In Joshua’s day, God commanded the Israelites to establish places where people could go who were in trouble or needed help. These cities served as beacons to those who would run into them and find refuge and solace. Church, small groups, and Christian connection should function the same way. This is especially true for small groups. They have a unique ability to uplift and edify believers while connecting them to the church. The title of this weekend’s message is “Cities of Refuge.”
Gaining Christ by Abidan Shah PhD
This weekend, I’m preaching a message from the book of Philippians. Walking around in Philippi last week, I was reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians, telling them that the things he previously pursued were no longer of value to him. They paled in comparison to a relationship with Christ. Paul’s words helped the Philippians and countless others throughout history to think rightly about life, Christ, and our relationship with him. The title of this weekend’s message is “GAINING CHRIST.”
Carry-On (Article)
CARRY-ON (Article) by Abidan Shah, PhD (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on June 16, 2023) “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8) My wife, Nicole, and I... Continue Reading →
Reasoning by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to focus on our mind, specifically our thoughts. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he spent a great deal of time talking about the mind and how to bring thoughts under control. Our minds often threaten to run away from us. What would it take to glorify God and focus on him with our very thoughts? The title of this weekend’s message is titled “REASONING”.
Devoted by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a message on serving in spite of trials. Throughout Scripture, we are met with examples of men and women who continued in faithful service in the face of adversity, one of the most notable examples being Paul in his journeys. With our ministry expo this weekend, we have the opportunity to display the same obedience in our lives. The title of this weekend’s message is “DEVOTED”.
Intercede by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be diving into the subject of prayer. We will learn some common misconceptions about prayer and take a look at what the Bible says our prayer lives ought to look like. Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual health and if neglected, can produce some harsh consequences. The title of this weekend’s message is “INTERCEDE.”
Church-Autopsy: Earshot by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are celebrating communion together. This is a family meal, reminding us of what Christ has done and who we are in him. The churches in Revelation missed this principle. Communion unifies us and refocuses us on the truth of the gospel. We cannot afford to misunderstand or misrepresent the Lord’s Supper and risk going the way of those seven churches. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: EARSHOT.”
Church-Autopsy: Nauseous by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining the seventh and final church in the book of Revelation: Laodicea. Of all the churches, this one is the most well-known, likely because of the language used. The church is called “lukewarm” and Jesus says he will vomit them out of his mouth. What does it mean to be lukewarm and what is the message for us today? The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: NAUSEOUS.”
Church-Autopsy: Paralyzed by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining the sixth church in the book of Revelation: Philadelphia. The church was doing many things well but was locked in fear and failed to take opportunities that God presented them. Fear can blind us to God’s plan and prevent us from stepping out in obedience. That was true for the church in Philadelphia; is it true for you as well? The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: PARALYZED.”
Church-Autopsy: Death’s Door by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining the fifth church in the book of Revelation: Sardis. At the time of Revelation, Sardis had gone the way of many churches today. They had a positive reputation but, they were spiritually dead. They were warned to wake up or be snuffed out completely. This is the case for many of our churches today. We, like Sardis, need to wake up and return to God! The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: DEATH’S DOOR.”
Church-Autopsy: Bedridden by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the fourth church listed in Revelation: Thyatira. Thyatira was a serving and loving church, but they tolerated sinful influence. Sometimes it is easier to quietly obey God than to call out and denounce sin. Yet, is this how God has called us to live? We ought to love what God loves and hate what he hates. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: BEDRIDDEN.”
Represented by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, in light of the Fourth of July, I want to preach a special message on the inspiration behind America: the Lycian League. The Lycian League was the first known republic in the world, where the people were governed by elected officials. This concept was not revived again until the foundation of America. In learning about the Lycian League, we will learn more about the foundation of our own nation and gain a better understanding of what makes America special. The title of this weekend’s message is “REPRESENTED.”
Church-Autopsy: Mutilated by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the third church listed in Revelation: Pergamum. The church in Pergamum on the surface was holding up against persecution and false teaching. However, twisted and harmful teachings had begun to creep into the church and twist the doctrine. Wrong doctrine is harmful to every area of our lives because it corrupts and distorts what we believe about God. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: MUTILATED.”
Church-Autopsy: Fainthearted by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the second church listed in Revelation: Smyrna. Smyrna was facing tremendous hardship and was in danger of falling to the pressure and fear of persecution. God reminded them of the importance of standing up under that pressure and remaining faithful. We will learn from their example how to stand firm in the face of trials and what the reward is for a life of obedience. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: FAINTHEARTED.”
Church-Autopsy: Heartsick by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are looking at the church in Ephesus. Jesus brings a serious charge against them: they have lost their first love. They were checking all the right boxes but for all the wrong reasons. The problem for them wasn’t an external behavior but an internal reality. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: HEARTSICK”.
Church Autopsy: Examiner by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are focusing on not only the assessment of these seven churches but the credentials of the one performing the assessment: Jesus Christ. John goes into great detail about who Jesus is and why he is qualified to offer this judgment on the seven churches. We often forget that while God is loving and merciful, he is also holy and just. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: EXAMINER”.
Church Autopsy: Vital Signs by Abidan Shah, PhD
Before we talk about our vital signs corporately, we need to check our vital signs individually. The church is made up of individual believers. Unless each of us returns to a right relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no hope for the body, the church. The Master is knocking at the door, and it is time we let him in.
Carry-On by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a special message in light of the beginning of summer. While traveling, often people will bring the essentials with them in their carry-on bag. That way, in case they are separated from the rest of their luggage, they will have the things they need. In our walk with God, there are some essentials that we must make sure we never lose sight of amidst the changes of life. We will learn what to pack in our spiritual “CARRY-ON.”
Delight by Abidan Shah, PhD
In light of Mother’s Day, I want to preach a special message not just for moms, but for all parents. Children are God’s gift to us and as parents, we have such a precious few years to impact them. At times, parenting can be overwhelming, confusing, or even frustrating. However, God’s Word helps us not only lead our children, but count it a privilege to do so. The title of this weekend’s message is “DELIGHT.”
Revealed by Abidan Shah, PhD
REVEALED by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: As many of you know, Nicole and I have been traveling for the past two weeks, filming at biblical sites in Turkey. By the way, just a heads up, there are some wonderful series coming up in the next few weeks and months! Personally, I’ve been studying... Continue Reading →