Chris Sheppard

Acts 15 shows the church guarding the gospel of grace while promoting fellowship and unity among Jewish and Gentile believers. The message distinguishes God's commands from personal convictions so that neither salvation nor church unity is

Jerusalem CouncilGospel of GraceLegalism WarningChurch Unity

Hebrews 11:24-26 shows Moses making costly decisions of faith by choosing reproach with God's people over the treasures of Egypt. The message calls believers to follow the Lord fully, even when obedience is sacrificial and life-altering.

MosesCostly DecisionsReproach of ChristRejecting Egypt

Hebrews 11:23 presents Moses' parents as examples of faith-filled courage in the face of real danger. The message calls families to make faithful decisions before God even when fear and pressure are strong.

Moses' ParentsFamily FaithCourageParenting by Faith

Acts 15:1-5 introduces the crisis of works salvation entering the church through those who required circumcision and the law for salvation. The message warns that adding works to Christ threatens the gospel, the mission of the church, and

Legalism WarningJerusalem CouncilJudaizersGospel Threat

Acts 6 gives the church a pattern for selecting qualified deacons to meet real needs without distracting from the ministry of the Word and prayer. The message prepares the congregation to examine, nominate, and affirm men for deacon service

DeaconsChurch ServiceWord and Prayer

Acts 14:20-28 shows Paul and Barnabas returning through the churches to strengthen disciples, appoint elders, and report what God had done. The message highlights the apostolic pattern of preaching the gospel, establishing churches, and

Church StrengtheningEldersMissions ReportGospel Endurance

Acts 14:8-20 shows Paul and Barnabas preaching in Lystra after a miraculous healing leads the crowd toward pagan worship. The message highlights humble gospel ministry that refuses self-exaltation and points sinners to the living God amid

LystraHealingPagan WorshipHumility

1 Timothy 3:8-13 completes the study of deacon qualifications and applies them to the church's process of recognizing qualified servants. The message urges the congregation to pray, examine wisely, and look for men whose lives already

DeaconsChurch ExaminationServant Character

1 Timothy 3 continues to show that deacon ministry requires qualified, conspicuous servants whose lives can be examined by the church. The message emphasizes that the men God is raising up should already be visible in humble, faithful

DeaconsConspicuous ServiceServant CharacterChurch Examination

1 Timothy 3 and Acts 6 frame deacon ministry as service carried out by men whom God qualifies and the church affirms. The message begins preparing the congregation to recognize tested servants and establish deacon ministry in a biblical

DeaconsServant OfficeChurch AffirmationTested Men