Chris Sheppard

Opening a new set of parables on wisdom and foolishness from Matthew 25:1-13, this message presses hearers to examine whether they have genuine oil in their lamps, that is, true readiness for Christ's return, rather than a false or careless

From Ephesians 5:15-17, the message calls believers to carefully examine how they live, to make the best use of their time because the days are evil, and to seek out and hold fast to God's will rather than drifting into foolishness.

Ephesians 5 commands believers not to partner with the works of darkness but to expose them as children of light. Faithful imitation of God requires sober separation from sin and clear love for truth in the life of the church.

Concluding the parable of the vineyard laborers, this message argues that the owner's generosity reveals a God who cares more for people than for possessions, and that the parable's real point is not personal reward but the equal,

Ephesians 5 calls converted people to live as children of light because Christ has brought them out of darkness. The fruit of that light is seen in goodness, righteousness, truth, and a life that seeks to please the Lord.

Working through the parable of the vineyard laborers in Matthew 20, this message ties it to the other salvation parables in Luke to show that God justifies sinners by grace alone, not by performance, and exposes the resentment that

Ephesians 5 places commands against sexual sin, covetousness, and corrupt speech inside the larger call to imitate God in love. Christians pursue holiness because they love God, love their homes, and belong to Christ’s kingdom.

Ephesians 5 calls beloved children to imitate God by walking in love, with Christ’s self-giving sacrifice as the pattern and motivation. Obedience flows from being loved by God and giving ourselves up in love for Him and others.

Continuing through Ephesians 4:25-32, the message urges believers toward wholesome speech and grace toward one another, warns against grieving the Holy Spirit, and presses listeners to examine whether the old self has truly given way to new

Contrasting the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector in Luke 18, the sermon shows that justification comes only through humble faith in Christ's righteousness, never through religious performance or self-righteousness.