Cannon Beach Conference Center
Here you will find Tom’s Priority Living Audio content recorded at Cannon Beach Conference Center over the years. It is grouped alphabetically by workshop. Use the arrows on the right side of each series to see more messages within that study.
Ah-Ha Moments (2016)
Tom Shrader uses 1 Thessalonians 1 to offer three key indicators for spiritual health: the work of faith (turning from idols to God in repentance), the labor of love (serving others rather than self), and steadfastness of hope (living with eternal perspective while awaiting Christ's return).
Tom Shrader addresses the epidemic of stress in modern life by presenting five truths believers can know that reduce anxiety: God is in control, He forgives sin, He is our only hope, He works all things for good, and He never changes.
Tom Shrader explores the biblical concept of contentment as the often-overlooked component necessary for spiritual maturity. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Philippians 4:11-13, he demonstrates how Paul learned the secret of contentment - being satisfied with God's provision rather than constantly pursuing more possessions, achievements, or circumstances.
Tom Shrader addresses the reality that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, not an exception. Drawing from John 16:33 where Jesus promises tribulation, and James 1:2-4 on considering trials as joy, he explains that hardships serve as spiritual aerobics to build endurance and reveal God's character.
Tom Shrader teaches through Psalm 23, examining the imagery of God as our shepherd and believers as sheep. He walks through each verse to show how the Lord provides relationship, supply, rest, refreshment, healing, guidance, protection, hope, and eternal security.
Tom Shrader establishes the Bible as the final authority for Christian living, using prophecy fulfillment as evidence of Scripture's reliability. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he teaches that the Bible is profitable for teaching what's right, reproof of what's wrong, correction for how to get right, and training for how to stay right.
Tom Shrader shares his personal testimony of coming to faith and teaches on the ultimate 'aha moment' - understanding salvation by grace through faith alone. Drawing from Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans, he emphasizes that salvation is not based on human effort or religion, but on God's grace alone.
An Examined Life (2002)
Tom Shrader explores Paul's teaching that godliness accompanied by contentment equals great gain, contrasting this biblical principle with American materialism and consumer debt.
Drawing from Deuteronomy 6 and his own experience, he offers practical wisdom on raising children while emphasizing the importance of being present, providing consistent discipline, and ultimately preparing kids to be independent of parents but dependent on God.
Tom Shrader redefines ambition from the world's pursuit of money, fame, prestige and power to five biblical priorities: improving relationships, increasing freedom from enslaving habits, intensifying godly passion, expanding perspective through learning, and being strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Tom Shrader challenges believers to stop and take inventory of their lives using biblical criteria rather than worldly measures like money, possessions, or status.
Tom Shrader addresses the fundamental question of Christian identity, emphasizing that the term 'Christian' has lost much of its meaning in contemporary culture. Using 2 Corinthians 13:5, he presents two essential tests for genuine faith: the doctrinal test (believing Jesus is who He claimed to be and died for our sins) and the moral test (demonstrating life change through having the mind of Christ).
CBCC August 2008
Tom Shrader examines Paul's final instructions to Timothy about living in the difficult last days, which span from Christ's ascension to His return.
Tom Shrader examines Paul's final charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-8, emphasizing the importance of preaching God's Word even when people prefer teachers who tickle their ears with myths rather than sound doctrine.
Tom Shrader examines Paul's warning to Timothy about the difficult times of the last days, focusing on how people will be lovers of self and money rather than lovers of God.
Tom Shrader examines 2 Timothy 2 and the concept of living a disentangled life, using Paul's metaphors of the soldier, athlete, and farmer to illustrate Christian discipline.
Tom Shrader begins a series on 2 Timothy by examining Paul's opening words to his beloved protege Timothy, written from prison as Paul faces death. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring relationships and God's promises of grace, mercy, and peace.
Tom Shrader examines Paul's charge to Timothy to kindle afresh his spiritual gifts, emphasizing that God gives every believer unique gifts to be used with power, love, and discipline rather than timidity.
Tom Shrader introduces a study of 2 Timothy by examining the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon demonstrates that life 'under the sun' (apart from God) is utterly meaningless despite pursuing pleasure, wealth, wisdom, and achievement.
CBCC August 2012
Tom Shrader provides a comprehensive summary of the week's teaching, emphasizing that believers need transformed hearts, informed minds, and radical lives.
Tom Shrader teaches on the biblical concept of contentment from 1 Timothy 6, examining Paul's equation that godliness plus contentment equals great gain. He challenges listeners to examine their hearts regarding material possessions, relationships, and achievements, arguing that true satisfaction comes from Christ alone rather than accumulating more stuff or status.
Tom Shrader teaches that believers have a dual calling: to make the invisible God visible through the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) and to speak the truth boldly about what Christ has done.
Tom Shrader explores why Christians struggle to change, arguing that true transformation comes through understanding our complete dependence on God's grace rather than our own efforts.
Tom Shrader explores 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 12:1-2, emphasizing that true Christian transformation comes from God working inside out, not through external religious effort.
Tom Shrader explores the final movement of Isaiah 53, focusing on verses 10-12 which prophesy not only Christ's suffering and death but also His resurrection.
CBCC July 2014
Tom Shrader explores the cautionary tale of Demas, a close ministry partner of Paul who abandoned him in his hour of greatest need because he "loved this present world."
Tom Shrader examines Peter's journey from denial to powerful preaching, demonstrating that failure is not fatal for believers. Using Peter's three denials of Christ and his subsequent restoration, Shrader shows how God's grace transforms our worst moments into opportunities for ministry.
Tom Shrader examines the Apostle Paul's dramatic conversion from religious persecutor to Christ follower in Acts 6-9. He emphasizes that Paul was not seeking God but was convinced he already had Him through his religious works, yet God saved him by grace alone.
Tom Shrader examines the life of Daniel, showing how believers can not only survive but thrive in hostile environments through unwavering faithfulness to God.
Tom Shrader walks through the story of Joseph from Genesis 37-50, examining how Joseph maintained steadfastness and forgiveness despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and imprisoned for years.
Tom Shrader opens the Cannon Beach conference by establishing two foundational truths for the week. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he teaches that Scripture is the inspired Word of God, profitable for teaching what's right, what's wrong, how to get right, and how to stay right.
CBCC May 2007
Tom Shrader examines the believer's role as a messenger of the gospel, drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:20 where Paul describes Christians as ambassadors for Christ.
Tom Shrader explores 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, emphasizing that God has given believers the ministry of reconciliation - making them ambassadors tasked with both living out their faith visibly and boldly proclaiming the gospel message.
Tom Shrader begins with the history of Cannon Beach Conference Center, emphasizing how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Tom Shrader examines 1 Corinthians 13 to define biblical love, emphasizing that without love, even the greatest spiritual gifts and acts of service are meaningless.
Tom Shrader explores Jesus' teaching that Christians are salt and light in the world, emphasizing that this is about being rather than doing.
Tom Shrader establishes the foundation for Christian living by examining what it means to be saved by God, from God, for God. Using Isaiah 6 and Matthew 5:13-16, he explains that Christians are called to be salt and light in the world, living distinctively so that others see their good works and glorify the Father in heaven.
CBCC September 2007
Tom Shrader presents five key points about the Christian life: salvation by grace, unbreakable union with God, freedom from sin's bondage, enduring life's trials, and fulfilling God's plan.
Tom Shrader teaches that genuine Christianity is fundamentally about doctrine rather than behavior, though right doctrine leads to transformed living.
Tom Shrader explores how Christians must understand God's sovereignty over all circumstances, including suffering and trials, which God uses for believers' growth and His purposes.
Tom Shrader begins a men's conference by sharing his personal testimony of conversion and introducing the foundational concept of grace.
God’s Advice for Marriage (2000)
Tom Shrader concludes his marriage series by examining the biblical couple Priscilla and Aquila as a model for Christian marriage.
Tom Shrader explores three principles for godly marriage: unselfishness rooted in 1 Corinthians 7, continuing to share dreams through ongoing communication, and practicing forgiveness as Christ forgave us.
Tom Shrader addresses the second key to a healthy marriage: having realistic expectations. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:6-8, he explains that godliness plus contentment equals great gain, and warns against expecting our spouse to meet all our needs—something only God can do.
How Do I Stay Straight in a Crooked World (2006)
Tom Shrader emphasizes the necessity of daily spiritual renewal, drawing from Paul's teaching that while our outer bodies decay, our inner selves are renewed day by day.
Tom Shrader examines three aspects of Christian freedom that flow from the cross: freedom from the consequences of sin through justification, freedom from the bondage of sin through the Spirit's power, and freedom to be the unique person God created each believer to be.
Tom Shrader teaches that suffering and trials are normal for Christians, not exceptions to avoid.
Tom Shrader explores Paul's declaration in Philippians 4:11-13 that he has learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances.
Tom Shrader explains that Christians are called to both make the invisible God visible through their transformed lives and speak the truth boldly about Jesus Christ.
Tom Shrader examines what it means to be salt and light in the world, emphasizing that Christians are called to make the invisible God visible through their lives.
Tom Shrader explores the fourth principle of staying straight in a crooked world: living life confidently.
Tom Shrader explores Paul's pursuit of spiritual maturity in Philippians 3, emphasizing that authentic Christianity cannot be segmented into just Sundays or church settings but must be integrated into every aspect of life.
Tom Shrader emphasizes that following God's Word requires more than just believing it—we must become lifelong learners.
Tom Shrader explores how Christians can make godly decisions in a confusing world by understanding how God communicates with His people.
Tom Shrader begins a 12-part series on staying faithful in a changing world by establishing the Bible as the ultimate authority for life.
How to Stay Afloat in a World Circling the Drain (2013)
Tom Shrader addresses the tension between American individualism and God's call to live in community.
Tom Shrader presents five essential spiritual strategies for believers navigating a changing and challenging world: fellowship through commitment to local church, learning through Scripture study, giving generously with money and resources, working out salvation through good deeds, and recruiting others by sharing the gospel.
Tom Shrader addresses anxiety in a world of constant change, drawing from Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 and Paul's teaching in Philippians 4.
Tom Shrader presents the foundational gospel message, tracing humanity's sin problem from Adam's fall in Genesis 3 to God's solution through Christ's death.
Tom Shrader explains that life has inevitable cycles of good and bad times, and that everything in our lives is either caused or allowed by God.
Tom Shrader addresses how to maintain spiritual momentum after a conference or retreat experience, drawing from Acts 2:42-47 to outline five essential practices for ongoing Christian growth.
Tom Shrader addresses the modern paradox of increased networking but weakened relationships, examining how people build extensive contact lists while lacking deep connections.
Tom Shrader addresses anxiety from Luke 12, contrasting the anxious heir and the complacent rich man to show how both misunderstand God's provision.
Tom Shrader teaches that adversity is inevitable in life and that believers can benefit from it by being coachable and willing to learn.
Tom Shrader begins a conference series by establishing the theological foundation of salvation by grace through faith alone.
James (2009)
Tom Shrader concludes James study on tested faith producing endurance through trials and patience.
Tom Shrader teaches from James 4:11-17 about two dangerous attitudes: judging fellow believers maliciously and planning life as if we control our own destiny.
Tom Shrader addresses the source of quarrels and conflicts within the church, identifying selfish ambition and worldly pleasures as the root cause.
Tom Shrader teaches through James 3:13-18, contrasting two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom marked by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition versus heavenly wisdom that is first pure, then peaceable and gentle.
Tom Shrader teaches through James 3:1-12, focusing on the power and danger of the tongue. He emphasizes that the tongue reveals what is truly in our hearts, using James's illustrations of horses, ships, and fire to show both the controlling power and destructive potential of our words.
Tom Shrader teaches from James 2:14-26 on the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that while salvation is by grace through faith alone, genuine faith will always produce good works as evidence.
Tom Shrader examines James 2:1-13, addressing the sin of showing partiality or favoritism in the church.
Tom Shrader examines James 1:17-25, emphasizing that believers must humbly receive God's implanted Word and act on it rather than merely listen.
Tom Shrader distinguishes between God's testing (which produces good) and Satan's temptation (which aims for destruction) from James 1:13-18.
Tom Shrader examines James 1:5-12, emphasizing how believers should seek God's wisdom during trials while trusting His sovereignty without demanding specific outcomes.
Tom Shrader teaches from James 1:2-4 about finding joy in trials and suffering. He explains that trials are inevitable for Christians and come in various forms - not just adversity but also prosperity.
Tom Shrader begins a series on James by sharing his personal testimony of coming to faith in Christ and explaining the book's central theme found in James 1:22 - being doers of the Word, not merely hearers.
Jonah (2004)
Tom Shrader concludes his series on Jonah by examining chapter 4, where Jonah becomes angry that God spared Nineveh after their repentance.
Tom Shrader teaches that God is a God of second chances, as seen in His renewed call to Jonah, and emphasizes that every believer has been called to evangelism just as Jonah was called to Nineveh.
Tom Shrader examines Jonah's story as it continues in chapter 4, emphasizing that God is a God of second chances who extends grace and mercy to His people.
Tom Shrader examines Jonah's experience in the belly of the great fish, addressing questions about the historical reliability of this account while emphasizing the spiritual truth it reveals.
Tom Shrader examines Jonah's futile attempt to flee from God's presence, emphasizing that believers cannot hide from God or escape His loving discipline.
Tom Shrader begins a six-part series on Jonah by establishing the Bible as God's infallible Word and salvation through Christ alone.
Marriage (2002)
Tom Shrader concludes a marriage conference by emphasizing that God's Word must be the foundation for marriage and all of life.
Tom Shrader addresses three key areas for healthy marriage: sexual intimacy, communication, and forgiveness.
Tom Shrader addresses married couples about approaching marriage with biblical realism, teaching from James 1:2-4 that trials are inevitable and designed for spiritual growth.
Tom Shrader begins this marriage conference by establishing the gospel foundation, sharing his personal testimony of coming to faith in Christ and emphasizing that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Principles (2009)
Tom Shrader examines Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1-8, emphasizing three key visions: seeing God as He truly is in His holiness and majesty, seeing ourselves as we really are in our sinfulness, and receiving a vision for how God uses transformed lives in service.
Tom Shrader examines James 1:2-4, explaining how believers should count trials as joy because God uses them to develop spiritual endurance and maturity.
Tom Shrader teaches from Jesus' parable in Luke 12 about faithful and unfaithful managers to demonstrate that believers are stewards, not owners, of all their resources.
Tom Shrader examines Jesus' appearances to His disciples on resurrection evening in John 20:19-31, showing how the crucified and risen Christ transforms fear into rejoicing through His presence.
Tom Shrader explores the biblical principle that our choices today have inevitable consequences tomorrow, using Galatians 6:7-10 to show that God has established a spiritual law of sowing and reaping.
Tom Shrader examines the creation and fall accounts in Genesis to address the fundamental human need for significance and self-worth.
The Seven Churches (2010)
Tom Shrader on Revelation 3:14-22 - the lukewarm church of Laodicea and spiritual complacency.
Tom Shrader briefly touches on the dead church at Sardis before focusing on Philadelphia, the church with no recorded weakness.
Tom Shrader teaches on Revelation 2:18-29, warning against tolerating false teaching in the church.
Tom Shrader teaches on Jesus' letter to the church at Smyrna, emphasizing that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life but is temporary and purposeful.
Tom Shrader addresses the third letter to the seven churches, examining Jesus' message to Pergamum - a church that held fast to Christ's name but allowed compromise to creep in through false teaching.
Tom Shrader introduces a study of the seven churches in Revelation by examining Ephesus, a church that Jesus commends for their hard work, perseverance, and doctrinal discernment but rebukes for losing their first love.