Ah-ha Moments - Expect Suffering
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.
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."
Paul - God Hates Religion
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.
Daniel - Thriving In A Hostile World
Tom Shrader examines the life of Daniel, showing how believers can not only survive but thrive in hostile environments through unwavering faithfulness to God.
Joseph - Steadfastness And Forgiveness
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.
How To Benefit From Adversity
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.
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.
How To Benefit From Adversity
Tom Shrader teaches that adversity is inevitable in life and that believers can benefit from it by being coachable and willing to learn.
Sardis And Philadelphia
Tom Shrader briefly touches on the dead church at Sardis before focusing on Philadelphia, the church with no recorded weakness.
Pergamum
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.
Ephesus
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.
James Session 12
Tom Shrader concludes James study on tested faith producing endurance through trials and patience.
James Session 2
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.
Principles Of Suffering Pain
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.
Life in the Last Days
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.
Enduring Sound Doctrine
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.
Living The Disentangled Life
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.
Expect Suffering And Grow From It
Tom Shrader teaches that suffering and trials are normal for Christians, not exceptions to avoid.
Live Your Life Confidently
Tom Shrader explores the fourth principle of staying straight in a crooked world: living life confidently.
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.