Shadyside Church of Christ
350 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsEvangelist Jeff Kent and the Shadyside Church of Christ present a weekly lesson to help and encourage listeners in their daily walk with Christ and spread the Gospel. We are non-denominational and all lessons are taken directly from the scriptures.
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Episodes
The Gospel and the Church
April 14, 2024 20:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBThe church is called by its Lord to do good works. But the church should beware of getting so involved in doing good works of all kinds that it forgets the primary purpose and mission which Jesus has given to it. And that would be to proclaim the gospel to a lost world. Many groups and agencies do good works, but only the church has the gospel to share.
What is Love?
April 08, 2024 01:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBBy and large, people do not understand love as God does. The world sees love as a warm feeling which, in turn, doesn't want to hurt the feelings of others. God says: I love you just the way you are, but I love you too much to let you stay that way. God has our best interests at heart - our eternal interests. Problem is - too many people choose to ignore their eternal interests.
To Believe or Not Believe
April 01, 2024 03:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBLong ago, Job wondered that if a person died would they live again. Resurrection of the dead is difficult to believe in. It just goes against the reality which we know. Even some of those present on the very day of Jesus' resurrection would not believe it happened. Yet, others rejoiced that Jesus was alive again. Eye witnesses reported a risen Jesus. If their witness is true, this changes everything! What about you?
Everyday, Boring Christianity
March 24, 2024 19:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBWe often make the mistake, and it's too often been implied that Christianity is about doing the "big" things, you know - mission trips, seminars, Bible camps, etc. Although these have a place and serve a purpose, we don't see them emphasized in the scriptures. The Spirit spends more instructional ink on the home, family, work and congregation life. What we do in our everyday, boring lives truly matters, both to God and to the people around us.
Dead Man's Faith
March 10, 2024 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBRegarding faith, Abraham is called "the father of us all" by Paul. If we consider the many events in his life, we must marvel that he continued to believe in God despite the opposing and contrary circumstances he faced. What are the key elements of such a faith as Abraham's?
Tale of Two Kings
March 03, 2024 23:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThe word of God can penetrate deep into the heart and soul to reveal our thoughts and intents. A person can respond to the word with belief and humble obedience, or they can disbelieve, resist and turn away from the truth of God. Two kings of Judah illustrate these two responses for us quite well, and give us all "food for thought."
Lifting Up Hands
February 25, 2024 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBWhen Amalek attacked Israel in the wilderness, God told Moses for them to fight back. Up on the hill overlooking the battle, Moses held up the staff of God. When he did so, Israel prevailed over Amalek. But when he dropped his hands, Amalek would have the upper hand. So, Moses got help in holding up the staff, and Israel won the day. What was the deal with the staff, and what spiritual applications do we find in this event for the church today? https://youtu.be/bgeCyr9LSSc
What Really is the Gospel Message?
February 18, 2024 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBA careful look at scriptures which detail the gospel reveals that each one contains some different truths not found in the others. The church has probably been guilty of shrinking the gospel message into a "neat little package" and not presenting its many and rich truths for people to make an informed, faith decision. This could be one reason why the church itself is shrinking in many places.
Trusting in the Lord
February 11, 2024 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBMost Christians would say they trust the Lord, but when things get tough, do we trust Him or look to something else? David had trusted the Lord all his life, but turned his heart elsewhere in a weak moment. It caused a lot of trouble for Israel and cost many lives. What can we learn?
Is My Life Worth Living?
February 04, 2024 22:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBSuicide rates continue to rise in this country as more and more people find life has nothing to offer them any more. Even if suicide is not contemplated, many people in different situations find that life is meaningless and that they are just hanging around waiting to die. What is the answer? Is life worth living? Jesus would answer with a resounding "Yes!" Let's see what the Word has to say.
Ready or Not
January 28, 2024 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBWe have all learned the importance of being ready for significant events - a test, an interview, a wedding, etc. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus teaches us the importance of being ready for the next greatest event on this earth - His return for His bride, the church. The story teaches us that those who are ready will join in the celebration, but those who are not ready will be shut out. Are you ready?
Jesus Was Not For Sale
January 21, 2024 21:00 - 30 minutes - 20 MBWhen Jesus faced off with the devil in the wilderness, a lot was going on. God had never been tempted before, but now the Son of God in a human body was on enemy turf. The devil tried to bribe Jesus and buy Him off in order to divert Him from His mission, but Jesus would have none of it - He was not for sale! We need to follow Jesus' example and not take any of the devil's bribes.
It's a Supernatural World
January 07, 2024 21:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBMuch of the world denies the supernatural. Such folks argue that all that exists is matter and energy. Yet, many people pursue the paranormal and are thrilled with a Harry Potter book or movie. Wonder why that is? The Bible affirms the existence of the supernatural. From God Himself who is spirit, to angels to, in fact, our own spirit and soul, the world is filled with the supernatural.
Wise or Foolish?
December 31, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn another of those "either - or" pairs found in scripture, we are challenged by God to be either wise or foolish in our living. Those who are wise in God's eyes will believe the "foolishness" of the cross and turn to Jesus for salvation and life. Those who are foolish in God's eyes will choose the wisdom of the world which can neither find God nor understand Him. The two will ever be at odds, but each person much choose how they will live. What about you?
To Celebrate or Not?
December 24, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBMore people "stress out" over Christmas than you might think. No, not about buying gifts, baking cookies and getting visits from distant in-laws. They don't know what to do with it! Should they celebrate it as Christ's birth? After all, Christmas is not mentioned in the Bible nor is the celebration of Jesus' birth. Should they celebrate it as a family holiday? Are the pagan roots (there are some) of Christmas such that we should not celebrate at all? As always, God's scriptures of tru...
Joy in Sowing and Reaping
December 17, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBOne of the joys of being a Christian is sowing the seed of God's word and helping it grow in people. It grows at different rates in different folks, and there is usually the need to keep watering and cultivating for the tender plant to truly take root and thrive on its own. This is joyful work in which we follow in the steps of our Lord.
So Great a Salvation
December 10, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 22.4 MBThe author of Hebrews cautions his readers about drifting way from "so great a salvation." What makes this salvation in Christ so great? Has even the church today lost sight of salvation's greatness and substituted some "soft sell" message to get people in the pews?
The Healing Power of the Tongue
November 27, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThe scriptures have a lot to say about what we say! The tongue can do a lot of damage to people, or it can do a lot of good. The Holy Spirit affirms there is great healing power in the tongue - how our words can encourage, uplift and comfort others at different times in life. We all need to learn to do a lot better with what we say and when we say it.
There's a Great Day is Coming!
November 12, 2023 22:00 - 34 minutes - 22.5 MBIt will be a great and marvelous day when Jesus comes back at the end of earth time. Many things will happen then which will make it a great day. What will take place on that day? Jesus said that no man, not even the angels, but only the Father knows when He will return. So Jesus' word to all of us is to "be ready!"
The Flesh and the Spirit
November 05, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.07 MBIn Gethsemane, Jesus warned the disciples that the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. To what was He referring? And how was this spirit v flesh struggle being played out on a life and death scale at that very time? How does all this affect us today?
Hannah, Woman of Faith
October 29, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBHannah is a powerful example for us on how to live by faith. She had several problems in her life - she was childless and had difficulties within her family. Instead of taking matters into her own hands, she entrusted God with her troubles, and He blessed her. She kept her word to the Lord, and He continued to bless her in life.
Another Jesus?
October 22, 2023 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.2 MBPaul warned the church at Corinth of "another Jesus" being preached to them. Is there "another Jesus?" What would such a person stand for? Teach? Would He be our Savior? Would He tell us the truth? Where would He lead us?
Are We Going to Destroy the Earth?
October 15, 2023 20:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn recent years, we have been hearing a lot about how man-made climate change/global warming is going to bring catastrophe to the earth. As with everything, the more you hear something repeated, the more you tend to believe it. Thus the need to filter everything through the lens of scripture. Does the Bible have anything to say about God's superintending what's happening to the earth? Does He have any plans for our planet?
The Good Shepherd
October 08, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.3 MBIsrael had been a nation of shepherds from their beginning. Jesus teaches that He is the good Shepherd protecting His sheep from thieves and predators. He will even lay down His life for the sheep. Jesus also teaches that His sheep will only listen to His voice? We all need to ask - Is that true of me?
Get Wisdom and Understanding!
October 01, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBGod has not left humanity which He created without good direction in navigating the paths of life. Problem is that too many people don't bother to look into God's book of wisdom but choose to go elsewhere for their directions. Because of this, so many end up with very troubled and even wasted lives. What are some of God's words of wisdom for living a good life?
Nothing Ordinary Here
September 24, 2023 04:00 - 32 minutes - 21.7 MBSome like to divide life into secular and sacred activities. Working your job is secular. Going to church is sacred. But is this legitimate? When Jesus worked as a carpenter, was that considered just ordinary, day to day life? What does the Bible teach? You may be surprised.
Scriptures for Learning & Teaching
September 17, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 22.6 MBIn his letter, James warns of a stricter judgment for those who teach the word. However, the Bible speaks of the need for teachers of various kinds in the church, in the home, etc. So what's the answer? Scripture gives us instruction about what and how to teach so as to guide those who would teach. Here, Jeff shares six scriptures which have helped guide his teaching.
I Will Dwell
September 10, 2023 21:00 - 32 minutes - 21.9 MBFrom time to time, we step back and ponder why God created humankind in the first place. Although there are certainly many potential answers to this question (which all would have some merit), one theme flows like a stream through the scriptures - God wants to dwell with the people whom He created! This seems so far out there that it's hard to believe.
When You Pray
September 03, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 35.6 MBJesus spent a lot of time in prayer with His heavenly Father. So much so, that His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Jesus' model prayer (the Lord's prayer) doesn't so much tell us what words to say, but does teach us those things for which we need to pray and thereby the great need for us to be a praying people.
Born Again
August 27, 2023 20:00 - 32 minutes - 21.8 MBJesus affirmed to Nicodemus that a person could not see the kingdom of God unless they were "born again." Must be important. What does that mean, and how does it happen? And after being born again, is anything different in a person's life?
Samson Made It
August 07, 2023 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBSamson is a very puzzling individual. He was chosen by God from birth to be devoted to Him as a Nazirite and to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. But Samson had a weakness which he allowed to be used against him, and it was nearly his undoing. We can learn several powerful lessons from Samson.
Being a Neighbor
July 30, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20 MBMany people have weighed in on the meaning of this scripture. So did Jesus. In His parable of the "good Samaritan," Jesus beautifully shows the true meaning of this commandment. What does it really mean?
Resurrection People
July 23, 2023 04:00 - 38 minutes - 25.4 MBThey believe that Jesus their Lord was resurrected from the dead. Because of that belief, they are baptized (immersed) into Him and raised from that water to a new life in which sin and Satan can make no claim on them. They anticipate that after their death they will be raised to a new life in a new immortal body to enjoy life in the kingdom of Christ. They believe that death is not the end but the doorway to a new beginning - a whole new life!
The Vine and the Vinedresser
July 10, 2023 03:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBJesus used the illustration of the vine, the vinedresser and the branches to teach about the spiritual growing process and fruit bearing in His disciples. As we have seen so often in scripture, spiritual life parallels the physical world. There are several not only important but life and death lessons here that we need to learn here.
Jesus' 4G Network
July 02, 2023 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBJesus used the illustration of the vine, the vinedresser and the branches to teach about the spiritual growing process and fruit bearing in His disciples. As we have seen so often in scripture, spiritual life parallels the physical world. There are several not only important but life and death lessons here that we need to learn here.
It's Scary in the Dark...
June 25, 2023 22:00 - 36 minutes - 24.6 MBMost of us don't like it in the dark because too much bad stuff happens there. Too many people don't realize there is a spiritual darkness where a lot of bad stuff happens as well. Saul found this out when he was persecuting the church and Jesus appeared to him in a great light and shined the light of truth into his heart. Saul came out of the darkness then, and his life was forever changed for the good.
Reverencing God
June 11, 2023 21:00 - 38 minutes - 25.8 MBWe all love to hear about the grace, mercy and love of God. And rightly so. But there is another side to the "God coin." God is holy and righteous. He must be reverenced, and His word honored by learning it and keeping it as closely as we can. He is our Creator, the Most High, and as He Himself says in Malachi, "a great King." Israel and Achan learned a hard lesson about reverencing God.
The Purpose of Knowledge
May 28, 2023 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBThe scriptures encourage us to gain knowledge and understanding. But Paul warns that knowledge in and of itself can make a person arrogant. Gaining Bible knowledge has several purposes, but, in the end, it all is to lead us to one particular place.
The Many Facets of the Gospel
May 21, 2023 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThe gospel of God is most certainly about the salvation of mankind, and this is on what we usually focus. However, it is also good news about several other things as well. These many facets of the gospel all come together to provide a more complete message of the good news which God wants all people to know. We need to know and proclaim the entire gospel of God.
The Closer I Get to God
May 15, 2023 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBThe Bible records several individuals who had close encounters with God. Some lasted for extended periods while others were quite brief. The response in these various encounters ranged from fear and amazement to an adoring love and a desire to know more. The Lord still calls His people today to walk with Him, to love Him and to "know" Him. As you get closer to God in your walk with Him, what is your response to this awesome and mysterious God?
Jesus, Baptism, and You
May 07, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBBaptism remains a point of controversy in Christian circles. However, overlooked in the whole discussion is the connection between Jesus' baptism by John and believer's baptism as ordained through Peter on Pentecost. And this connection is marvelously beautiful as we see with everything to which God puts His hand.
Leaving the 99
April 30, 2023 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBJesus tells the parable of the shepherd who left the 99 sheep in search of the one which had wandered off. We wonder about this since this potentially exposes the 99 to danger or having them wander off as well. Why would the shepherd do this? What does this tell us about how much God loves and values each individual human being?
Blessed Are...
April 24, 2023 01:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBIn His sermon on the mount, Jesus described people who would be part of His kingdom. He noted some of the challenges they would face. But He also said that they would be truly blessed in this life, and even more in the life to come. Are you a kingdom person?
Why is Your World the Way it Is?
April 17, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBCrime and immoral behavior of all kinds seem to be spiraling out of control. What is going on? What has changed? The apostle Paul describes a world which has rejected God, and has been left by God to its own devices. The description given in scripture certainly describes what we see happening now. It all seems to fit.
At the Cross of Christ
April 10, 2023 02:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBThe cross of Christ is very often misunderstood. Paul wrote that Jews found it a stumbling block, and Gentiles thought it foolishness. But he affirmed that the cross was the power and wisdom of God? What actually happened at the cross of Jesus?
Consumer Church?
April 03, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBOur consumer mentality often carries over into how people search for a church. They look for programs, ministries and niceties which appeal to them. In turn, many churches focus on offering things which will attract people. Certainly, a church is to offer something to the world, but what exactly is a church to offer?
A New Creature
March 27, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBThose who die with Christ in baptism and are raised with Him become a "new creature." Old things have passed away, and the new has come. What are those old things? What are the new? How extensive is this transformation to be? Every devoted Christian needs to know the answers to these questions and to make a personal assessment.
An Atheist's Beliefs
March 19, 2023 04:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBContrary to what many people think, an atheist has beliefs. These beliefs have certain sure outcomes and consequences, and they also preclude other beliefs from being true for them since they are mutually exclusive. Here's a brief look at some beliefs of atheists with some contrast with what is taught in God's word.
Avoiding Temptation
March 12, 2023 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBTemptations are the devil's attacks in this war between good and evil. He is "calling us out!" Too many Christians don't take these attacks very seriously and give in too easily. Scripture provides plenty of instruction on how to overcome in these times of testing. We should fight hard to resist the devil and bring honor to our Master.
An Unknown God
March 05, 2023 22:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBWhen Paul was in Athens, he was provoked by its idolatry and a shrine to "An Unknown God." He began teaching about Jesus and the resurrection and eventually had opportunity to declare this Unknown God to them - the living and true God. This situation is so similar to today's world in which people are worshiping many "unknown" gods, but need to hear of their Creator and His Son the Lord Jesus.