True North Cannon Falls

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship #truenorthcf

“Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” Luke 1:1-4 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”Matthew 23:8-12 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“When the hour had come, Jesus reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. He said to them, “I have earnestly wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant in My blood.” Luke 22:14-20 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20 NIV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.1 Cor. 13:8-12 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:19-24 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”Matthew 6:5-6 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” Luke 2:52 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Verily I say to you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.'”Matthew 18:1-4 WEB Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6-7 Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” Ephesians 2:1-5 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.Matthew 5:38-48 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’But I say, do not make any vows!Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool.And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”Matthew 5:33-37 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.”Matthew 5:31-32 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Matthew 5:17-20 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew 5:11 NIV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NLT Learn more about us at www.truenorthcf.orgJoin us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”Matthew 5:8 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.:” Matthew 5:7 AMP Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. Matthew 5:6 AMP Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 NIV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 KJV “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 NLT “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” Matthew 5:3 AMP Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:3-11 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Have you ever wondered if God’s mighty hand is restrained or held back?See Mark 6:1-6 Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. Luke 7:44-47 ESV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

‘The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?”And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”He said to them, “Come and you will see.”So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.’John 1:35-39 ESV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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 and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 22:44-27 WEB Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Last week we discussed the kind of heart that God is looking for in us.This week we look at one example of a person with that kind of heart : Simon Peter. Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:36-38 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Luke 24:28-34 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7 NIV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:36-40 ESV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT Learn more about us at www.truenorthcf.orgJoin us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

Dictionary.com defines wisdom as “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.”… So we see that wisdom is more than “just knowing stuff”. True wisdom comes from God. Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all. Many times he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury! For he remembered that they were merely mortal, gone like a breath of wind that never returns.” Psalm 78:36-39 NLT Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.”Micah 7:18-20 Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf

“And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 RSV Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am CST at https://bit.ly/TNWorship#truenorthcf