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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
The history of the world shows that in every generation there arises someone who wants to create a global government to gain ultimate power. It began first at the Tower of Babel when people rejected God’s command to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” and decided to come together and build a city and “a tower whose top is in the heavens.” About this time, a man named Nimrod rose in power who was a hunter, not of animals but of men. Some early sources describe him as a dictator who tried to turn people away from God to follow him. God had to come down and scatter humanity so it would not be enslaved.
This weekend, as we begin our series, I want to lay a foundation for us and our discussion of generational differences. We will introduce a framework for the rest of the series that will help us understand each generation, how they see the world, and the strengths they possess. In doing so, we will not only build each other up, but will become more unified and effective as a church family. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTRODUCTION.”
This weekend, we will be talking about the biblical values that undergird the foundation of America. Despite what many would try to erase or ignore, our nation was founded upon truths found from the pages of Scripture. The Founding Fathers understood this and if we are to have hope for our children and grandchildren, we must recapture those values for their sakes. The title of this weekend’s message is “RESHIFT.”
This weekend, I will be preaching a special message as we head into the new year. In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives his sermon on the mount and talks about what people can expect in life. Contrary to some people’s opinion, the Christian life is not one free of troubles or worries. Rather, a life that is fully surrendered to Jesus puts worries in their proper place. The title of this weekend’s message is “TODAY.”
This weekend, we are focusing on Sarai giving her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram in a mistaken attempt to protect God’s promise. Sarai thought she was helping God but in reality, she had been deceived into thinking God’s plan was in jeopardy. The serpent was again attempting to thwart the arrival of the Man of Promise, but still, God made a way and protected his plan. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: DECEIVED.”
In this weekend’s message, we will look at Abraham and Sarah specifically. God’s hand was on them as they began their journey out of Ur. However, Abraham made a critical mistake in taking his wife right into the heart of the kingdom of the Serpent: Egypt. What did this mean for Abraham, Sarah, and God’s plan as a whole? The title of this weekend’s message is “KINGDOM.”
Abraham and Sarah are often depicted as this no-name family moving from Ur to God’s Promised Land. However, they were much more than just wanderers. Abraham, Sarah, and others around them knew something was going on, that God’s plan was in motion. They could see God blessing them and protecting them as they followed His plan in obedience and faith, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE.”
This weekend, we will continue our study of Babel and how it shaped our history. Different languages and people groups developed because of the people’s rebellion against God. It wasn’t just about the prideful building of a tower. It was important that the people scatter across the earth, and, in rebellion, they refused. What was important about that command to scatter and how does it impact us today? The title of this weekend’s message is “TYRANNY: PART 2.”
In this very special message this weekend, we will examine the culture of Clearview itself. This is more than just a service that we attend or a building where ministries meet. Clearview is a family that God brought into our lives. We all have a responsibility in the ministry and impact of our church in reaching people and creating a community here. The title of this weekend’s message is “MULTITUDE.”
INDEPENDENCE (Article) by Dr. Abidan Paul Shah (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on June 30, 2021) On July 4th, 1776, the delegates from the thirteen colonies voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence as penned by Thomas Jefferson. The Revolutionary War had been raging for almost a year by that time. As the war... Continue Reading →
In fact, recent events should show us that God is still very much guiding and guarding America. It is time for believers to set the example of returning to the truth of God’s Word. This is the bedrock upon which our country was founded and it is the guiding light that will lead us into the future. This weekend, we will be reminded that we do in fact live in a great nation.
This weekend, we will be focusing on adolescence. These years are a time of determining one’s identity and questioning the world around them. We’ll be taking a look at some common questions and misconceptions regarding student ministry and be reminded of the importance of reaching our teens. This weekend’s message is titled “PARENTING IQ: IDENTITY.”
This weekend, we will take a look at a very controversial subject from Scripture: predestination. This doctrine has been misunderstood and misrepresented for many years. What does this word mean in the context of Scripture? How does this impact our understanding of salvation? It is crucial that we understand this doctrine and can accurately explain the process of salvation to others. This weekend’s message is titled “CHOSEN.”
In the weeks leading up to Easter, we will begin new series focused on the cross and what Jesus has accomplished for us. Most believers have a very incomplete understanding of the cross. The concepts of salvation, justification, and atonement, however, are central to our faith. We will gain a better understanding of Christ’s work on the cross through this series titled “JUSTIFICATION.”
UNTIL THE DAY DAWNS (Article) by Dr. Abidan Paul Shah (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on January 13, 2021) With all the turmoil and uncertainty facing our nation today, people regardless of their political affiliation are asking: “What is the future of our nation?” “Where is God in all this?” and “What... Continue Reading →
ALL-SUFFICIENT by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: Sometime back in our series titled “Contend,” we played a portion of the sound recording of the crew of Apollo 8 reading from Genesis 1 on Christmas Eve, 1968. The following year, July 20th, 1969, when Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong stepped... Continue Reading →