Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

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

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

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

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

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

God prepares Peter to share the Gospel with Cornelius. Both Peter and Cornelius are uniquely positioned to hear God speak. The call of the Lord may not make sense, but the confusion will be cleared up as you take the next step of obedience.

The focus of the Acts narrative is now brought to bear on Peter. As the church spread out geographically, the Lord is positioning it to spread out spiritually. Peter is used by the Lord to heal a paralytic and to raise a corpse to life. Peter follows the pattern of Jesus, expects God to work, and does not hesitate to seize the opportunities before him. 

A transitional passage between the conversion of Saul and the resumption of Peter's ministry, Acts 9:31 reveals five marks of a spiritually healthy church.

After his conversion, Saul immediately begins to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God and Israel's Messiah. He is led to Arabia, and upon his return learns a lesson in humility while fleeing Damascus. Barnabas vouches for Saul among the Apostles in Jerusalem. Saul experiences the three new identities of every believer--disciple, brother and witness.

Psalm 33 conveys to God's people the call to praise, the motivation for praise, and the need to wait with praise. 

The Lord uses a faithful disciple, Ananias, to pray for Saul. It is faithfulness in the little things that prepares the Christian to be used of the Lord in the big things. Every disciple, no matter the ministry they have been called to, is an instrument in God's hands. A brief discussion on the meaning of baptism.

While on his way to arrest believers in Damascus, Saul encounters the resurrected Lord Jesus on the road. His conversion demonstrates characteristics that every person who puts their trust in Jesus will experience.  

The Lord leads Philip away from preaching to the crowds in the Samaritan villages to share the Gospel with one man on a desert road. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch offers important principles for personal evangelism.

The psalmist reflects on man's attempts to secure wealth as a hedge against poverty, exposure, and rejection. In the final estimation, behind every fear is the fear of death. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as foreshadowed in this psalm, is the ultimate security of the Christian.

The Samaritans respond to Philip preaching the Gospel. Many believe and are baptized. But it is not until Peter and John arrive and lay their hands on them that they receive the Holy Spirit. Simon too "believes," but misunderstands the free gift of God. 

This message answers three questions: What is persecution? How does persecution affect the church? How should the church respond to persecution?

David's prayer after reflecting on his sins against Bathsheba, Uriah and the nation of Israel. The consequences of sin on the soul. The restoration of God granted to the broken-hearted and repentant. 

The third and final message covering Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin. An account of Stephen's execution as the Lord Jesus stands to welcome him into His eternal kingdom.

The second of three messages on Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. Moses was raised up as a deliverer of Israel. His experiences foreshadowed the true Deliverer.

In the first of three messages, Stephen begins to answer his accusers. God is not bound to a place.