FUTURE AND HOPE (Article) by Abidan Paul Shah
Last month Americans all across the land proved with their ballots that they were dissatisfied with the direction of our country. What is being called “one of the greatest political shakeups in history” is a glimpse into the soul of the real USA. Americans have overwhelmingly declared that they do care about the economy, security, and morality of their country. They do want a better world for their children and grandchildren. Once again they are seeing a future and a hope. These are indeed exciting times in our nation’s history. Along with the other positive changes, here are some more that we cannot afford to ignore:
AMERICA TOMORROW (Article) by Abidan Paul Shah
“What’s going on in this world?! What’re we gonna do?!” I was greeted with those words as I made my way to the church office. I knew this person was referring to the recent headlines – “police officers murdered,” “terrorist attack in France,” “military coup in Turkey,” etc. I casually responded – “It seems like people have gone crazy…I guess we just need to pray more…” As I closed my office door behind me, those words began to ring louder and louder in my mind – “What’re we gonna do? What’re we gonna do?!” Just then a quote popped into my head that I read years ago – “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
America Tomorrow by Pastor Abidan Shah
It is no secret that God has established our nation to be a city on a hill. We have been through rough waters before. But our predecessors trusted God and made the necessary course corrections. This message will challenge us to do the same.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES (Article) by Abidan Paul Shah
Dear Candidates, Thank you for your desire to lead our great nation! We can only imagine the toll this has taken on you and your loved ones. Let’s get right to it – You are running for the job because you agree that something is broken with our nation and you have the answer to fix it. If you think everything is just fine, then you’re out of touch with the American people. Frankly, the worst thing that our citizens can do is put you in the office! But, if your desires are noble, then the question is – “what do you think is broken with our nation?”
What’s Next For America?
These appear to be times of discouragement and despair but they can also be times of hope and possibilities. God does not want us to live in defeat but to step out and be the salt and light. He has given us His Holy Spirit to take the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth.
IF THE FOUNDATIONS ARE DESTROYED – 2
In light of the recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, I want to preach a message that I’ve preached sometime back from Psalm 11 titled, “IF THE FOUNDATIONS ARE DESTROYED.” We’re living in a time when morality and values are under heavy attack. We’re being told – “A new world is here, whether we like it or not. It has no place for people like us and it would be safer for us to either run with it or run away. There is no hope of going back.”
Go and Be the Difference
Unfortunately, many Christians run from their surrounding or become indistinguishable from it. Instead, we are to be the flavor and the light. In other words, we are to make our world better tasting and brighter by our presence.
We will be seeing through the Bible as well as history how God’s people reclaimed their world for God when they returned to this very important passage. As I’ve said it before, the best days of our nation are ahead. They may not look exactly like some past nostalgic era (which never existed) but they will be better than ever, where people will glorify our Father in heaven.
The Blessing of Standing Up for What’s Right
I’ll be honest with you – the final beatitude deals with a subject that I don’t like to think about because I had to experience it growing up. In America people talk about persecution and how good it is for the growth of the church and develops holiness and purity. Ironically, those who go through to it don’t talk about how wonderful it is. In fact, they do whatever they can to avoid it and fight against it.
Persecution is the final beatitude for a reason. It is not something that we should look forward to. It is something we should do all we can to avoid, prolong, and work against. It is not something that God gives an extra something for. If you notice, the reward of persecution is no different than the one for the first beatitude – 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Unfortunately, it is a subject that we in America are having to face in a small degree. The response is not to brace ourselves and prepare for the worst. We need to strive to maintain and increase the presence of Christianity and biblical values in our country and beyond.
Salt and Light: The Myth of a Secular Nation
In our series on the life of Christ we come now to the Beatitudes. This passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout the history of the church. There have been numerous debates about whether or not it is applicable to the believers today. The titles range from “The Secret to the Blessed Life” to “The Blessings of the Christian Life.”
Could it be that we are missing the very essence and purpose of this passage? When we read it carefully we notice that the blessing passages are leading towards Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” The Beatitudes were not given to help us in our own personal lives as much as to live a life impacting the world around us.
This is one message that you cannot afford to miss! It will not only challenge us to live a life of blessing but also help us transform the world around us.