The Shepherd's Pulpit

Do you ever feel inadequate to serve God? Have you ever thought your failures were too much, like God could never use you in your weakness? Take heart; all we have to do is follow Him, and He will do the rest. In today's chapel message, Mike Courtney uses Luke 5 to show how we may fail, but nevertheless we heed God's Word.

What's our highest calling in life? What are we meant to do, according to God's will? It's simple: to proclaim the Word of God and be His missionary. In today's chapel message, Mike Courtney looks to Mark 3 to show our greatest calling for Christ.

The story of Jonah is one we've all heard a hundred times. We all know the account of him and the great fish, but do we really know the complete picture? In today's chapel message, Tyler Ballard takes us through the whole Book of Jonah, showing how we must obey the Father's instruction to reach others for Him.

We have a generous God. He gives us what we do not deserve; instead of eternal punishment in hell we gain an inheritance through His Son, no matter when we come to Him. In today's chapel message, Jim Robertson uses Matthew 20 to show how we all have an equal inheritance in Christ, from the first to the last.

Do you want God's will for your life? We all have a calling from God, what He desires for us for doing His work and glorifying Him; but how do we know what that is? In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard looks to Romans 12:1-2 to show the steps for how we can discover God's will for us, to lead the life we are meant to lead.

We have to be equipped to do God's work. Reaching the lost and being the hands and feet of Jesus is a high calling, one that requires much of us. But how do we prepare? In today's chapel message, Mark Appell looks to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to show how it's not us who equips ourselves, but God through the Scriptures.

We live in a dark and fallen world. What the world offers can't defeat that darkness; what it needs is us. In today's chapel message, NEBC Trustee Doug Echols uses 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 to show how we can use integrity, prayer, and proclaiming Jesus to push back the darkness and win the world for Christ.

Why are you who you are? We all have an identity, but where does it come from? In today's chapel message, Nathan Kelley uses Moses' story in Exodus 1 to show us how our identity isn't determined by ourselves or the world, but by the God who made us.

We were created for more. God calls us to do great things in His name, more than we could ever imagine. However, this requires one thing from us: perseverance. In today's chapel message, John McMillian uses Paul's example in Acts 26 to show how we can persevere, doing God's work despite all opposition.

Christ has triumphed over all. He reigns victorious, and we share in that victory. In today's chapel message, John free looks to 2 Corinthians 2 and 3 to show how our relationship gives us triumph with Him, and how we should live that triumph out.

Christ is above all. He is the supreme Lord, firstborn over creation, the Alpha and Omega. The Scriptures tell us this over and over, but perhaps nowhere more than in Hebrews. In today's chapel message, Ross Langford illustrates Jesus' supremacy through Hebrews 1, over all creation.

The Bible doesn't speak directly about AI, but that doesn't mean it speaks nothing related to it. For day two of our Spring Lecture Series, President Mark Ballard lays out biblical principles and commands that guide our use of AI technology, both for academics and life.

The emergence of AI has been one of the biggest topics of the year. We talk about it, but do we really know what it is? For day one of this year's Spring Lecture Series, NEBC professor Dave King uses his experience in the field to explain the origins, uses, and dangers of AI in today's world.

People hate waiting. When we want something, we want it now—especially when we want salvation from our suffering. In today's chapel message, Jay Reddenhauer uses Romans 8 to show how to wait on the glory of God to deliver us, having hope in suffering.

One bad decision can do more damage than you could ever imagine. You, those around you, and future generations can all face the consequences of your choices; so how do you make the right decisions? In today's chapel message, NEBC alum Michael Carrel uses Psalm 112 to tell us how even the smallest decisions can have the biggest consequences, and only through following God can we know the right choice to make.

Sin scars us. It damages our soul and spirit, and leaves us in need of healing and forgiveness—forgiveness that only Jesus can give. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Dave Bentley looks to Mark 2 and the story of the paralytic to show how Jesus can offer us forgiveness of our sins and healing in incredible ways.

When is it okay to hate? We're used to the idea that hate is sinful and should be avoided; but what if we hate sin itself? In today's chapel message, Klayton Carson uses Psalm 137 to show how we should hate the work of Satan and pray for its destruction.

How do you do the impossible? By definition you can't; but we have a God who can. In today's chapel message, Stephen Wyles uses the story of the fish and loaves in John 6 to show that when we give God our all, He can use it to do great and impossible things.

Noah faced the ultimate test of faith. Building the ark and leaving the world behind took trusting God's plan completely, no matter the effort or cost. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor George Sweet looks to Genesis 6-8 to show what it means to have ultimate faith, and come out victorious.

When God calls you, will you be willing to answer? In today's chapel message, Justin Cathey uses 1 Samuel 15 and his own story of international missions work to show what it looks like to be obedient to God's call, going wherever and doing whatever for whoever He asks.

When life goes how we don't expect, it's easy to lose hope and give up. Despair sets in and we see no way out. However, no matter what we do have a way through the hope and life of Christ. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Jared August uses Lazarus' resurrection in John 11 to show how Christ brings hope and life even in the darkest times.

God delivers us. When our backs are against the wall, when all seems lost, our God can rescue us in ways we could never imagine. In today's chapel message, NEBC professor Alan Ingalls uses Psalm 114 to show how, just like the Israelites were saved time and time again, we can trust in God's sovereign hand.

We don't have all the answers. As much as we try or want to we can never know everything, and our perception of life will always be incomplete. The Father however has no such restrictions; He always knows best. In today's chapel Message, NEBC professor Michael McDill looks to James 1:16-18 to show how we should lean on the Father and His plan through all that life throws at us.

In the late 1st century, the church at Ephesus seemed the shining example of what a church should be. Even amidst persecution, their deeds and faithfulness were what other churches aspired to have. However, they lacked one thing: they had left their first love, Jesus. In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard uses John's message to the church in Revelation 2 to ask us whether we, too have left our first love.

We've all heard the story of the first Christmas. The stories in the Gospels each give us the authors' accounts of that holy night; they aren't the only perspectives, though. What about the story from the other side, from the man who tried to ruin the story before it began? This is the account of King Herod, as visits from hell and tells the events of the first Christmas from his point of view.

Your faith will be tested. Not only will the world challenge your devotion, but others will look to see whether your faith is genuine and your words match your actions. In today's chapel message, Rob Martinez uses Acts 4 to show how we can hold fast to obedience and faith when we're put to the test.

Who we are and what we do says everything about us; so for believers, shouldn't it all point to Christ, no matter the circumstance? In today's chapel message, Hal Haller goes to Acts 8 to show what it means to be a faithful witness for Christ, even in the worst of times.

It's way too easy to get caught up in the world. The enjoyments and pleasures of the world are alluring and call to us; however, we're called to seek something better. In today's chapel message, Kevin Payne uses Revelation 17 and Hebrews 11 to show how we can overcome the temptations of the world and seek God in faith.

Of all Scripture, Psalm 23 may be the most familiar. We usually apply it to the Christian life in general, but it also applies deeply to a particular group who face incredible trials: pastors. In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard shows how Psalm 23's promises of protection and provision provide comfort to the pastor as he faces the trials of his profession.

We do what we don't want to do. That's Paul's simple but profound message in Romans 7, as he teaches of our fleshly nature and our natural bent towards sin. However, we don't have to give up; we have hope in Christ. In today's chapel message, NEBC alumnus Tyler Ballard uses Romans 7 to show what hope we do have to overcome our flesh and be a new creation in Christ.

Following God takes faith. When we pursue His calling for our lives, we can find ourselves stepping out into the seemingly impossible, where we can't provide for ourselves; that's where God steps in. In today's chapel message, NEBC alumnus Chris Shatney uses Psalm 81 to show how God will never let the faithful go without, and always provide for their needs in incredible ways.

Do you want a healthy Christian life? It takes a lot to follow Christ faithfully, but underpinning it all is one key piece: prayer. In today's chapel message, Johnny Fain uses Jesus' example in Luke 11 to show how we can use the power of prayer to find spiritual victory.

Building churches takes endurance. It's not the structure itself that's truly difficult; it's growing and maintaining the congregation that takes intense and tireless effort. So how do we press through? In today's chapel message, David Glover looks to Hebrews 13:1-6 to show what true endurance means, and how we can have it through the Lord.

Everyone wants to make a difference. We all want to leave a mark, doing something lasting and meaningful. However, it's easy to get caught up in excuses, and say "not today"; but with God there's no reason to delay. In today's chapel message, president Mark Ballard looks to biblical examples of people God used despite their circumstances, who made a real and lasting difference.

It isn't easy to be a faithful Christian. True faith requires more than salvation; we must be sanctified, serve faithfully, and sacrifice willingly. Are you up to the challenge? In today's chapel message, Terry Dorsett looks to Jesus's words in Luke 9:57-62 to show the real cost of following Him, in all ways and at all times.

What's our purpose? Why are we on the earth? On our own, we tend to believe that we exist for our own sakes; however, we've been provided the real answer. In today's chapel message, Eric Pugh speaks on how we were made by and for God, for His glory and not our own.

When your calling seems impossible, what do you do? The safe and easy route is to back down and retreat, throwing in the towel; the route we're called to is to press forward, taking the mountain God has given us. In today's chapel message, NEBC trustee Larry Pridmore uses Caleb's example in Joshua 14 to show how we should defy our opposition and chase our calling through the Lord.

How do we respond when we don't see the results we expect? When we put in effort day after day but we don't see the fruits of our labor, it's easy to want to quit; however, God calls us to persevere nonetheless. In today's chapel message, NEBC alum Michael Carrel looks to 1 Kings 19 on how Elijah's story shows how we should stay the course no matter our feelings.

War has been declared. Whether we realize it or not, spiritual forces of Satan are waging war against us every day, in a desperate attempt to take us down. So how do we fight back? In today's chapel message, President Mark Ballard goes to 2 Corinthians 10 to show us who our enemy is, and what we can and can't do to achieve spiritual victory.

When God carries us through trials, it's often not how we expect. We may encounter detours, dead ends, and dry places. But even then, God provides in incredible and miraculous ways. In today's chapel message, professor Dave Bentley uses the example of the Israelites fleeing Egypt to show the unexpected ways in which God works to preserve us.

What do you do when life turns upside down? We all go through chaos one time or another, when the unexpected and terrible happens and we lose control of our circumstances. So what do we do then? In today's chapel message, professor George Sweet uses James 4 and Psalm 90 to illustrate how we can trust in God to bring us through our chaos, and how He is always in control.

We have an incredible God. His attributes are innumerable and almost beyond description; however, through King David we have a glimpse of God's true character and majesty. In today's chapel message, professor Alan Ingalls takes us through Psalm 103, highlighting God's character and what it means for us.

Life gets complicated. Unexpected crises, conflicts, and issues can come at any moment and throw our life into chaos. But there's good news: we have a God who's over it all and can handle anything. In today's chapel message, Johnny Fain goes to 2 Kings 3:18 to show how even the most complicated matters are simple to God, and we can handle them through Him.

The world is full of evil, and so are our sinful hearts. On our own, we have no way of overcoming it; thankfully, we have a God who can overcome all. In today's chapel message, Jay Ridenour uses Psalm 52 to show what evil lies within us and how it is nothing before a holy God.

To some, the gospel doesn't make sense. To them it's foolishness, nonsense not worth considering. Of course, they're mistaken; the gospel is a simple and incredible message for us simple people. In today's chapel message, Kenny Hilliard goes to 1 Corinthians 1 to show that despite the doubters, the gospel holds true in every way.

Like it or not, we all go through times of trouble. We try to avoid it at all costs, but sooner or later it rears its head. So what do we do when it comes? In today's chapel message, professor Michael McDill looks to James 1:1-4 on how we should respond to troubled times, and how we can use it to benefit our faith.

We all want to finish well. At the end of our lives, we want to look back and know it was all worthwhile, that we did what we were called to do. In our first chapel of the Fall 2023 semester, President Mark Ballard goes through 1 Corinthians 15 to find the answers to knowing how we can come to the end as we should.

Of the four Gospels, John is the most philosophical, demonstrated nowhere better than its first chapter. It has deep and powerful meaning, foundational to the gospel of Christ itself. In today's chapel message, Dr. Paige Patterson illuminates the richness of John 1, in all its facets.

God has a plan for marriage. The union between man and wife was ordained by Him from the beginning, from the first pages of Genesis. In today's chapel message, Dr. Paige Patterson takes us through Genesis 1, 2, and 3 and the whats, whys, and hows of marriage.

Hebrews 6:1-8 has been a source of controversy in the church for centuries. Its interpretation is central to how we understand salvation itself, primarily whether it can be lost or not. For day 2 of our 2023 Spring Lecture Series, Dr. David Allen gives his views on this heavy passage and how it shapes our theology.