The Shepherd's Pulpit

The cornerstone of the church is our confession that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the living God. This simple, powerful truth defines all we do as Christians, as we are called to bring that message to the world. In this message, Scott Colter unpacks Matthew 16:13-20 to show how powerful our confession of Christ truly is.

As we begin our 40 Days of Focused Prayer for the Future, today's chapel takes a different emphasis: a time of prayer, focusing on Jesus' words in Luke 11. Join us in praying for God's work in all our lives, and for His will to be done.

God gave Nehemiah a seemingly impossible task: rebuild the crumbled walls of Jerusalem. However, despite the seeming odds, Nehemiah accomplished his goal through prayer, flexibility, and working to finish the job well. In today's message, NEBC student Ed Lucas shows what we can learn from Nehemiah's example, as we face the daunting tasks of life.

The Bible gives us many examples of what true faith and discipleship look like, but also examples of what to avoid. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus engages three examples of "followers" who do nothing for furthering God's mission, as speaker Javier Chavez highlights in this message.

When David hid from Saul in the cave, he had a choice: he could give up and forsake God, or he could draw closer to Him. David chose the latter, penning Psalm 34 to show his choice to seek the Lord, fear the Lord, and Trust the Lord no matter the situation. Chapel speaker Tim Pigg tells David's story in this message, so we may learn to be like David when sorrow and suffering come.

The Christian life requires running with perseverance with our eyes fixed on Christ. Even more, we can only be successful in our pursuit of Christ if we rid ourselves of the sin that holds us back to free ourselves for the best that God has for us, as Pastor Josh Bradbury teaches from Hebrews 11:1-2 in today's chapel sermon.

When we serve God, He doesn't ask for our obedience only when it's easy or convenient; wherever we are, whatever we're facing, God asks us to give and serve sacrificially where He may bless us in return. In today's chapel message, speaker Nathan Kelly reminds us from 1 Kings 17 what a life of faithful obedience looks like, using the example of Elijah.

In a country and world marked by deep division and strife, what we need more than anything is unity; the unity found only in the gospel. Through the gospel we are all made one family in Christ, regardless of social status, race, gender, or any other earthly definitions. In this chapel message, President Ballard looks to Galatians 3 on what unity in the gospel truly means, and how its importance ca...

When God gives us direction, He never leaves us on our own; He prepares us for His mission, equipping us to great things in His name. The greatest of all tools he gives us is the gospel, the indispensable truth that we must never abandon or forsake. In today's chapel message, Pastor Steven Wiles shows just how powerfully God can equip us, to do the seemingly impossible through His strength and wit...

When we pray, we're going to the Creator of the universe, who has all wisdom and understanding. He can help us through all our trials and supply our greatest needs; we need just ask. In today's chapel message, Pastor Ken MacLeod takes us to Paul's example of prayer in Ephesians 1, of praying in the spirit of wisdom and revelation knowing that God will provide for us.

The truth of the gospel is vital. Without it, we have no salvation, no hope, and no eternal future. It's a truth worth preserve at all costs, against all attacks and attempts to corrupt it into something lesser and without value. In this message, NEBC Trustee Dr. Darryl Craft implores us from Jude 1-4 to stand alert and ready to defend the gospel, contending for the faith at all times and in all p...

Christians often ask themselves, "Where does God want me to serve?" The answer can look different for every believer, but no matter where God sends us, one truth stands: Be the best missionary you can be. You can learn to adapt and reach the culture with God's help, as pastor Lierte Soares explains using Jeremiah 29:4.

During Abraham's journey through the wilderness he faced many trials, but also calmer moments of God's grace and guidance. One such calm moment was Abraham's arrival at Moreh, where God told him of His glorious plans for his descendants, who would inherit the land. This was a marking post to Abraham's future; today, much like Abraham, God still gives us marking posts towards what He has planned fo...

After answering what the atonement is, Dr. David Allen continues our Spring Lecture Series by exploring how far the atonement extends. He answers the questions of for whom Jesus died, and who qualifies for salvation through faith in Him.

To many Christians, "the atonement" might sound like an obscure and pointless subject, meant for only scholars to discuss. However, few topics are as crucial to the Christian faith, of how Christ's sacrifice paid for the sins of those who believe in Him now and forever. In this year's Spring Lecture Series, Dr. David Allen discusses the full meaning and implications of the atonement, beginning wit...

Christians need to ask themselves: What does it mean to be a disciple? What are the characteristics of a true, faithful disciple and follower of Christ? Professor Dr. Jared August answers those questions in this message, seeing what Jesus Himself had to say on the subject in Mark 8, 9, and 10.

Trust can be hard, especially when others don't meet our expectations. Grief, disbelief, and fear can follow when others fail us, leaving us unsure of who to trust or what's coming next. However, no matter what others do, we can always have faith in God, as NEBC Professor Dr. Michael McDill teaches from 1 Samuel 16.

Elijah was a man of great faith, but even he was susceptible to great discouragement. Even then, he persevered through prayer and obedience, as we can do today, as President Ballard explains from 1 Kings 19.

Elijah was a man who walked in obedience, and also a man of great prayer. He prayed intensely, effectively, and faithfully, always trusting God to deliver on His promises, no matter how impossible they seemed. In today's message, President Ballard explores how we can learn from Elijah's example in 1 Kings 18, to become people of great obedience and prayer ourselves.

Each day, Christians face increasing opposition to their beliefs and their message. Yet, this generation is not the first to face such hostility; in 1 Kings, we see the example of Elijah, who faced incredible adversity. Yet, he faithfully proclaimed God's message, teaching us all a lesson in obedience, as President Ballard explains in today's chapel.

Elijah's story teaches us many things, including what it means to truly obey God in the worst circumstances and trust in His provision, as President Ballard explores in today's chapel message.

God ordained the family, government, and the church, giving each their functions for creating a harmonious society. However, in a fallen world all three often fail to meet their godly mission, creating conflict and leaving us caught in the middle. In today's chapel message, President Ballard teaches what our response as Christians should be when the institutions stray from their God-given purposes...

When the world is in chaos, it's easy to lose focus on what matters and where we find our refuge. In this message, NEBC graduate Josh Bradbury explores Psalm 46, emphasizing how we should keep our eyes on God no matter the circumstance, as His hand guards us.

In a time of political turmoil, we may struggle to find answers or know where to put our trust. In this message, Pastor Brad Graves takes us to Jeremiah 29:1-10, showing what it means to put our trust in the true King, no matter where society takes us.

It shouldn't surprise Christians that they have a responsibility to the church, yet they may not understand just what their responsibility is. In this message, President Ballard explores Ephesians 4, looking at what God intends for His people to do as members of the Body of Christ.