Have you noticed lately that so many people are talking about their one passion in life? In today's culture it seems people are passionate about environmental sustainability, sports, health/fitness, facebook, school/community, hunting, service to country, political philosophy, etc. It seems people that are successful at what they do have a passion for it. Why is it that so many feel unsuccessful when it comes to their walk with Christ? The problem may be they have so many other passions/idols their passion for Christ comes and goes. At Northport we want people to simplify so they can have a successful walk with Christ. We do this by simplifying the worship service, the Sunday school program, so that the entire focus is on the Bible, the words of Christ. We believe this comes when our passion for Christ transforms all other passions.

The focus at Northport can be illustrated by an acrostic PASSION.

Perseverance. Someone who is passionate about something will not give up no matter how many obstacles come across their path. We believe in eternal security but also hold to the perseverance of the saints. If we were truly saved we will not give up but persevere. Hebrews 2:1-3

Ascribe praise. We believe worship or doxology comes before evangelism. When worship is the focus our passion for evangelism will be greater and produce more fruit. Matt. 28:18-20

Separate. Our passion for Christ should cause us to be distinct and unique from the world. We believe in separating from the world especially in how we worship. We do not believe in using the world's methods to foster church growth. I John 2: 15-17.

Serve. Most people develop a passion in a certain area because it comes natural to them and they enjoy it. We believe everyone has abilities given by God to be used for the glory of God in the local church. Eph. 4:11-16

Inquire. When someone has a passion, usually it is all they talk about or is most enjoyable for them to talk about. When Christ becomes your main passion, He is all you talk about. If we are talking more about the Packers/Brewers than Christ, He is no longer our passion. Zeph. 1:6

Obey. When people who have the same passion get together usually they have no problem working together because they mutually submit to each other for the benefit of the main goal. We believe true love is demonstrated through obedience to the Word of God. How can you obey what can't be trusted. We believe every word in the Bible is God breathed and without error. God chose certain people to write down His words using their personalities. John 15:10-17; II Tim 3:16

Nurture. Someone who is passionate about something usually is willing to do the little things and play by the rules in order to be successful. We do not promote legalism, perfectionism, or antinomianism (opposition to the moral law). We believe sanctification is a process that will lead to glorification that is started at a single moment called justification. Rom. 8:28-30