Grab the Worst Seat in the House by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to James’ warning against showing partiality. James’ audience was tempted to show preferential treatment to others, just as you and I sometimes are. However, God’s Word reminds us that our actions affect not only our lives, but the perception of the gospel for those around us.
The Case for The New Testament: Preservation of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will continue our study of the Bible as we look at the way God’s Word has been preserved through the centuries. While we no longer have the autographs of Scripture, we can say with utmost certainty that what we hold in our hands is truly the Word of God. Throughout the years, God has protected the process of the preservation and transmission of Scripture. We’ll uncover what that means for us as we worship together this weekend!
When You Encounter False Wisdom by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to a much different exchange between the mysterious Elihu and Job. Elihu’s words to Job are unlike those of his other friends, speaking of suffering as a form of instruction, rather than punishment. This ideology is very similar to Buddhism and the monks who have been in our headlines recently. But is it true? What does God have to say about suffering?
When You Are in the Eye of the Storm by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we come to an interesting part of the book of Job. Chapter 28 feels, in many ways, like a departure from the overall flow of dialogue between Job and his friends. There is a sudden discourse on wisdom, where it comes from, and how God uses it. This is much more than just an aside or a later addition to the book. We will walk with Job this weekend through the eye of the storm.
“You’re Getting What You Deserve” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine a principle from Scripture that is challenged by the book of Job. The idea of “reaping what you sow” is mentioned and even affirmed in several places in the Bible. However, the idea of grace is getting something we do not deserve: God’s favor. Neither accounts for what happens to Job, though. As we will learn this weekend, there is something deeper happening.
Build Your Trust In God’s Word by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will take a look at those individuals who stepped into Job’s story: his three friends, as well as the mysterious Elihu. These men are important to the story and development of Job, but they are also found elsewhere on the pages of Scripture. This shows that not only is Job’s account factual rather than mythical, but also that you can trust Scripture as the inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word of God.
Recovering Your True Identity by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will examine Job’s responses to his suffering. In his responses, we find the profound truth that Job’s identity was not rooted in possessions, status, or even his relationships. Rather, his identity was founded in Christ. This becomes clearer throughout Job’s story. This message will help us craft our true identity in Christ.
When Life Seems Unfair by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we head toward the holidays, I want to begin a series that will help us sort through all of the emotions that these months can bring. Our culture talks about the importance of self-care, but what about spiritual self-care? In this weekend’s message, we will examine the life of Job. Although he encountered intense hardship, Job remained focused on God. This message will help us understand how to do that as well.
End-Times Prophecy | Act Two: The Foreknowledge of God
This weekend, our students are on their annual fall retreat. They are studying the concept of Christ time and how it impacts our understanding of our past, present, and future. Paul says that God “foreknew” his people. That terminology has raised many questions over the years. Does that mean that God knows the future and makes decisions based on his knowledge? And if he knows who will be saved, why does he create those who won’t choose him?
End-Times Prophecy | Act Two: Preaching Matters
In this weekend’s message, we are continuing to walk through the book of Romans. Paul addresses the topic of preaching and its unique place in the plan of God. Personal evangelism is obviously important, but there is something special and important about a man of God opening the Bible and exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging a body of believers. What place does preaching have in the plan of God? Come find out this weekend!
End Times Prophecy | Does God Elect?
As you know, we are in our series on end-times prophecy, looking specifically at how God’s plans for Israel are still intact. In this weekend’s message, we turn our attention to the doctrine of election. This divisive doctrine has caused much contention through the ages. But what does the Bible actually teach about election? Does God choose in advance who will be saved? We’ll find out together!
End Times Prophecy | Act Two: How to Tell Christ’s Time
This weekend, I want to explore further into the book of Romans, specifically focusing on time. As humans, we understand time in a very linear sense. However, our understanding should shift after we receive Christ. Time is perceived differently, past, present, and future, because God is outside of time. This message will help us understand the fulfillment of God’s promises, especially those to the nation of Israel!
End-Times Prophecy: Faith to Faith by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of faith. It is a common term in Christian circles, but what is faith truly, and how does it impact our understanding of salvation? Paul has much to say on the matter. Faith was an integral part of the formation of the early church and their understanding of the work of Christ on the cross. This message will help us understand the role of faith in our relationship with God and our daily walk with him.
End-Times Prophecy: Mapping History (pt. 3) by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will continue to trace God’s providential plan throughout history. God worked of course with his people throughout the Bible, but his hand can be seen in the rise and fall of many different nations, civilizations, and kingdoms. While history has had many different eras, God’s hand has consistently been guiding this world through time. Today is no different and as we head toward the future, it is critical that we see the end in light of his sovereign plan.
End-Times Prophecy: Mapping History (pt.2) by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine God’s design throughout history. In his letter to the Romans, Paul is holding up the Roman believers as an example to others. His letter is unique in that he does not seem to be addressing a particular situation or controversy but rather provides a guide of core beliefs for all Christians. In doing so, he offers a guide for us today on how the church should function and believe.
Last Step on the Way Down (Article)
Last Step on the Way Down (Article) by Abidan Shah, Ph.D (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on February 1st, 2025) Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Righteousness is the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity and longevity, but sin is the cause of its reproach and […]
Soul Winning by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of evangelism. When people hear evangelism, they automatically begin drawing conclusions about what that should look like. While there are several good approaches to sharing the gospel, the practice of evangelism is one that is frequently side-lined in the Christian life. Evangelism is not only a key component of the Christian life, but vital for our understanding of end-times prophecy. The title of this weekend’s message is “SOUL WINNING”.
Truce by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing our study through the life of Samson. Samson made what appeared on the surface to be questionable choices. However, when we understand the culture of that day and the circumstances in the book of Judges, Samson’s choices not only make sense but he is presented as the hero he was always intended to be. This even affects how we view communion. The title of this weekend’s message is “TRUCE”.
Sightings by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will look at the precursors to Samson’s life. His parents had an encounter with the angel of the Lord, who is much more than just an angelic messenger. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of the pre-incarnate Christ interacting with God’s people. What does this mean for our understanding of Scripture? How does this affect our view of Jesus? We’ll unpack this and more in our message titled “SIGHTINGS”.
Under Tribute by Abidan Shah, PhD
This is strikingly similar to the story of God’s people through the book of Judges. There is a cyclical nature to the narratives within the book that show God’s people failing to remember what God had done for them and what he had commanded them to do. The sinful cycle of disobedience has occurred in countries like England and, if we do not take action as believers, can occur here, too. The title of this weekend’s message is “UNDER TRIBUTE”.