Shadyside Church of Christ
351 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 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
Dishonoring God
September 30, 2019 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB"Dishonoring God" - When one thinks about the cross, suffering comes to mind. But humiliation and shame were also part of being crucified. Hebrews (12:2) tells us that Jesus despised the shame of the cross so as to complete His work. But Jesus was dishonored and shamefully treated even before His actual crucifixion. We would do well to consider how He was dishonored so as to avoid doing the same thing to Him even now.
What About Global Warming?
September 23, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBGlobal warming has been in the news a lot lately. Proponents warn that in 10, 12, 20 years that the earth will be uninhabitable. Could this be true? This is not an examination of the arguments on both sides of this issue, but a common sense inquiry from a biblical perspective. What of God's promise to Noah? What about the promised Day of Judgment? Would God just sit idly by in the heavens and watch mankind destroy itself? What do you say?
Facing The Ugly
September 16, 2019 13:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB"Facing the Ugly" - The world is filled with ugly - sin, evil, wickedness, etc. Sometimes we find it in ourselves! How do we handle ugly? How do you handle ugly? Some people are so disgusted with it they just ignore it and don't want anything to do with it. But if we want to overcome it, we have to face it no matter how awful it is. We need to fight against it in ourselves and try to rescue others from it as well. If we don't face the ugly, we'll never overcome it.
On Judging Others
September 10, 2019 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBThe scriptures caution us about judging others. A person's assessment of another must be honest, thorough, and with their own selves in view. Examine yourself before judging others is the watchword. What is your motive in judging? How does your own life measure up to the Word? The incident in which the woman taken in adultery was brought before Jesus sheds a lot of light on this topic of judging. His handling of this situation is beautiful.
"Not to the Right Hand, or to the Left"
September 05, 2019 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBWhy do you believe what you believe? Why do you not believe certain things? Why do we worship a certain way or insist that a person responds to the gospel in a certain way? We go to the Bible, God's holy scriptures, for direction in these things and so much more. His word affirms that He has given us all we need for life and godliness. It gives us guidelines for proper understanding of the text and warnings about what to do and what not to do with the scriptures. We need to follow the...
The Righteous and the Wicked
August 27, 2019 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBFrom beginning to end, the Bible insists there are basically two groups of people - the righteous and the wicked. We read of the believer and the unbeliever; the just and the unjust; those who obey and those who disobey; the disciple of Jesus and the follower of the devil. What are the characteristics of each group? What causes them to be one or the other? What is the final end for each? Do you know to which group you belong? It really does matter.
There's a Great Day Coming
August 19, 2019 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBThere have been some "great" days in the history of the earth: the fall of Rome; discovery of how bacteria caused disease; man on the moon, et al. From a biblical perspective: creation, the incarnation of God, Jesus' death and resurrection. There is yet to come one day which is arguably greater than any of these other days because it will be the culmination of all that God has been working for from the beginning. It will be the last day of this time world, the day of judgment, the day of...
Same Page as God?
August 12, 2019 19:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBAs Christians who follow in Jesus' footsteps, we are to become like Him in all ways including our thinking and desires. When it came to saving humanity, God went "all out" in sending His Son who gave up privileges and humbled Himself to the death of a cross. This is the great demonstration of the Father's love for humanity. He desires all people to be saved. Are we on the same page as God when it comes to saving souls? Are we going "all out?" Do we love a lost humanity? Is it our pas...
Who is Jesus?
August 05, 2019 12:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBMuch of the world is barely familiar with Jesus. Some don't know of Him at all. Much of the world sees Him as a good man and founder of the Christian religion. Even many Christians fail to see the high standing and central position which Jesus has been given in regard to all the affairs on earth and the powers that be in heaven. He is the focal point of the history of all that has happened and will happen on this planet Earth.
Making a Difference
July 29, 2019 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBMany young people start out in life wanting "to make a difference." This is a commendable aspiration and should be pursued, but usually this involves big dreams like solving the homeless problem or finding a new source of clean energy. Christians are called by the Lord to make a difference every day in the lives of others. As "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world," followers of Jesus help make the lives of others better through kind deeds and show them the joys of a life liv...
Fellowship - Potlucks...But A Whole Lot More
July 23, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBFellowship means to share in, to participate. But this means much more than just getting together to talk and share a meal, although this is an aspect of fellowship. This sharing together begins with faith in the same Lord Jesus Christ which makes us part of the body of Christ, the family of God. This fellowship then extends to caring for our brothers and sisters in need, in working together to spread the gospel and in our sharing the Lord in His supper. Being a Christian is a shared ex...
The Holy Spirit at Work
July 09, 2019 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBThe Holy Spirit, His work, and how He goes about it are often misunderstood. There is frequently too much speculation and too little application of the scriptures. If we do some good study of relevant Bible passages, we can come to a good understanding of what the Holy Spirit does and how He goes about His task. Christians need to know that He still works today to accomplish His work just as He did in the first century, and that we are directly involved in His work. The Holy Spirit is qu...
Put a Smile on Your Heart
July 01, 2019 13:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBWith all of the "bad news" in the world and personal problems we experience, it really is easy to get "down" and walk around in doom and gloom with a grim look on our faces. But we Christians need to counteract all of the bad by putting a smile on our hearts. In Christ our Savior, we have complete forgiveness of sin; are without condemnation; have been given the power to overcome the attacks of the evil one; are adopted sons of God; have a future of promised immortality secured by Jesus .....
Never Strong
June 24, 2019 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBOne of the recurring themes in the Bible is that people need help from God to do His will. Sarah received strength from God in her old age to conceive Isaac. Moses was given the power by God to perform miracles and stand before Pharaoh to lead Israel out of Egypt. There are numerous others. Paul was forced to rely upon God when he was given his "thorn in the flesh." When the Lord told him He would not remove this impediment, Paul learned to rely upon God's grace and the power of Christ in hi...
No Other Name
June 17, 2019 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBGod gave Jesus the name which is above every name because of His willingness to empty Himself, become a man and go to the cross. As such, the name Jesus (which stands for Him) has great power and brings great blessing. Only in the name of Jesus is there salvation, and believers are to be baptized in His name. Christians serve and teach in His name, and suffering in His name is considered an honor. The name JESUS is truly the name above every name. No wonder the world doesn't want to hear it!
Devotion, It's a Beautiful Thing
June 10, 2019 11:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBChoosing to follow Jesus means some things in our lives must go. It means things could get dicey at times, and our own devotion to Him will be tested. But we each will need to choose to be devoted to the Lord, no matter what. We might be devoted to church, to Bible reading, to good works, etc., but if we're not devoted first of all to Jesus, everything will turn into ritual and empty obedience. Peter is a case in point.
Buy Truth, and Do Not Sell (part 2)
June 03, 2019 12:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBTruth is that which conforms to reality, be it material, abstract or of the spirit. We want to explore two important questions in this lesson. 1) What is it that makes truth so valuable? In other words, what is that truth can provide or do which nothing else can? 2) What, then, should be our response to truth when we encounter it? The right response to truth will honor God who is the originator of all truth.
Buy Truth, and Do Not Sell
May 30, 2019 13:00 - 40 minutes - 18.4 MBWhen Jesus brought up the subject of "truth" before Pilate, the governor responded with this famous question: What is truth? That question has been around since the very beginning, and it continues to be a debated question today. Just what is "truth?" Is there such a thing as objective truth? If so, what are its origins? (Perhaps you never thought that truth had a source.) How has truth been revealed to us? What happens when people ignore the truth and follow falsehoods? We want to...
I Lay Down My Life
May 21, 2019 13:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBJesus asserted that no one was taking His life from Him, but that He would lay it down for the sheep, and that He would take it up again. Paul affirmed that Jesus gave Himself up for us. Although this is all language which fits with the language of sacrifice, events surrounding the crucifixion indicate that Jesus willingly yielded up His Spirit. No one took His life. And He endured all of this freely and willingly so that you and I could have life eternal. Amazing love!
The True Vine
May 13, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.7 MBThe vine imagery is used several places in the Old Testament to refer to Israel, a vine which God planted but produced only worthless grapes. Jesus says He is the "true vine", having been planted by His Father the vinedresser. He affirms that the branches which are in Him will be cleaned and pruned to bear much fruit. Those branches which do not remain in Him cannot bear fruit and will be cut off and burned. The disciples who remain in Jesus, the Vine, will experience the intimate love o...
Your Personal Invitation
May 10, 2019 01:00 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MBAll of us have sent out invitations and received invitations to special events: weddings, graduations, anniversary celebrations, etc. It's most interesting that God, also, invites people to come to Him for life and all its goodness. He does not coerce nor threaten but gives us freedom to choose. He does encourage us to come and receive all of the blessings He wants to give. He does warn of the consequences of refusing His invitation. But He leaves the choice up to us. His invitation ha...
You Are My Friends
April 29, 2019 12:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBFriends are a great blessing, and a good friend is hard to find. Jesus told His disciples that He would no longer call them slaves but friends. As such, He was elevating the status of their relationship, and also informing them of the expectations He had for them. He was doing all of this because of His love for them. All of these are marks of true friendship which we today still need to observe in order to have friends and to be a true friend. In fact, it is possible for us today to be...
Resurrection
April 22, 2019 13:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBWhen Jesus' tomb was sealed, the disciples thought it was all over. They went into hiding. But God had other plans which had been in the works since the beginning. He raised His Son from the dead. A Man had come back from the grave! The disciples couldn't believe it at first. What did it mean? Who was this Jesus of Nazareth? What does the resurrection of Jesus affirm? What does it mean for all of us yet today?
Scarecrows
April 17, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBGod and His people have always had enemies. In the days of Jeremiah, many nations threatened Judah. God, however, told His people to look at the gods behind these nations. Statues made of wood, decorated with gold was all they were. They were like "a scarecrow in a cucumber patch" unable to walk or talk. "Do not fear them." Today, Christians have enemies lurking in every corner. But still we must look behind these enemies at their power - false gods of greed, power, lust, position. D...
Two Ways, Two Destinations
April 07, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBWhen you buy a plane ticket to Paris, you expect the aircraft to take you to Paris. The same logic holds true for our spiritual journey in life. The way you choose to travel has only one destination. Jesus says there are only two ways to travel in life and thus there are only two destinations. Do you know what they are? Do you know which one you are traveling on?
Love One Another
April 01, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBWhen Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them to love one another as He had loved them. He said that by this kind of love all men would know they were His disciples. But what does that kind of love look like? Surely, it's more than just some kind of warm feeling because Jesus said that "all men" would be able to see this love in action and recognize that they were Jesus' disciples. Wouldn't it be the same love demonstrated by Jesus in His life? Hmmm?
All or Nothing
March 25, 2019 04:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBIn order to carry the gospel into the whole world and overcome evil's resistance to it, Jesus knew what the apostles would need. First of all, they needed reassurances that He really was the Christ, the Son of God and that they would have divine help in their task. Also, they needed to know how to bring a lost person into a saved condition, fully functioning in the kingdom of God. And Jesus gave them what they needed. It was all or nothing.
The Power of the Gospel
March 18, 2019 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBEvery Christian has someone in their family or in their circle of friends whom they want to see obey the gospel and receive salvation. They may have "tried everything," but the response has been minimal if anything at all. We must all remember that the power to save and change hearts rests with God Himself and the gospel of Christ Jesus and not with us. God works in us, through us and with us, but the power belongs to the Lord Jesus. So, we should never give up!
My Brother's Keeper
March 11, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBThere are numerous "firsts" in the book of Genesis, from the creation of all things to the beginning of the Hebrew people. The account of Cain's killing of his brother Abel yields several such firsts. Usually it is pointed out that this was the first murder (which is true), but there are two much more important other firsts in this story. The foundation for these two is laid here, but they are more thoroughly developed in later scriptures.
Sacrificing God's Children
March 04, 2019 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBIn Israel and Judah's day, some neighboring nations sacrificed their children to their gods. Despite God's commands and warnings, Israel and Judah were influenced by these surrounding nations and ended up doing the same thing. Through the recent actions of numerous elected officials in the United States today, it's become apparent that people are now willing to sacrifice children to a wide variety of "gods" to serve their own purposes. When the true God is a God of life who loves the chi...
The Temple of God
February 25, 2019 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBIsrael served God in a tabernacle in the wilderness, and later Solomon built a temple modeled after it. In the tabernacle were various furnishings: an incense altar, lampstand, table with showbread. Also the ark of the covenant was in the Holy of Holies. Outside was the altar for sacrifices. The priests ministered there daily. Paul asserts that the church is "the temple of the living God" today. The service and ministries of the church are quite striking in correspondence to those of the ta...
God of Gentiles Also
February 18, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 18.4 MBPaul affirms in Romans (chapter 3) that God is God of Gentiles also. Why does he need to do this? Did God abandon the Gentiles when He called Abram and promised to make a great nation out of him? Were the nations considered second-rate people because God chose to bring the Messiah into the world through Israel? In the New Testament, we see that the Jews had rules which restricted interaction with Gentile people. Did God authorize this? What does the Bible say about God and the Gentiles?
My Beloved is Mine
February 10, 2019 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBUsually when we study about love, it's about the self-sacrificing Greek "agape." But the Song of Solomon tells of a romantic love which has also been given to mankind. It is depicted as being exclusive, gracious and "as strong as death." Together with the covenant love of marriage these two form an indestructible bond of devotion, joy and mutual benefit between husband and wife.
God's Gift of Pleasure
February 04, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MBAt times, we can get to thinking that life is all about being serious. In fact, the Bible instructs us to approach life soberly and with wisdom. But the Scriptures also teach us that God is big on pleasure! He Himself takes pleasure in His people and has built pleasure and opportunities for happiness into His creation. Leviathan was made to "frolic" in the sea. The bride and groom find joy in their new lives together. A woman throws a party when she recovers her lost coin. Solomon wrote tha...
The First Adam and the Last
January 31, 2019 05:00 - 34 minutes - 16.1 MBJesus is called the "last Adam" by Paul. What exactly does he mean by that? There are marvelous comparisons between Christ Jesus, the "last Adam," and the first Adam who was created by God. God even provided "brides" for both Adams, and the comparison between them is also quite striking. The first Adam and his bride were a foreshadowing of the last Adam and His bride. God had a plan.
Not Ashamed
January 14, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBBullies try to shame people by making fun of something about them. The world tries to shame Christians these days about their faith. People who believe in God, who believe in the truthfulness of the Bible, who believe in creation, who believe that Jesus is God in the flesh, who believe in a coming judgment day, etc. are derided and looked down upon by the world. Jesus challenges His followers to be ready for such things, lose their lives in His service and not to be ashamed of Him or His...
Martha, Martha
January 06, 2019 17:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBWhen Jesus came to their house, Martha was very busy with being a good hostess and taking care of her guests, while Mary was busy sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His word. Both are righteous and godly pursuits, but under the circumstances one lady chose well and one poorly. What can we learn from this situation?
A Living Hope
January 01, 2019 16:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBAt our recent holiday gatherings, most of us probably noticed a place that was empty or a face that was missing. It was a reminder of the brevity of life. And if this life is all there is, then truly we should just indulge our passions and die. But God has something better for us - much better. He offers us a new life, another life, a glorious life. It's called eternal life. Life after death. He gives us a living hope based upon the resurrection of His Son Christ Jesus from the dead. ...
Immanuel
December 26, 2018 18:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MBImmanuel means "God with us." Why did God have to become a human being? Well, both Jews (who had the Law) and Gentiles (who did not) had sinned and thus were guilty before God. Sin brings death so this situation left the entire human race in a hopeless mess. But God's plan for mankind's salvation (which was His eternal purpose and plan from the very beginning) was for Him in the person of Immanuel to overcome death by living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice fo...
Anything is Possible
December 17, 2018 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.8 MBWith God, anything is possible is a theme repeated in scripture. But sometimes we begin to think that God cannot forgive my sin, my terrible sins, my repeated sins, my selfish sins. And sometimes we who have loved ones who need to obey the gospel or return to their first love begin to think that will never happen. We must jettison such wicked thinking and be assured that Christ's blood can make the vilest sinner whole, and that He can soften the most hardened heart. Saul, the Pharisee, i...
Jesus and Lazarus
December 10, 2018 15:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBWe all experience losses and struggles of all kinds. And we all have questions about why God did not answer our prayers to avoid those losses and alleviate our heartaches. But we must remember that our lives fit into a greater narrative which is being worked out upon the earth and that God is the author and director of it. The account of Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11 gives us great insights into the answers to many of these questions we have and serves to renew our faith...
No Greater Calling
November 26, 2018 20:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBMany of us wonder about our purpose in life, our calling. What does God want me to be knowing the skills, abilities and resources which He has given me? Certainly one should carefully consider such things. But know this that no matter how we put food on the table there is no greater calling than to be a Christian and serve with the Lord Jesus in His fight against all that's evil! There is no greater Master than Him and no greater cause than rescuing men and women from the slimy grasp of ...
Nobody's Perfect
November 19, 2018 16:00 - 35 minutes - 16.1 MBScripture plainly declares there are none righteous before God. Bible history even shows great men of faith - Abraham, Moses, David - to have great weaknesses and having committed grave sins. We dare not begin to think we are righteous in ourselves, but must confess our sins and sinfulness and our need for Someone else's righteousness. Nothing will drive people away from a church faster than when they get a sense that they are being looked down upon by self-righteous church-goers.
Understanding Jesus' Baptism
November 12, 2018 14:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBJohn the Baptist administered "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Multitudes responded to his message and came and were baptized in the Jordan River confessing their sins. But why is Jesus baptized by John? In fact, He rather insisted upon it. Jesus has no sins and therefore none to confess nor anything of which to repent! So, what is happening here? Hmmm?
True Friendship
November 05, 2018 05:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBWe have "friends" all over social media, but are they true friends? If we were down and out, would they come and help us? If our car broke down, would they give us rides? If we were deathly ill, would they visit and help care for us? The Bible says a great deal about friendship which it affirms is based upon love. David & Jonathan's friendship is an example of true friendship, one which we in this day and age find hard to imagine because of the complete devotion the two had for one ano...
1 + 1 = 1
October 29, 2018 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBWhen creating marriage, God said that the two shall become one flesh. Both husband and wife have responsibilities which reflect those of Christ (husband) toward the church, and the church (wife) toward Christ. The model is perfect, but the two people coming together in the same space at the same time are both sinners and have many differences. This situation creates one of the greatest tests for the man and the woman as they work together to become "one flesh."
Everyone is Welcome
October 22, 2018 04:00 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MBWhen Levi gave his reception for Jesus after accepting His call, his house was packed with every sort of person from tax collectors and known sinners to scribes. Jesus defended Levi's guest list by saying that it was the sick who needed made well. It was sinners who needed healed. Repentance was needed for the healing, but everyone was welcome, no matter who they were or what might have been their past. So it should be in the church today. Everyone is welcome!
Are The Jews Still God's Chosen People?
October 15, 2018 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBThis question has been debated for years and is still debated today. One's answer to this question will even affect how a person interprets some of scripture. Paul in his writings gives us insight as to how to answer this question, but we must go back to God's dealings with Abraham to get a good foundation for our understanding. By the way, what is your answer to this question at the moment?
The Purpose of Teaching
October 08, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBThere is a bottom line purpose for preaching and teaching the word of God. The goal of teaching is often seen as converting people to Christ Jesus, but this is only the beginning point. To stop here is to fall far short of the end purpose which the Holy Spirit has set for teaching the word. Experience is telling us that too many churches are failing to pursue this ultimate purpose for teaching the word, and this is no doubt one of the main reason why churches are failing and many congrega...
Are You Open or Closed?
October 01, 2018 04:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBThe devil is working hard in the world today to close off people from God and from each other. God is being pushed out of the public square, and people are isolating themselves in their political and religious enclaves, holed up behind their tablet and cell phone screens. Dialogue is minimal and the art of communication has been replaced with the science of verbal warfare. The word of God plainly spells out that if people are to have the love based relationships we need so desperately that...