Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

An attack against the church by King Herod sees James executed and Peter imprisoned. This spiritual intimidation tactic is leveled at the leadership. The church is not dependent upon her leaders for survival, but upon her Head, Jesus Christ. Believers gather at Mary's home to fervently pray for Peter.   

The Lord is near and ready to help those who call upon Him in the midst of the chaos. The Lord of the heavenly hosts is also the God of Jacob. The  turmoil of life brings us to the end of ourselves that we may learn to lean on the Lord.  

The prophecy of Agabus gives insight into prophecy as a gift in the New Testament. The revealed will of God creates a desire that we are called to act upon. Saul and Barnabas carry famine relief funds to Jerusalem. 

As the church is planted in Antioch, there are three ways that we see God building His church: through unnamed evangelists, through encouragement, and through everyone's gifts and abilities. Barnabas realizes the limits of his abilities and returns from Tarsus with Saul. Together they are able to take the church at Antioch to the next level spiritually.

Peter gives an account to the Jerusalem church of his visit to the house of Cornelius. He doesn't defend his actions, but simply relates what God has done. When God calls you to take a difficult step in which you know you will be misunderstood, He will go before you and fight for you.  

The psalmist longs to experience the presence of God. While thirsting for the living God, Psalm 42 exhorts the people of God to remember, to wait in expectation, and to rest. Whether in the drought or in the flood, the Spirit of God hovers, awaiting the word of the Father to bring peace to the anxious heart.

The Holy Spirit is not a force, or an energy field, or merely power that emanates from the Father. The Holy Spirit IS God. Yet, the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood member of the Trinity. This passage describing the Gentile household of Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit offers insight into the Holy Spirit as a person, a gift, and as the One whom transforms the Christian's life to be more like Jesus.

David is so prominent in Scripture that his father, Jesse, is easily overlooked. However, much of the physical, emotional and spiritual development of David is due to Jesse's influence upon his life. What might be seem like an insignificant role as a father will have eternal repercussions. 

Peter finally makes the connections that explain why he was sent by God to the Gentile, Cornelius. Peter connects with his Roman audience in order to present the Gospel in such a way that they can understand. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should be the focal points of every Gospel presentation.

Psalm 37 instructs the faithful in how to walk wisely when the wicked prosper. By keeping a composed heart, recognizing God's concealed help, and maintaining a correct view, the Christian is equipped with wisdom for faithful living.