Northbridge Conklin Podcast

Invisible God: Fasting (with prayer)

Fasting is often misunderstood and underutilized in today's indulgent culture, despite being a vital practice in the teachings of Jesus. If we desire a genuine relationship with God, we must engage in fasting. In a society characterized by excess and indulgence, many have become enslaved to their bodily desires. Fasting provides a path to regain control over those desires and achieve mastery over ourselves.
Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Invisible God: Sabbath

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Jesus says, come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. If you want to have a relationship with a God you can’t see, you will have to slow down and sabbath. If you don’t take the Sabbath, the Sabbath will take you. 
Text: Matthew 11:28-12:1; Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Invisible: Follow Jesus

Following Jesus involves more than just attending church or believing the right things; it requires practicing a Way of life. To build a relationship with a God we cannot see, we need to invest time in following Jesus and reading Scripture. Our posture while engaging with the Bible is more important than just the technique we use. It’s less about information and more about transformation. When read with the right heart posture, that of openness and yieldedness to God, Scripture becomes one of the primary means by which the Spirit of Jesus forms us into the people we were always meant to be.
Passage: Mark 1:16-20; 2:13-14; 3:13-19; 8:34-37; Matthew 5:17-19
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Pre-Decide: Finisher

If you’re not dead, you’re not done—God has more for you. You can overcome challenges, pursue your goals, and live a remarkable life that honors God. You’ve just got to keep moving forward, one step at a time. When you feel tired or discouraged, you need to remember Who you’re running for and take the next step. You don’t have to finish the race all at once; you only need to take the next step. Our ultimate example and source of motivation to keep going is Jesus, who fixed His eyes on us. Now, we fix our eyes on Him.
Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3; John 19:28-30
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Pre-Decide: Ready

The Bible makes it clear that Satan is a spiritual enemy intent on destroying us. His methods often involve disguising harmful temptations as things that feel appealing or right. Relying solely on willpower to resist temptation can only take you so far. However, God offers a more effective approach: pre-deciding. Instead of struggling to resist temptation when it arises, you can take steps today to eliminate its power over you. Learn how God equips us to say no to sin in advance, trusting that His way is not only right but also the most fulfilling path for our lives.
Passage: Genesis 39:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15-16
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Pre-Decide: Consistent

Consistency is the key to lasting change and spiritual growth. While many struggle with inconsistency in various aspects of life, the writers of Scripture highlight examples like Daniel, whose unwavering devotion to God demonstrated the power of steady habits. By starting with a compelling “why,” planning for imperfection, embracing the process, and leaning on God and a supportive community, we can develop the consistency needed to honor God and experience transformation in our lives.
Passage: Romans 7:15; Daniel 6:1-4, 10, 23
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Pre-decide: Devoted

What happens between our good intentions and our choices at the moment? If only we could make decisions ahead of time rather than when we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or swayed by fear or emotion. This teaching series teaches us how to do just that and live the life God wants for us. The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decisions, which can be weakened by decision fatigue and emotional impulses. So we’re going to explore the concept of “pre-deciding,” a proactive approach rooted in Jesus’ teaching to prioritize God above all else. By establishing intentional practices and strategies, we can remain devoted to Him, reduce distractions, and align our lives with our faith and values.
Matthew 6:33
Speaker: Tim Sullivan

The Same God: The God of Mary

Over the past weeks, we’ve explored stories about God’s power and asked if He still works in the same way today. The Christmas story, especially the miraculous conception of Jesus, shows that God is still in the business of doing the impossible and keeping His promises. Just as God chose Mary, an ordinary young woman, to bring His Son into the world, He continues to pay attention to those others overlook and offers grace, mercy, and help when we believe, even in situations that seem impossible.
Luke 1
Speaker: Tim Sullivan