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Pastor Josh Parsons - North Shore

Ephesians 3:1-13 ESV

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heard over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

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March 28, 2025
At my baptism, I shared my testimony with The Orchard Barrington, and I am so excited to share a bit about my journey leading up to this moment. In middle school, I decided to come to faith at the Orchard Winter retreat. During worship service, I became so overwhelmed by the love for Jesus I felt by everyone around me and made the decision to commit my life to him. Since then, having gone through the majority of my time in High school, it has been hard balancing my faith and desire for Jesus, with the worldly ideas and attitudes I often feel so surrounded by. I have been challenged by the comparison, loneliness, and jealousy that can often seem to overshadow God's presence in my heart.
February 13, 2025
At my baptism, I shared how God has worked in my life, and how He continues to work to this very day. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church and had some early religious upbringing. I always knew of God and cannot remember a time without this faith. However, I took it for granted. I did not live my life in relationship with Christ; rather I lived in utter disobedience. I was a sinner, and while a sin is a sin, I counted many of mine as absolutely unforgiveable. I never humbled myself to even ask for forgiveness. I just kept living my wild life. I would cry out to him for help when I was in dire straits, and despite my sinful ways …. he would rescue me. Time and time again.
January 10, 2025
In 2024, The Orchard North Shore hosted their very first Orchard Kids Week, a VBS-style program geared specifically toward unchurched kids and families. The Orchard North Shore had 61 kids attend (21 of whom were unchurched!). Their hope was twofold: that kids would hear the gospel and that some who don’t know Jesus would sign up for Awana in the Fall. One young girl did sign up for Awana and was given her first Bible. When she was told that the Bible was hers to keep, she couldn’t wait to start reading it! From an invitation to VBS, to signing up for Awana, to consuming God’s Word, it’s evident the Lord is at work in this young girl’s heart. Praise God for all the work He has done at The Orchard North Shore!