Ah-ha Moments - So How Are You Doing
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).
Ah-ha Moments - The Missing Ingredient
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.
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."
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.
New Relational Strategies For A Changing World
Tom Shrader addresses the tension between American individualism and God's call to live in community.
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.
The Secret Contentment
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.
Driven By Love And Humility
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.
Thyatira
Tom Shrader teaches on Revelation 2:18-29, warning against tolerating false teaching in the church.
Smyrna
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.
James Session 12
Tom Shrader concludes James study on tested faith producing endurance through trials and patience.
James Session 11
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.
James Session 10
Tom Shrader addresses the source of quarrels and conflicts within the church, identifying selfish ambition and worldly pleasures as the root cause.
James Session 9
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.
James Session 8
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.
James Session 5
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.
James Session 3
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.
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.