Lesson of the Hour

Most people avoid controversy. The secular world tells Christians to keep their faith to themselves. However, Christians cannot. Christians confess Christ openly. Furthermore, the faithful have the firm foundation to defend the faith. Even critical scholars admit that Jesus professed to be the Son of God. As Lewis presented, Jesus is either lunatic, liar, or Lord. The answer to many is quite clear. Jesus is the Lord. He is the Son of Man. This message encourages Christians to challenge the world with Jesus's question, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Scripture Reading: Mark 14:60-62 (read by Christopher Howell) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 9, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

A person’s understanding of God shapes how that person views the world. The apostle Paul wrote a young church in Colossae seeking that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, so that they may walk in way that is pleasing to God. For this reason, Paul emphasized the preeminence and greatness of Jesus Christ. Seeing the greatness of Jesus Christ keeps one from blending the traditions and philosophies of human wisdom with the gospel. Viewing the world through Jesus Christ keeps believers from false teachings. This message encourages all Christians to give Christ preeminence in every part of one’s life. Scripture Reading: John 1:1-3,14 (read by Phillip Bailey) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 2, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

In the last days, people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and lovers of pleasure. They will have an appearance of religious devotion and yet deny God’s power. Paul spoke this warning telling Timothy how evil people and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Within this context, Paul affirmed that every Scripture is God-breathed. The Bible is the product of men moved by the Spirit and speaking by God. Christians need the Scriptures to confront the deception in the world and proclaim the gospel by convincing, correcting, and encouraging others. This message proclaims the vital importance of the Scriptures for teaching and every good work. Scripture Reading: II Peter 1:20-21 (read by Steve Berg) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Most people avoid being judged. We seek the comfort, security, and acceptance of loved ones. However, no one will be able to escape judgment for our wrongdoing. Judgment day makes sense that all the wicked and evil acts ever done will come to a reckoning before the holy God. Jesus proclaimed various times of the coming of the Son of Man who will repay each person according to what each one has done. Jesus even depicted God separating the blessed and cursed according to their acts of compassion toward His brethren. For this reason, Christ preached that His disciples are to lose their lives, take up their crosses, and follow Him. Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:28-30 (read by Justin Hirt) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 11, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

People grow in their experiences with others who model, coach, and teach them. According to the Bible, a disciple is someone who receives such instruction from a teacher. Most people stop closely following Christ because it costs too much. Many have simply given up on being a disciple — a Christian. This study encourages believers to live lives as disciples of Christ starting with some basics of being a disciple of Christ according to Jesus’s own words. Scripture Reading: Luke 14:15-24 (read by Gene Bryant) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

The governor Festus thought that Paul was out of his mind for his faith in Jesus Christ. However, Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus's death and resurrection, and urged all to believe. This sermon will present the uneven ground for which we try to tell the gospel to the world. Unbelievers suppress the truth about God in unrighteousness. Unbelievers also assert arguments and lofty opinions from authority. Their view of God is always slanted. For this reason, Christians direct unbelievers from a right view of God to the gospel of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection. Scripture Reading: I Peter 3:14-15 Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded July 8, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

The Bible tells of Christians receiving salvation together when Jesus returns. Those who are living will change to immortality and the dead will resurrect in glorified bodies. The redemption of the body and the freedom of creation to glory is the Christian hope. This lesson draws from the Scriptures revealing the hope and wonder of Jesus’s return. For this reason, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians with words of Jesus’s coming and exhortation to live awaken and sober lives. Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 15:51-53 (read by Justin Hirt) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded October 21, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Most people are looking for security and significance in this life. God through Christ satisfies those personal needs more than any other. God gives each person love and purpose. Furthermore, God fulfills these needs through Christians — the church. The Bible reveals that every person needs a close relationship and community of believers in the church. The writer of Hebrews warned of the evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from God by the deceitfulness of sin. His answer is that Christians encourage one another daily. This message presents the need of every person for the community of believers — the church. Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1 (read by Phillip Bailey) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded October 14, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

To most people, death is the enemy. People fear death. The Scriptures admit that death is the enemy. However, Jesus conquered the power of death by coming in the flesh and resurrecting bodily from the dead. Jesus also promised to go and prepare a place for His disciples. The Scriptures describe this place as the new heavens and new earth. This message focuses on the place of eternal life that comes on the last day. The Bible reveals that the old heavens and old earth will perish and change, and then God will create new heavens and a new earth. This message depicts that world to come. Peter declared, “We are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13). Lesson by Scott Shifferd. Recorded September 30, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Have you ever felt like you can never go home? In the Bible, many faithful examples wandered the earth looking forward to a heavenly home. The epistle to the Hebrews affirms that the heavens and earth will perish and change. Hebrews describes the heavenly country and the blessing of a kingdom that will remain and not be shaken. God has designed and prepared a city for His people. God’s promises of a world to come is reality. This lesson surveys the promises of God throughout Hebrews for Christians to have full assurance of hope until the end. Scripture Reading: Luke 11:13-16 (read by Barry Rutkowski) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded September 23, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ

Many people have various beliefs about the afterlife. What did Jesus say? Jesus revealed that He will judge the nations inviting the faithful to inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world (Matt 25:34). The Bible tells of a coming eternal kingdom that those who supplement their faith will inherit. However, those who continue in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do you believe Jesus? Are you ready to face death? Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded September 16, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

A scribe witnessed Jesus answering loaded questions from the chief priests and religious leaders. For this reason, he asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus revealed the greatest commands are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. These two commands are life-changing revealing how one loves God by giving one’s whole life to God. This message explores the events surrounding the greatest commands for Christians to know God as the source of all love. Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded September 9, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Many want to write every friend and family member into salvation. However, Paul expressed anguish for his Jewish brethren who had the great promises of God for Israel but did not have salvation without Christ. This message draws God’s revelation from Romans 9–11 to see God’s people of promise and those whom God elected in His mercy. God has prepared people as vessels for wrath and others for mercy. Paul explains all that God does glorifies His name and power. God’s actions include calling people who were once not His people and so stirring Israel to zeal for God. Scripture Reading: Romans 11:25-32 (read by Barry Rutkowski) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded August 26, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus warned of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing and yet are inwardly ravenous wolves. He taught His followers to recognize them by their fruits. The apostle Paul warned Christians to watch out and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine. Such false teachers serve their appetites and speak smoothly with flattery deceiving the hearts of the naïve. This message looks to rescue friends and family from divisive teachers and specifically counter the pitfalls of 5-point Calvinism. Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:15-20 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded August 19, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

How many preachers have read the whole Bible? You may be surprised by this message. As children are heading back to school, Christians should consider furthering their education and returning to Sunday school. One cannot be saved by having a zeal for God without knowledge His righteousness (Rom 10:1–3). This message seeks to encourage the faithful to know God. When someone does not recognize, honor, and thank God, then their morality and self-control will disintegrate. Scripture Reading : II Peter 3:18 (read by Steve Berg) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded August 12, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

God gives the greatest gains. The first Christians realize the significance of this giving. Many sold lands and houses. They brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostles’ feet. What good comes from giving like the first Christians gave? This message turns to the Scriptures to pull out the truth about the blessings of giving. Christians give as a church to advance the gospel and give relief to those enduring disaster. Such giving produces joy and thanksgiving. Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-34 (read by Dutch Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded August 5, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Life is more than wanting, saving, and gaining. Jesus warned against wanting, which is coveting. Jesus affirmed that life does not consist of the abundance of goods. However, many people feel a sense of security by possessing income and investments. The Scriptures teach that Christians must rely upon God rather than upon wealth. Furthermore, the apostle Paul revealed that godliness with contentment is great gain. Greater than any wealth is relying upon God and finding contentment in Him. This message will draw from Paul's insights about contentment from 1 Timothy 6. Scripture Reading: I Timothy 6:17-19 (read by Dutch Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded July 29, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Do you believe Jesus about giving? Jesus revealed that God gives a greater measure back to those who give. Many hinder the measure of God’s blessing by their lack of giving. This message explores the blessings of giving abundantly and what is giving abundantly means. Giving to relieve saints and spread the gospel is to invest and entrust in God’s giving and grace. To rephrase the apostle Paul, those who give sparingly receive sparingly and those who give abundantly receive abundantly in every way. Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded July 22, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

The apostle Paul requested prayers for an open door to declare the mystery of Christ when he was in prison. For this reason, Paul urged Christians to walk in wisdom toward outsiders making the best use of time and speaking with grace knowing how to answer each person. The church of Christ unites in its mission to make disciples. Jesus revealed that each person is either with Him or against Him and either gathering or scattering. This message urges Christians to think more about sharing the gospel with others. Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 (read by Dutch Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded July 15, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Should Christians stay out of politics? Many would prefer Christians remain quiet or secular in addressing government action and behaviors of society. However, neither society nor self are the source of what is morally right and wrong. God is the only possible standard of moral absolutes. Furthermore, Christ spoke openly against abuses. Christians must speak the same way and uphold God’s moral standards. The Scriptures reveal how Paul used his rights as a citizen of Rome to continue spreading the gospel through beatings, arrests, and more. This message explores how the Scriptures encourage Christians to obey government authorities and live as free people even in the face of persecution. Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-7 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded July 1, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Society has convinced most Christians that personal sexuality is a natural outlet. However, Paul described such a pursuit of satisfying lusts as “impurity.” The Scriptures describe impurity as a specific sexual sin that those who practice will not inherit the kingdom of God. The apostle Paul instructed Christians not to let sin reign in their bodies to obey its passions. Furthermore, Paul revealed that those who walk in the Spirit will not gratify the lusts of the flesh. How does the Christian walk in the Spirit? This message presents key scriptures that free believers from slavery to sin. Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 4:7-8 (read by Justin Hirt) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded June 24, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Some early churches struggled with welcoming guests. James corrected believers who showed favoritism for the value of someone’s clothing. Such partiality is to sin against the royal law of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. The Bible calls those showing partiality "judges with evil thoughts." Christians must think of how they welcome guests into the church and into their lives. The Bible commands Christians to be hospitable and love guests. This message challenges Christians to think about how the church receives guests. Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 14:23-25 (read by Dutch Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded June 17, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

In the first century, the church in the city of Corinth divided according to teachers. They quarreled and forgot that they all united in Christ. While this church denominated, Paul identified them as “of Christ.” Twenty centuries later, the church faces the same problems. Christians must learn from the apostle Paul not to accept such division or even agree to disagree. He exhorted this church to unite in the same mind and same judgment. The church has teachings from Christ and His apostles that are essential to its oneness. This message encourages those points of unity, and that Christians can and must maintain unity. Scripture Reading: John 17:17-23 (read by Marcq Rhodes) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded June 10, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Being a member of a community requires some commitment and certain responsibilities. To be in the church, a believer must be in Christ. The Bible tells of salvation that is only in Christ. Who is in Christ? Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian. The apostle Paul revealed the way in which believers are baptized in Christ. This message turns to the Scriptures to understand that the church are those in Christ. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:9-11 (read by Christopher Howell) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded June 3, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus declared, “I will build my church.” Jesus promised to build His church — the congregation of His followers. Jesus spoke of His church built upon the rock of faith that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. According to Scripture, Jesus’s apostles and prophets form the foundation with Jesus as its cornerstone. The foundation of the apostles and prophets is God’s revealed message to the faithful. In the Bible, many churches like today drifted from the teachings of Christ and His apostles and prophets. However, that foundation can and does unite churches today. This message continues a series of lessons encouraging all Christians stand on the foundation that Christ set for the church. Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded May 27, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

This message challenges believers to follow Christ to His church. Today, many people prefer non-denominational churches with few distinctions to be more accepting and less restricting. Who wants to question their family church and traditions? However, Christians cannot compromise the church of Christ built upon faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This message draws commands from the Scriptures to observe and maintain the traditions that come from Christ and His apostles. Distinctive characteristics set the church in the New Testament apart from many churches today. Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-9 (read by Steve Berg) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded May 20, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

In the parable of the sower, Jesus described different types of soil representing the types of people who hear God’s word. Those who heard the word and the cares of the world choked them were as seed cast among the thorns. What are Christians to do with cares and anxieties in this life? Jesus commanded, “Do not be anxious about this life” (Matt 6:25). This message presents Christ’s words that redirect the believer’s focus past anxieties to seek more. Scripture Reading: Luke 12:22-33 (read by Dutch Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded May 13, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

For 18 years, she was bent over. One day, she was in a synagogue where Jesus was preaching. Without the woman asking, Jesus called her to him, and he healed her. Christians desire to model Jesus’s compassion as seen throughout His numerous miracles. Jesus referred to the woman that He healed as “a daughter of Abraham.” The way that people view each other affects how they love one another. This message compels each person to look at others as God would have believers to look at each other and all humanity. Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-10 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded May 6, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Soldiers endure great hardships for a cause to save, protect, and give liberty to others. People endure for a cause that they believe in. People stand in line for a new product because they believe in the company. Faith is believing that God exists and more. Believers must believe that God rewards those who seek Him. Christians look for more than this life. Christians should look for an afterlife that is more than living as a spirit in a ghost-like body. Most people even unbelievers hope for this. This message presents the faith of substance and certainty. Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:12 (read by Marcq Rhodes) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded April 29, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

His spirit was provoked by the idols that filled the city of Athens. The apostle Paul went and reasoned in the synagogues and marketplace. Because Paul was proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection, some philosophers took Paul to the Rock of Ares, the Areopagus. Paul stood before those thinkers and made reasonable observations about the unknown God, and Paul declared a message that all people need to hear. Christians must learn from Paul’s reasoning and message. Christians can persuade, reason, and lead others to the hope of Jesus’s resurrection. Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-23 (read by William Salisbury) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded April 22, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

According to Luke’s Gospel, the disciples were troubled and doubted when they first saw Jesus risen from the dead. Jesus revealed Himself to them as flesh and bones and not a spirit. Through many proofs, Jesus presented Himself alive from the dead. His resurrection changed the disciples and changes many today. Jesus also gave the greatest mission to tell the world about His resurrection, repentance, and forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not give a mission that could not be accomplished. Furthermore, God gave gifts to Christians for that mission. This message explores the faith, hope, and love that compels obedience to Jesus’s Great Commission. Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:14-15 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded April 8, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Why do you go to church? Better yet, how would you describe the ideal church to attend? How do the people communicate and interact with each other? How would they handle disputes and disagreements? We live in a world where people are moving further away from home and engaging less in the real world. No longer feeling a sense of community at church or within their family, people are looking elsewhere to fill the void. The church was created to be the most influential and powerful sense of the belonging the world will ever know. So when did things start going wrong? We will discuss the leading cause of division within the church (or any relationship), plus three key elements to overcome them. Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 5:1-5 & II Corinthians 2:5-11 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Undre Griggs Recorded April 1, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

As the chief priests and scribes mocked Jesus on the cross calling Jesus to come, many today mock the cross of Christ. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing according to the apostle Paul. What is the cross of Christ to those who being saved? This message presents Christ’s crucifixion as the power of God to salvation. The cross of Christ is God’s demonstration of love. Paul concluded Christ is the wisdom and power of God. Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 3:18-20 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded March 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus challenged hypocrisy and hidden sins. Many people put God off until later. They focus on this life now. They reason that they are good enough not thinking about the faithful are saved. Jesus told the parable a rich farmer whose land produced much. The man tore down his barns and built new ones. He told himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” However, God spoke, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” Jesus revealed that only a few are saved. The answer to salvation is in Christ’s words found in Luke 9:23–26. Scripture Reading: Luke 12:4-5 (read by Christopher Howell) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded March 18, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Christians believe that God instituted marriage for life — one man, one woman, one life, one exception. Jesus declared, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). People are amazed at any couple who remain married for decades. However, marriage is often hard but worth it as God made man and women for each other. Divorce seems too common. The Bible describes the cruelty of divorce for any reason. This message urges all believers to listen to Jesus Christ and bring His love into your marriage. Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:31-32 (read by David Johnson) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded March 11, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus instituted a memorial meal on the night of His betrayal. The New Testament church recognized this as “the breaking of bread.” Many know this memorial as "the Lord’s Supper" or "communion." The breaking of the bread is a communion partaking of Christ’s body and blood, and the meal is an essential act of Christian unity. Paul further warned Christians to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner discerning the body and the blood. For in doing this, Christians proclaim the Lord’s death. This message explores these significant points and more from the Scriptures. Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded March 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Can readers trust every “Bible”? The Holy Spirit guided the inspired writers to write God’s wisdom. If God revealed His Word directly to you, how would you record God’s Word? Every word of the Scripture matters. Jesus promised that His words would judge the world one day. However, some “translations” have changed God’s word for strange reasons. This message directs the believer to identify translations that are true to God’s Word. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:3-5 (read by Will Salisbury) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded February 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Do you need love, attention, acceptance, or security but you feel unlovable? Do you need meaning, purpose, significance, and success but you feel like a failure? God loves you and has a purpose for you. God will transform you when you come to believe and obey Him. This message presents how God’s gracious gifts make disciples of Christ more than conquerors. Nothing in creation can separate the faithful from the love of God. However, selfish sins can separate you from God. Coveting the acceptance of others and protecting your self-importance separates people from God. God has seen you at your worst, yet He loves you. This message presents how God’s grace provides a purpose for your life. Scripture Reading: Romans 8:37-39 (read by David Johnson) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded February 11, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Words are powerful. James described the tongue as a deadly poison. When the Holy Spirit fills hearts, there is no room for insults and profanity. This message presents the faults of the tongue. Christians can change their words to build up and give grace. Jesus revealed, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:35). On the other hand, how should Christians respond to those who insult, abuse, and persecute them with words? Christ taught, “Love your enemies.” Listen and consider how the Scriptures guide believers in the use of their words. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32 (read by Christopher Howell) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded February 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus declared that His words would never pass away. Faith in Jesus as the Christ the reason that many believe in the Bible. The Bible is the source of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection in the Gospels. How does the Bible attest to its reliability? This message considers come critical points about trusting the Bible many centuries after its origin. Believers find that the Bible is perfect in harmony without any contradiction. The Bible is only as infallible as Jesus is sinless and His words are without error. Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:12-17 (read by Christopher Howell) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded January 28, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

After healing a lame man, Peter proclaimed the Gospel revealing that one must listen to Jesus or be destroyed. The Christian faith is exclusive to Christ. Salvation belongs to Jesus. Jesus declared that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to Father except by Him. The Christian faith is not politically correct. There is no other way to “the good place.” Jesus revealed that the way is narrow and hard that leads to life, and the way to destruction is wide and easy. This message encourages the Christian not to compromise the Truth. Scripture Reading: Acts 4:8-12 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded January 21, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Most people follow their hearts. The heart is the center of emotional actions to decisions that people face. The Bible describes the heart as the place of thought and emotion. God warned in the Bible about following the heart. However, Jesus revealed that the pure of heart are blessed. Christians are to have pure hearts. This message will uncover conflicts within the heart and ways to change the heart according to the Scriptures. Scripture Reading: Luke 6:43-45 Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded January 14, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Christ prayed that the church be one — united. The apostle Paul appealed and commanded unity. If God commands Christian unity, then Christians can unite. This is with exclusion of false teachers. The key to Christian unity is love and faith. A core faith is essential and love for one another. This message addresses the specifics of the faith and love necessary for Christian unity. Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-5 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded January 7, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

To complete our series on “The Compelling Christ”, the resurrection of Christ is one of most compelling actions and qualities about Christ. Jesus’s resurrection is the center of Christian theology and the beginning of the Christian’s eternal hope. Saved and blessed are those who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He rose from the dead. Jesus predicted His resurrection, and even His Jewish enemies confirmed this in their accusations and mockery of Jesus. Jesus’s resurrection was a sign for that wicked generation. Through Jesus’s resurrection, the church began. This message will explore Jesus’s declarations of His coming resurrection setting the basis for the Christian faith. Scripture Reading: John 10:14-18 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 31, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

People follow a cause for results. Jesus's leadership produced results. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. A person can see one's leadership by what one washes of others. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and set a model for Christian leadership. If the Christian's Lord and Teacher served, Christians should too. God had given a gift of Jesus's example. This message will help you contemplate His model. Scripture Reading: John 13:1-7 (read by Barry Rutkowski) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 24, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Why do people follow others — admiration, love, fear? Jesus revealed that those who love Him will keep His words. Many people are seeking more — purpose and meaning. Each person hungers and thirsts for more, and only Jesus can satisfy every spiritual desire. Jesus’s words are spirit and life, and there is no spiritual life without His words. This message examines Jesus’s words that compelled so many and yet offended many others. However, Peter confessed, "You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Scripture Reading: John 6:51-58 (read by Ken Adams) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 17, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

The Gospels depict crowds coming to a Jewish carpenter for His compassion. What could a carpenter give that crowds would follow him? The Gospels present Jesus as this carpenter doing wondrous works for those who suffered. For love, the Word is God and came in the flesh to dwell among men. When Jesus saw the people as sheep without a shepherd, He had compassion on them. For this reason, He taught them many things. Jesus expressed His compassion in the Truth that He preached. He did not compromise the truth in order not to offend others. However, many were not offended having seen the compassion of Jesus in His great works. Others mocked Jesus through His suffering and death. Depending on a person’s guilt and sensitivity of conscience, some heard blasphemy and others heard the greatest message the world has ever known. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:29-39 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 10, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

In the Gospels, God’s power worked through Jesus to do miracles while God’s power worked with others in the Bible. Jesus’s miracles were not like the illusion of magicians in the ancient classical world. Jesus’s miracles were selfless. Jesus is the most reasonable explanation for the supernatural power of God on earth. Because God exists, miracles exist. The universe and life are miraculous effects of God. Christ’s miracles especially His resurrection reflected God’s creative power. Jesus revealed that those who hear His voice believe because of His miracles, but those who do not hear His voice do not believe His miracles. This message is a plea to reconsider the extraordinary nature of Jesus’s miracles and the compelling character of those wonders today. Scripture Reading: John 10:24-30 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded December 3, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

When Christians offer the Gospel, they offer change for those who know they are missing something. The centurion Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man who prayed to God and gave generous to those in need. However, he was not saved yet — not without Christ. Cornelius saw an angel who instructed him to call for Simon Peter in Joppa. When Peter arrive, he proclaimed the Gospel in way for which Christians can learn to share their faith. Cornelius and his household believed, and Peter gave them a very specific command to receive the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’s name. This message will present the basic of proclaiming to Gospel to others. Scripture Reading: Acts 10:39-43 (read by David Johnson) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 26, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is the high priest. In the Bible, the old sacrificial system of worship foreshadowed the time of Christ. In the New Testament, the sacrificial worship had become spiritual from the old physical sacrifices. This lesson examines the significance of every Christian in that life of worship according to the Bible. Christians now have a mission offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God. Christians often overlook these sacrifices. This message solely rests upon the Bible as its authority. This lesson encourages believers to become a living sacrifice in one’s reasonable service to God. Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:15-16 (read by Don Kovar) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 19, 2017, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Christians cannot hide their joy in worship. “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (Jas 5:16b). Christians find joy in the midst of trials and struggles. Our faith shines in conflict and persecution. The joy of the Christian hope cannot remain hidden. In culmination of the Scriptures about joy, we look to the natural reaction of thanksgiving and joyous worship. For Christians to have joy, they must experience the faith and hope of the Gospel. This message encourages Christians to increase their joy through a living hope and demonstrate that joy through worship to God. Scripture Reading: John 4:20-24 (read by Gerrit Dekker) Lesson by Scott Shifferd Recorded November 12, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL