“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.
When Death Feels Like a Good Option by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will encounter Job at possibly his lowest moment. He has endured unimaginable tragedy. In a few short moments, everything he held dear was taken from him. Job reaches the conclusion that death would be a better option than to continue existing in this life filled with suffering. Some of you may have felt that way at one point or another. But as God reminds Job, there is always hope.
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.
Worship Through Suffering by John Galantis
In this weekend’s message, we will look specifically at the response of worship in the face of suffering. Many times, people are just going through the motions in worship as their minds are reeling with the pain of their current situation. Others are chasing a feeling they’ve had in the past. This message will help us understand the purpose of worship in the life of the believer during times of suffering.
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.
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!
A Legacy That Outlasts You by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a very special message on the lives of two men, Erastus and Babbius. Both of these men in the New Testament came from a slave beginning, but as far as we know, only Erastus came to faith in Christ. Because of that, he is mentioned by Paul several times in his letters while Babbius fades into obscurity. It is not our beginnings that matter. It is only our relationship with Jesus.
Banquet by Abidan Shah, PhD
Sharing a meal together was not a novel concept in the ancient world. In fact, the Romans were known for their lavish banquets. While there are some similarities, the Lord’s Supper is unique among banquets and feasts. There is a much deeper meaning beyond just eating at the same time and in the same place.
Influence (Part 2) by Abidan Shah, PhD
INFLUENCE – 2 by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson Introduction: As many you know, I am a big fan of the Andy Griffith Show. The town drunk, Otis Campbell, was a big favorite on the show. He would stagger into the Sherrif’s office drunk and then lock himself inside the jail to sleep off the moonshine. […]
End-Times Prophecy: War Within (pt. 3) by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine the war within us between our old sinful flesh and the Holy Spirit. What we fill ourselves with is where our hearts will lie. If we are focused on the things of this world and of the flesh, that is where our focus will be. However, if we focus on God and what his will for our lives is, our minds will be focused on heavenly things.
End-Times Prophecy: Sinful Flesh by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be learning about our own sinful flesh. Much like sin, flesh doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but rather to a power working against us. We, like Paul, often find ourselves doing things we wish we wouldn’t. We will learn this weekend about the dangers of the flesh and the hope of victory we have in Jesus.
End Times Prophecy: Death-Defied by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, as we think about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we will examine what the effects are for us. Adam ushered sin into the world through his disobedience, and death has plagued every generation since. Jesus came to save us from the clutches of sin and death, to bring life and hope to the world. The gift of salvation is full and free, death has been defied, and Jesus is alive!
End-Times Prophecy: Law-Abiding by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will turn our attention to the law. Often, people mistakenly think the law was abolished by the coming of Christ. However, understanding the true function of the law is necessary for our understanding of end-times prophecy. Without understanding the law, we can’t truly understand God’s grace in sending Jesus to the cross. Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.
End-Times Prophecy: Act One – Righteousness of God by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine God’s righteousness as outlined by Paul in the book of Romans. What does it mean that God is righteous and that we are made righteous? Understanding what Paul means in this context is critical in our approach to end-times prophecy. None of us can achieve righteousness on our own. It is a gift of God. But what is the nature of that gift and how should it change our perspective of end-times prophecy? We will answer these questions and more in this weekend’s message.
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.