Demas
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."
New Relational Strategies For A Changing World
Tom Shrader addresses the tension between American individualism and God's call to live in community.
New Spiritual Strategies For A Changing World
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.
New Spiritual Strategies For A Changing World
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.
New Relational Strategies For A Changing World
Tom Shrader addresses the modern paradox of increased networking but weakened relationships, examining how people build extensive contact lists while lacking deep connections.
James Session 1
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.
Paul's Favorite Guy
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.
Memorial Day (Friday)
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.
Integrate Your Faith
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.
Develop A Lifelong Passion For Learning
Tom Shrader emphasizes that following God's Word requires more than just believing it—we must become lifelong learners.
Put a Lid On Your Dreams
Tom Shrader explores Paul's teaching that godliness accompanied by contentment equals great gain, contrasting this biblical principle with American materialism and consumer debt.
A Father’s Thoughts On His Daughters Wedding Day
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.
Living An Examined Life: Become A Person Of Ambitions
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.
Living An Examined Life: Stop And Take An Inventory
Tom Shrader challenges believers to stop and take inventory of their lives using biblical criteria rather than worldly measures like money, possessions, or status.
Are You Really A Christian?
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).
God's Practical Advice For Marriage Part 4
Tom Shrader concludes his marriage series by examining the biblical couple Priscilla and Aquila as a model for Christian marriage.
God's Practical Advice For Marriage Part 2
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.