Informing Your Faith

In the final episode of the Christian Contentment series, Pastor James Sullivan and Pastor Paul Shirley bring the discussion to its culmination by answering the question: What does it look like to live a truly content life? They remind listeners that genuine contentment is not found in the pursuit of happiness but in the pursuit of holiness and trust in Christ’s sovereign care. Together, they explore what it means to rest in God’s providence—seeing every circumstance as shaped by His wise and loving hand. The conversation lifts our eyes beyond the temporary and toward eternity, showing that lasting peace comes when we view life through an eternal lens. This concluding episode invites believers to find joy, stability, and freedom in contentment that flows from Christ alone.

In this third episode of the Christian Contentment series, Pastor James Sullivan and Pastor Paul Shirley turn their attention to the challenges of living with contentment in abundance and maintaining steadfast faith in a world that increasingly rejects truth. They discuss how believers can remain faithful and grounded while navigating cultural and political tensions, emphasizing that true contentment is rooted in Christ, not circumstances. The conversation also explores what it means to find peace in varying seasons of health. As they unpack how Christians can speak truth and stand for truth amid a godless society, listeners are encouraged to live as lights of conviction and calm assurance, demonstrating that godly contentment is possible—even in a world that has lost its way.

In this second installment of the Christian Contentment series, Pastor James Sullivan and Pastor Paul Shirley examine the destructive nature of discontentment and its devastating spiritual consequences. Far more than a passing feeling of dissatisfaction, discontentment is described as a spiritual parasite—quietly feeding on faith and gratitude until it leads the heart toward rebellion and, ultimately, apostasy. The pastors challenge listeners to view contentment as submission to God’s will and discontentment as defiance against His sovereignty. Through Scripture and pastoral insight, this episode calls believers to root out discontentment before it takes hold and to find true rest in trusting God’s good and perfect plan.

In this first episode of a four-part series on Christian Contentment, new host Pastor James Sullivan, Associate Pastor at Grace Community Church Delaware, joins Pastor Paul Shirley to explore what it truly means to be content in Christ. Together, they discuss how biblical contentment is rooted not in changing circumstances but in a steadfast trust in the sufficiency of Jesus. The conversation contrasts holiness over happiness, highlighting how discontentment often manifests as anger, anxiety, or bitterness. Listeners are guided to examine their hearts and learn practical, gospel-centered ways to overcome unholy discontentment by finding satisfaction in God’s unchanging character and promises.

In the final episode of the Informing Your Faith parenting series, Pastor Paul responds to listener-submitted questions on a wide range of parenting topics. From parenting as a team and setting household rules, to implementing family worship, understanding your child’s salvation, navigating peer pressure, technology use, and planning for the future—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and gospel-centered encouragement. Pastor Paul also shares a few trusted resources to help parents continue growing in their calling.

In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series with a focus on the teenage years. They discuss the shift from discipline to discipleship, the unique challenges and opportunities that come with parenting teens, and the importance of communication and relationship-building. They also reflect on reaping the fruit of early parenting foundations, while offering encouragement for those who feel they’re catching up—reminding parents that it's never too late to shepherd the hearts of their children with grace.

In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series with a focus on the early years. They discuss the foundational principles of parenting young children, emphasizing the importance of teaching obedience with a goal of genuine heart change. They also explore practical ways to navigate church life with little ones and offer wisdom on integrating children meaningfully into the life of the church community. Whether you're a new parent or walking alongside young families, this episode offers thoughtful insight rooted in biblical truth.

In this episode, Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series by diving into common challenges that can hinder faithful parenting. They address the subtle danger of man-pleasing parenting, the harm of manipulation, and the effects of distracted or hypocritical parenting. With biblical insight, they also unpack the importance of presence, clear communication, and maintaining joy in the journey. From overly critical parenting to other subtle pitfalls, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful look at how to parent with integrity, humility, and joy.

In this follow-up episode on Christian parenting, Pastor Paul and Jared tackle a crucial topic: how not to provoke your children. They explore the biblical boundaries of parental authority, the dangers of parenting from pride or anger, and the long-term effects of inconsistency or control. With insight into common pitfalls like perfectionism, overreaction, and competition, they offer practical wisdom for parents striving to lead with humility, clarity, and grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with your motives in parenting or wondered where to draw the line, this conversation will offer both conviction and encouragement.

Episode 30: Parenting – General PrinciplesIn the first episode of a six-part series on parenting, Pastor Paul and Jared lay the foundation for biblical parenting. They discuss essential principles for raising children in a Christian home, emphasizing the role of community in parenting, the dangers of pride and insecurity, and the importance of shaping a child's conscience with truth. They also explore how to teach obedience and submission in a way that honors God. Join us for this insightful conversation on the fundamentals of parenting with wisdom and grace.

Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul explores the vital role of endurance in the Christian life, particularly in ministry. He discusses how endurance is tied to contentment, the motivations that sustain long-term faithfulness— Christ’s glory or personal gain—and how service itself becomes a means of grace and accountability. If you have questions about endurance, this episode offers biblical encouragement to press on.

Although this episode was originally scheduled for earlier in the year, its content remains just as relevant. In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul shares a collection of spiritual resources to help you grow in wisdom and faith. He discusses books he’s read on a range of topics, including financial guidance, understanding predestination, the problem of evil, protecting children and youth, and the importance of living life with eternity in view. Whether you're looking for practical advice or deep theological insights, these recommendations will equip you for the journey ahead.

In this final installment of the Body Life series, Jared and Pastor Paul discuss the process of developing theological and life convictions and the essential role of the local church in shaping them. They explore how to balance truth and life within the church community and emphasize the importance of conforming to Christ rather than being swayed by internet influences. Don’t miss this powerful conclusion on living out Body Life with conviction and grace.

Join Jared and Pastor Paul for another thought-provoking discussion on Body Life in the church. In this episode, they explore what it means to grow in theology, why it matters, and the potential dangers of external influences. They also delve into the vital role of church leadership in nurturing the theological development of its members. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Join Jared and Pastor Paul as they continue their conversation on "Body Life" and explore the dynamics of the recent shift to a two-service model on Sunday mornings. Discover how this change affects unity within the congregation, shapes pastoral ministry, and influences discipleship. It’s an insightful discussion you won’t want to miss!

In this concluding episode on 'Body Life,' Jared and Pastor Paul explore the heart of discipleship, focusing on how to cultivate a balanced, biblically grounded approach. They discuss the importance of avoiding monolithic discipleship, respecting individual preferences, and developing strong biblical convictions. Together, they tackle the challenge of navigating non-essential issues with wisdom and grace. Don’t miss this insightful wrap-up on what it means to walk together in discipleship.

In episode 23 of the Body Life series, Jared and Pastor Paul dive deeper into the concept of “Body Life” within the context of Grace Community Church. They discuss the essential aspects of community life, beginning with The Importance of Attendance, emphasizing how regular participation strengthens both individual and collective faith. They address Navigating Online Worship, considering both its benefits and limitations, and highlight the value of building genuine connections through Building Relationships in the Church. The conversation then moves to Overcoming Social Barriers, exploring how the church community can foster inclusivity and belonging. They wrap up by examining The Challenge of Authenticity, sharing insights on how members can be true to themselves and others within the church.

In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul and Jared dive into the critical topic of the 2024 presidential election. Together, they explore the Christian's role in politics, touching on key issues like voting, evaluating Republican candidates, and how moral values align with political platforms. Through a thoughtful discussion on worldviews and the importance of political engagement, they offer guidance on navigating this election season with a biblical perspective. Don’t miss this insightful conversation.

In this episode Jared and Pastor Paul delve deeper into the topic of church body life. Pastor Paul gives us some insight into his early ministry days as a 28-year-old pastor. He discusses what he believes are three crucial elements which contributed to the healthy body life that GCC DE enjoys today.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul kick off the first of several discussions on 'Body Life,' a term used by Pastor Paul and the elders at Grace Community Church DE. Together, they explore how 'Body Life' shapes the way Christians ought to live, engage in discipleship, and build relationships within the congregation. By examining the biblical foundations of how a church should function, they unpack what it means to truly live as a body of believers.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul explore the role of husbands as described in Ephesians 5. They discuss the influence husbands have or should have at home.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the role of wives as described in Ephesians 5. They explore the influence wives have within the home and address the topic of submission biblically.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul continue their discussion of The Christian Home, focusing on managing tiredness, discouragement, and feelings of exhaustion. Be sure to tune in!

In this episode, Pastor Paul and Jared delve deeper into the dynamics of the Christian home, focusing on strategies for navigating and counteracting the negative influences prevalent in today's world. Tune in as they explore practical ways Christian families can stand firm against sinful influences while fostering a God-centered environment within their homes.

Join Jared and Pastor Paul as they discuss the significance of educating on the Christian home and strategies to safeguard it against looming threats.

Jared and Pastor Paul delve deeper into the concept of usefulness and its relevance for Christians in today's world, emphasizing the importance of being productive regardless of past experiences of faithfulness or lack thereof.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul explore the obstacles hindering our usefulness and strategies for overcoming them. How can we effectively safeguard against these barriers? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the essence of usefulness in ministry and offer insights on how to cultivate it. Join them as they explore practical steps to transition from a state of inactivity to meaningful contribution in ministry.

Wrapping up their conversation on spiritual stability, Jared and Pastor Paul address the question: How does a believer attain spiritual stability? Join them as they explore practical steps and insights on cultivating a steadfast spiritual life.

Continuing their discussion of spiritual stability, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the manifestations of spiritual stability in believers. Join them in this episode as they unpack what it looks like when a believer maintains a solid spiritual foundation.

Jared and Pastor Paul dive into the crucial theme of spiritual stability, emphasizing its significance for believers. They explore the characteristics of spiritual instability and its implications for individuals. Tune in as they shed light on the importance of maintaining a steady spiritual foundation.

In this special bonus episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul engages in a meaningful conversation with special guest Pastor Carey Hardy. Together, they delve into the insights of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and explore the themes of mourning and grief. Pastor Carey also recommends a valuable resource titled "Hope in the Mourning" by Emily Curtis, offering guidance through the journey of grief. For further details, visit hopeinthemourning.com.

Join Jared and Pastor Paul as they delve deeper into exploring the biblical perspectives on sanctification, focusing specifically on the role of the local church as a means of grace.

Tune in as Jared and Pastor Paul carry on their conversation about the Biblical perspective on sanctification, with a special emphasis on the means of grace.

Jared and Pastor Paul kick off a three-part series diving into the proper and Biblical understanding of Sanctification in the lives of believers.

Wrapping up our three-part series, this episode tackles the remaining misconceptions surrounding sanctification.

This episode marks the second installment of our three-part series uncovering prevalent misconceptions about sanctification.

Jared and Pastor Paul discuss prevalent misconceptions about sanctification, with Pastor Paul shedding light on why Christians need discernment when encountering these viewpoints.

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the concept of worldliness through an examination of Genesis 19. They highlight how God's judgment of Sodom serves as an example rather than an exception.

This episode introduces our new podcast and media ministry. Jared Cooper and Pastor Paul discuss what we mean by Informing Your Faith. Faith always has content, faith must be informed by the truth. Our faith is persuaded by the truth of God because if you don’t know what you believe, you don’t believe it.