How to See God

Northshore Community Church

How to See God

Week 6 • Upside Down

November 3, 2024 • Scott Scruggs

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly see God? In this message, we explore Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This promise invites us into something deeper than just spiritual insight; it’s an invitation to approach God sincerely, without hiding our flaws, doubts, or fears.

Through stories, scripture, and real-life reflections, we examine the nature of a “pure heart”—not as perfection, but as a heart made whole through Jesus. We’ll see how God’s love frees us to drop our defenses, letting go of the masks we wear and the secrets we keep. Join us as we uncover the beauty of seeing and knowing God, not through our striving, but by simply being in His presence.

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.