North Cities

I’m A Radical | John Little

Michael Brian — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:23:00 +0000

In a world where radical is often associated with extremism, chaos, or rebellion, Pastor John Little offers a different perspective. The word radical comes from the Latin word radix, meaning root. To be radical for Christ is not to be unwise, unbalanced, or attention-seeking. It is to be deeply rooted in a God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently works in ways that defy ordinary expectations. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, transformed lives, and gave Himself on the cross for the sins of the world. Then, through the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, He placed His Spirit within ordinary people and empowered them to carry His gospel to a hurting world.

In this message, “I’m a Radical,” Pastor John Little challenges believers to go deeper than surface-level faith. Drawing from 2 Kings 19:30, he reminds us that when the root goes down, the fruit will come up. A life rooted in Christ becomes stable, nourished, and prepared to produce something visible for the kingdom of God.

People all around us are searching for something real. They are discovering that sin, addiction, success, and temporary pleasures cannot satisfy the deepest needs of the soul. What they need is not another temporary solution. They need a radical answer, found only in Jesus Christ.

God has called His people to live in such a way that others recognize there is something different about them. First Peter 3:15 tells believers to be ready always to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope within them. That hope becomes visible when we walk closely with God, allow His Spirit to shape our lives, and remain ready to share the gospel when the opportunity comes.

The church is not called to be average, ordinary, or silent. We are called to be rooted in Christ, led by His Spirit, and available for His purpose. God is still healing, still restoring, still saving, and still working through ordinary people who are willing to believe Him for extraordinary things.

For families across Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this message is a reminder that God is not boring, mundane, or distant. He is a radical God, and He is still looking for people willing to let Him work radically through their lives.

Join us for a worship service on Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Learn more about service times, locations, and language options by clicking here. You may also watch LIVE by clicking here.

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The post I’m A Radical | John Little appeared first on North Cities.

Adjust to Unexpected Changes | D. G. Hargrove

Vince Stegall — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:30:19 +0000

No life can follow the exact course we intend for it; it will always take unexpected twists and turns. Even with careful planning and clear expectations, life has a way of shifting in ways we did not foresee. The unexpected can bring either loss and disappointment or growth and improvement, depending on how we respond. Bishop D. G. Hargrove offers insight and key takeaways from his personal two-year journey of learning to navigate unforeseen changes. His experience reminds us that while we cannot control life’s disruptions, we can trust God to guide, strengthen, and sustain us through every transition.

Life has a way of surprising us.

One phone call can change everything. A promotion you didn’t see coming. A diagnosis you never expected. A relationship that suddenly ends. An opportunity that appears out of nowhere. A door closes. Another opens.

Whether the change feels positive or painful, one truth remains:

Every person will face unexpected changes.

The real question isn’t whether change will come. The question is how we respond when it does.

In this powerful message, Bishop D. G. Hargrove reminds us that God’s people must learn to adjust to unexpected changes without losing sight of their purpose, calling, and eternal destination.

For families across Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this message provides practical biblical wisdom for navigating life’s unpredictable seasons with faith and confidence.

Unexpected Changes Are Part of Life

Unexpected means something that arrives without warning, catches us by surprise, or unfolds differently than we anticipated.

No life follows a perfectly planned path.

Even the smallest plans often encounter interruptions, detours, and unforeseen developments.

Don’t Let Change Alter Your Eternal Purpose

While circumstances may shift, God’s purpose for your life remains constant.

Careers may change.

Relationships may change.

Financial situations may change.

Health conditions may change.

But God’s calling, mission, and promises remain secure.

The challenge for believers is learning how to adapt to changing circumstances without abandoning God’s direction.

Two Types of Unexpected Changes

Not every unexpected change is negative.

In fact, some of life’s greatest blessings arrive unexpectedly.

1. Changes That Appear to Be Losses

These are the changes we usually fear most:

Financial setbacks
Job losses
Disappointments
Broken plans
Closed doors

Yet many times what feels like a loss today becomes a blessing tomorrow.

What initially appears to be a setback may actually be God’s setup.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly transformed disappointment into destiny.

2. Changes That Appear to Be Gains

Not every promotion is a blessing.

Not every opportunity is God’s will.

Not every increase leads us closer to Him.

Sometimes what appears to be advancement can actually become a distraction if not managed properly.

Success without spiritual maturity can be just as dangerous as hardship without faith.

That’s why believers must evaluate every opportunity through the lens of God’s purpose rather than personal preference.

Everyone Encounters Storms

One of the most important truths in Scripture is that storms are unavoidable.

Jesus never promised a storm-free life.

Instead, He promised His presence through every storm.

Three Types of Storms We Face

The Storm Where the Innocent Suffer with the Guilty

In Acts 27, Paul found himself in a devastating storm even though he had done nothing wrong.

Sometimes faithful people experience hardship simply because they are connected to others who make poor decisions.

Not every storm is your fault.

The Storm of Our Own Making

The story of Jonah reminds us that some storms are self-inflicted.

Disobedience, poor choices, pride, and stubbornness often create challenges that God never intended for us to experience.

The good news is that repentance can redirect our course.

The Storm Everyone Encounters

Jesus taught that both wise and foolish builders face storms.

The difference wasn’t the storm.

The difference was the foundation.

Storms reveal what we’ve been building on all along.

The Foundation Matters More Than the Forecast

You cannot always control the weather of life.

You can control what your life is built upon.

A strong foundation in Christ allows believers to endure unexpected changes without collapsing under pressure.

Everyone Encounters Blessings Too

Just as everyone experiences storms, everyone experiences blessings.

Jesus taught that God sends rain on both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).

Blessings Require Stewardship

Many people know how to survive hardship.

Fewer people know how to manage blessing.

Unexpected success can become dangerous when it creates:

Pride
Complacency
Self-reliance
Spiritual drift

Blessings should increase our gratitude, not our independence from God.

Every blessing is an opportunity to become a better steward of God’s favor.

How to Deal with Unexpected Changes

So how do we navigate life’s surprises without losing our spiritual direction?

Scripture provides several practical principles.

Use God’s Word as Your Source of Example

The Bible is filled with ordinary people who faced extraordinary changes.

Consider Job

Job experienced dramatic loss.

He lost possessions.

He lost security.

He lost comfort.

Yet he never lost his confidence in God.

Eventually, God restored and blessed him again.

Job’s story reminds us that today’s hardship does not determine tomorrow’s outcome.

Consider David

David experienced devastating loss at Ziklag.

Everything appeared destroyed.

Yet instead of surrendering to despair, David encouraged himself in the Lord.

His story demonstrates that faith can sustain us even when circumstances seem impossible.

God ultimately restored what had been taken.

Use God’s Word as Your Source of Understanding and Trust

The Apostle Paul gave powerful insight into handling life’s unexpected twists.

Keep Moving Forward

Paul wrote:

“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark…”

The enemy wants believers trapped in:

Past failures
Past disappointments
Past regrets
Past victories

God calls us forward.

Faith always looks ahead.

When unexpected changes come, we cannot stay stuck in what was.

We must trust God for what is next.

Commit to Staying the Course

One of the greatest dangers during times of change is losing focus.

When circumstances shift, many people abandon their purpose.

Followers of Jesus must remain committed to their calling regardless of what changes around them.

Keep Your Eternal Goal in Focus

Your objective remains unchanged:

Love God
Serve people
Fulfill your calling
Reach your eternal destination

Unexpected changes may alter the route, but they don’t have to alter the destination.

Build Your Faith

Faith is essential during uncertain seasons.

The stronger your faith, the more stable you’ll remain when circumstances become unstable.

Faith grows through:

Reading Scripture
Hearing God’s Word
Prayer
Worship
Fellowship with believers

When faith grows, fear loses its influence.

Take Action

Unexpected changes require intentional responses.

Correct What Can Be Changed

Some situations require action.

If there is something you can improve, repair, address, or change, take responsibility and move forward.

Faith is not passive.

Faith responds.

Accept What Cannot Be Changed

Some circumstances are beyond our control.

In those moments, acceptance becomes an act of trust.

Trusting God doesn’t mean we understand everything.

It means we believe God remains faithful even when we don’t understand what He’s doing.

God’s Purpose Is Bigger Than Your Circumstances

Every believer will face unexpected changes.

Some will be painful.

Some will be exciting.

Some will make no sense at all.

But none of them can stop God’s purpose unless we allow them to.

The same God who walks with us through storms also walks with us through blessings.

He remains faithful through every transition, every surprise, every disappointment, and every victory.

No matter what changes around you, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Keep building your faith.

Keep moving forward.

Keep pressing toward the prize.

Because God’s purpose for your life is greater than any unexpected change you’ll ever face.

Join us for a worship service on Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Learn more about service times, locations, and language options by clicking here. You may also watch LIVE by clicking here.

Service Archives

The post Adjust to Unexpected Changes | D. G. Hargrove appeared first on North Cities.

Where You Are Makes All The Difference | Mike Zubik

Vince Stegall — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:49:13 +0000

Every person eventually faces the same question God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden:

“Where are you?”

It’s not a question of geography. It’s a question of relationship.

In a heartfelt message at North Cities Church, Mike Zubik challenged us to examine our spiritual position—not where we are physically, but where we are in our walk with God. Drawing from Genesis 3 and Luke 8, he contrasted two powerful questions that reveal two very different spiritual conditions: “Where are you?” and “Who touched Me?”

For believers throughout Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, and across Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this message serves as a timely reminder that where you are spiritually makes all the difference.

God Still Asks the Same Question

When Adam sinned, he responded by hiding from God.

Rather than running toward God’s mercy, he ran from God’s presence. God came searching for him and asked a simple question:

“Where are you?”

Of course, God knew Adam’s location. The question wasn’t for God’s benefit—it was for Adam’s.

God Wants Us to Evaluate Our Spiritual Position

Sometimes God asks questions not because He needs information, but because we need revelation.

Just as Adam had to confront where he was spiritually, we must periodically stop and ask ourselves:

Am I closer to God today than I was a year ago?
Has my prayer life grown stronger or weaker?
Am I pursuing God’s presence or simply going through the motions?
Am I hiding behind guilt, disappointment, or distraction?

The reality is that many believers can be physically present in church while being emotionally and spiritually distant. Mike pointed out that Adam was still in the garden—but he wasn’t in God’s presence.

Distance Doesn’t Happen Overnight

One of the most powerful illustrations from the message came from Mike’s time serving in the military.

Every Sunday, he would drive past the base chapel on his way to the lake. As he passed the chapel, conviction stirred in his heart. He knew where he needed to be. But the farther he drove from the chapel, the weaker that conviction became until it eventually disappeared.

The Further We Drift, the Less We Feel

Spiritual drift is rarely dramatic.

It often begins with small compromises:

Missing prayer time
Neglecting Scripture
Prioritizing distractions
Becoming spiritually complacent

Before long, what once convicted us no longer bothers us.

The farther we move from God’s presence, the easier it becomes to lose sensitivity to His voice.

That’s why consistent worship, prayer, Bible reading, and church involvement are so important. They keep us close to the source of life.

Peter: A Warning About Spiritual Distance

Peter provides a vivid example of what happens when distance grows.

In the upper room, Peter boldly declared that he would never deny Jesus. His faith was strong. His commitment seemed unwavering.

But then came Gethsemane.

From Sleeping to Weeping

Peter first fell asleep while Jesus prayed.

Later, he followed Jesus “afar off.” Then he warmed himself by someone else’s fire. Eventually, he denied even knowing the Lord.

Mike summarized Peter’s journey in a powerful way:

Peter went from sleeping to weeping.

His downfall didn’t begin with denial.

It began with distance.

The lesson is clear: where you are spiritually today will influence who you become tomorrow.

The Woman Who Refused to Stay Far Away

While Adam hid and Peter drifted, another person moved in the opposite direction.

A woman suffering with an issue of blood for twelve years pushed through the crowd to reach Jesus.

Her mindset was simple:

“If I can just touch His garment, I’ll be made whole.”

Close Enough to Get His Attention

When she touched Jesus, something extraordinary happened.

Jesus stopped and asked:

“Who touched Me?”

Hundreds of people were around Him. Many brushed against Him. But only one person reached out in faith.

Mike emphasized that she didn’t just touch Jesus.

She got His attention.

And because she got into His presence, she experienced:

Healing
Peace
Relief
Restoration
New life

The difference wasn’t the crowd.

The difference was proximity.

Sometimes We Need to Come Back to the Gate

Near the end of the message, Mike shared a childhood story about getting separated from his family at a crowded county fair.

For hours he wandered in circles, growing more frightened and alone.

Then he remembered his mother’s instructions:

“If you get lost, go back to the main gate.”

As he made his way back, he heard his mother’s voice calling his name. Moments later, he was reunited with his family.

God Is Still Calling

Many people today feel spiritually lost.

Not because they don’t believe in God.

Not because they’re rebellious.

But because life, disappointments, busyness, and distractions have slowly pulled them away from His presence.

The encouraging news is that God is still calling.

He’s still searching.

He’s still welcoming people home.

You haven’t ruined God’s plans.

You haven’t exhausted His grace.

And you’re never too far away to come back.

Where Are You Today?

The central challenge of this message is deeply personal:

Where are you?

Not physically.

Not professionally.

Not financially.

Spiritually.

Are you hiding like Adam?

Following at a distance like Peter?

Or reaching toward Jesus like the woman with the issue of blood?

Because where you are spiritually determines what you experience.

Your Next Step

At North Cities in Garland, Texas, we believe God is still calling people closer.

Whether you’re from Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, Dallas County, Collin County, or Rockwall County, God’s invitation remains the same:

Come near.

Come back to prayer.

Come back to worship.

Come back to His presence.

Because where you are truly makes all the difference.

Join us for a worship service on Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Learn more about service times, locations, and language options by clicking here. You may also watch LIVE by clicking here.

Service Archives

The post Where You Are Makes All The Difference | Mike Zubik appeared first on North Cities.

Welcome To The Party | Dr. Jim Littles

Vince Stegall — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:47:07 +0000

As we enter the House of the Lord, we celebrate Him. The worship is about Him and bowing to Him in submission. Join us as Dr. Jim Littles invites us to celebrate Him in our homes, communities, and everywhere we go, bringing His light to everyone who needs Him as we look at our sin condition.

Graduation celebrations, birthday parties, family gatherings, holiday meals—we all know the joy of a good celebration. But what if celebration isn’t just something God’s people do? What if celebration is actually part of who God is?

In his message, “Welcome to the Party,” Dr. Jim Littles reminded North Cities Church that praise, joy, and celebration are woven throughout Scripture because they are woven into the very nature of God. Drawing from Psalm 149, he challenged us to become a people who not only attend the praise party on Sundays but live lives of praise every day of the week. The message emphasized God’s delight in His people, His invitation to worship, and His purpose for His church in Garland and beyond.

God Is a Celebrating God

Many people imagine God as distant, serious, or difficult to please. Yet throughout Scripture, we see something very different.

From creation to redemption, God celebrates His work.

After each day of creation, God declared that what He made was good. When His work was complete, He rested and celebrated. Throughout the Old Testament, God instructed Israel to observe feast days and celebrations far more often than fast days.

Celebration Is Part of God’s Design

God never intended His people to live joyless lives.

The Lord established festivals, feasts, and gatherings because celebration helps us remember His goodness and His faithfulness.

Jesus reflected this same heart throughout His earthly ministry. His first miracle took place at a wedding celebration. He often used banquet imagery to describe the Kingdom of God. He even faced criticism for spending too much time around ordinary people at meals and gatherings.

The message is clear:

God isn’t against celebration. God created celebration.

God Didn’t Bring You Out Just to Leave You There

One of the most powerful themes of the message centered on Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

The Passover meal featured unleavened bread—a symbol of urgency and deliverance. But Pentecost featured leavened bread—a symbol of harvest, growth, and celebration.

God Brings Us Out to Bring Us In

Too many believers spend their lives focused only on what God delivered them from.

But God’s plan is bigger than rescue.

He delivers us from bondage so He can lead us into purpose.

He brings us out of fear so He can lead us into faith.

He brings us out of brokenness so He can lead us into healing.

He brings us out of sin so He can lead us into His calling.

For many people throughout Garland, Plano, Richardson, Murphy, Wylie, Rowlett, Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this may be the reminder they need today:

God isn’t finished with you.

Your deliverance was never the destination. It was the beginning of your purpose.

Praise Begins with Remembering Who God Is

Psalm 149 opens with a simple command:

“Praise the Lord.”

Praise is more than music.

Praise is more than emotion.

Praise is a response to God’s goodness.

Every Good Gift Comes from God

Dr. Littles reminded us that praise acknowledges God as the source of everything good in our lives.

Every blessing.

Every breakthrough.

Every answered prayer.

Every act of grace.

Every opportunity.

Every gift comes from Him.

When we praise God, we are recognizing that He is the giver and sustainer of every good thing.

Even when life feels uncertain, praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s promises.

North Cities: A People God Has Made

Psalm 149 calls God’s people to rejoice in their Maker.

While God is certainly our Creator, the message highlighted another important truth:

God is also the One who forms His people together.

God Builds His Church on Purpose

North Cities Church is not an accident.

God brings together people from different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and stories to accomplish His purpose.

Dr. Littles celebrated the diversity and unity of North Cities, reminding us that God strategically assembles His church to impact the region.

Whether you’re from Garland, Murphy, Richardson, Plano, Rowlett, Wylie, or elsewhere across North Texas, God has a place for you in His Kingdom.

The church is not built by human strategy.

The church is built by God’s design.

Praise the King

The psalmist also calls God’s people to rejoice in their King.

In a world filled with competing voices, shifting opinions, and political uncertainty, believers can rest in one unchanging truth:

Jesus is still King.

Our Hope Is Not in Human Systems

Governments change.

Cultures change.

Leaders come and go.

But Jesus remains on the throne.

The Kingdom of God is not built on political platforms or human solutions. It is built on the authority of Jesus Christ.

When we praise, we declare our trust in His leadership, His wisdom, and His sovereignty.

That truth gives us confidence to face whatever tomorrow may bring.

The Power of the Name of Jesus

Psalm 149 calls believers to praise His name.

Throughout Scripture, God’s name reveals His character, authority, and power.

The Name Above Every Name

Dr. Littles reminded us that Jesus is not merely a title.

His name carries power.

His name brings salvation.

His name brings healing.

His name brings hope.

His name brings freedom.

When we praise the name of Jesus, we are declaring who He is and what He has done.

We are celebrating the God who came to save, restore, and transform lives.

Worship Comes Before Praise

One of the most important lessons from the message was the distinction between worship and praise.

Many people think they are the same thing, but Scripture shows a progression.

Worship Is the Foundation

Worship is surrender.

Worship is bowing before the King.

Worship is yielding our plans to God’s plans.

Praise flows out of worship.

We cannot truly celebrate the King if we refuse to submit to His authority.

Before we lift our hands in praise, we must first bow our hearts in worship.

That posture creates the foundation for authentic praise.

Let Praise Follow You Home

Psalm 149 doesn’t only describe praise in the gathered assembly.

It also speaks of praise in everyday life.

Praise Beyond Sunday

Dr. Littles challenged believers to become people who praise God at home, at work, at school, and throughout daily life.

Praise should not be confined to a church service.

Our homes should be filled with gratitude.

Our conversations should reflect God’s goodness.

Our words should pass through what he described as a “praise filter.”

When praise fills our hearts, it changes the way we respond to challenges, frustrations, and opportunities.

Praise doesn’t just transform church services.

Praise transforms people.

God Delights in His People

One of the most moving moments of the message came from Psalm 149:4:

“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people.”

Many people struggle to believe this truth.

Yet Scripture clearly declares it.

God Finds Delight in You

God does not tolerate His children.

He delights in them.

He rejoices over them.

He finds pleasure in them.

His joy strengthens us because His love for us is unwavering.

When we understand God’s delight in us, it changes how we live.

We stop striving for acceptance and start living from acceptance.

We stop performing for God’s approval and start responding to His love.

The Invitation to the Ultimate Celebration

The message concluded with a powerful reminder.

Every celebration in Scripture points to one final celebration.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

You’ve Been Invited

Jesus is preparing a place for His people.

One day every tribe, tongue, and nation will gather together around His table.

There will be no more pain.

No more fear.

No more sorrow.

No more injustice.

No more death.

Only the presence of Jesus and the joy of His Kingdom.

The invitation has already been extended.

The question is whether we will accept it.

A Word for North Texas

For those throughout Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, this message serves as both encouragement and challenge.

God is calling His church to become a praising people.

A grateful people.

A joyful people.

A worshiping people.

A people who live on mission.

A people who invite others to the party.

Because the Kingdom of God is not reserved for a select few.

The invitation is open.

And Jesus is still welcoming people in.

Final Challenge

Have you bowed before the King?

Have you allowed worship to become the foundation of your life?

Have you lost your gratitude?

Have you forgotten God’s goodness?

Today is your invitation.

Come back to praise.

Come back to worship.

Come back to joy.

Come back to purpose.

And most importantly—Welcome to the Party.

Join us for a worship service on Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Learn more about service times, locations, and language options by clicking here. You may also watch LIVE by clicking here.

Service Archives

The post Welcome To The Party | Dr. Jim Littles appeared first on North Cities.