Category: Grace

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”.

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Generations: Intergenerational by Abidan Shah, PhD

This weekend, we will conclude our series by looking back at everything we have learned. The goal of this series was not to divide, but to inspire us to come together across generational lines. We are most effective for God’s kingdom when we stand together, utilizing our individual strengths to glorify God and make him known. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTERGENERATIONAL.”

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Generations: Impacting by Abidan Shah, PhD

This weekend, we are going to look specifically at Gen Z and Generation Alpha. These are our children and grandchildren and the ones currently most in touch with the culture around us. We cannot afford to misunderstand or neglect these generations, because the world is aiming for their minds and hearts. If we can understand Gen Z and Generation Alpha, not only can we impact them for the gospel, but equip them to impact the world around them. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: IMPACTING”.

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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.”

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Reshift by Abidan Shah, PhD

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.”

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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.”

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Sufficient: True Vine by Dr. Abidan Shah

This weekend, we come to the final “I am” statement of Jesus in the book of John. Jesus states that he is the true vine. This is imagery that would have resonated with his listeners, but the implications here are so much greater than we might initially see. The only way for us to bear spiritual fruit is to be connected to our source, Jesus Christ. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: TRUE VINE.”

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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.”

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Sufficient: Resurrection and the Life

This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the “resurrection and the life.” He delivers this statement in the context of the loss of his friend, Lazarus. Jesus reminds those gathered to mourn that he is the answer to the problem of death. Christ himself was not bound by death and his resurrection offers wonderful promises for us as well. Much more than something to talk about at Easter, the concept of resurrection is central to our faith.

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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.”

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Sufficient: Door of the Sheep by Abidan Shah, PhD

This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement “I am the door of the sheep.” There are a lot of applications to draw from this passage, but perhaps the most important is that Christ is the path to salvation. There is no way to God except through Jesus’ death on the cross, no matter how many systems or ideologies the world offers. Jesus alone is the one who saves. This weekend’s message is titled “SUFFICIENT: DOOR OF THE SHEEP.”

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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.”

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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.”

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Man of Promise: Conclusion by Abidan Shah, PhD

This weekend, we reach the end of our series “MAN OF PROMISE.” We have seen God’s faithfulness to Abraham and Sarah through his calling them, establishing his covenant, and promising a child. In this message, we will examine Abraham’s infamous test in offering Isaac as a sacrifice. There is a much deeper truth to this narrative than merely a test of obedience. Abraham is able to glimpse the redemptive plan of God and understand better his part in it. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: CONCLUSION.”

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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.”

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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.”

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Heir by Abidan Shah, PhD

This weekend, we will be looking at a very important interaction between God and Abram. Abram is discouraged and is having difficulty believing in God’s promise to give him a son. In a vision, God reminds Abram that not only will he have a son, but his descendants will outnumber the stars of the sky. Through his lineage, the world will be blessed. The title of this weekend’s message is “HEIR.”

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Ordinance by Abidan Shah, PhD

As we dive further into the life of Abraham this weekend, we will learn about his encounter with a man named Melchizedek. In this brief encounter, the Bible describes Melchizedek as a priest of the Most High God. We will learn more about this mysterious man of God and how this encounter became a precursor for our celebration of communion. The title of this weekend’s message is “ORDINANCE.”

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Kingdom by Abidan Shah, PhD

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.”

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