Chris Sheppard

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

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

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

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

Acts 13:42-52 shows the Word of God spreading in Antioch through both gospel success and opposition. The message rejoices in the Spirit-blessed preaching that saves the lost, sanctifies believers, and strengthens the church.

Tithing and giving are presented as worship flowing from love for Christ rather than law or guilt. Faithful giving is connected to the church's shared priorities, ministry needs, and trust in God's work among His people.

Meaningful church membership is presented as a covenant commitment to an identifiable local body and its God-ordained purposes. The message calls members to renew their responsibilities so the church can remain faithful to the open door of

Local Church

Acts 13:1-3 presents the church at Antioch as an extraordinary congregation marked by faithful leaders, worship, fasting, and obedience to the Spirit's call. The message asks the church to embrace gospel mission and be willing to send its

Revelation 3 holds up the faithful church in Philadelphia as a model of keeping Christ's Word, not denying His name, and walking through the open door He gives. The message calls the church in Brookhaven to remain faithful in faithfulness

Matthew 16:17-18 grounds the church's confidence in Christ as its permanent foundation, owner, and builder. The message calls believers to arrange their lives around His church with a mighty expectation of His faithful work.