e-mail me at: shearer@newhope.to

Faith - What it is

Abraham’s journey of faith began with a word from the Lord: “Leave!” He was told to leave the land of his birth, the land he called home; to leave his family; to leave all that he was familiar with - all that he knew; and to go to foreign land - a land he knew little or nothing about - a strange land; but a land where God promised to bless him. And not only that, God promised to make Abraham a blessing to others as well. And that’s what God does for those who follow him with all their mind and heart: he not only blesses them, he also makes them a blessing to others. Press here.

Faith and its relationship to missing fathers

The tragedy of missing fathers weighs heavily on today's youth - and its impact on their faith is an issue that has been quietly ignored - though it's clearly visible to anyone with eyes to see and the courage to grapple with it. Press here for link

Authority

The issue of authority is complex; but it's vitally important for Christians to understand it. This study examines one of its many facets - the link between authority and its manipulation. Tragically, it's a misunderstanding that has paralyzed a good many churches. May God bless you richly as you seek to understand it. Press here for link.

Fornication destroys sexual intimacy

Most Christians approach fornication from strictly an ethical standpoint. And that's perfectly proper; but it's not the whole story. Fornication also destroys any hope for genuine sexual intimacy. Press here for link.

Men and women: why they can't get along

The conflict between men and women is very plainly foretold in Scripture - and is a defining feature of the "End Days." It's one of the devil's most clever ploys. Press here for link.

Homosexuality

The Biblical basis for renouncing the gay rights agenda. Most Christians miss entirely the issue that's at hand in the gay right's struggle. This article spells it out. Press here for link.

Homosexuality

The Bible defines sin "teleologically" - and it's on that basis that the whole homosexual agenda needs to be evaluated Press here for link.

Homosexuality - its bondage and God's mercy

The Book of Romans outlines in graphic terms the spiritual dynamic underlying homosexuality - its bondage and the on-going mercy of God. Press here for link.

Fundamental Eschatological Issues

A study of Matthew 24:1-14 - Jesus' description of the Tribulation and the events leading up to it. Taken from his Olivet Discourse Press here for link.

Jesus describes The Tribulation

A study of Matthew 24:1-14 - Jesus' description of the Tribulation and the events leading up to it. Taken from his Olivet Discourse Press here for link.

Jesus' Parables of Readiness and Judgment

An exposition of Matthew 24:32-25:46 - the parables that follow Jesus' description of The Tribulation in his Olivet Discourse. Press here for link.

Hebrews 6:1-6

Does Hebrews 6:1-6 teach that believers can lose their salvation? Press here for link.

Rewards and Loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ

An exposition of Luke 16:1-9 - the "Parable of the Unjust Steward." The emphasis here is on money - what money reflects and how our use of it will dtermine our futre status in the Kingdom of God. Press here for link.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward & Eternity

An exposition of Luke 16:1-9, The "Parable of the Unjust Steward," from the standpoint of eternity. This is a shorter version focusing not just on money, but on our priorities Press here for link.

Guilt and Condemnation

The first of five sermons on the sacrifices for sin in Leviticus. Attitudes and sins that make it impossible to move forward in life Press here for link.

Distrust and Suspicion

The second of five sermons on the sacrifices for sin in Leviticus 1-6. Attitudes and sins that make it impossible to move forward in life Press here for link.

Loneliness and Alienation

The third of five sermons on the sacrifices for sin in Leviticus 1-6. Attitudes and sins that keep you from moving forward with your life Press here for link.

American Individualism: its Impact on the church

The American mind-set revolves around "individualism." That's its governing principle - and its impact on our perception of the church is decisive. This article addresses that issue and sounds an ominous alarm: it has made us very vulnerable to manipulation and false messiahs. Press here for link.

God reserves the best for his priests

Anyone who yearns for a deeper, richer, more meaningful walk with God must learn to serve as a priest. Press here for link.

Discipleship: it's not about your "talent"

What makes a disciple? What are the attitudes that a disciple is expected to cultivate? It has very little to do with your talent. Press here for link.

Salvation told in two parts

The Old Testament tells the story of salvation in two parts - an important truth often overlooked by today's Christians. Press here for link.

Biblical Forgiveness

Biblical forgiveness is not what you think. It's more complicated than many have made it out to be. But it holds the promise of building enduring relationships. Press here for link.

Fishers of Men

Christ has promised to make us "fishers of men." What is a good Biblical strategy for fishing? Do the Gospels tell us? Press here for link.

The Malachi Test

The Union Army recruits looked good standing in line, but they weren't ready to fight. And that's so true of the American Church: we look good, but we're not ready for war. Press here for link.

Three Challenges to True Discipleship

Tired, discouraged, and you know better. Three of the real challenges facing anyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus Christ Press here for link.

Respect for Authority

What ever happened to authority? What kind of authority is legitimate and what kind is abusive? What does the Bible tell us? Press here for link.

Self-sacrifice is what God calls reasonable

Our lives are meant to be "put on the altar" for God. If we embrace this truth, it will help to immunize us to bitterness and disappointment. Most of our disappointments arise because we confuse earth's weedpatch for heaven's rose garden Press here for link.

Dead in Christ

What does it mean to be "dead in Christ"? How does knowing what it means strengthen my walk in the Lord and enable me to free myelf from condemnation and press on from there to overcome the power of sin? Press here for link.

The Principles of Biblical Forgiveness

I have spelled out as clearly as possible in workbook form the Biblical process underlying forgiveness. It's now at all what it's often made out to be. But once mastered, it's the key to breaking the chains of anger and bitterness and moving forward into a realm of peace and joy Press here for link.

Christian Maturity and Learning How to Handle Criticism

Christian maturity does not follow a seamless straight line - upward, always upward. It's marked by a series of tests - each of which must be mastered if progress toward Christian victory is to be successful. Press here for link.

More Power Than You'll Ever Need

The power you possess as a believer is more than you'll ever need. Press here for link.

What Makes for an Enduring Relationship

The Bible has a lot to say about what it takes to build an enduring relationship. Press here for link.

The Church in Ephesus

The Church in Ephesus is much like today's American Evangelical Church - and has much to teach us. Press here for link.

The Church Must Always Attack

The church is not meant ever to adopt a defensive posture; she has been designed always to attack - always attack. Press here for link.