Shadyside Church of Christ
351 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 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
Be a "Jonathan"
January 04, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB2020 was a year many want to forget or throw away. In truth, many of us were tested. A good thing or a bad thing? Are we still finding joy in our lives in such difficult circumstances. Jonathan, the king's son. His life was engulfed in adversity. Yet, he always looked for the good in every situation and was always quick to praise the Lord for every Blessing.
Melchizedek, Priest of God Most High
December 28, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBMelchizedek appears as a lesser figure in scripture, but as one digs deeper, he takes on real significance. Abraham interacted with him in what might seem an odd way, but what happened actually shows Melchizedek as prefiguring Christ. In fact, God made Jesus a priest after the order of Melchizedek. We can get much hope from this rather puzzling person.
Prince of Peace
December 21, 2020 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIt was prophesied He would be called the Prince of Peace, and angels proclaimed peace on earth when Jesus was born. But peace seems to be far out of reach for this world. Nations still go to war. People still hate and kill one another. Families break apart. Individuals worry and fret and seek solace in drugs and booze. Just how is it that Jesus brings peace?
Some Things Jesus Never Said
December 14, 2020 03:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBJesus assures us that His words are spirit and life. Sometimes the "flesh" gets in the way, and the world pressures us so we do not recall exactly what Jesus said. Maybe we never knew in the first place! Maybe we just want to ignore a particularly "hard" saying. This is dangerous. We need to consult the scriptures to know what Jesus said, and to know what Jesus never said. (Due to technical difficulties, the last 6 minutes of this lesson was not recorded...the end of the lesson can be heard ...
This is the Way
December 08, 2020 01:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBBeginning in the Old Testament, God indicates there are but two ways to live. One way leads to death, and one to life. Jesus affirmed this in His sermon on the mount. In fact, in the book of Acts we find in six places that the church was actually called "the Way." We're not sure of the origin of this designation, but it could be that they knew for certain that they had found the Way of life and the Way to life - and His name was Jesus. It's quite evident from the New Testament, that He was a...
Unless You Repent...
November 30, 2020 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBWhat with the emphasis on faith and baptism, repentance is often overlooked in teaching about salvation, but it is every bit as needful. The call to repent is the call to turn back to God. Jesus' teaching included exhortations to repent. The apostles echoed His words. Without repentance, a person will perish. It is a beautiful thing!
Opposing the Will of God
November 09, 2020 03:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBWith the help of the devil, mankind has opposed the word of God from the beginning. This is the same as opposing God Himself because you cannot separate God from His Word. On Paul's first missionary journey, a man was called out for opposing the word of God. It didn't go well for him. What do we need to learn from this incident so we are not found to be opposing the Word of God?
The Witness of John
November 02, 2020 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBWitnesses are important for establishing first hand accounts of what they have seen and heard. John wrote that he saw blood and water come from Jesus' side when the soldier pierced Him while on the cross. Later in his first letter, he wrote of blood and water giving testimony about Jesus along with the Spirit of God. What is John talking about? Why did he think these witnesses were necessary?
Can Faith and Doubt Exist Together?
October 26, 2020 12:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBAre faith and doubt mutually exclusive? Does having doubts at times mean our faith is suspect? Many Christians have "beaten themselves up" when their prayers failed to produce a desired result, and they blame themselves for having doubts and a weak faith. What do we find in the Bible? Do we find examples of faith and doubt together in the same individuals? The results may surprise you.
A Fire, A Hammer, and a Whole Lot More
October 19, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBThe world is in chaos, and people are at each other's throats because of all the lies which people believe. Now, more than ever, the world needs the truth of God's word. The church must start believing again that the Bible is the true Word of God, and start living by it and teaching it and talking it to others. The Lord affirms that His word is a fire and a hammer to break down barriers and to move people to do right. Only the pure, unadulterated word of God has the power to do this.
Pray Big, Pray Small
October 12, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBThe Bible is filled with teachings about prayer and exhortations to pray. Prayer is a special privilege for the believer in which he or she, among other things, can request the direct intervention of God in the affairs of men. Christians are urged to pray for all people, from the least to the greatest. Our prayers can make a difference in world affairs and in the eternal salvation of men and women. So, pray big and pray small, and see what God will do.
Dying to Live
October 05, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBChristianity is full of apparent contradictions. One of these is that in order to live you must die. What does that mean? In fact, Paul wrote that he had been crucified with Christ. Really? When Paul wrote that he was still alive in his body. How can that be? Of course, we recall that Jesus died on the cross but was then resurrected to life. Is there a connection, and if so, how?
In the Beginning, God...
September 27, 2020 23:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe beginning of any organization or undertaking establishes its goals and purposes. So it was when God set out in the beginning to create the earth, its universe and all that was on the planet. He was purposeful and intentional in creation. And beyond this, what God did was and is a direct reflection of His power, wisdom and character - His love, orderliness, joy, beauty. What a marvelous creation God has given to us!
Glory of the Ordinary
September 21, 2020 12:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBSometimes we hear people talk about the sacred and the secular, the religious and the ordinary. Such terms may be useful in some settings, but what does the word of God teach? When Jesus was making tables and axe handles, did He consider it just ordinary work? When Christians are admonished that whatever they do or say is to be done in the name of the Lord, would that leave room for anything to be considered as "ordinary"? We should all be encouraged to know that whether a Christian is prepa...
Strange, Alien Beings
September 14, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBLesson Description: Do you believe in aliens? The Bible affirms that there are such creatures. In fact, they are crawling all over the place! And they do some very strange things. Jesus affirms that Christians are not of this world. Paul says that the Christian's citizenship is in heaven. Christians love Someone they have never seen, they love their enemies, and they expect to live even after they die. There is more! Strange, alien beings these Christians. Someday, they will really be "out ...
I AM a Child of God
September 07, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBLesson Description: The Holy Spirit through the Word exhorts us to grow and mature in Christ, yet He reminds us that we are also children of God. While on the earth, even Jesus called God His Father. The fatherhood of God precedes human fatherhood as He created us in His image and brought us into existence. How does our heavenly Father care for His children? Are you a child of God?
Do You Believe in Prayer?
August 31, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBThe early church spent a lot of time in prayer, and this appears to be one reason for their success in spreading the gospel. Do we believe in prayer? Really and truly? How much time a day do we spend in fervent, serious prayer? Do we expect God to act in response? The prayers of the church helped rescue Peter from prison, but even they were surprised when he appeared at the gate of the house. What is it that causes us not to expect God to answer our prayers in a powerful way?
Two Imperfect Sons
August 23, 2020 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBLesson Description: Scripture plainly teaches that all people have sinned. No one is perfect. Sin is displayed in a variety of ways in different people - from the most heinous acts of violence to subtle deceptions and everything in between. Jesus tells a parable about two sons to illustrate this and to show our heavenly Father's response to a repentant sinner. When the dead come to life again, and the lost are found, heaven celebrates!
Three Resurrections
August 17, 2020 02:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBLong ago in the midst of his sufferings, Job asked if a person died would he live again. From of old this has always been a question which mankind has asked. Is there to be a resurrection of the dead? What do you believe? The Bible teaches that Jesus was resurrected from the dead and that there will be a resurrection of all people at the end of time? Is there any connection between the two? If so, what might it be?
What is Your Nickname
August 10, 2020 01:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBPeople get nicknames for various reasons. Where they are from. Some physical characteristic. Something they did or do. Perhaps you have a nickname? Joseph from Cyprus was given a "nickname" by the apostles - Barnabas. It means son of encouragement or exhortation. As we follow Barnabas in the book of Acts (chapters 11 through 15), we'll see why he received this name. He teaches us a lot about being a Christian.
Love is Not for Sale
August 02, 2020 23:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBMost of us are always on the lookout for sales: BOGO, clearance, end of season, etc. But you must always be careful about cheap imitations and damaged products. Similarly, with real love - it's never on sale. The price is too high. Love comes at great cost. Our God has shown us the great cost of love in sending His Son to die for us. Nothing cheap about that. So real love in our lives is not cheap either. We examine three things which help make up the great price at loving another person.
"Nothing"
July 26, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MBWe usually don't have a whole lot to say about "nothing." (Some of us can talk a streak about anything!) Nevertheless, our God has a great deal to say about nothing, and what He says is important, even crucial, to our understanding of life and our spiritual journey. Only God can truly make something out of nothing.
Is satan Laughing?
July 19, 2020 19:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBSpeaking in place of the vacationing Jeff Kent, is one of our Church Elders, Mike Bassaro. His lesson is titled, "Is satan laughing?" Enjoy.
The Alpha and the Omega
July 12, 2020 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBWhen the infant church was about to undergo severe persecution, the glorified Lord Jesus came to John to encourage him and the church, and to provide a revelation about what was to happen soon. Everything was in the hands of God, the Alpha and the Omega. Today's church needs the same encouragement as we face opposition and distress of all types. Keeping our hearts fixed on our Savior and Lord will empower us to face the future and continue to do the will of God.
Racism, Prejudice & the Like
July 08, 2020 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBRacism continues to rear its ugly head in America, and prejudices of all types exist. What is the origin of such things? How long have they been around? Are we born with such attitudes? What does God say about the hatred of another person simply because of their race, skin color, religion, culture, nation of origin, etc.? What is the answer for such attitudes and actions?
You and Your Bible
June 21, 2020 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBMany lessons have been taught about the Bible. Things like the number of books, authors, etc. Some have suggested it's a rule book and others that it's a "blueprint" for living. But what is the theme of the Holy Scriptures? What is the Bible really about? Since the Bible is the holy, inspired word of God, should we not want to know what is its intended purpose and message? Otherwise, it seems, we stand in danger of losing everything.
Promise Kept
June 19, 2020 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBOUR RETURN TO THE CHURCH BUILDING!!! "Jesus proved Himself to be a Man of His word. He always did what He said He'd do and promised that His words would come to pass. When He told His disciples that He would suffer and die, but rise on the third day, they didn't understand what He meant. But Jesus kept His promise anyway, just as He said. He's a Man of His word."
Fear Not...
March 18, 2020 02:00 - 11 minutes - 7.85 MBHave you caught yourselves asking.. Why is the coronavirus here? Why is it spreading so quickly and far reaching? In an unprecedented time like this, are you turning to God for comfort and the strengthening of your faith? Will simply praying be enough? We need to turn to God’s word, His Holy Scriptures to replenish and solidify our faith that HE WILL SEE US THROUGH THIS CRISIS…
Was Abraham a Real Person?
March 12, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBSome biblical scholars have put forth the idea that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not real people but mythical figures developed from later oral traditions and rewritten back into an earlier time frame. Does it matter whether Abraham was a real person in real time in a real land interacting with real people and receiving promises from a real God? The question just begs for a "yes" answer! It has a profound effect upon the Jewish nation and religion; upon Christianity; and upon the integri...
The Kingdom of God - Inclusive Yet Exclusive
March 03, 2020 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBOver and over, scripture teaches that the kingdom of God is open to all people - that God wants all persons to be saved. It matters not what race, culture, country of origin, education level, economic status, etc. It matters not what sins or how many a person has committed - all are welcome. Yet, the kingdom is also exclusive. There will be no universal salvation of mankind. Those who will not accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord will be excluded from the kingdom. This is because it i...
Wounds On Your Soul
February 24, 2020 07:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBThe wounds of sin on the soul go deep. If untreated, these wounds continue to fester, to cause pain, and to haunt us. They ultimately render us ineffective in our service to the Lord and to others. Jesus encountered a woman who had many, grievous wounds on her soul, and He healed them, every one. Only He can do such a glorious thing! What of your wounds?
"What are you Standing Around for?...Jesus is Coming!"
February 17, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWhen Jesus ascended to the Father, the apostles were standing there gazing into heaven. Two angels appeared to assure them that Jesus would come back and to prompt them to get on with their Master's work. Perhaps we need a couple of angels to show up and remind us that Jesus is coming back, and that we need to get on with the task of proclaiming the gospel and tell the world of a coming judgment day. Our desire should be the same as our heavenly Father's - that none should perish.
"Love Story"
February 11, 2020 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBWe all like a good love story, even us guys if it's got some action in it. God made us to love. God is love, and the two great commandments are about loving God and our neighbor. And love is about relating to others. We all look for certain things in our relationships: to be understood, to be on equal footing, to have needs met, loyalty, et al. In becoming a man, a human being, Jesus exemplified all of these aspects of a loving relationship. And He still does
"Leah, Not Even a Second Choice"
January 30, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBWhen life is "treating us" bad, and we think that nobody cares, what do we do? You may be in such a situation right now! Most of us have been at some time. Scripture gives us the story of Leah who found herself in a very difficult and unenviable spot in her life. She kept trying to make the best of it, but things didn't improve. What did she do? More importantly, what did the Lord God do?
Loving Your Neighbor
January 20, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBJesus affirmed that "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" is the second greatest commandment (Leviticus 19:18). What does that mean? Some people interpret this as "love your neighbor as you love yourself", but no where in scripture is this rendered that way. In fact, some people are so totally self-centered they have a difficult time loving others, while some people loathe themselves, thinking they are of no account. What is the correct understanding of this command? If we look fu...
"Things New and Old" #2
January 17, 2020 00:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBIn lesson one of this two part series, we talked of old things which will not change in 2020. And we're glad they won't! But many things will be new in 2020, and we will need to live each day in anticipation with a keen eye and open mind to fully benefit from them. Each morning, the Lord's mercies will be new; He will be ready to bless and guide us through the day. God will provide new opportunities for service and sharing the gospel, so we must be ready for every good work. With the Lo...
"Things New and Old" #1
January 10, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBEveryone looks forward to new things in a new year - new opportunities, new achievements, new possibilities. But some things won't change in 2020, and we should be thankful that they don't. They are old, well-tested and proven to be reliable. In this first lesson of two, we wish to consider some of these old things which will still anchor us in 2020…here’s Jeff.
"Things New and Old" #1
January 10, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBEveryone looks forward to new things in a new year - new opportunities, new achievements, new possibilities. But some things won't change in 2020, and we should be thankful that they don't. They are old, well-tested and proven to be reliable. In this first lesson of two, we wish to consider some of these old things which will still anchor us in 2020…here’s Jeff.
"Of Shepherds and a Lamb"
December 23, 2019 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBWhy was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Is there a reason He was born among the animals and laid in that manger? Why were the shepherds the first to be told of the birth of the Savior by angels themselves? God's rich salvation tapestry was all woven together on that night long ago - one on which He had been working for generations.
Stand in the Gap
December 16, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn war, soldiers and equipment are often redirected to plug a gap in the line of defense where the enemy is breaking through. Through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord sought for a man to stand in the gap of Jerusalem's broken spiritual wall so He would have reason not to bring destruction upon the entire nation. No one was found worthy! Today, Christians are called by their Lord to stand in the gap in the battle against evil, to support one another in times of trouble and to rescue those who...
Going Home
December 08, 2019 22:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBEverybody likes to go home. Whether it's after a long trip or just a day at the mall, we all look forward to going home. God knows about home - He invented it! Home is where you are accepted, you can be yourself, and you feel secure. Jesus is preparing a heavenly home for His people with all that's good, and where all the troubles of this life are gone. Best of all, He will be there! Do you want to go?
God of Now and Forever
December 03, 2019 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBIn life, we need to maintain the balance of what's important for the now-- while at the same time preparing for eternity. Our God is concerned about both since what we do today-- and how we do it-- affects our eternal future. He is God of the now and the forever, and as such He blesses us with what we need for both endeavors. David was well aware of all this as he so beautifully tells us in Psalm 16…here’s Jeff.
If I Were the Devil
November 30, 2019 22:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB"If I Were the Devil" - The devil is a very real being whom scripture depicts as our adversary and an opponent of God and all that's good. Knowing what we know about people (ourselves included) and what the scripture teaches - if I were the devil, what would I do to destroy people's lives, families and churches, and turn them away from God? What would be the strategy to cause even Christians to lose faith and return to the wicked and self-centered ways of the world?
Before the Beginning
November 18, 2019 03:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBThe Bible records in Genesis the Beginning of this space-time world. But the Scriptures speak in many places of what was here before the Beginning, namely God and all that was associated with Him. And as we consider the characteristics and the character of God, we can plainly see them infused in His creation, especially in mankind who was made in His image. Much was going on before the Beginning
Death in Two Acts
November 11, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBEpisode 127…"Death in Two Acts" - When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, did they die? God had said they surely would, but Adam lived to be 930 years old! What's with that? To understand what happened with Adam (and with all of us), we need to understand that we are two-part beings made of both body and soul. God cursed Adam and said that he would return to the dust from which he came, but what of his soul? If we dig into scripture, we will find the answer to our question, as well a...
Seeing the Beautiful
November 05, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB(Episode 126) Jesus challenged His listeners (us today as well) whether they had a healthy/good eye or a bad eye. By that He meant whether we looked for what is good in people and the world or what is evil. With all of the evil and distressing distractions in the world, it is often difficult to see the good. This is a ploy of the devil to keep us distraught. We must learn to cultivate a good eye and to look for all that is beautiful in the world. And there is plenty of loveliness to be ...
Two Chairs
November 05, 2019 01:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBOur "two chairs" visual represents two worldviews. One is the atheistic naturalist view of reality, and the other is the theistic supernaturalist view. The first excludes God altogether, and the second has God at the center of everything. Each one of us will sit in one of these chairs and view life from one of these perspectives. A person's worldview is the "lens" through which that person sees everything and orders their life. It is their truth. It is also one of the main reasons why ...
"It's The Gospel, Church"
October 22, 2019 18:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBJesus and His apostles ministered to the whole person - people were fed and healed, and they had the good news of the kingdom of heaven preached to them. We seem to do rather well at taking care of the needs of the body, but often we neglect the soul. Some of Jesus' final words demonstrate where our prime focus must be - to proclaim the gospel to all creation. To fill the bellies of thousands and leave their souls empty is a tragedy. It's the gospel that a weary and struggling world need...
Wrestling With God
October 16, 2019 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBLife is filled with struggles of all kinds. We struggle within ourselves with choices and responses to life situations. We struggle with relating to others. We even struggle with trying to understand God, and why He does or does not do certain things. Jacob's life was one struggle after another. His life is a picture of the life of every believer. When he returned to Canaan, he wrestled with the angel - a snapshot of his whole life. He was told: "...you have striven with God and with ...
The Grace of Giving
October 08, 2019 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBOur giving on the first day of the week is often misunderstood. We tend to think our contribution is about material things and the rest of our worship (singing, prayer, Lord's Supper, etc) is about spiritual things. Nothing could be further from the truth! Our giving is a highly spiritual endeavor and is a reflection of our faith and trust in God who supplies our own needs. It is grounded in the grace of God which has been shown toward us in a multitude of ways.