Whiting Christian Church

Latest Message

Bound Together

Jude 1:3

Jed Shermer

How can we know the Bible contains the books God intended us to have? This message explores the canon of Scripture and the process by which God’s people recognized His inspired Word. Rather than choosing what would become Scripture, the Church discovered and preserved what God had already revealed. From questions about the Apocrypha to supposed “lost books” of the Bible, this message points us toward confidence—not in the perfection of human history, but in the faithfulness of the God who revealed, inspired, and preserved His Word.

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Browse previous messages from the church.

Message

The Inspired Word

2 Timothy 3:16

In Anchored #2, you explore the inspiration and authority of Scripture, asking why the Bible should carry greater weight in our lives than any other voice. Building on the previous message about revelation, you explain how God worked through human authors to give us His Word—making Scripture “God-breathed” and therefore trustworthy and authoritative. From 2 Timothy 3:16–17, the message shows that God has given us His Word not simply to inform us, but to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness, thoroughly equipping us to live faithfully and do the work He has called us to do.

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Message

God Revealed

2 Peter 1:20-21

God wants to be known, and He has chosen to reveal Himself through creation, Scripture, and Jesus Christ. In the opening message of Anchored, we explore what revelation means and why it matters for our faith. From the beauty and order of the world around us to the words of the prophets and the life of Jesus, God has continually given us a clearer picture of His character, His love, and His purposes. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:16–21, this message examines how eyewitness testimony and the prophetic Scriptures work together to point us toward Christ. As we begin this series on the Bible, we’re reminded that Scripture is more than a collection of stories, rules, or helpful advice—it is a way God has made Himself known to us. We’re invited to read with a desire to know Him personally, allowing what He reveals to shape our prayers, guide our decisions, and deepen our relationship with Him.

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Message

More than Getting By

1 Corinthians 12

The church is one body made up of many different parts, and every part is necessary. God has uniquely gifted each believer through His Spirit—not simply so we can belong to the church, but so we can actively contribute to its mission. When parts of the body remain unused, the church may find ways to “get by,” but it cannot operate at its fullest potential. In this message, we’re challenged to discover and use the gifts God has given us, particularly as we seek to become more effective at reaching people with the Gospel. Rather than waiting for God to work while we remain passive, we recognize that God works through His Spirit-empowered people. The church needs every part of the body engaged, using their gifts, and working together so that we can accomplish the mission God has given us.

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Message

Somewhere to Belong

1 Corinthians 12

In Many Parts / One Body #1, we begin exploring 1 Corinthians 12 and what it means to truly belong to the body of Christ. Paul reminds us that the same Spirit works through every believer, giving different gifts and opportunities to serve for the common good. Our value doesn’t come from what we contribute—we don’t belong because we contribute; we contribute because we belong. God has a place for every person in His Kingdom and work for each of us to be part of, even when it stretches us beyond what feels natural or comfortable. And as we experience that belonging ourselves, we have the opportunity to invite others into a community where they can know Jesus, be known by others, and make a meaningful contribution to something bigger than themselves.

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Message

More Than Names

Colossians 4:7-18

As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians, he finishes not with another theological argument, but with people. What can easily look like a list of names is actually a picture of the relationships that surrounded, strengthened, and encouraged the early church. These were ordinary people—friends, coworkers, families, and fellow believers—trying to faithfully follow Jesus together. Paul’s closing words remind us that the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Especially in seasons of difficulty, loneliness, or chaos, knowing that someone remembers us, cares about us, and is cheering us on can make an incredible difference. This message challenges us to think about the people God has woven into our own lives. When someone comes to mind, don’t let them remain only a thought. Reach out. Make the call. Send the text. Let them know they are remembered and loved. And when we find ourselves feeling forgotten, we can remember that we are cared for by more people than we realize—and, above all, we are never forgotten by God.

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Message

Connection over Proximity

Colossians 3:12-17

In Colossians 3:12–17, Paul shifts from what Christians are to put off to what they are to put on. This message explores how compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love are not merely individual virtues—they are qualities meant to define the entire church. Using the illustration of marriage and the difference between simply sharing space and truly sharing life, this sermon challenges believers to move beyond proximity into genuine Christian community. As followers of Christ, we are called to be one body, intentionally pursuing unity now so we are prepared to face conflict, serve one another, and fulfill God's mission together.

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Message

Step Through the Door

Colossians 3:1-11

We've all experienced the frustration of being stuck—but what if the door has already been opened? In Colossians 3:1–11, Paul reminds believers that because of Christ's death and resurrection, we are no longer trapped by our old way of life. Jesus didn't simply forgive our sins; He set us free from the power of sin so that we can walk in newness of life. This message explores what it means to "put to death" the patterns of our old self, why Paul speaks so strongly about sexual sin and other destructive behaviors, and how our greatest motivation for holiness is not guilt or fear—but love for Christ, who gave Himself for us. Freedom has been purchased for us. The question is: will we walk through the open door?

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Message

The Appearance of Wisdom

Colossians 2:16-23

What if you've been treating the wrong problem all along? For centuries, people believed malaria was caused by "bad air," leading them to adopt countless practices that seemed wise but ultimately accomplished nothing. In Colossians 2:16–23, Paul confronts a similar spiritual mistake. The false teachers in Colossae promoted religious rules, self-denial, and impressive spiritual practices as the path to holiness. But Paul reminds us that no amount of human effort can accomplish what only Jesus Christ can do. In this message, we explore why spiritual disciplines are valuable—but only when they flow from a relationship with Christ rather than an attempt to earn His favor. If human effort were enough, the work of Christ would be unnecessary. Our hope, our growth, and our spiritual completeness are found in Him alone.

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Message

Rooted Against Error

Colossians 2:4-15

False teaching rarely presents itself as obviously false. Instead, it often sounds persuasive, spiritual, and appealing. In Colossians 2:6–15, Paul encourages the church to remain firmly rooted in Christ and gives believers a practical approach for recognizing and responding to teachings that lead people away from the Gospel. Rather than being shaken by every new idea or argument, we are called to stay grounded in the foundational truths of our faith, make God's Word the final authority in every discussion, and thoughtfully evaluate each claim in light of Scripture. Because Jesus is fully God and His work on the cross is completely sufficient for our salvation, we do not need human traditions, extra rituals, or worldly philosophies to accomplish what Christ has already finished. This message challenges us to grow in biblical discernment so that we can stand confidently in the truth and faithfully point others to the sufficiency of Christ.

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Message

Maturity in Christ

Colossians 1:24-2:3

In this message from Colossians 1, we look at Paul’s call for believers to pursue spiritual maturity. While maturity does not come automatically with age or experience, followers of Christ are called to grow in seeing beyond themselves and living for God’s greater purpose. Through proclaiming Christ, teaching truth, and lovingly admonishing one another, the church helps believers become fully mature in Him. Spiritual growth is not passive—it is something we strive toward as we seek to become more like Christ and help others do the same.

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Message

Perseverance in Faith

Colossians 1:21-23

In this message from Colossians 1, we explore the incredible truth that though sin made us enemies of God, Christ came to bring reconciliation through His sacrifice. Paul reminds us that the goal of the Christian life is not simply beginning in faith but continuing in faith—remaining established and firm in the hope of the Gospel. Through Christ, we are forgiven, restored into relationship with God, and called to persevere. As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to resist the pull of comfort and convenience, grow in consistency, and help one another remain faithful until the end.

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Message

The Supremacy of Jesus

Colossians 1:15-20

Who is Jesus, really? In one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture, Paul declares that Christ is far more than a great teacher or moral example. He is the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Head of the Church, and the One through whom God is making all things new. In this message, we explore what it means for Jesus to be supreme over both the original creation and the new creation. We'll see that God has never been reacting to history—His plan has always centered on Christ. Because of Jesus' supremacy, we can trust Him when the world feels like it's falling apart, stand firm against false teaching, and find our only hope for salvation and renewal through His blood. When everything else seems uncertain, the One who holds all things together never changes.

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Message

A life Well Lived

Colossians 1:1-14

What makes a life truly worth living? Is it the experiences we collect, the possessions we acquire, or the goals we achieve? In the opening chapter of Colossians, Paul points us toward a different answer. Writing to believers surrounded by competing beliefs and cultural pressures, Paul reminds them that a worthy life is found not in pursuing our own definition of success, but in seeking to please the Lord. This message explores the relationship between the Gospel, God's grace, and a life marked by faith, hope, love, and spiritual fruitfulness. Discover how God not only calls us to live for Him but also provides everything we need through His Spirit, His grace, and His power. A life well lived is not measured by what we accumulate, but by faithfully using the life God has given us for His glory and pleasure.

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