Anastasis: Foundations by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we approach Holy Week, I want to begin a series titled “ANASTASIS”. This is the Greek word for resurrection. Many of us have heard the language of the empty tomb or Christ rising from the dead, but what does that mean for us? How does that change our perspective on life and belief? Over the next few weeks, we will dive into this idea of resurrection and how that impacts our understanding of the Christian life. This weekend’s message is titled “ANASTASIS: FOUNDATIONS”.
Generations: Introduction by Dr. Abidan Shah
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.”
Water, Bread, and Cup by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we take communion in each of our services, I want to preach a special message looking at the ordinances mentioned in the Gospel of John. In his book, John writes about both the Lord’s Supper and about baptism. These are so important in the life of the believer! As we walk through the message this weekend, my prayer is that God would impress upon us the importance of baptism, communion, and a life of obedience to him. The title of this weekend’s message is “WATER, BREAD, AND CUP.”
Sufficient: Way, Truth, and Life by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the way, truth, and life. This is one of the more well-known statements of Jesus, and yet we neglect the truth it conveys. Jesus was teaching his followers that regardless of their need, he is the answer. Like we have learned in this series, he is sufficient for us and is both the way forward in life and the way to the Father. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE.”
Sufficient: Good Shepherd by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are looking at the fourth I am statement of Jesus from the gospel of John. Jesus says several times that he is the “good shepherd.” Shepherds were common during Jesus’ day and had a special significance throughout Scripture. In the life of a sheep, the shepherd is the lifeline. He is the only source of protection and provision for the sheep. Jesus’ statement has profound significance for us today and we’ll learn more about it in this weekend’s message, “SUFFICIENT: GOOD SHEPHERD.”
Sufficient: Light of the World by Abidan Shah, PhD
SUFFICIENT – LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: How many of ya’ll have ever been to a cavern? Back in 2009, Nicole and I took our kids on a cross country trip, and we stopped at the Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri. It’s the only ride through cavern in America. […]
Sufficient: Bread of Life by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I am beginning a new series looking at the different “I AM” statements of Jesus. These statements revealed to his listeners both his nature and his mission. First, we will be examining Jesus’ statement that he is the bread of life. Jesus is our sustenance, our source of life, and the only way for us to grow spiritually. This weekend’s message is titled “SUFFICIENT: BREAD OF LIFE.”
Today by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Laughter by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing to move through the lives of Abraham and Sarah. They have struggled to understand God’s promise and see the ways he has been working in their lives. God plainly reminds them both that the promise will result in a child, their child, that will usher in blessings for the entire world. Sarah laughs, first in disbelief and later in joy at the birth of her son, Isaac. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: LAUGHTER.”
Deceived by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Man of Promise by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Lampstand by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend marks the conclusion of this series on evangelism. We are called by God to be the light of the world. Light is integral in eliminating darkness and drawing attention to something. We are able to shine a light, but not because of anything within ourselves. The title of this weekend’s message is “LAMPSTAND.”
Sheepfold by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing to examine the pictures for evangelism that Jesus gives his listeners. Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd and extends that metaphor to evangelism by talking about bringing sheep into the fold. What are we doing to reach the lost and bring them to our shepherd, Jesus Christ? The title of this weekend’s message is “SHEEPFOLD.”
Harvest by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are going to expand on this idea of sharing the gospel with others. The Bible compares the world around us to a field ready to harvest. How will the harvest be gathered? How do you know what to harvest? What is the point of the crops that are gathered? We will examine these questions as they relate to our mission as believers and as a church family. The title of this weekend’s message is “HARVEST.”
Reliable: Why the Original Text is Attainable by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue examining the original text of the Bible. Not only is the original text important, but it is also available to us through study and an understanding of textual criticism. Many people would have us believe that the original text is lost because we do not have the original documents. However, we will learn this weekend how to recover the original text and its impact on our understanding of the Bible. The title of this weekend’s message is “RELIABLE PART 2.”
Leviathan by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are taking a look at a topic not often brought up in churches. We will be learning about dinosaurs. Where do they fit into the biblical account? How far off is the timeline that secular scientists offer? What impact do fossils have on our understanding of the book of Genesis? The title of this weekend’s message is “LEVIATHAN.”
Traces by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be examining the after effects of the flood. We can see evidence of the worldwide flood in the world around us, if we use the lens of Scripture. Even the rock layers of different geological formations. The title of this weekend’s message is “TRACES.”
Secure by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of the account of Noah. While the storms and floodwaters raged outside, Noah and his family were safe within the ark. This not only shows God’s provision for Noah, but reminds us how He protects all of His people. The title of this weekend’s message is “SECURE.”
Domain by Abidan Shah, PhD
If you have been following this series, you know that we have been in the book of Genesis for quite some time. There is simply so much to answer from the text and so many questions people have related to God, creation, and the first chapter of human history. This weekend, we will examine an age-old incident from the history of the world and determine what this passage means for us and our understanding of Scripture. This weekend’s message is titled “DOMAIN.”
Great Nation by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.