Chris Sheppard

The Bereans receive the preached Word eagerly and examine the Scriptures daily to test what they hear. Their example calls Christians to humble teachability, biblical discernment, and confidence in Scripture rather than cynical suspicion.

Receiving ScriptureChurch DiscernmentScripture AuthorityGospel Preaching

Believers are commanded to pursue peace with everyone and the practical holiness that evidences God's sanctifying work. These responsibilities are personal but not solitary, because Christians need the local church to help one another run

PeacemakingPersonal HolinessSanctificationLife of Faith

Hebrews 12:12-14 calls believers to strengthen spiritual weakness, straighten the path of faithful obedience, and actively pursue peace and holiness. By looking to Christ and receiving God's Word, Christians are equipped to endure the

Life of FaithStrength in TrialPractical ObediencePeacemaking

Paul reasons from Scripture that Jesus is the promised, suffering, and risen Christ, and the Thessalonians receive the gospel amid opposition. Their transformed lives and public witness show how a local church becomes an evangelistic and

Gospel ProclamationScripture-Saturated WitnessGospel OppositionChurch Missions

Concluding this study of divine discipline, the message shows that trials endured under God's fatherly hand are not evidence of His absence but proof of sonship, yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Fatherly DisciplineFruit of Righteousness

The Philippian jailer asks the most urgent question a sinner can ask: what must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas proclaim faith in Christ, minister to the jailer's household, and continue serving the church while trusting God's sovereign

Gospel ProclamationSaving FaithGospel SufferingSovereignty

Hebrews 12:3-8 frames suffering in light of Christ's endurance and teaches that God disciplines His children as a loving Father. Believers are encouraged to endure hardship without retreating from Christ.

Fatherly DisciplineEnduranceSufferingSonship

Vacation Bible School belongs to the church's gospel work because children must be brought to Christ, taught the Word, and loved by the whole body. The message connects VBS to Bible-centered ministry, evangelism, and renewal by grace.

VBSChildren's MinistryChurch RenewalEvangelism

Luke 11 teaches persistent, dependent prayer to a Father who delights to give what His children truly need. The message applies Jesus' teaching to praying for children, VBS, and the spiritual life only God can give.

PrayerChildrenVBSPersistence

Hebrews 12:1-3 calls believers to run with endurance by laying aside hindrances and fixing their eyes on Jesus. The message presses the need to consider Christ carefully so weariness does not overtake the race of faith.

EnduranceThe RaceLooking to ChristHindrances