Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you are welcome here.

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2 Corinthians 5:17 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Contact Information Update for 2025

We are updating our church database for the month of February.  Please fill out the form and have your picture taken in the church foyer, before and after each service on Sundays .
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Church that feels like family.

North Shore Church -  is a place where people can meet Jesus, believers can engage in life-giving community, and everyone is welcome. We believe in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for Him. Join us for our Sunday services!
Who we are
Sundays
9:30 AM - Traditional Service | Bible Studies
11 AM - Modern Service | Bible Studies | Children's Church
Wednesday Nights
6pm - Youth and Children's Dinner
6:30pm Adult Bible Study | Youth Bible Study | MATCH

Sermon Blog

Crown of life

Understanding Christian Persecution and the Crown of Life
The crown of life is a special reward promised to believers who persevere under trials and persecution. This crown differs from royal crowns - it's more like a victor's crown given in ancient Greek games to celebrate achievement and perseverance.
What Exactly is Christian Persecution?
Persecution occurs when someone is mistreated because of who they are or what they believe. For Christians, this can stem from both their faith beliefs and their identity as followers of Christ.
What Persecution is NOT
It's important to distinguish between genuine persecution and mere inconveniences or preferences:
Long sermons or different preaching styles
Worship style preferences
Church temperature or seating arrangements
Regular church operations and giving
Minor disagreements with church leadership

Historical Persecution of Christians
Early Church Persecution
The early church faced severe persecution from multiple sources:
Jewish authorities rejected Christian teachings as heretical
Christians were arrested, tried, and executed
Social isolation and economic hardship
Family abandonment and exclusion from community life

Roman Persecution
Under Roman rule, Christians faced:
Execution for refusing to worship Roman gods
Torture and public executions
Being blamed for disasters like Nero's fire
Exile and isolation

Modern Christian Persecution
Persecution continues today in various forms:
Africa: Militant group attacks, kidnappings, forced conversions
China: State control of churches, surveillance, labor camps
North Korea: Complete ban on Christianity, imprisonment of entire families
Western nations: Workplace discrimination, social ostracism, legal challenges

The Impact of Persecution on Christianity's Growth
Despite persecution, Christianity has experienced remarkable growth:
First century: From hundreds to 10,000 believers
By 300 AD: 5-6 million followers
Today: 2.4-2.5 billion Christians worldwide
Current growth rate: 1.4% annually

Biblical Guidance for Facing Persecution
Scripture provides several key principles:
Find strength in God (Isaiah 41:10)
Rejoice in suffering (James 1:2-4)
Follow Christ's example (1 Peter 2:21-23)
Trust God's justice
Encourage one another

Life Application
Consider these questions this week:
How do you respond when facing opposition for your faith?
Are you finding strength in God or trying to handle challenges alone?
How can you better encourage other believers facing difficulties?

Challenge: Choose one way this week to intentionally support and encourage another believer who may be facing persecution or trials for their faith. This could be through prayer, a encouraging message, or practical support.