Chris Sheppard

Opening the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, the message traces the younger son's sinful request and descent into the far country as a picture of how sin always carries a wandering heart further than it intends to go, deliberately

Prodigal SonSin's Downward PullPraying for Wayward Loved Ones

Working through the Great Commission in Matthew 28, the message argues from the New Testament pattern that baptism follows conversion, defines believer's baptism by immersion as the true profession of faith, and urges any

Believer's BaptismGreat CommissionProfession of Faith

Working through the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15, the message shows how a lost sinner's helpless condition and God's careful, deliberate search for the lost display both man's responsibility to repent and God's sovereign initiative

Lost Coin ParableGod's Sovereignty in SalvationRepentance and Faith

Continuing through Ephesians 4:14-16, this message warns that spiritual immaturity leaves believers vulnerable to false doctrine and calls the church to speak the truth in love so that every member's work builds up the body toward maturity.

Guarding Against ErrorSpeaking Truth in LoveBody Life

Tracing Jesus's parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15, the message shows that the shepherd's search pictures God's own pursuit of straying sinners and highlights the heavenly joy and celebration that erupts when one lost sinner is found and

Lost Sheep ParableJoy Over the LostGod's Sovereignty in Salvation

Working through Ephesians 4:12-13, this message explains that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers to equip and mature the saints for ministry, insisting that every member of the church is called to active

Every Member MinistryChurch OfficersBody Life

Ephesians 4 moves from the church's unity to the diversity of Christ's gifts. The risen Christ gives grace to each believer and gives office-bearing men to the church so the body may be equipped for its work.

Christ's Gifts to the ChurchPastor-TeacherEquipping the Saints

Applying Romans 14-15 alongside Ephesians 4:1-6, the message calls the church to handle matters of conscience with patience toward one another and to stay planted under and submitted to their shepherds for the sake of unity.

Matters of ConscienceEldersUnity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4 calls every believer to a worthy walk that preserves the unity of the Spirit and a worthy work that builds up the body of Christ. Each member has particular work to do, but the whole church shares the common work of protecting

Worthy WalkUnity of the SpiritBody of Christ

Completing Ephesians 4:1-6, this message shows that the sevenfold unity of the Spirit is meant to be visibly maintained by the church so the world sees it, and closes by urging believers to memorize these verses as their creed and command

Worthy WalkChurch UnitySpiritual Oneness