Knowing God

 In this episode of Knowing God, we conclude our Wisdom for Parenting series by considering the importance of establishing godly habits within the household.

We discuss how parents can cultivate a spiritually rich home through intentional habits, family worship, hospitality, and prioritizing the Lord's Day. We also consider the importance of establishing order and structure in the home, navigating the challenges of the digital age, and creating an environment where God's Word, the gospel, and biblical values are woven into everyday family life.

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In this episode of our Wisdom for Parenting series, we consider the biblical responsibility of parents to discipline their children according to God’s wisdom. What does the Bible mean by discipline? Why does God command parents to correct their children, and how should the loving discipline of our heavenly Father shape the way we discipline our own children?

We also get practical, considering what discipline can look like through the different stages of childhood, from the earliest years through adolescence. We discuss when discipline should begin, the place of corporal discipline, how discipline should change as children grow older, and some common mistakes parents should avoid.

Ultimately, biblical discipline is not about controlling our children or simply correcting unwanted behavior. It is an expression of love that seeks their good, trains them in wisdom and obedience, and points them toward the righteousness of God.

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In this episode of our Wisdom for Parenting series, we consider the importance of affection, nurture, and communication in the relationship between parents and their children. Children need to know not only that their parents love them, but to regularly experience that love through their parents’ words, attention, presence, and affection.

We discuss the importance of both mothers and fathers intentionally showing affection to their children, continuing to express that affection as children grow older, and modeling a loving and affectionate marriage in the home. We also consider how affection nurtures trust, and trust nurtures communication, and why the way parents respond to their children’s sins, failures, fears, and struggles can shape whether their children will continue to communicate openly with them as they grow.

Ultimately, we want to cultivate homes where affection and authority belong together, and where our children know that Mom and Dad genuinely love them, delight in them, and desire their good.

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In this episode of our Wisdom for Parenting series, we consider how Christian parents can faithfully teach the faith to their children. Parents have a unique influence in shaping their children's earliest impressions of God and spiritual things, making it essential that the Christian faith permeate the ordinary life of the home.

We discuss how to cultivate a healthy spiritual climate in the home, make conversations about God and His Word a normal part of family life, and teach children from an early age that they are not the center of the universe. We also consider the value of reading to your children, using catechisms, practicing family devotions, and making the most of Sundays and the life of the local church.

Ultimately, the goal is not merely that our children know the right answers, but that they know the truth of God, see the beauty of Christ, and set their hope in Him.

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Based on Pastor Alex DiPrima’s sermon from September 20, 2026 (https://youtu.be/SmnFcJ2Yizw?si=-D_wEU2vaUTn7Gnr ), in this episode we reflect on the sermon and consider the question: “How can I maximally glorify God with my life?”

If the glory of God is the great purpose of the Christian life, how should that shape the way we think about our time, priorities, decisions, relationships, work, family, service in the church, and the opportunities God has given us?

In this conversation, we discuss some of the questions Christians should be asking as we seek to order our lives around this great goal: glorifying God in everything we do.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we continue our parenting series, Wisdom for Parenting, by considering the younger years of childhood.

We discuss the importance of beginning early in the work of Christian parenting, helping young children learn obedience, respect, worship, and life in the home. We also consider the role of loving discipline, the need for patience and consistency, and the importance of intentionally shaping our children with a Christian worldview from their earliest years.

Visit us online at GoodShepherdws.com.

In this first episode of our new series, Wisdom for Parenting, we consider what couples should know before becoming parents. We discuss the importance of building a strong, Christ-centered marriage, developing biblical convictions about parenting before children come, and understanding children as a gift and stewardship from the Lord.

We also consider the goal of Christian parenting, the husband’s responsibility to lead his household, the distinct and important roles of fathers and mothers, and why parents must recognize their own inadequacy and depend upon God’s grace and wisdom. Finally, we discuss how God uses parenthood to sanctify parents themselves and the importance of raising children within the life and community of the local church.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we conclude our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints.

We discuss how God preserves His people in faith to the end, why those whom God has chosen, redeemed, and effectually called will never finally fall away, and how this doctrine gives believers deep comfort and assurance. We also consider the Christian’s responsibility to continue in faith, repentance, and obedience, while resting in the promise that God Himself will keep His people by His grace.

Key Texts: John 6: 37–40; John 10:27–30; Romans 8: 28–39; Philippians 1: 6; 1 Peter 1: 3–5; Jude 24–25.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we continue our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the doctrine of Irresistible Grace.

We discuss how God effectually calls sinners to Himself through the gospel, not merely by an outward invitation, but by the inward work of the Holy Spirit. We consider why regeneration must precede faith, what it means to be born again, and how the Father draws His people to Christ in such a way that they truly and willingly come to Him.

Key Texts: Ezekiel 36: 25–27; John 3:1–8; John 6: 37–44; Acts 16: 14; Romans 8: 28–30; 1 Corinthians 1: 22–24; 2 Corinthians 3: 12–18; Ephesians 2: 1–10; Titus 3: 3–7.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we continue our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the doctrine of Limited Atonement.

We discuss what Christ accomplished in His death, why His atoning work actually saves His people, and how Scripture speaks of Jesus laying down His life for His sheep, His bride, and His church. We also consider the blessings secured by Christ’s death, including forgiveness, propitiation, reconciliation, and redemption.

 
Key Texts: Isaiah 53: 4–12; Matthew 1: 21; John 10: 11–18; Acts 20: 28; Romans 3: 21–26; Romans 5: 6–11; Ephesians 1: 7; Ephesians 5: 25–27; Titus 2: 14; Hebrews 9: 11–15; 1 Peter 1: 18–19.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we continue our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the doctrine of Unconditional Election.

We discuss what the Bible teaches about God’s gracious choice of sinners for salvation before the foundation of the world. We consider why election is not based on foreseen faith, works, or human merit, but entirely on God’s sovereign grace and purpose in Christ. We also discuss how this doctrine humbles sinners, magnifies God’s mercy, strengthens our confidence in evangelism, and gives believers comfort in the unchanging love of God.

Key Texts: Deuteronomy 7: 6–8; John 6: 37–44; Romans 8: 28–30; Romans 9: 10–24; Ephesians 1: 3–11; 2 Timothy 1: 8–10.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we continue our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the doctrine of Total Depravity.

We discuss what the Bible teaches about the effects of sin on every part of human nature, why fallen man is unable to come to God apart from His grace, and how this doctrine helps us understand our need for sovereign mercy in salvation. We also consider why total depravity does not mean that every person is as sinful as they could possibly be, but that sin has corrupted the whole person — mind, will, affections, and actions.

Key Texts: Genesis 6: 5; Psalm 51: 5; Jeremiah 17: 9; John 6: 44; Romans 3: 9–18; Romans 8: 7–8; Ephesians 2: 1–10.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we begin our series on the Doctrines of Grace by considering the absolute sovereignty of God.

We discuss what it means that God rules over all things according to His perfect will, wisdom, and purpose. We also consider how God’s sovereignty relates to salvation, human responsibility, providence, suffering, and the believer’s comfort and confidence in Him.

Key Texts: Psalm 115: 3; Isaiah 46: 9–10; Daniel 4: 34–35; Romans 9: 14–24; Ephesians 1: 3–11.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we discuss the important topic of Biblical Love That Covers Sin.

We consider Peter’s command in 1 Peter 4:8 to “keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” We discuss what it means for love to cover sin, how Christians can overlook offenses and forgive one another, and why this kind of love is so essential for the health and unity of the local church.

Key Texts: 1 Peter 4: 7–9; Proverbs 10: 12; Matthew 18: 15–35; 1 Corinthians 13: 4–7; Ephesians 4: 31–32; Philippians 1: 9–11.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we discuss the important topic of Biblical Hospitality.

We consider what hospitality is, why Scripture commands Christians to practice it, and how hospitality is connected to brotherly love within the church. We also discuss common misconceptions, practical ways believers can show hospitality, and how a culture of hospitality strengthens the life and witness of the local church.

Key Texts: Romans 12: 9–13; Hebrews 13: 1–2; 1 Peter 4: 7–11; 1 Timothy 3: 1–7; Titus 1: 5–9, and may others! 

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In this episode of Knowing God, we discuss Church of the Good Shepherd’s seventh core value: Missions, Evangelism, and Mercy Ministry.

We consider the church’s calling to proclaim the gospel through personal evangelism, public ministry, missions, and church planting. We also discuss the importance of evangelizing our children, partnering with like-minded churches, and engaging in works of mercy that meet practical needs and commend the grace of God to a broken world.

Key Texts: Matthew 5:13–16; 28:18–20; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 10:25–37; Romans 10:14–17; 15:17–21; 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 6:4; Philippians 2:14–15; 4:14–20; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; Titus 2:14; 3:8, 14; James 1:27; 3 John 5–8.

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In this episode of Knowing God, we discuss Church of the Good Shepherd’s sixth core value: Christian Growth Through Discipleship.

We consider what it means to be a lifelong follower of Jesus and how the local church helps believers grow in grace, obedience, and Christlikeness. We also discuss the means God uses to mature His people, including the ministry of the Word, prayer, worship, fellowship, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.

Key Texts: Matthew 5–7; 28: 18–20; John 15:1–11; Ephesians 4: 1–16; Colossians 1: 28; 3: 1–17; 1 Thessalonians 4: 3–8; Titus 2: 1–5, 11–14.

In this episode of Knowing God, we discuss Church of the Good Shepherd’s fifth core value: Meaningful Membership.

We consider why Christians are called to commit themselves to a local church and live in loving, accountable, and devoted relationships with one another. We also discuss the importance of the New Testament’s “one another” commands, the responsibility of churches to shepherd their members, and the biblical purpose of church discipline.

Key Texts: Matthew 18: 15–20; Romans 12: 1–8; 1 Corinthians 5; 12: 12–28; Ephesians 4: 1–16; Hebrews 10:2 4–25.

This episode focuses on Church of the Good Shepherd’s fourth core value: “Biblically-Qualified Elders.” We discuss why elders are the God-ordained leaders of the local church, what the Bible requires of men who serve in this office, and how elders are called to teach, lead, care for the souls of God’s people, and protect the church from error. We also consider the importance of faithful shepherding, congregational affirmation, and the biblical pattern of a plurality of elders.

Key texts: Acts 6:4; 14:23; 20:28–31; Ephesians 4 :11–12; 1 Thessalonians 5 :12–13; 1 Timothy 3 :1–7; 4 :11–16; 5:17; 2 Timothy 2 :14–15, 24–25; Titus 1 :5–9; 2:7; Hebrews 13 :7, 17; 1 Peter 5 :1–4

Learn more about our core values here:
https://www.goodshepherdws.com/core-values

Visit our church website:
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This episode focuses on Church of the Good Shepherd’s third core value: “Confessionally Reformed and Baptist.” We discuss why the Bible alone is the church’s only infallible rule for faith and life, why creeds and confessions are useful summaries of biblical truth, and how they help preserve and pass down the faith from generation to generation. We also explain what it means for our church to be historic, Reformed, and Baptist, including our commitment to the Five Solas, the doctrines of grace, believers’ baptism, regenerate church membership, and congregational church government.

Key texts: Jeremiah 31: 31–34; John 17: 17; Acts 17: 11; Romans 1–9; Ephesians 1–2; 2 Timothy 1: 13; 3: 16–17; Jude 3

Learn more about our core values here:
https://www.goodshepherdws.com/core-values

Visit our church website:
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This episode focuses on Church of the Good Shepherd’s second core value: “Expositional Preaching.” We discuss why the public preaching of God’s Word is central to the life and mission of the church, how God uses the faithful proclamation of Scripture to awaken and nurture faith, and why preaching should explain the meaning of the biblical text and apply it to the lives of God’s people. Expositional preaching brings the whole counsel of God to the hearts and consciences of men and women in order to exalt God, call sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and build up the church in holiness, Christ-likeness, and Christian service.

Key texts: Nehemiah 8:1–8; Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 119; Isaiah 55:10–11; John 17:17; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16–4:2; Hebrews 4:12–13; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23–25; 2:2; 4:11

Learn more about our core values here:
https://www.goodshepherdws.com/core-values

Visit our church website:
https://www.goodshepherdws.com/

This episode focuses on Church of the Good Shepherd’s first core value: “Biblically-Ordered, Congregational Worship.” We discuss why God alone has the right to determine how He is worshiped, why the Lord’s Day gathering is central to the life of the church, and why Scripture, prayer, singing, preaching, and the ordinances should shape corporate worship.

Key texts: Matthew 28​:19; John 4​:23–24; Acts 2​:42–47; 1 Corinthians 11​:23–26; 12​:12–14; 14​:26; Ephesians 5​:19; Colossians 3​:16; 1 Timothy 2​:1–4; 4​:13; 2 Timothy 4​:1–2; Hebrews 10​:24–25; 1 Peter 4​:11

Learn more about our core values here:
 https://www.goodshepherdws.com/core-values

Visit our church website:
 https://www.goodshepherdws.com/