Living the Dream

Northshore Community Church

Living the Dream

Week 1 • Upside Down

September 29, 2024 • Scott Scruggs

This week, as we kick off our new series, Upside Down: The Secret to the Good Life, Pastor Scotty dives into the opening of the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ revolutionary answer to the question, “Who’s truly living the dream?” Society often tells us that success, status, or rule-following define the blessed life. But Jesus turns these assumptions upside down, revealing that those who seem spiritually or materially empty—those poor in spirit—are actually the ones truly blessed.

Join us as we explore what it means to live in the kingdom of God, where His blessings are not earned by effort but freely given to those who acknowledge their deep need for Him. Uncover how Jesus invites the least, the last, and the lost to experience the good life, right where they are.

More from Upside Down: The Secret to the Good Life

Now Be Who You Are

November 24, 2024 • Scott Scruggs

Over the past nine weeks, we’ve been journeying through the Beatitudes—those beautiful blessings Jesus shared in His Sermon on the Mount. This Sunday, as we wrap up our series Upside Down: The Secret to the Good Life, Pastor Scotty takes us deeper into a truth that’s not another beatitude, but just as profound. It’s about how Jesus sees His followers, how He sees you—as salt and light in the world. Jesus calls us salt, not just to say we add something good to the world, but to remind us that we sustain it, preserving and bringing life where it’s needed most. And when He calls us light, it’s not just a metaphor; it’s a declaration. In a world often stumbling in the dark, we reflect His light, guiding others toward hope, love, and the way of Christ. No matter where you find yourself right now—whether life feels overwhelming or steady—this truth stands firm: you are salt, and you are light. Join us as we uncover what that means for you and the world around you.

The Blessing in the Battle

November 17, 2024 • Jonathan Wolfgang

For eight weeks, we've explored Jesus' vision of the "good life" in the Beatitudes, flipping the world's expectations upside down. This week, we conclude the Beatitudes with the most unexpected blessing: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness." In a culture that values comfort, power, and approval, Jesus offers a countercultural truth—true blessing comes not from avoiding opposition but from standing firm in faith, even when it costs us. We'll uncover how persecution is an inevitable part of discipleship, the eternal rewards it brings, and how Jesus' ultimate victory gives us courage to endure. Explore the paradox of finding joy in the midst of struggle and discover what it means to live the truly "blessed" life.

The Greatest Job in the World

November 10, 2024 • Scott Scruggs

In this week’s message from our Upside Down series, we’re diving into Jesus’ call to be peacemakers. Often misunderstood, peace is more than quiet or the absence of conflict; it's the transformative concept of "shalom" — a state where everything is as it should be. As we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, we explore what it means to embody shalom in a world desperate for restoration. Join us as we discuss the true meaning of Jesus’ words and how the secret to the good life is not just to be church-goers but active bringers of peace, in whatever place God has called us to serve.