When God Gives You More Than You Can Bear by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will examine the beginning of the book of James and the assurance of trials in our lives. We often quote the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Is that true, though? Does God give us more than we can handle in our own human capacity? James seems to indicate there might be a deeper truth that we will discover 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’re Waiting for an Apology by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we continue to walk through the book of Job, we encounter Job justifying himself before his friends. The Bible goes to great lengths to remind us that Job remained righteous before the Lord. That does not mean he completely understood and followed God’s plan blindly through his suffering. At times, he was waiting for an explanation, justification, or even an apology.
“It’s Sinful to Question God” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
We’ve been working through incorrect schemas that people hold to regarding the nature of God and suffering. This weekend, we will address the subject of questioning God. Depending on your upbringing, this might be a difficult concept for you to grasp, or it may even seem completely out of the question. However, this weekend we will uncover what the Bible actually says about questioning God.
“God’s Anger is Why I’m Suffering” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
Last weekend, we introduced the concept of Job working through various schemas through the dialogue with his friends. Job dealt with the concept of God’s retributive justice in the face of his suffering, understanding there was much more going on behind the scenes. This weekend, we will deal with the idea that our suffering means that God is angry with us. God does get angry, but as Job learns, that is not the whole truth.
“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.
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.
With Job in the School of Trauma by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend’s message, I believe, will be an encouragement and help to so many who are struggling through some of the darkest moments of their lives. The narrative of Job is a masterclass in processing trauma. Not all trauma is the same and not all people handle trauma in the same way. God in his wisdom gave us the account of Job to help us learn how to properly navigate trauma in our own lives while keeping our focus on him.
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.
Influence by Abidan Shah, PhD
INFLUENCE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: It’s quite sad for me to watch that video of Mary Lou Retton. I remember the year 1984 – TV had just come to our hometown, and mom and dad had bought our first TV set. I was in 6th grade, and this was the year of the […]
Inside Out by Abidan Shah, PhD
We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to our interactions with others. God’s Word, however, reminds us that there is hope. Through Christ, we can build meaningful relationships and reflect God’s character to those around us. Throughout this series, we will deal with internal issues that make it difficult for us to connect and interact with others. The goal will be at the end of this series to make Christ visible in our relationships!
Legends by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, as we continue to learn about Noah and the flood, we will compare the biblical account to ancient myths and mythologies from cultures around the world. The presence of other flood narratives might seem strange, but when we look closer we will find proof of the authority of God’s Word in these “LEGENDS”.
Reckoning by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are focusing on God’s character specifically in the events leading up to the Flood. People have sometimes pointed out the apparent differences in God’s character from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Why does God appear wrathful in some places and merciful in others? In this message, we will learn that there is no inconsistency in God’s character or His judgment. The title of this weekend’s message is “RECKONING.”
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.
Wanderer by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of Cain, looking at the events of his life after he murdered Abel. There are many questions and speculations about the nature of Cain’s punishment and how he spent the rest of his days. In this message, we will uncover the truth not only about Cain’s life but also about God, both His justice and mercy. This weekend’s message is titled “WANDERER.”
Ascent by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we are looking at humanity. Ultimately, every theory about the development of mankind wants to explain how we got here. What is our origin? What about things like cavemen and Neanderthals? We will address those questions and more in this weekend’s message titled “ASCENT.”
Astray by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are examining our relationship with Christ and how we have wandered away from what we know to be true. Like sheep, we have turned away, but our Good Shepherd has taken our sins upon Himself. The title of this weekend’s message is “ASTRAY.”
Living Stone by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are moving forward in chapter two of 1 Peter. Peter tells his readers that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, the One upon whom our faith is established. Those who believe in Him will not be put to shame, no matter what others may think. The title of this weekend’s message is “LIVING STONE.”
Episode 17: Running the Race (ft. Dr David Alan Black)
In this episode, Abidan Paul Shah will be talking with Dr. David Alan Black about his newest book “Running My Race: Reflections on Life, Loss, Aging, and Forty Years of Teaching.” It’s about learning to deal with the pains of life in a way that draws us closer to the heart of God. Both laypeople and scholars will benefit from this book.
LIFE IS A VAPOR (ARTICLE) by Abidan Paul Shah
Monday afternoon two weeks ago I got a phone call that I have received before as a pastor but I never imagined whom it would be about. “Sylvia Edwards died.” I thought I had misheard the name and so I asked – “Who did you say again?” I heard it right the first time. It was Sylvia. I couldn’t believe it…I saw her the night before at church! We talked about her singing at the coming Fourth of July program. She wasn’t feeling well but she was still excited about picking out the songs and getting started with the practices. If you knew Sylvia, you would know that she loved to sing and she wasn’t one to sit still very long! Now, two days later we were standing by her graveside – “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”