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
Change is Good - Yes? Maybe?
August 21, 2017 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBSome of us don't like change at all. Others are ready to change at the drop of a hat! Sometimes God tells us to stay the course, but at other times He says we need to change, even that we must change. But change can be very difficult. What are the obstacles which we must remove in order to bring about effective change in the Christian walk? What is the prime key which sparks good and effective change to move us toward Christ and His kingdom? When we understand these things, we'll be in a bett...
Show Me Your Glory
August 14, 2017 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.6 MBGlory is a word whose meaning derives from the idea of "weighty importance." Things which have glory have some kind of great importance. Moses asked God to show him His glory. God did in fact do that for Moses on Mt. Sinai, but it may surprise you what God thundered about Himself as He passed by Moses in His glory. Hint: It wasn't about all of His power nor His infinite knowledge.
Building Your Ark
August 07, 2017 04:00 - 41 minutes - 19 MBAs the original Creator and Builder, God has called His people throughout the years also to be builders. Noah, of course, built the ark. Moses, the tabernacle. Solomon, the temple. Others built as well. Jesus began building His church on the day of Pentecost and continues to this day. Each one of us are called to build: our lives, our families and our congregations. Are we seeing the need? Heeding the Lord's call? Following His directions on how to build? Those who build and build well will r...
Role Models
July 23, 2017 04:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBWe all need good role models for life, even those of us who have been around for a while. One couple who is mentioned in just a few places in the New Testament are marvelous examples for Christians today. The resilience, hard work and devotion of Aquila and Priscilla shine through in a handful of verses, and we wonder why more wasn't written of them. But we can learn a lot from what we can see.
These Things, #Eternal Life
July 17, 2017 04:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBMany Christians these days worry about whether they are saved and have eternal life. Some even say you can never know about that for sure. One of the reasons John wrote his first letter was to tell his readers that they can know they have eternal life! Amazing. John includes all we need to know in order to know if we have this life promised by God. But it requires an honest evaluation of one's heart and life. Perhaps this is why too many Christians still don't "know."
These Things, #Deceivers
July 10, 2017 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBAnother reason John wrote his first letter was to warn the church of the deceivers, the false prophets, who were in the world. The concept of what is truth and reality as opposed to what is falsehood and fantasy is at the core of the battle between good and evil. The devil is the master of lies and delusions who began to ply his trade in the Garden. John warns of the deceivers who are spreading their false messages. Today, John's warning is extremely relevant with so many false teachers and s...
These Things, #Not Sin
July 04, 2017 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBJohn wrote his first letter for four reasons. The second reason was that his readers would not sin. With his having asserted that forgiveness in Christ was freely available to them, this might seem a bit strange, but John lays out his case for not sinning. Sin puts a person in the devil's camp and works against the purposes of Christ. Sin harms our brothers and sisters when we fail to attend to their needs. Sin shows a disregard for the commandments of God whom we espouse to serve. Any sin ca...
These Things, #Joy
June 26, 2017 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBIn his first letter, John noted three reasons why he had written "these things." In our day, we could say John "tweeted out!" One reason he wrote was to stir up joy in his Christian readers who were facing all sorts of adversity. He gave them at least five reasons why they should have this deep joy and blessedness which can only come from God. Christians today also need to know "these things", #joy.
Winning the Fight
June 19, 2017 04:00 - 38 minutes - 17.6 MBWhether we realize it or not, we are all in a pitched battle against evil - even God. But God knows how to win, and He has shown His people what is needed to win this fight against evil. In comparing King David and Christ Jesus, we can see the same elements which were present with each of them as they fought against their enemies. These same things are available to us in our fight today.
Effective Prayer
June 12, 2017 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBMany prayers go unanswered. Many of your prayers are still unanswered. Why is that? What makes for effective prayer? Is there a formula for prayer which moves God to answer? Do we need to do something out of the ordinary (like fasting) to get God's attention? The prophet Elijah provides a good example for us about what makes for effective prayer. There's nothing strange about it, but it does require one's full attention and some genuine effort.
Unfathomable Riches
June 06, 2017 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBGod's generosity toward man prompted by His love has always been incredible. From life itself to such things as family, beauty in creation, variety of foods, friendship, etc., God has truly blessed mankind. But Paul writes of unfathomable riches which are found in heavenly places. Do we see the richness of salvation, forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, being adopted as God's sons and much more? Humanity, even Christians, need to learn God's value system so we can appreciate His ...
Are You Rich?
May 28, 2017 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14 MBThe Bible has much to say about the use of wealth and the dangers of trusting in it. Money and the ability to make money are gifts from God, and we are to use our money for good and not just to lavish on ourselves. It is easy to begin to trust in money since it has so much "power" to get things. But the word of God also speaks of "true riches." What might these be, and how do I obtain them?
Every Saint has a Past, Every Sinner has a Future
May 22, 2017 04:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBThe apostle Paul was very mindful of his past sins, wrote of them openly and considered himself the foremost of sinners. But he didn't dwell on those sins because he also remembered His Savior Jesus who showed him grace and mercy, and even gave him a special work to do in the kingdom. Christians need to remember their sins so as not to grow self-righteous and to be reminded of the great Savior who won their salvation on His cross. Every sinner can have a future, like Paul, through the power o...
To Be Like Jesus
May 15, 2017 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBThe Holy Spirit teaches us that those who become Jesus' disciples are to be conformed to His image. This brings some questions to mind. What exactly does that mean? How would a person know if they were becoming like Jesus? If we look at what Jesus was doing while on the earth, we can get a good idea of what the image looks like. When we have compassion for those in need and have concern for those who are wandering aimlessly thru life, the image of Christ is starting to show in us. There is more.
Winner, Winner...Chicken Dinner!
May 08, 2017 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBGod has provided food for humanity from the beginning. It was fruit and vegetables until after the great flood when meat was added to man's diet. Food played a major role in Israel's beginning and in its religious life. Jesus' ministry often focused around food. His parable about the great dinner in the kingdom of heaven should give us all "food" for thought. What He promises in the hereafter is something incredible! Will you be there for that great dinner?
Same People, Same God, Same Message
May 01, 2017 04:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBThe more things change, the more they remain the same. We've all heard this, but it's also quite true. Of course, God doesn't change nor His gospel. But despite what some people like to think, we humans are still the same as in years gone by. We have the same fears, doubts, sorrows; joys, pleasures and satisfactions. Sure, they might come in a different package today, but the mind and heart and soul of man still have the same needs. Our greatest need? Our heavenly Father. And He is readily av...
Finding Peace in a Troubled World
April 24, 2017 04:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBThe world these days is troublesome and filled with trouble. From international tensions, to domestic problems, to personal difficulties - there is much to be anxious about. And people seek all sorts of ways to find peace: thru drugs, meditation techniques and various forms of escapism. Jesus promised peace to His followers but not in a way in which the world seeks peace. What is Jesus' way to peace? Is it possible for us today? It certainly would be great to be at peace, wouldn't it?
Road to Glory
April 16, 2017 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBTo a great extent, Jesus' life was laid out for Him as He was bound to fulfill the prophecies which were written about Him. He was destined to receive glory, but the road which led to His glory wound through three places - Gethsemane, Gabbatha and Golgotha. At each of these stops on the road, Jesus was tested as He came closer and closer to the glory which awaited Him.
In His Name...
April 09, 2017 04:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBWhat's in a name? A great deal! Names evoke images and feelings because they bring to mind past experience. When someone mentions our favorite restaurant or beverage, certain thoughts, images, smells, tastes come to mind. In the Bible, we are taught that many things must be done "in the name of Jesus." This is because He has been given all authority, and using His name invokes that authority. So, salvation is in His name, prayer is to be in His name, believing is in His name, baptism is to be...
He Who Overcomes
April 03, 2017 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBSometimes we wonder (It's only human to do so) whether our sweat, sacrifice and tears for the way of Christ will be worth it. The Holy Spirit throughout scripture repeatedly gives the people of God assurance that the blessings of life eternal will far out weigh any troubles in this life. In Revelation 21:7 we find a three-fold promise made to the people of God who overcome the rigors of an evil world to spend eternity with their Lord. These incredible and precious promises go back to when Isr...
Two Ways, Two Gates, Two Destinations
March 26, 2017 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBJesus taught two ways of life and only two - one leading to destruction and one leading to life. The way to destruction is a broad way with a wide gate for entry, and many travel on it. The way to life is a narrow, difficult way with a narrow gate for entry, and few people find it. Jesus' words imply that the broad road always leads to destruction - that it cannot lead to life. So what is this way of life and how do we get on it? The answer may surprise you.
How to Fight Back!
March 19, 2017 04:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBChristians hear a lot of sermons about putting on the whole armor of God, but not so many about how to actually fight the devil. James talks about resisting the devil, but how do we do that? Every time we choose good over evil, right over wrong, to help and not to turn away - we punch the devil in the face and stick a knife in his belly. Words of encouragement, prayer, sharing the gospel and acts of kindness all serve to put the devil on the run.
No Boasting, Please. Except in the Lord.
March 12, 2017 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.6 MBGod has confounded the wise men of the world at every turn in the road. And He has certainly done this in the way He has chosen to save the human race - through a man dying on a cross! The Jew stumbles all over this idea - "Cursed!" he says. The Greek says it makes no sense - "Foolish!" But the Christ of God dying on a cross is the wisdom and power of God - so that no one may boast of anything before Him. Praise God!
Do You Have a Bucket List?
March 05, 2017 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.8 MBMany people have a "bucket list" of things they want to accomplish before they die (or "kick the bucket"). These could range from traveling to some foreign country or famous city to seeing some natural wonder like the Grand Canyon or some man-made structure like the pyramids. Maybe something like sky diving or skiing in the Alps. In the Bible, God gives us a different kind of "bucket list" which we need to complete before this life is over. This list is different because not only does it have...
The Arrogance of Kings
February 26, 2017 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MBKings, presidents, princes, etc. have always boasted of their accomplishments. Whether it's been wars waged, jobs created or people helped in disasters, credit is taken by those in power. All such leaders would do well to remember that the Lord God still rules the nations and uses them to accomplish His will. It was true for the King of Assyria in the days of Hezekiah, and it's still true down to this very day. We should take great comfort in this.
One in Christ
February 19, 2017 05:00 - 36 minutes - 16.5 MBIn His last hours, Jesus prayed for unity of believers and said such unity would be a powerful witness to the world that God had sent Him. Often we speak of such unity in terms of having the same beliefs and practices as set forth in scripture. Although these are a must, Paul wrote of unity which was based on spiritual truths but expressed in another way - through humility with self-effacing concern for others. If we don't treat all of our brothers and sisters right, it doesn't matter if we h...
When God Stands Up
February 13, 2017 05:00 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MBIt is custom in various situations to stand up to honor an individual. In the military, when a senior officer enters a venue, the troops come to attention. We stand up at a wedding when the bride enters. Although God loves all people, some of His own have given Him special delight, and He honored them in various ways, often speaking about them personally or through a prophet. In one instance, it is recorded that Christ stood to recognize what one of His disciples was doing for His name. God a...
God is So Good
February 06, 2017 05:00 - 34 minutes - 15.6 MBDespite the railings of people of the world to the contrary, God is good and has given us all things to enjoy. From life itself, daily comforts and family relationships to the opportunity for eternal life, every good thing is from God. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
God and Man
January 30, 2017 05:00 - 37 minutes - 17.1 MBThe psalmist ponders: "What is man that you take thought of him?" It is a question which we all need to consider. What is our purpose here and God's reasons for creating man and giving him life? To simply assume our own existence is to risk missing the reason for our being here. A better question might be: Who is this God who would create a being in His image and offer glory to him? Hmmm?
The Cleansing of Naaman
January 23, 2017 05:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBIn the days of Elisha the prophet, only one person was cleansed of their leprosy, and that was a Syrian by the name of Naaman. God performed many miracles through Elisha, so how did it come about that this man was the only leper cleansed? And he was not an Israelite! It's an intriguing story with many players involved. It also holds a great lesson for us today.
Freeing the Oppressed
January 15, 2017 05:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBThe rule of Satan in the world has brought about the oppression of mankind in hundreds of ways: bondage to sin, disease, hunger, hopelessness, wasted lives, abuse, distortion of reality, coercive religion - you name it, he's done it! Jesus came to free us not just from our mire of sin but from all oppression of the devil. We see Him healing, teaching the truth about life and challenging the oppressive religious leaders of His day. As His disciples, we should be involved in the same things.
Fellowship in the Church
January 09, 2017 05:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBGod has always emphasized groups of people. From the first family to Noah's family in the ark to the Hebrew nation, God has shown that we do better when we are in community. The church today is just another extension of God's mind where the fellowship of the members is stressed in caring for one another, worshiping in an assembly, working together and sharing life's experiences. Jesus said He would build His church which is a community of believers in which everyone matters and everyone has a...
Jesus The Humble Servant
December 18, 2016 05:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBWhat with all the self-fulfillment rhetoric being preached and "me" stuff on social media it's easy to see that not many people are pursuing a life of servanthood. But it was prophesied that our Savior would be a servant, and Jesus proved to be the most loyal servant ever. He served His heavenly Father by listening only to Him and doing what He told Him to do, and He served all the people around Him by easing their burdens and teaching them the gospel. He calls His church to be servants just ...
Jesus The Master Teacher
December 05, 2016 05:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBJesus is acclaimed a master teacher by virtually everyone who seriously considers His life. How did He teach? What did He do? What was His motivation? These and other questions about Jesus the Teacher are important for His disciples to consider for all of us are called to be teachers of someone, somewhere, at some point in our lives. We may not teach formally in front of an assembly or a class, but we're all to be ready with the word of the gospel when opportunities arise.
When I Get Old
November 28, 2016 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBWhen some Christians get up in years, they fall into the "retirement trap" and tend to ease off in the service to the Lord. But scripture gives us numerous examples of older folks who did great things for the Lord. Actually, senior saints are better qualified than those who are younger to do some of the teaching and service of the Lord. God has promised to be with us from birth through old age, even to death. Senior saints are a powerful force in the kingdom.
Death Defying Faith
November 21, 2016 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBMany early Christians were forced to choose between life and death because of their faith. Even some today who live in hostile environments must do the same. What kind of faith would move a person to choose death before they would deny their Lord? What things did they believe? What did they know to be true about life and the world? Do we believe the same as they did?
Be Strong and Very Courageous
November 13, 2016 05:00 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MBJust as our country has come through a difficult election process and now needs to focus on unifying behind our new President, the church need to step back and refocus on its mission. Even though Mr Trump's policies may be more favorable toward Christians, the world is still against us, and we need to be strong and courageous to move forward with the word of God and stand against every form of evil.
For Freedom
November 07, 2016 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBFreedom is precious, and many have died to achieve and maintain the freedoms we have in this country. But how many people, even in the USA, do not have the true freedoms of heart and soul which on Jesus can give: freedom from the power of Satan; freedom from sin; freedom from guilt; freedom from law-keeping and freedom from death. Jesus truly came to set us free!
A Few Fallible Men
October 31, 2016 04:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MBThe Bible is very revealing about God's servants. Not only are their great exploits recorded, but their failings are also. Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, et al, failed at times. Some failed terribly. Yet God still used them to accomplish His purposes and even praised them for being righteous! What does this tell us about our God? About you and me?
Voting for God...or not
October 26, 2016 04:00 - 36 minutes - 17 MBAs citizens of both an earthly country and the kingdom of heaven, Christians often find themselves in conflict because of the differing values between the two entities. Such is the case when it comes to choosing fallible people for public office, and this year's presidential election is a prime example of this. Should a Christian vote for either of these candidates? Is it merely the lesser of two evils? What about our conscience? Scripture gives us some guidelines, but there are no easy answers.
The Power of the Word of God
October 16, 2016 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBThe Word of God became flesh as Jesus of Nazareth and revealed to us the true God. Just as Jesus demonstrated great power while on earth, so the Word of God in scripture has great power in the lives of people. It reveals the thoughts and intents of our hearts. It can strengthen and revive us when we are down. It illuminates the path to God, has power to produce faith in a person, is able to save and has the power to judge us. Only the Word of God can do these things because it is the power of...
Sons of God
October 10, 2016 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MBWe find in scripture that Christians are "sons of God", but it seems we don't pause to reflect on all that means - both the privileges and the responsibilities. When we draw an illustration of how "sons of God" become part of the fellowship of God (the Trinity) Himself, it is an astounding picture, one which we cannot forget and should never forget.
The Power of Prayer
September 26, 2016 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBPrayer can effect things which one person or group is unable to do because God Himself is called in to help. We are told by James that we don't have because we don't ask. How sad that Christians languish in need simply because they won't pray to God. Even today's prayers seem puny and lifeless compared to those we read in scripture. It's past time to pray.
The Power of Grace
September 13, 2016 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBMany view grace as only pertinent to salvation, but Paul learned the need to rely upon God's grace or favor to overcome every adversity in life which he had to face. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" caused him to come to rely on God's favor and not upon himself. Only in this way was Paul able to accomplish great things for Christ. That power is available to Christians today as well.
The Remarkable Power of Sin
September 05, 2016 04:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBSin has never been a popular subject, but in our world today it is a non-subject! Sin implies wrong or guilt, and nobody wants to consider such things. However, God's love for us is deep and rich so He speaks of mankind's sin frequently and plainly in His holy word. Sin is our problem, really our only problem. We don't realize the great power that sin has over a person and just how deceptive and destructive it is. Sin is a sure killer.
Wasting the Cross
August 29, 2016 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.8 MBGenerally, most of us don't like to waste things whether it's food, money or our time. Yet, the most precious gift that God has given to mankind is wasted on a regular basis. We're talking about the cross of Christ, the sacrificial death of the Son of God which brings salvation, freedom and eternal life. Yet, so many reject the cross outright, minimize it through man-designed worship gimmicks, and fail to tell others about it. What a terrible waste of such a glorious gift!
God of Pleasures
August 21, 2016 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBTo hear some Christians talk, life is about being "sober sides" and "sour faces." Certainly, we are to take life seriously, but God has provided balance in life with things to enjoy and pleasures which come directly from Him. We can certainly over indulge ourselves in the "fun stuff," but we can also become one dimensional beings by burying ourselves in work and worry, even about the kingdom. The scripture says of God: "In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." What are you missing?
The Olympics of Life
August 15, 2016 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBEveryone's watching the Olympics these days, and we marvel at the total devotion these athletes show to their sport and to winning a medal for their country. Years of sacrifices and training are required for these competitors to qualify for the games. In the same way, Christians are called to sacrifice and self-discipline in their race for something even more precious than a gold medal. We strive for an imperishable crown of glory. What a day that will be!!
Do You Love Me?
August 07, 2016 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.1 MBBaseball player Adam LaRoche walked away from his sport and $13 million this Spring. Matthew stepped away from his tax office, and Peter & John left their fishing business. What causes people to make such drastic changes in their lives? Is it for religion? Even more money? A cushy job with a fine-sounding title? Or is there something deeper and more profound that gets into a person's heart and soul?
Looking For Jesus
August 01, 2016 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MBA lot of kids (grown ups, too!) are spending a lot of time and energy looking for Pokemon these days. Wouldn't it be great if people would be searching for Jesus with the same dedication and excitement? Jesus can be found. He wants to be found. He is not hiding. And when you find the Lord Jesus, you will find out that you didn't really find Him, but that He found you!