La Porte Church of Christ Podcast

Are we giving God our best—or only what’s left over? This sermon from Malachi challenges us to examine our sacrifices, worship, and priorities, calling us to honor God with wholehearted devotion rather than secondhand faith.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 10 of 18

In our Shadows to Substance series, we see that the Old Testament is more than history—it is God’s divine preview of what was to come in Christ. One of the clearest of those previews is the prophet Elijah, a bold voice of repentance sent to call God’s people back in times of spiritual darkness. Jesus teaches that Elijah’s mission did not end with him, but found its fulfillment in John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare the way for the Messiah. This lesson traces that powerful pattern—Elijah as the shadow and John as the substance—revealing God’s consistent message to every generation: Prepare yourselves. The Lord is coming.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 9 of 18

In this lesson from the Shadows to Substance series, we explore how the life of Jonah foreshadows the mission, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Though Jonah and Jesus sharply contrast in character, Jesus reveals Jonah as a powerful sign pointing to the risen Savior who offers mercy and salvation to the world.

Wanted: Servants for Christ challenges us to rethink greatness through the life of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This lesson calls every believer to humble obedience, loving service, and a life poured out for others—because we are wanted by God, both for salvation and for service.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 8 of 18

In this Shadows to Substance lesson, we trace how David’s life as shepherd, anointed king, and victorious deliverer points forward to Jesus Christ—the Good Shepherd, the Anointed One, and the eternal King. From the battlefield to the throne, David’s story finds its fulfillment in the Son of David who conquers sin and reigns forever.

Life brings hardship as well as joy, yet God calls His people to give thanks in every circumstance. This Q&A sermon addresses how gratitude can thrive in tough times by fixing our hearts on Christ, trusting God’s unchanging goodness, and holding fast to the eternal hope we have in Him.

Sermon Serires: Shadows to Substance

Part 7 of 18

This sermon explores Joseph as a vivid shadow of Christ, revealing how betrayal, suffering, and forgiveness became God’s pathway to redemption. Just as Joseph invited his brothers to “come near,” Jesus calls us to come to Him for rest, mercy, and new life in the true Substance—Jesus Christ.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 5 of 18

This lesson traces the striking parallels between Moses and Jesus, showing how God’s plan of redemption moves from shadow to fulfillment in Christ. Just as Israel passed through the sea to freedom, Jesus calls us to obedient faith—culminating in baptism—so we can be delivered from sin and live under His new covenant.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 4 of 18

In this Shadows to Substance sermon, we explore how Isaac powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ—the promised Son, the beloved Son, and the willing sacrifice. From Mount Moriah to Calvary, the shadow gives way to the Substance as God provides the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance

Part 3 of 18

In this Shadows to Substance lesson, we trace how Noah’s ark and the flood foreshadow God’s salvation in Christ—showing that just as only those in the ark were saved, only those in Christ are saved today. Using 1 Peter 3:20–21, we connect the “type” of water deliverance to the “antitype” of baptism as an obedient appeal to God for a clean conscience through Jesus’ resurrection.