“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.
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?
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”.
Steer by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will encounter the next judge in Israel’s history: Jephthah. An enigmatic character, it is difficult to look at the circumstances of his life and determine how he can be the good guy, as we have learned the judges are in this series. However, Scripture includes him in the hall of faith listed in Hebrews. What can we learn from Jephthah’s life? We’ll unpack this and more in our message titled “STEER”.
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”.
Death Dethroned: Hell by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are setting our sights on eternity. We have talked about the promise of our resurrection one day. However, there is also a coming judgment. Those who are not believers will enter a terrible fate of torment and separation from God. There are those who would downplay or disagree with it, but the Bible is clear that hell is a real place and a real consequence of rejecting salvation. This weekend will help answer some serious questions and help us articulate the gospel to our friends and family members.
Death Dethroned: Ressurection by Abidan Shah, PhD
DEATH DETHRONED – RESURRECTION by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: According to “The State of American Theology Study 2020” by Lifeway Research, when people were asked whether they believed that the “Biblical accounts of the physical (bodily) resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate. This event actually occurred,” this is what they answered: Americans age […]
Death Dethroned: Intermediate by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be taking a look at what happens after we die, specifically where we will go. What happens when we die? Do souls go to heaven or hell, or is there somewhere else that is a precursor to our eternal destination? We will answer these questions and more in this weekend’s message titled “DEATH DETHRONED: INTERMEDIATE.”
Church Autopsy (Article)
Recently, my wife, Nicole, and I went on a tour of the historical sites in Turkey. Although the entire trip was amazing, my favorite places were the cities in the Aegean region, especially the seven cities to whom Jesus sent
Tyranny: Part 1 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are turning our attention to the Tower of Babel. This is a very blatant example of disobedience to God’s command to fill the earth. Many of us are familiar with the story and with the consequences of the people’s actions. However, there is a much deeper theological truth to be learned from this account. The title of this weekend’s message is “TYRANNY: PART 1.”
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.”
Created by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend’s message brings us to the pinnacle of creation: humanity. God created humans as male and female. This was part of being made in His image. What does that mean? Culture today continues to blur the lines between genders, but this is an essential component of being made in God’s image. The title of this weekend’s message is “CREATED.”
The Anatomy of Salvation by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will take a look at something that is regarded by many as a mystery: salvation. We talk about it a lot, sing about it, and even pray for it. But do we understand what is actually happening in the process of salvation? What does it truly mean for a person to “be saved”? The title of this weekend’s message is “THE ANATOMY OF SALVATION”.
Plunder by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we conclude Isaiah 53 and focus on the reward for Jesus’ obedience. Isaiah writes about Jesus’ seeing generations beyond Himself, pointing forward to the resurrection and His victory over death and the grave. We were stolen out of God’s hand, but Christ came to rob the grave and steal us back. The title of today’s message is “PLUNDER.”
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.”
The Servant by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are continuing our study of Isaiah and his use of the term “servant.” In these verses, God is describing His Servant and how he will justify many people ultimately by bearing their iniquities. This shows the perfect plan of salvation that has been on God’s heart since the beginning of time. The title of this weekend’s message is “THE SERVANT.”
New Beginning by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will begin chapter 2 of 1 Peter. Having talked about the importance of love as a response to being born again, Peter goes on to instruct his readers that they must continue to grow in their understanding of the Word, laying aside earthly, sinful behaviors. The title of this weekend’s message is “NEW BEGINNING”.
Faithfulness by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will step back and take a look at the faithfulness of God toward His people. Throughout Scripture, God gave His people constant reminders of His faithfulness. He has done the same for us this year and this message will help us remember that He will never let us down. The title of this weekend’s message is “FAITHFULNESS.”
Greater than Religion by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will take a look at how Jesus’ birth was perceived by the religious leaders of His day. They were used to being in power and navigating the political climate of that day for their benefit. However, the coming of Jesus radically changed their way of life. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER THAN RELIGION.”