Many people have various beliefs about the afterlife. What did Jesus say? Jesus revealed that He will judge the nations inviting the faithful to inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world (Matt 25:34). The Bible tells of a coming eternal kingdom that those who supplement their faith will inherit. However, those who continue in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do you believe Jesus? Are you ready to face death?

Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 16, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

A scribe witnessed Jesus answering loaded questions from the chief priests and religious leaders. For this reason, he asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus revealed the greatest commands are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. These two commands are life-changing revealing how one loves God by giving one’s whole life to God. This message explores the events surrounding the greatest commands for Christians to know God as the source of all love.

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 9, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Many want to write every friend and family member into salvation. However, Paul expressed anguish for his Jewish brethren who had the great promises of God for Israel but did not have salvation without Christ. This message draws God’s revelation from Romans 9–11 to see God’s people of promise and those whom God elected in His mercy. God has prepared people as vessels for wrath and others for mercy. Paul explains all that God does glorifies His name and power. God’s actions include calling people who were once not His people and so stirring Israel to zeal for God.

Scripture Reading: Romans 11:25-32 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 26, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Jesus warned of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing and yet are inwardly ravenous wolves. He taught His followers to recognize them by their fruits. The apostle Paul warned Christians to watch out and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine. Such false teachers serve their appetites and speak smoothly with flattery deceiving the hearts of the naïve. This message looks to rescue friends and family from divisive teachers and specifically counter the pitfalls of 5-point Calvinism.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:15-20 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 19, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

How many preachers have read the whole Bible? You may be surprised by this message. As children are heading back to school, Christians should consider furthering their education and returning to Sunday school. One cannot be saved by having a zeal for God without knowledge His righteousness (Rom 10:1–3). This message seeks to encourage the faithful to know God. When someone does not recognize, honor, and thank God, then their morality and self-control will disintegrate.

Scripture Reading : II Peter 3:18 (read by Steve Berg)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 12, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

God gives the greatest gains. The first Christians realize the significance of this giving. Many sold lands and houses. They brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostles’ feet. What good comes from giving like the first Christians gave? This message turns to the Scriptures to pull out the truth about the blessings of giving. Christians give as a church to advance the gospel and give relief to those enduring disaster. Such giving produces joy and thanksgiving.

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-34 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 5, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Life is more than wanting, saving, and gaining. Jesus warned against wanting, which is coveting. Jesus affirmed that life does not consist of the abundance of goods. However, many people feel a sense of security by possessing income and investments. The Scriptures teach that Christians must rely upon God rather than upon wealth. Furthermore, the apostle Paul revealed that godliness with contentment is great gain. Greater than any wealth is relying upon God and finding contentment in Him. This message will draw from Paul's insights about contentment from 1 Timothy 6.

Scripture Reading: I Timothy 6:17-19 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 29, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Do you believe Jesus about giving? Jesus revealed that God gives a greater measure back to those who give. Many hinder the measure of God’s blessing by their lack of giving. This message explores the blessings of giving abundantly and what is giving abundantly means. Giving to relieve saints and spread the gospel is to invest and entrust in God’s giving and grace. To rephrase the apostle Paul, those who give sparingly receive sparingly and those who give abundantly receive abundantly in every way.

Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 22, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

The apostle Paul requested prayers for an open door to declare the mystery of Christ when he was in prison. For this reason, Paul urged Christians to walk in wisdom toward outsiders making the best use of time and speaking with grace knowing how to answer each person. The church of Christ unites in its mission to make disciples. Jesus revealed that each person is either with Him or against Him and either gathering or scattering. This message urges Christians to think more about sharing the gospel with others.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 15, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL

Should Christians stay out of politics? Many would prefer Christians remain quiet or secular in addressing government action and behaviors of society. However, neither society nor self are the source of what is morally right and wrong. God is the only possible standard of moral absolutes. Furthermore, Christ spoke openly against abuses. Christians must speak the same way and uphold God’s moral standards. The Scriptures reveal how Paul used his rights as a citizen of Rome to continue spreading the gospel through beatings, arrests, and more. This message explores how the Scriptures encourage Christians to obey government authorities and live as free people even in the face of persecution.

Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-7 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 1, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL