The Shepherd's Pulpit

Christianity requires vigilance. We're called to a high standard, of how we live our lives each day. But what does that look like in practice? In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Alan Ingalls examines Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, as the Apostle teaches what a vigilant Christian life looks like.

How do we follow God when it seems impossible? When life gives us obstacles we don't know how to overcome, it's easy to lose faith in God's promises; but we have a trustworthy God who never fails. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Dave Bentley looks to Numbers 14 and the life of Caleb, who saw impossible odds but followed God faithfully nonetheless.

It's all too easy to try and rely on ourselves or other people to meet our needs. Unfortunately, those will never be enough; fortunately, we have a God who can provide everything. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Michael McDill turns to Matthew 7:7-12, teaching why asking God for our needs is the best option of all.

We all have struggles, needs, and fears. How should we handle them in a Godly way? In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard uses Abraham's example in Genesis 12 to show both how to and how not to handle adversity that life brings our way.

Today, the gospel itself is at stake. The world becomes more hostile to it by the day. The worst threats, though, may not come from the secular world; those proclaiming a corrupted gospel are arguably even worse. In today's chapel message, Dr. Lee Williams uses John's words in 1 John 4 to describe the dangers of false teachers in the church, and what we can do to combat them.

We all have a God-given purpose. We have talents and treasures we can and should use for His purpose and kingdom. But what happens when we stray from the path? In today's chapel message, Dr. Brian Harmon uses the story of Sampson in Judges 13 to show the dangers of dividing our purpose, leading to spiritual powerlessness and a wasted life.

We're called to be a lot of things as Christians. It can seem daunting to deny our fleshly ways and do as God asks of us; the good news is we don't have to do it in our own strength. In today's final chapel of the year, President Mark Ballard looks to Galatians 5 on how we can only be sinful on our own, but can be righteous through the Spirit working through and empowering us.

Joy is one of our callings as Christians. It's not always easy, but nonetheless we always have the means to have joy no matter the circumstance. In today's chapel message, Joe Wooddell looks to Paul's words in Philippians 4:4-9 on how and why to be joyful, in all things and at all times.

John was one of the great theologians of Scripture, with his 5 books containing some of the deepest insights into the gospel and the truth. A great example is his description of the Christian life in 1 John, asking 5 "if" statements about how we live. In today's chapel message, Richard Henry explores these statements on what they mean if they are true, for us in our walk with Christ.

As we enter the Christmas season, gifts become a huge subject. Earthly gifts can be great, but some gifts are even greater. In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard goes through Romans 8 on three gifts the Spirit gives to us, working in our lives.

Death has been defeated. The death and resurrection of Christ has ensured it, now and forevermore. But what does that really mean for us? In today's chapel message, NEBC counseling professor Dr. George Sweet explores the Scriptures on how death's sting has been removed and the hope and future it gives us.

We all know Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The question is, what does it mean to follow Him? In today's chapel message, NEBC New Testament professor Dr. Jared August explores Jesus' own words in John 10, on the characteristics of His followers.

Some churches last and some churches don't. The question is, why? In today's chapel message, Terry Dorsett looks to 1 Corinthians 3 and the example of the church in Corinth to show how lasting churches are built not on trappings and personalities, but on the foundation of the gospel, biblical living, and investing in church members.

It's not always easy to follow God. Sometimes He calls us to go into the unknown, trusting He will never fail us. In today's chapel message, NEBC alum Michael Carrel looks at Joshua 3 when the Israelites were called to follow the ark, stepping out in faith when all seemed impossible.

We all follow someone. Be it a teacher, celebrity, or politician, we all have people who vie for our attention and devotion. But none of them are as worthy of our devotion as Christ. In today's chapel message, NEBC alum Tony Levesque looks to 1 Corinthians 3 on what it means to truly follow Jesus, as the only one truly worth following.

We have to preach the Word. No matter how good a Christian you are and how good an example you set, you'll never bring someone to believe in Christ unless they hear the gospel. In today's chapel message, Steve Brazzel uses Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4 to show that proclaiming the Word with our words is vital, as the lost wait to hear the truth.

We all fail. It's part of life, including for Christians. When that happens, when we fail the Lord, what does that mean? In today's chapel message, Stephen Wyles looks to Peter's failure in Luke 22, how he forsook Jesus and yet was not a failure, as God never forsook him.

The Holy Spirit works in many ways. Despite some opinions however, His work is not just in the lives of believers; the Spirit's work extends to unbelievers in multiple ways. In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard looks at John 16, on how the Spirit works to bring unbelievers to faith in Christ.

What do we do when life gets rough? We have options, bad and good: we can throw our hands up and quit, we can muddle through and settle for mediocrity, or we can choose to face it head on with vigor and excellence. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Alan Ingalls looks to 2 Timothy and Paul's example of a man enduring to the end, doing his best for the Lord, and how we can emulate him with g...

We all have storms. We all go through times of uncertainty and struggle, no matter where we are in life. But what can we learn about them? In today's chapel message, Gene Neal uses the story of Peter walking on water in the storm to show how we can navigate the storms in our life, learning from them and trusting God to bring us through.

Our greatest commission is to bring the gospel to the world. This commission is not always easy, nor always safe, but our calling to bring the world the answers it needs never changes. In today's chapel message, Leo Lytle shares how we can give the good news of Christ in even the worst circumstances, showing His truth even when it seems impossible.

Jesus set a high calling for how we love others. He loved enough to die for us all, including those who abandoned or opposed Him. So what do we do in response? In today's chapel message, Claiton Kunz uses Jesus' words and actions in John 13 to show how we're called to love others, in every circumstance.

We're never beyond God's grace. No matter what we do, no matter how far from Him we stray in sin, He will always welcome us back with open arms. In today's chapel message, NEBC Trustee Board Chair Ron Poitras looks to Ephesians 2 and tells his own story of redemption, on how we were dead in sin, are alive in Christ, and now walk with a purpose, all because of God's grace.

The time of King Nebuchadnezzar was a time of deep idolatry. Under his rule the captive Israelites were forced to worship false idols, under penalty of death; that is, until Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood for their God, proving His power and upending the idolatrous ways of Babylon. In today's chapel message, Steffan Jones explores this story in Daniel 3, showing how it applies to us and our...

We've all heard the story of David and Goliath. It's easy to take it for granted as just a story of a boy triumphing over impossible odds with God's help. But is there more to it? In today's chapel message, Marvin Jones looks to 1 Samuel 17, taking a different perspective on the story, from the view of those there who watched it unfold.