this series on Jonah, we’ll learn how to confront the challenges we can see and uncover the hidden ones that are holding us back.

In Galatians 4:3, Paul says we were once enslaved to the “elemental things of the world.” These aren’t just outdated philosophies—they’re the subtle, pervasive messages that tell us what to value, how to feel, and what truth even is. Kids are growing up thinking being “nice” is more important than being right, that tolerance means never disagreeing, and that God exists to serve them.But the early Christians were seen as a different species—not because they were weird for the sake of it, but because they refused to assimilate or attack. They lived as resident aliens: deeply committed to their cities, yet uncompromising in their holiness.This episode dives into the tension between the church and the culture—and why we’re called not to resolve that tension, but to live faithfully within it. We’ll explore what it means to raise a generation with discernment, honesty, and a worldview anchored in Christ, not convenience.

In this powerful episode, we dive into Galatians 4, where Paul uses the image of a child under guardianship to show the transition from spiritual slavery to sonship in Christ. Before Jesus, we were trapped—bound by empty thinking, man-made rules, and dark spiritual forces. But now, because of Christ, everything has changed. We explore how spiritual warfare is real, how Jesus clashed head-on with the kingdom of darkness, and what that means for us today. From the “elemental things of the world” to the everyday battles we face against the world, the flesh, and the devil, this message will open your eyes to the conflict you’re in and the victory you already have.

In this episode, we dive into Galatians 4 and explore how culture shapes us—often without us even realizing it. Pastor Chris opens with a story about a $5 betta fish and how fish, unaware of the water they swim in, mirror the way we live immersed in culture. From what we value to how we think, culture defines “normal” in subtle but powerful ways.But Paul’s message in Galatians is clear: we are no longer slaves to the elemental things of this world—we are sons and daughters of God. Culture is not neutral; it can deceive, distract, and enslave us. Through Scripture and stories—ancient and modern—we see how God calls His people not to blend in, but to stand out: to celebrate what’s good, confront what’s broken, create what’s missing, and restore what’s been lost.Whether you’re wrestling with what it means to live faithfully in a confusing world or simply wondering how to raise your kids, do your work, or engage with your community with purpose—this episode will challenge and encourage you to think deeply, live boldly, and root your identity not in trends, but in truth.

Why do dads always seem just a little… grumpy? Ever try holding the flashlight while he fixes something, only to get barked at because it’s not pointed “where he’s looking”? We laugh about it, but deep down, many of us carry that same image into our view of God: frustrated, disappointed, hard to please.This week, we’re diving into Galatians 3:10–14, and asking a huge question: How can we live honestly before a holy God without fear, shame, or hiding?

Your identity is secure. You are forgiven, adopted, and loved. Nothing you do can separate you from God’s love.That’s your position before God. It doesn’t change. But your day-to-day relationship and closeness with Him—your awareness of His presence, your ability to walk in peace and confidence. That can be affected by sin. When we sin, God doesn’t disown us.He doesn’t stop loving us. But we may feel distant, numb, or under conviction.It’s like having tension in a healthy relationship—you’re still family, but you don’t feel close until it’s addressed.

Paul had the courage to share his past and point to the radical change in his life. Paul didn’t just oppose the Church—he tried to wipe it off the map. His mission had been to destroy it… but now? His life’s goal was to spread it everywhere. That’s not a small shift—that’s a total transformation.Paul is not afraid to recount the record of his own shame in order to show God’s power.Every Christian has to wrestle honestly with God—what He’s doing, what He’s asking, and what it means for our lives. But after that struggle, we also need the courage to tell our story. Too…Wrestle honestly.Listen closely.And have the courage to tell your story.Healing takes courage. It takes courage to admit your wounds. It takes courage to confront the pain you’ve buried. It takes courage to let someone speak hope where shame once ruled.

Have you ever called your kid for dinner and heard “Coming!”—but they never show up? Our words don’t always lead to action.But when God speaks, His words are action. The gospel isn’t just advice—it’s a rescue.In Galatians, Paul writes to people who knew the gospel but started slipping back into legalism. They began adding rules to grace—and Paul says, that’s not just a mistake, that’s losing the gospel entirely.In today’s episode, we’ll explore what real grace looks like, how to spot false gospels, and why even silence in the church can be dangerous.Let’s dive into Galatians and walk in a new way.

In a world where passive leadership is the norm, especially among men, we dive into the story of Boaz in Ruth 4, a model of redemptive, sacrificial leadership. And we contrast that with one of the most disturbing stories in Scripture from Judges 19—where silence and passivity lead to tragedy.This isn’t a “try harder” message. It’s a call to Spirit-empowered manhood—where strength meets gentleness, courage meets compassion, and leadership is rooted in love.It’s time to step up—not out of pressure, but out of purpose.

In today’s message, we take a surprising turn—from Hallmark movies to the threshing floor. While Ruth 3 might read like a romantic drama to us, it was scandalous and suspenseful to its original audience. Through Naomi’s bold plan and Ruth’s midnight visit to Boaz, we uncover a deeper truth about expectations—what we place on ourselves, what others place on us, and how God invites us into something better: rest.Whether you’re a mom feeling pressure, a person labeled by your past, or someone trying to hold it all together, this message reminds us that God’s expectations aren’t burdens—they’re invitations to trust Him. Join us as we explore what it means to release, reframe, and rest in the faithfulness of the Redeemer who is always working behind the scenes.Scripture: Ruth 3Key Takeaway:“Lie down” isn’t laziness—it’s trust. Even when we can’t see it, God is working in the waiting

Ever wish God gave you a heads-up before a big moment? In this message from Ruth 2, we explore how life-changing moments often come disguised as ordinary ones. Boaz wasn’t looking for a divine assignment—just checking on his fields. But his simple “yes” to an unnoticed woman named Ruth changed everything. This sermon is about seeing people, being interruptible, and realizing that the way we respond in everyday moments could be part of God’s bigger redemption story.

This week, Pastor Chris walks us through the gut-punch opening of Ruth’s story — a tale of loss, uncertainty, and unexpected loyalty. In a world filled with both beauty and brokenness, how do we respond when life doesn’t go as planned? Drawing from Ruth 1, we explore the spiritual tension between hardship and hope, and how the gospel empowers us to live faithfully in that space. If you've ever felt stuck between grief and grace, this message will help you name what’s true, lean into compassion, and trust God’s work—even when life feels like it’s falling apart.

The truth is—we all make big promises.To our friends.To our kids.To ourselves.And to God.But when we can’t live up to them… it gets discouraging.And sometimes… we’re tempted to just walk away.But Jesus doesn’t walk away from us.And in John 21, we see it. We see a Jesus who doesn’t need perfect people—He just invites honest ones. We see failure turned into purpose. We see a beach breakfast that changes everything.So grab your coffee, turn it up, and lean in—Because this is the story of grace, restoration, and a Jesus who still says, “Follow me.”

We’ve got something really special for you today. We’re honored to welcome a good friend —Than Graffam. Than and his wife Megan are the founders of Hope Project, a ministry they launched back in 2013 that’s changing lives around the world.Hope Project serves vulnerable children by meeting their needs in four key areas: nutrition, education, shelter, and spiritual development. What makes this ministry so powerful is how it builds long-term partnerships with local pastors and missionaries—creating a bridge between those who want to help and the kids who desperately need it.Than’s heart for Jesus and for the nations is contagious, and I know you’re going to be inspired and challenged by what he shares. So let’s jump in and hear from Than Graffam.

What if the wounds we carry aren’t just emotional or physical, but also deeply spiritual? We often focus on one type of wound—family, physical, or spiritual—but what if real healing means facing all three? Jesus came to bind the strong man and reclaim what was lost. He heals our past, restores our identity, and breaks the lies of the enemy. You are more broken than you admit—but more loved than you know. Let’s become a church that heals the whole person—body, heart, and soul.

Podcast Episode: "God's Presence in Our Suffering"In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s fiery trial in Daniel 3, exploring the powerful truth that suffering isn’t a sign of God's absence but rather a place where He reveals His presence and power. As we reflect on their refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, we examine how suffering can humble, refine, and reshape us. Discover how fire—both literal and metaphorical—tests the nature of our faith, and why the God who walks through the flames with His people is the same God who walks with us in our own trials.Through biblical insights and personal reflection, this episode challenges us to rethink how we view suffering, reminding us that it is often in our pain that God’s presence shines brightest. Join us as we explore how adversity can help us grow, reprioritize our lives, and become more compassionate toward others.

When we do not worship what the world worships, people notice.Absolute Truth- Something that is always right and true, whether people agree or disagree with it and whether or not it happens to be part of their experience.Truth to be Relative- Life is validated not by a set of principles but on the basis of personal experience. 

If you are light, that means your life should be so beautiful that when it comes into contact with other parts of the environment, the beauty of your life shows up other things for what they really are.When you show up...You reveal the dishonesty in the business. You reveal the gossip in the office. You reveal the racism in your neighborhood.  Light affects its environment by being distinctive. 

Stephanie Nobles.