Lesson of the Hour: Recent Episodes
Dean Road
A broadcast of the weekly "Lesson of the Hour" presented each Lord's Day at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL.
Most people avoid controversy. The secular world tells Christians to keep their faith to themselves. However, Christians cannot. Christians confess Christ openly. Furthermore, the faithful have the firm foundation to defend the faith. Even critical scholars admit that Jesus professed to be the Son of God. As Lewis presented, Jesus is either lunatic, liar, or Lord. The answer to many is quite clear. Jesus is the Lord. He is the Son of Man. This message encourages Christians to challenge the world with Jesus's question, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
Scripture Reading: Mark 14:60-62 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 9, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
A person’s understanding of God shapes how that person views the world. The apostle Paul wrote a young church in Colossae seeking that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, so that they may walk in way that is pleasing to God. For this reason, Paul emphasized the preeminence and greatness of Jesus Christ. Seeing the greatness of Jesus Christ keeps one from blending the traditions and philosophies of human wisdom with the gospel. Viewing the world through Jesus Christ keeps believers from false teachings. This message encourages all Christians to give Christ preeminence in every part of one’s life.
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-3,14 (read by Phillip Bailey)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 2, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
In the last days, people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and lovers of pleasure. They will have an appearance of religious devotion and yet deny God’s power. Paul spoke this warning telling Timothy how evil people and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Within this context, Paul affirmed that every Scripture is God-breathed. The Bible is the product of men moved by the Spirit and speaking by God. Christians need the Scriptures to confront the deception in the world and proclaim the gospel by convincing, correcting, and encouraging others. This message proclaims the vital importance of the Scriptures for teaching and every good work.
Scripture Reading: II Peter 1:20-21 (read by Steve Berg)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Most people avoid being judged. We seek the comfort, security, and acceptance of loved ones. However, no one will be able to escape judgment for our wrongdoing. Judgment day makes sense that all the wicked and evil acts ever done will come to a reckoning before the holy God. Jesus proclaimed various times of the coming of the Son of Man who will repay each person according to what each one has done. Jesus even depicted God separating the blessed and cursed according to their acts of compassion toward His brethren. For this reason, Christ preached that His disciples are to lose their lives, take up their crosses, and follow Him.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:28-30 (read by Justin Hirt)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 11, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
People grow in their experiences with others who model, coach, and teach them. According to the Bible, a disciple is someone who receives such instruction from a teacher. Most people stop closely following Christ because it costs too much. Many have simply given up on being a disciple — a Christian. This study encourages believers to live lives as disciples of Christ starting with some basics of being a disciple of Christ according to Jesus’s own words.
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:15-24 (read by Gene Bryant)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The governor Festus thought that Paul was out of his mind for his faith in Jesus Christ. However, Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus's death and resurrection, and urged all to believe. This sermon will present the uneven ground for which we try to tell the gospel to the world. Unbelievers suppress the truth about God in unrighteousness. Unbelievers also assert arguments and lofty opinions from authority. Their view of God is always slanted. For this reason, Christians direct unbelievers from a right view of God to the gospel of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection.
Scripture Reading: I Peter 3:14-15
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 8, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The Bible tells of Christians receiving salvation together when Jesus returns. Those who are living will change to immortality and the dead will resurrect in glorified bodies. The redemption of the body and the freedom of creation to glory is the Christian hope. This lesson draws from the Scriptures revealing the hope and wonder of Jesus’s return. For this reason, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians with words of Jesus’s coming and exhortation to live awaken and sober lives.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 15:51-53 (read by Justin Hirt)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 21, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Most people are looking for security and significance in this life. God through Christ satisfies those personal needs more than any other. God gives each person love and purpose. Furthermore, God fulfills these needs through Christians — the church. The Bible reveals that every person needs a close relationship and community of believers in the church. The writer of Hebrews warned of the evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from God by the deceitfulness of sin. His answer is that Christians encourage one another daily. This message presents the need of every person for the community of believers — the church.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1 (read by Phillip Bailey)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 14, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
To most people, death is the enemy. People fear death. The Scriptures admit that death is the enemy. However, Jesus conquered the power of death by coming in the flesh and resurrecting bodily from the dead. Jesus also promised to go and prepare a place for His disciples. The Scriptures describe this place as the new heavens and new earth. This message focuses on the place of eternal life that comes on the last day. The Bible reveals that the old heavens and old earth will perish and change, and then God will create new heavens and a new earth. This message depicts that world to come. Peter declared, “We are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13).
Lesson by Scott Shifferd.
Recorded September 30, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Have you ever felt like you can never go home? In the Bible, many faithful examples wandered the earth looking forward to a heavenly home. The epistle to the Hebrews affirms that the heavens and earth will perish and change. Hebrews describes the heavenly country and the blessing of a kingdom that will remain and not be shaken. God has designed and prepared a city for His people. God’s promises of a world to come is reality. This lesson surveys the promises of God throughout Hebrews for Christians to have full assurance of hope until the end.
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:13-16 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 23, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ
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
Society has convinced most Christians that personal sexuality is a natural outlet. However, Paul described such a pursuit of satisfying lusts as “impurity.” The Scriptures describe impurity as a specific sexual sin that those who practice will not inherit the kingdom of God. The apostle Paul instructed Christians not to let sin reign in their bodies to obey its passions. Furthermore, Paul revealed that those who walk in the Spirit will not gratify the lusts of the flesh. How does the Christian walk in the Spirit? This message presents key scriptures that free believers from slavery to sin.
Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 4:7-8 (read by Justin Hirt)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 24, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Some early churches struggled with welcoming guests. James corrected believers who showed favoritism for the value of someone’s clothing. Such partiality is to sin against the royal law of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. The Bible calls those showing partiality "judges with evil thoughts." Christians must think of how they welcome guests into the church and into their lives. The Bible commands Christians to be hospitable and love guests. This message challenges Christians to think about how the church receives guests.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 14:23-25 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 17, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
In the first century, the church in the city of Corinth divided according to teachers. They quarreled and forgot that they all united in Christ. While this church denominated, Paul identified them as “of Christ.” Twenty centuries later, the church faces the same problems. Christians must learn from the apostle Paul not to accept such division or even agree to disagree. He exhorted this church to unite in the same mind and same judgment. The church has teachings from Christ and His apostles that are essential to its oneness. This message encourages those points of unity, and that Christians can and must maintain unity.
Scripture Reading: John 17:17-23 (read by Marcq Rhodes)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 10, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Being a member of a community requires some commitment and certain responsibilities. To be in the church, a believer must be in Christ. The Bible tells of salvation that is only in Christ. Who is in Christ? Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian. The apostle Paul revealed the way in which believers are baptized in Christ. This message turns to the Scriptures to understand that the church are those in Christ.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:9-11 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 3, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus declared, “I will build my church.” Jesus promised to build His church — the congregation of His followers. Jesus spoke of His church built upon the rock of faith that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. According to Scripture, Jesus’s apostles and prophets form the foundation with Jesus as its cornerstone. The foundation of the apostles and prophets is God’s revealed message to the faithful. In the Bible, many churches like today drifted from the teachings of Christ and His apostles and prophets. However, that foundation can and does unite churches today. This message continues a series of lessons encouraging all Christians stand on the foundation that Christ set for the church.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 27, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This message challenges believers to follow Christ to His church. Today, many people prefer non-denominational churches with few distinctions to be more accepting and less restricting. Who wants to question their family church and traditions? However, Christians cannot compromise the church of Christ built upon faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This message draws commands from the Scriptures to observe and maintain the traditions that come from Christ and His apostles. Distinctive characteristics set the church in the New Testament apart from many churches today.
Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-9 (read by Steve Berg)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 20, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
In the parable of the sower, Jesus described different types of soil representing the types of people who hear God’s word. Those who heard the word and the cares of the world choked them were as seed cast among the thorns. What are Christians to do with cares and anxieties in this life? Jesus commanded, “Do not be anxious about this life” (Matt 6:25). This message presents Christ’s words that redirect the believer’s focus past anxieties to seek more.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:22-33 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 13, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
For 18 years, she was bent over. One day, she was in a synagogue where Jesus was preaching. Without the woman asking, Jesus called her to him, and he healed her. Christians desire to model Jesus’s compassion as seen throughout His numerous miracles. Jesus referred to the woman that He healed as “a daughter of Abraham.” The way that people view each other affects how they love one another. This message compels each person to look at others as God would have believers to look at each other and all humanity.
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-10 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 6, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Soldiers endure great hardships for a cause to save, protect, and give liberty to others. People endure for a cause that they believe in. People stand in line for a new product because they believe in the company. Faith is believing that God exists and more. Believers must believe that God rewards those who seek Him. Christians look for more than this life. Christians should look for an afterlife that is more than living as a spirit in a ghost-like body. Most people even unbelievers hope for this. This message presents the faith of substance and certainty.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:12 (read by Marcq Rhodes)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 29, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
His spirit was provoked by the idols that filled the city of Athens. The apostle Paul went and reasoned in the synagogues and marketplace. Because Paul was proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection, some philosophers took Paul to the Rock of Ares, the Areopagus. Paul stood before those thinkers and made reasonable observations about the unknown God, and Paul declared a message that all people need to hear. Christians must learn from Paul’s reasoning and message. Christians can persuade, reason, and lead others to the hope of Jesus’s resurrection.
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-23 (read by William Salisbury)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 22, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
According to Luke’s Gospel, the disciples were troubled and doubted when they first saw Jesus risen from the dead. Jesus revealed Himself to them as flesh and bones and not a spirit. Through many proofs, Jesus presented Himself alive from the dead. His resurrection changed the disciples and changes many today. Jesus also gave the greatest mission to tell the world about His resurrection, repentance, and forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not give a mission that could not be accomplished. Furthermore, God gave gifts to Christians for that mission. This message explores the faith, hope, and love that compels obedience to Jesus’s Great Commission.
Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:14-15 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 8, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Why do you go to church? Better yet, how would you describe the ideal church to attend? How do the people communicate and interact with each other? How would they handle disputes and disagreements?
We live in a world where people are moving further away from home and engaging less in the real world. No longer feeling a sense of community at church or within their family, people are looking elsewhere to fill the void.
The church was created to be the most influential and powerful sense of the belonging the world will ever know. So when did things start going wrong? We will discuss the leading cause of division within the church (or any relationship), plus three key elements to overcome them.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 5:1-5 & II Corinthians 2:5-11 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Undre Griggs
Recorded April 1, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
As the chief priests and scribes mocked Jesus on the cross calling Jesus to come, many today mock the cross of Christ. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing according to the apostle Paul. What is the cross of Christ to those who being saved? This message presents Christ’s crucifixion as the power of God to salvation. The cross of Christ is God’s demonstration of love. Paul concluded Christ is the wisdom and power of God.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 3:18-20 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus challenged hypocrisy and hidden sins. Many people put God off until later. They focus on this life now. They reason that they are good enough not thinking about the faithful are saved. Jesus told the parable a rich farmer whose land produced much. The man tore down his barns and built new ones. He told himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” However, God spoke, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” Jesus revealed that only a few are saved. The answer to salvation is in Christ’s words found in Luke 9:23–26.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:4-5 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 18, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Christians believe that God instituted marriage for life — one man, one woman, one life, one exception. Jesus declared, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). People are amazed at any couple who remain married for decades. However, marriage is often hard but worth it as God made man and women for each other. Divorce seems too common. The Bible describes the cruelty of divorce for any reason. This message urges all believers to listen to Jesus Christ and bring His love into your marriage.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:31-32 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 11, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus instituted a memorial meal on the night of His betrayal. The New Testament church recognized this as “the breaking of bread.” Many know this memorial as "the Lord’s Supper" or "communion." The breaking of the bread is a communion partaking of Christ’s body and blood, and the meal is an essential act of Christian unity. Paul further warned Christians to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner discerning the body and the blood. For in doing this, Christians proclaim the Lord’s death. This message explores these significant points and more from the Scriptures.
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Can readers trust every “Bible”? The Holy Spirit guided the inspired writers to write God’s wisdom. If God revealed His Word directly to you, how would you record God’s Word? Every word of the Scripture matters. Jesus promised that His words would judge the world one day. However, some “translations” have changed God’s word for strange reasons. This message directs the believer to identify translations that are true to God’s Word.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:3-5 (read by Will Salisbury)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 25, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Do you need love, attention, acceptance, or security but you feel unlovable? Do you need meaning, purpose, significance, and success but you feel like a failure? God loves you and has a purpose for you. God will transform you when you come to believe and obey Him. This message presents how God’s gracious gifts make disciples of Christ more than conquerors. Nothing in creation can separate the faithful from the love of God. However, selfish sins can separate you from God. Coveting the acceptance of others and protecting your self-importance separates people from God. God has seen you at your worst, yet He loves you. This message presents how God’s grace provides a purpose for your life.
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:37-39 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 11, 2018, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Words are powerful. James described the tongue as a deadly poison. When the Holy Spirit fills hearts, there is no room for insults and profanity. This message presents the faults of the tongue. Christians can change their words to build up and give grace. Jesus revealed, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:35). On the other hand, how should Christians respond to those who insult, abuse, and persecute them with words? Christ taught, “Love your enemies.” Listen and consider how the Scriptures guide believers in the use of their words.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 4, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus declared that His words would never pass away. Faith in Jesus as the Christ the reason that many believe in the Bible. The Bible is the source of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection in the Gospels. How does the Bible attest to its reliability? This message considers come critical points about trusting the Bible many centuries after its origin. Believers find that the Bible is perfect in harmony without any contradiction. The Bible is only as infallible as Jesus is sinless and His words are without error.
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:12-17 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 28, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
After healing a lame man, Peter proclaimed the Gospel revealing that one must listen to Jesus or be destroyed. The Christian faith is exclusive to Christ. Salvation belongs to Jesus. Jesus declared that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to Father except by Him. The Christian faith is not politically correct. There is no other way to “the good place.” Jesus revealed that the way is narrow and hard that leads to life, and the way to destruction is wide and easy. This message encourages the Christian not to compromise the Truth.
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:8-12 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 21, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Most people follow their hearts. The heart is the center of emotional actions to decisions that people face. The Bible describes the heart as the place of thought and emotion. God warned in the Bible about following the heart. However, Jesus revealed that the pure of heart are blessed. Christians are to have pure hearts. This message will uncover conflicts within the heart and ways to change the heart according to the Scriptures.
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:43-45
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 14, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Christ prayed that the church be one — united. The apostle Paul appealed and commanded unity. If God commands Christian unity, then Christians can unite. This is with exclusion of false teachers. The key to Christian unity is love and faith. A core faith is essential and love for one another. This message addresses the specifics of the faith and love necessary for Christian unity.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-5 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 7, 2018 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
To complete our series on “The Compelling Christ”, the resurrection of Christ is one of most compelling actions and qualities about Christ. Jesus’s resurrection is the center of Christian theology and the beginning of the Christian’s eternal hope. Saved and blessed are those who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He rose from the dead. Jesus predicted His resurrection, and even His Jewish enemies confirmed this in their accusations and mockery of Jesus. Jesus’s resurrection was a sign for that wicked generation. Through Jesus’s resurrection, the church began. This message will explore Jesus’s declarations of His coming resurrection setting the basis for the Christian faith.
Scripture Reading: John 10:14-18 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 31, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
People follow a cause for results. Jesus's leadership produced results. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. A person can see one's leadership by what one washes of others. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and set a model for Christian leadership. If the Christian's Lord and Teacher served, Christians should too. God had given a gift of Jesus's example. This message will help you contemplate His model.
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-7 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 24, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Why do people follow others — admiration, love, fear? Jesus revealed that those who love Him will keep His words. Many people are seeking more — purpose and meaning. Each person hungers and thirsts for more, and only Jesus can satisfy every spiritual desire. Jesus’s words are spirit and life, and there is no spiritual life without His words. This message examines Jesus’s words that compelled so many and yet offended many others. However, Peter confessed, "You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
Scripture Reading: John 6:51-58 (read by Ken Adams)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 17, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The Gospels depict crowds coming to a Jewish carpenter for His compassion. What could a carpenter give that crowds would follow him? The Gospels present Jesus as this carpenter doing wondrous works for those who suffered. For love, the Word is God and came in the flesh to dwell among men. When Jesus saw the people as sheep without a shepherd, He had compassion on them. For this reason, He taught them many things. Jesus expressed His compassion in the Truth that He preached. He did not compromise the truth in order not to offend others. However, many were not offended having seen the compassion of Jesus in His great works. Others mocked Jesus through His suffering and death. Depending on a person’s guilt and sensitivity of conscience, some heard blasphemy and others heard the greatest message the world has ever known. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:29-39 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 10, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
In the Gospels, God’s power worked through Jesus to do miracles while God’s power worked with others in the Bible. Jesus’s miracles were not like the illusion of magicians in the ancient classical world. Jesus’s miracles were selfless. Jesus is the most reasonable explanation for the supernatural power of God on earth. Because God exists, miracles exist. The universe and life are miraculous effects of God. Christ’s miracles especially His resurrection reflected God’s creative power. Jesus revealed that those who hear His voice believe because of His miracles, but those who do not hear His voice do not believe His miracles. This message is a plea to reconsider the extraordinary nature of Jesus’s miracles and the compelling character of those wonders today.
Scripture Reading: John 10:24-30 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded December 3, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
When Christians offer the Gospel, they offer change for those who know they are missing something. The centurion Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man who prayed to God and gave generous to those in need. However, he was not saved yet — not without Christ. Cornelius saw an angel who instructed him to call for Simon Peter in Joppa. When Peter arrive, he proclaimed the Gospel in way for which Christians can learn to share their faith. Cornelius and his household believed, and Peter gave them a very specific command to receive the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’s name. This message will present the basic of proclaiming to Gospel to others.
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:39-43 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 26, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is the high priest. In the Bible, the old sacrificial system of worship foreshadowed the time of Christ. In the New Testament, the sacrificial worship had become spiritual from the old physical sacrifices. This lesson examines the significance of every Christian in that life of worship according to the Bible. Christians now have a mission offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God. Christians often overlook these sacrifices. This message solely rests upon the Bible as its authority. This lesson encourages believers to become a living sacrifice in one’s reasonable service to God.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:15-16 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 19, 2017, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Christians cannot hide their joy in worship. “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (Jas 5:16b). Christians find joy in the midst of trials and struggles. Our faith shines in conflict and persecution. The joy of the Christian hope cannot remain hidden. In culmination of the Scriptures about joy, we look to the natural reaction of thanksgiving and joyous worship. For Christians to have joy, they must experience the faith and hope of the Gospel. This message encourages Christians to increase their joy through a living hope and demonstrate that joy through worship to God.
Scripture Reading: John 4:20-24 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 12, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The Christian joy must confuse the world and can only make sense if Christians have good news. Jesus rejoices when the Lost are saved. There is more joy in heaven over one who repents than ninety-nine who remain righteous who need no repentance. The Christian’s response to repentance much also be joy. The Gospel that believers proclaim is good news — a message of joy. This lesson will draw observations from how Jesus taught the Samaritan woman. Jesus made observations about people and what they were looking for. Christ concluded that the harvest is white and ready for harvest. People still want to hear the message of joy.
Scripture Reading: John 4:7-15 (read by Justin Hirt)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded November 5, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The angels rejoiced on the night of Jesus’s birth. The wise men rejoiced to find the infant Jesus. Why? Many awaited the coming Christ – the King and Son of God. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. When Christians know the victory of Christ over death, they find a deep
joy. They see that Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning and hope of the future resurrection and glorification of all true believers. On the last night of Jesus’s life, Jesus encouraged His disciples that they will sorrow when He leaves and yet rejoice when He returns. Even in the midst of sorrow, Christians have joy. Have you found joy in the life of Christ?
Scripture Reading: John 16:20-24 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 29, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
For many, this week there will be a night of children knocking on their neighbors’ doors looking for tricks or treats (though they will likely be more interested in the treats). In the Bible, we are presented with two who will be knocking on the door to our hearts: the devil and Jesus. One is the father of lies and the other is the Son of God. In this lesson, the words “Trick or Treat” are made into a short acrostic laying out the ways that the devil wants to trick us and the treats that God has to offer to us. Will you be treated by the Lord or will you be tricked by the devil?
Lesson by Jim Sullivan
Recorded October 30, 2011 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The apostle Paul instructs us that the spirit of God is not a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love and self-control (II Timothy 1:7). We will explore what fear is, how it effects us, and how to overcome it. Fear is not something unique to one person, but something we have all dealt with at least once. Even the bravest among us have felt fear, they simply have not allowed it to alter their actions. Paul shares the blueprint with Timothy to ensure he does not allow fear to deter him from sharing the Gospel.
In this lesson, we will explore where our power comes from, what does it mean to love, and why we need self-control. If you have any questions about this or any other lesson, please find us on Facebook or email us at: dean.road@deanroadchurchofchrist.org
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1:5-14 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Undre Griggs, Jr.
Recorded October 22, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Those who were not Jews glorified and rejoiced for hearing the Word of God, because Christ would come as a light to the nations. Where is the joy in the Christian faith? Do Christians struggle to maintain this joy? Do believers lose focus upon the Gospel that gives joy? Peter noted a number of things that give an inexpressible joy to Christians. This message will point out these revelations. Those who heard the Gospel were baptized immediately and went away rejoicing. The Good News of Christ causes great joy in believers.
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 15, 2017, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Blessed are those who know the power of the Gospel for they can destroy everything exalted against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:3–6). This message encourages Christians to approach boldly the world with the Gospel. Christians must understand the world through the cross of Christ. Paul revealed that he came proclaiming nothing except Christ crucified. The Gospel message undermines all other ideologies and supposed wisdom of men. The Bible reveals that God’s wisdom destroys the wisdom and power of men. For this reason, Christians must contemplate the implications of the Gospel and proclaim boldly the truth. Only with the Gospel on the heart can people reason truthfully. With Christ, science makes sense. The cause of the universe makes sense. The ultimate meaning of life makes sense. Moral absolutes make sense. The existence of laws of logic make sense. Think from the cross of Christ and the implications of God coming in the flesh. The Scriptures reveal that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 8, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Can I truly love my neighbor before I learn to love and fear God? In response to a scribe’s request for the most important command, Christ quoted Moses’s words to love God first and then to love one’s neighbor second. Evidently, the love for God must come first. How does someone love God? The Scriptures reveal that one’s love for God is manifest in obeying God’s commands. What happens when people love their neighbors before they love God? This message will explore Christ’s words concerning the greatest commands and how the first is essential to the second.
Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded October 1, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Almost every ideology began because someone told the world one’s own idea, epiphany, or dream. However, people heard Jesus’s teaching and saw him serve. Various people saw Jesus executed, knew his tomb, and experienced his bodily resurrection. Then, they told the world. The Christian faith is unique and unlike any other. The faith focuses on a historical figure whose life, death, and more changed the world. Jesus preached about why people should believe that he is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus revealed that people can hear his teaching and know that his teaching is not his own but from God the Father (John 7:17). Jesus also pointed to his coming crucifixion for demonstrating that he is the Christ (John 8:28). This message will further examine Jesus's evidences that he is the Christ. This message will also consider some minimal facts for the reality of Jesus’s miracles today. May God bless those who hear.
Scripture Reading: John 5:36-38 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 24, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The Gospel restores peace, hope, and love to all of life’s problems from marriage and family to work and finances. Many people continue to follow their broken ways, and things get worse and worse. Everyone’s personal short cuts never really accomplish anything. Only the Gospel can restore God’s design to each person’s broken ways. The apostle Paul helped a deserted bondservant, Onesimus, restore this relationship to his master, Philemon. Paul’s intervention helped Onesimus as a new Christian to restore better things through the forgiveness of the Gospel. Christians can help restore peace and unity among brethren in the church. This message observes how Christians can help restore peace, hope, and love among one another.
Scripture Reading: Philemon 11-20 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 17, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
While at a great feast in Levi’s house, Jesus revealed, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Jesus’s mission included calling sinners to repentance. Biblical repentance is the change of one’s mind against sinning. Christ came proclaiming the Gospel, “repent and believe in the gospel.” The Gospel contains the plea to repent for the forgiveness of sins. Many people do not come to Christ because they do not want to repent. This message examines what is behind the refusal to repent. However, the call to repent is an act of love according to Jesus. The world hears judgment from the call to repent and rightly so. How can Christians encourage friends, family, and ourselves to repent? What can Christians gain from understanding how the lack of faith hinders repentance and how rejecting repentance hinders faith?
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:38-41 (read by Gene Bryant)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 10, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Christians are to forgive as God forgives in Christ (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). How does God forgive sins? Does God forgive sins for any reason? Can Christians forgive sins for any reason? God forgives those who repent or commit unintentional sins (Luke 23:34; 24:46–47). Jesus teaches the same forgiveness for repentance (Luke 17:3–4). Jesus revealed that no one would receive forgiveness sins unless they forgive the debt of trespasses from others. Much of the misunderstanding of forgiveness is the difference between the biblical definition and the secular definition of forgiveness. Secular forgiveness is moving past people who have offended or hurt oneself, family, or friends. However, biblical forgiveness is the release of sins. This message addresses the necessity and condition of forgiving the sins of others as God forgives Christians.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:14-15 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded September 3, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
A person’s prayer life reveals a lot about their relationship with God. “I prayed for my marriage and my spouse, yet my spouse left me.” “I asked God to heal my best friend, but my friend died.” This message is a plea not to lose faith over “unanswered prayers.” God works all things together for good for those who love Him. God certainly answers the prayers of the righteous who pray according to His will. Some have thought, “A good God should fulfill my requests for good things.” However, the believer must think deeper and recognize that God is able to do and think far beyond what each person is able. God is not a man that anyone may judge Him or think that His actions are arbitrary or matters of opinion. Many lose their faith because God did not grant their request as that expected. This message explores the Bible concerning God’s condition for giving “whatever” a faithful Christian requests.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:7-11 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 27, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
At what age are Christians done with Christ’s commission? When Jesus finished when he declared, “It is finished.” Christ accomplished his suffering on the cross when he said, “It is finished.” However, Luke reported that his Gospel was of what Jesus began to teach and do. Christ did more. He added to his church. Jesus revealed that he would build his church. Paul professed that all that he did was Christ working through him. This message examines these passages that compel Christians to continue the mission of making disciples. Jesus revealed himself to his apostles with many proofs. Do Christians have the same or similar blessings that the apostles had to spread the Gospel? This message presents Christ’s proofs that remain evidence today.
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-3 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 20, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Does your focus clothe your appearance? Paul instructed disciples to put on the qualities of God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people. These faithful followers clothed themselves in Christian virtues. Where do we begin? In Colossians 3, Paul also exhorted Christians to look to things above and not earthly things. Paul even specified that the earthly things were sexually immoral and prideful speech. How do people lose their focus on what really matters? Everyone faces death and yet many try to distract themselves from reality. The hope of change begins in the Gospel message of Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. In this process, Christians mature and put on the Christian virtues like compassion. Those qualities are what unite Christians and cross racial and social divides. May God bless those who consider this biblical message from the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 (read by Gene Bryant)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 13, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The world wants everyone to accept them as they identify themselves, but they refuse to accept how God made them in His image. They refuse to accept the identity of Christ. They want others to accept their way of life while they reject the Christian’s way of life. People are confused. If we look, one thing that all people can see is that no one can keep their own moral code perfectly. Most people rationalize immoral behaviors. Immorality increases to more immorality. People corrupt their own morality. That morality they have invented comes selfishly for themselves. Humanity is guilty and needs a Savior. However, God loved humanity while yet sinners and sent Jesus Christ. God’s grace has come through Christ. However, God’s grace does not permit that we continue to do wrong but that we are saved from evil, sin, and lawlessness to turn from such evil. This message presents that God forgives us of all sins as long as we walk in the light. How do we walk in the light?
Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-10 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 6, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
What is so amazing about God's grace? Humanity does not deserve grace. No one can earn salvation from the guilt and eternal consequences of sins. However, while dead in sins, God demonstrated His love and mercy to all in grace giving salvation through Christ. This message presents a concise definition of God’s forgiving grace. God’s grace works through the Gospel — the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Scriptures are clear about the devastating state of humanity. All by nature were children of wrath. “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” God’s grace compels the believer to live godly and upright. By grace, God has purified for Himself a people of His own possession. Grace changes believers.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 30, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
God regards the righteous offering of faith. Contention and anger grows among those who argue how to worship God. The Bible teaches that worship must come from faith as Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice by faith than Cain. This message explores that faith. Acting on doubt instead of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). Faith comes from the Word of Christ. Christians must return to the faith that is an assurance of things hoped for, a presentation of things not seen, and knowing that God’s Word created the universe. No one can please God without this faith. This message focuses on true faith and supplementing a growing faith.
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 25, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Where is God’s grace? This message presents the broadness of God’s grace often known as God’s providence. God blesses people through hard times. Paul prayed three times for God to remove a thorn in the flesh, and God responded that His grace is sufficient. God’s power is complete through human weakness. At Corinth, the apostle Paul faced slanderers. His reaction was to boast of his weaknesses so that the power of Christ rested upon him. Paul’s concern was not so much about the slander than the false apostles who would lead the congregation astray. Paul’s approach remained the same. He boasted in his weaknesses. Paul’s weaknesses included insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Let this message encourage you to better address life’s struggles and further trust in God.
Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 12:7-12 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 23, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Must a Christian believe that God created the universe in six literal days? Jesus did use Genesis to demonstrate that God created Adam and Eve in the beginning. How much did Jesus rely upon Genesis? Jesus did refer to the writings of Moses. He emphasized how essential faith in these texts are to believing Jesus. Must faith in Christ require faith in six-day creation? The Scriptures are emphatic that God spoke the creation into existence. God created the universe by His Word. This message will explore the Genesis account of creation and its harmony with science.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-5 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 16, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Can hope of eternal life help someone to live a holy life? That should be true, but many claim a confidence in eternal life apart from Christ. Many Greeks and Romans did the same in the first century. However, God promises eternal life through Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. This is a much greater assurance of things hoped for. This lesson explores the hope that overcomes sin. The apostle John revealed that those who hope purify themselves as Christ is pure. Some hope in an eternal life different from what the Scriptures describe. Their hope is not a living hope based in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hope of eternal life for Christians is a bodily rising from the dead and transformation by putting on immortality. This message emphasizes a true hope that encourages believers to purify themselves as Christ is pure.
Scriptrue Reading: Philippians 3:8-12 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 9, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Should the Bible have to warn believers of lewdness and sensuality? The Scriptures do. Peter warned of the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Peter described those who try to entice and allure others astray by such passions. Whose fault is it if one person tempts another? Jesus spoke against tempting others to sin. Such temptations can come through the immodesty of others in obscene talk or lack of clothing. Modesty is a part of self-control. The world wants to place the blame on the one of whom others entice and tempt. All believers are accountable and must prepare themselves to resist such evil. Jesus described lewdness as evil that defiles the heart (Mark 7:20–23). God demonstrated modest clothing by what He gave Adam and Eve when they were clothed with figs leaves and yet were naked. This message will also offer the biblical guidance for self-control and modesty. May God bless all who listen.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:3-5 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded July 2, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Can a biblical command cause you to turn from Christ? The biblical instruction of Paul for women to remain silent in the assembly is one of those commands that many people decide to reject or leave. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul taught these Christians that two or three are to speak and one by one in turn. Everyone else was to remain silent, listen to the teaching, and weigh what the speaker taught. Paul then commanded that women remain quiet in the assemblies as commanded among all churches. Why? Is this sexism? Paul explained that this was God’s design that men lead because God created man first. This message will weigh the position of whether genders complement each other in different glories or that both genders are completely equal in capability. This message will also clarify the decency and order that God desires for the assembly of the whole congregation.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:20-40 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 25, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The assembly of Christians is not only for worship but explicitly for the edification of Christians. Edification means “building up” and includes teaching of revelation and knowledge for encouragement and consolation. In 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul established that understandable words are essential to the edification of the church. Because of the necessity of words for edification, Paul excluded foreign languages (without interpretation) from the assembly. Paul established a principle that excluded anything in the assembly lacking understandable words. Paul taught that one must pray and sing with the spirit and the mind. Many today have added musical instruments to singing in the assembly, yet these instruments cannot communicate words. No one can preach, pray, or praise with an instrument. For this reason, most churches throughout history have excluded the instrument from the assembly. In fact, the apostle Paul described such instruments as “lifeless” and “soulless.” This message challenges the listener to accept the primary need of intelligible words in edification and worship in the assembly.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 14:12-19 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 18, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This message presents the purpose of the assembly especially the necessity of edification through intelligible words. The concept of “worship service” originates from man’s tradition and not the Bible. The New Testament described the gathering of Christians for the Lord’s Supper as “the assembly.” The church of Christ must restore the assembly. Paul wrote the church at Corinth to overcome the display of spiritual gifts for pretense. Instead, Christians are to strive to excel in the edification of the church. Should Christians expect to contribute to edification in the assembly? Yes. The Scriptures exhort followers of Christ to stir one another to love and good works. This is the beginning of a series to depict a biblical picture of the assembly.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 14:1-12 (read by Ken Adams)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded June 11, 2017, at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The Apostle Paul was confident in his salvation because devoted himself to obeying God’s will. Paul wants all Christians to focus on the Spirit because there is life in the Spirit; but many focus too much on the flesh. If we want to get into heaven, we must learn to overcome the desires of the flesh and focus on the things that do not perish. But then again, what does it mean to be focused on the flesh and how do we know if we are concentrating on the Spirit? What are the consequences of focusing too much on the flesh and the rewards of devoting ourselves to the Spirit? Lastly, can we be as confident in our salvation as Paul was in his; and if we can, how?
We will answer these questions and more by discussing three aspects of Paul’s ministry: (1) life in the Spirit, death in the flesh; (2) Traditions of the men are traditions of the flesh; and (3) focusing on the Spirit of God.
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Undre Griggs
Recorded June 4, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus revealed that Satan was a murderer from the beginning. He is the father of lies, and his lies brought death to humanity. He was seeking to murder humankind and he did (John 8:44). God worked through the history of time to defeat sin. God was patient not to exclude free will and most importantly give opportunity for repentance (2 Pet 3:9). God set forth in Christ a plan for the fullness of time. This message observes how Christ came and defeated Satan, death, and sin.
How can Christians pass on their hope of eternal life to their children? Christians need the hope of the redemption of the body and the mortal body putting on immortality. This is the victory of Jesus’s resurrection over death. Children are dependent on their parents, and humanity is dependent on their heavenly Father. Christ wants the little children to come to him and everyone to become like these little children in humility and dependence on God. The Bible encourages youth to remember their Creator in their youth because old age can hinder faith. The message will consider the similarities between Christians to the heavenly Father and as children to their parents. Christians must pass their hope to the next generation.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 71:17-21 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 28, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
The purpose of this message is to challenge believers to see why sin is sin and how sin is contrary to God’s nature. Sin is not an arbitrary invention of some “man in the sky.” Sin is lawlessness. Sin is any act contrary to God’s Law. While many think that God’s Law is arbitrary and they wish that God would change His Word, His Word is according to nature of love, holiness, and righteousness. Sin does have a depraving effect upon those who sin, and all do sin. This lesson addresses the question, “Because God created everything, did God create sin?” and “Why did God make a world where people can sin?”
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 21, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This message is to challenge the church to encourage and anchor hope in our children. This message addresses the question, “Why do so many children leave the church?” Besides passing the blame to parents or society, the church must consider what is lacking in their faith that causes adolescents to leave the church in adulthood. Holiness in the home is essential. From where does that holiness come? This message presents some essential points from the Scripture to secure our children including the need for a believing parent in the home, fathers who do not embitter their children, and parents who can evangelize the Gospel to their own children. However, one may observe the lack of holy living among young believers. Why? Hope and its resulting holiness are an essential conviction for parents and the church to pass onto their children. Christians must hope in eternal life through Jesus’s resurrection. Our children need the hope that is the anchor of the soul.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-27 (read by Don Kovar)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 21, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Did anyone teach you that all sins are equal and one is not greater than another? Jesus addressed this matter throughout his ministry as he taught about the severity of the punishment for sins. In Jesus’s trial, Christ answered the question of whether sins are greater. Many churches today take a false position that undermines their integrity and purity as followers of Christ. This message addresses those positions. Christians must listen to Paul’s exhortation for Timothy to avoid contradictions. Within this message are a number of scriptures that answer this vital question.
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 14, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Where should a woman find love and value first and above all? With so many expectations that women place on themselves, they need to turn first to God and know the love of Christ. All other expectations may disappoint. Women need Christian men. This lesson will present six things that women need primarily from Christian husbands including the need for men to lead their wives in holy living. The Scriptures reveal the great blessings of prudent wife is to man. God gives favor to the man who finds a wife. Women who fearful serve God deserve praise.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:30-31 (read by Marcq Rhodes)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 14, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
To be a light of the world is to glorify God. Glorifying God is more than praising God. Jesus taught that being a light meant the world could see the disciple’s good works and those works give glory to the Father. This lesson explores important reasons to look deeper into Jesus’s teaching of being a light. Glorifying God was the mission of Christ, and this is the mission of the church. Glorifying God is the effect of the Gospel. However, Christians do not realize how they hinder the glorification of God. With a biblical understanding, faithful Christians will move forward. Christians can increase their light that glorifies God. This lesson emphasizes the need for disciples to share the light and the opportunity to glorify with other through the Gospel and sharing one’s life.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:14-16 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded May 7, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This week, our lesson comes from the opening study of our multi-lesson series entitled, "Being a Servant". This 5 part series addresses different ways that we can be better servants to God and each other through God's Word, the Bible. The first lesson looks at the example that Jesus set as a servant, and how we can strive to serve like him. For as he told his disciples, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." (Mark 10:45)
If you are interested in the other lessons in this series, they will be available this coming week at our website!
http://www.deanroadchurchofchrist.org/gospel-meeting-2017.html
Lesson by Ryan Fredrick
Recorded April 29, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This study looks at six ways that the Bible teaches Christians to grow spiritual. This study also presents the reasons that churches either die or grow. Christians need one another to grow and increase. The Scriptures are clear that hearts will harden to the deceitfulness of sins without the fellowship of Christians. The first church began and they devoted to the apostles’ teachings and the togetherness of disciples. All churches thrive through the fellowship of Christians in God’s Word. The Gospel produces life in repentant believers. The Christian faith must grow upon the foundation of Christ. Jesus died, was buried, and overcame the curse of death by rising from the dead. Those that join the church in study will remain committed when they draw closer to God and have deep relationships with other Christians.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:1-8 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 23, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
On the evening that some found Jesus’s tomb empty, the disciples locked the doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus appeared to them and blessed the disciples, “Peace to you!” This frightened and startled the disciples who should have already believed the reports that Jesus rose. The disciples thought Jesus was a spirit. However, Jesus challenged them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:38–39). Jesus rose bodily like none other. His body had put on immortality and glory. Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of the Christian’s hope of resurrection for eternal life. Faith in Jesus requires believing that all will rise one day. This lesson presents reasons to believe in Jesus’s resurrection, implications of Jesus’s resurrection for eternal life, and resurrection as the focus of evangelism.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 15:1-4 (read by Marcq Rhodes)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 16, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
What do you think about lukewarm soup, water, or coffee? Some Christians have a faith that is lukewarm and unappealing. For some reason, many of us lose our zeal, enthusiasm, and passion for the faith. We seem to float on our faith like a life raft not looking for more from our faith in Christ. In this study of the seven churches of Asia, Christians learn how Jesus see churches and what Christ expects. In Revelation, Christ spoke to the church at Laodicea urging them to be zealous and repent. Christ described them as lukewarm because their works were neither cold nor warm. Jesus declared that He would spit them out of his mouth. Jesus affirmed that He rebukes and disciplines those whom He loves. When we as Christians drift in our zeal, how can we restore that enthusiasm? This lesson will help.
Scripture Reading: James 2:17-19 (read by Undre Griggs)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 9, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Late one afternoon, a king was walking on his roof when he saw a woman bathing. Instead of going out to battle that spring like other kings, David stayed in Jerusalem. On that roof, David looked with lust and commanded his servants to bring Bathsheba to him. Bathsheba later sent word to David that she was pregnant. After David tried to get her husband Uriah to go home to his wife, David ordered his commander Joab to withdraw his men from Uriah in battle for him to die. This one event devastated David’s integrity and character as a faithful man. Likewise, Christians face similar temptations. In Revelation 2, Christ spoke to a church that allowed the influence of sexual immorality to lead them away from Christ. What would God have to learn from the church at Thyatira?
Scripture Reading Psalm 52:8-12 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded April 2, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
What will happen to those who never find Christ? What would you think the state of salvation is for someone who worships God, prays continually, and gives to the needy but does not know Christ? The world wants to know: “Are good people saved?” Because if good people are saved and I am a good person, then I do not need to give attention to Christ, His church, and the written Word. How should Christians respond? What does the Bible say? This lesson presents scriptures demonstrating the capability of each person to believe in one God and to seek and find Christ. If a person is able to find Christ, then God justly holds that one accountable for faith.
Scripture Reading: Acts 17:24-31 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 26, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus revealed to the church at Ephesus that they left their first love. What was that love? On his third missionary journey, the apostle Paul came to Ephesus. Many great things happened there in the spread of the Gospel. In its beginning, the church became strong and grew (Acts 19). After Paul had traveled to Ephesus, Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Later, Peter wrote to Asia Minor in his general epistles. However, Jesus instructed Paul and then an angel to write to Ephesus about how they left their first love. They did not leave their first love by not opposing false teaching and false teachers. They did not leave their first love by not enduring persecution in Christ’s name. They did these things. They left their first love as they left their first works. How do Christians behave in the beginning? How do they love in the beginning? This study looks at when a congregation or an individual Christian might leave their first love.
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:4-8 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 19, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
This study introduces the influence of Isaiah upon the conversion of the Ethiopian treasurer bringing him into the Christian faith. Within Isaiah 53 is the Gospel including the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This prophetic prediction of God’s Suffering Servant is about 700 years before Jesus was born. Isaiah 53 has many uses for today’s Christian. This study will present seven uses for Isaiah 53 today. This Isaian passage proclaims, persuades, and stirs people with the Gospel of the Christ.
Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:21-25 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 12, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Seven hundred years before Jesus, Isaiah revealed the Servant who was pierced for transgressions and crushed for the iniquities of all. The LORD laid on him the iniquity of all, because all like sheep have gone astray. People rejected and despised this Servant. Men hid their faces from Him. However, He healed others by His wounds. His appearance was marred beyond human semblance, and God exalted Him. These are ancient prophecies of the Christ, the Suffering Servant. Faith comes from hearing these words (Rom 10:16–17). This is the Gospel. This is the power of God unto salvation. This lesson urges the listener to be crucified with Christ and take the Gospel to heart.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded March 5, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus’s love is a tough love. He is compassionate and yet lovingly confrontational. Jesus’s teachings would not match the definition of politically correct. Jesus observed that sin is evil. He listed such evil thought and behavior that come from within a person and defile the person (Mark 7:20–23). Is your love balanced like Christ’s love? This is lesson challenges the listener to change one’s heart. Jesus did not bend the truth so as not to offend. Jesus did not excuse sin. Jesus did not overlook Judgment Day and hide the place of Torment in Hell. Jesus flipped tables if He had to do that. Jesus exposed hypocrites openly if He had to do that. However, this was not His usually approach. This lesson will urge the listener to count the cost to follow Jesus. This is no other way.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:34-39 (read by Gerrit Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 26, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus commanded His follower, “Love your enemies.” Christ explained how and Jesu set the example of compassion. Jesus ministered to the outcasts and fringes of society who came to Him. The Pharisees accused Jesus, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). For this reason, Jesus told the Parable of the Lost Sheep. “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” Jesus’s love crossed boundaries that few people wanted to follow. Jesus revealed to the Pharisees, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” Jesus knew enemies and He faced enemies as most people do. Jesus died at the hands of enemies. While loving them, He died for them. At one point, every accountable person has been an enemy to God through sinful actions. This lesson explains and challenges Christians to love their enemies and to know why.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-48 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 19, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw a man sitting in a tax booth and said, “Follow me.” Levi rose, left everything, and followed him. However, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled that Jesus ate and drank with such sinners. Jesus demonstrated His love to outsiders and outcast. His mercy came in loving kindness to persuade people to come to Christ. Christ’s love comes from God’s love for Him. Jesus affirmed the second greatest command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” One must love oneself as God loves that person. Only that love can fulfill loving one’s neighbor as oneself. This study looks to the original command from God to Moses to love one’s neighbor as oneself and see God’s meaning from the surround passages.
Scripture Reading: Leviticus 19:17-18 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 12, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
How did Jesus show love? Christ healed the sick. He fed the hungry. Jesus raised the dead. Christ forgave sinners. Jesus preached the Gospel. He set an example of obedience to God’s commands. Jesus died for the world, because God so loved the world. By all of these actions, Jesus demonstrated His love for all. This lesson reflects upon Jesus love to increase our love. Those who love Christ keep His commands. Believers can increase their love for God the more that they perceive the greatness of their debt in sin and Christ’s desire to forgive those sins. Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets through love. Jesus revealed that obeying the greatest commands fulfills the Law. Love in us fulfills the Law.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 (read by Theron Golleher)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded February 5, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
If someone asked you, “What is the purpose of the Church?”, what would you say? How one perceives the purpose of the church affects our behavior? Truthfully, if our faith in Christ, then we will value the church as Christ does? Jesus bought the church with His blood. Jesus promised to build His church. Jesus gave Himself for the church. When the church was established, the church devoted itself to the apostles’ doctrine, the Lord’s Supper, sharing together, and prayers together. Is that the church today? What does the church look like? The church has lost its purpose and the world sees it. The purpose of the church is to make disciples baptizing and teaching them to observe all things that Christ commanded. The purpose of the church is to proclaim the excellencies of God. Observations show that churches that grow are evangelizing. The church must return to the mission field and that means devoting oneself to the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:8-12 (read by David Johnson)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 29, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Why do you believe in the Bible? One might reply, “I believe in Jesus.” “The evidence surrounding Jesus’s death demonstrates that Jesus rose from the dead.” “The Bible is the most attested book in history.” “The Bible has changed the world for good.” “The Bible is filled with hundreds of fulfilled predictive prophecies.” All of these are excellent replies. The Bible is the effect of a miracle. Forty writers from Moses to John wrote the Bible over 1600 years. As Jesus is infallible so are the words of Jesus’s infallible. Jesus declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt 24:35). Jesus gave those words to His apostles and promised the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. Apostolic writers formed the Christians Scriptures that has been a wonder to the world. There is much more that is amazing about the Bible, and the Christian’s confidence to uphold the unlimited inerrancy of the Bible is compelling.
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21 (read by Justin Hirt)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 22, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt 5:8). Do most people perceive their hearts as good or evil? While many would say “good,” how many would describe their hearts as pure? This lesson presents a biblical picture of the heart as the inner self of thought and emotion. God knows the hearts of all people (1 Cor 4:5). God will judge the hearts of all people (Rom 2:4–6). How will your heart stand before God? There is a way to change the heart.
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:43-45 (read by Marcq Rhodes)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 15, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL
“It is the Lord who judges me.” “It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you.” Some may say such things because they do not want correction, blame, or to feel guilt. Such familiar statements can remind Christians that their focus must remain upon God for judgment. The apostle Paul has some insightful points from 1 Corinthians 4:1–7 for which this study centers. How much should Christians allow the judgments of others to affect them? The apostle Paul encourages believers by his example to identify oneself as a servant of Christ and steward of the ministries of God. The Christians must maintain a heart that does not judge others by one’s own personal measure, and rather assume the role of a servant humble before God. There is great danger when someone inflates oneself from boasting from low self-esteem according to what others say or from high self-esteem by what one thinks of oneself. However, this focus on self is very hurtful and the inflated person will deflate. This lesson turns the believer’s attention to identifying oneself through God in Christ.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 (read by Christopher Howell)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded January 8, 2017 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL