God’s Covert Operation by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will continue to explore the doctrine of salvation. The concept of the gospel is simple, but it is far from simplistic. In fact, it is referred to as a great mystery. Does this mean we can’t or won’t be able to understand salvation? How does this change the way we see Christ and the cross? Let’s explore these questions and more together this weekend!
High Price, not Wholesale by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our focus from the Father’s role in our salvation to that of the Son. Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sin, the high price that you and I could not pay. Does it matter that Christ paid our debt rather than cancelled it? We’ll find out together this weekend!
Adopted, Not Abandoned by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will begin studying Paul’s description of our adoption as children of God. We have not been abandoned to our sin but have been brought into the family of God through Jesus Christ. How we understand this adoption will affect the way we see ourselves, our Savior, and each other.
Late to Faith? by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we’ll explore further the church in Ephesus. The believers there received the gospel late. In many ways, that impacted their understanding of church and of what it meant to serve one another. Many understood the gospel, but they did not have a foundation of faith in their family history. Still, Paul encouraged them to be obedient to God and to let their service of others come from a love for the Lord.
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to the end of the book of James. As he closes the book, James gives his readers instructions on helping restore someone who has wandered away from the truth or backslidden into sin. It’s not only about making sure we course correct in our own lives. James tells his readers, and by extension, us, that we are to help our fellow brothers and sisters. In helping bring someone back to God, we are covering a multitude of sin, maybe even our own!
Does The Bible Support Social Marxism by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are addressing a portion of James that is often misunderstood or misapplied. James seems to be writing against the wealthy and those who are more well-off than others. He uses strong language that some have taken as biblical support for things like social Marxism. However, as we will learn this weekend, there is more at play behind James’ words. You and I must understand the full context to combat biblical misinterpretation or misrepresentation.
The Art of War and Peace by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be confronting a bitter truth. Many people are caught up in fights, quarrels, and disagreements. You and I experience these interpersonal conflicts but often fail to recognize where they originate: our own sinful desires. James will unpack for us how our own sinful hearts lead us into conflicts and how we can avoid them.
Autopsy of a Dead Faith by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will explore one of the most prominent aspects of the book of James: the relationship between faith and works. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith as a gift from God. However, James seems to make it clear that faith without works is useless, even dead. What is going on here, and what does it mean for our lives today? We’ll answer this question and more as we continue our study of the book of James this weekend!
The Devil Didn’t Make You Do It… and God Neither
This weekend, we are addressing the subject of temptation. There are a lot of ideas about temptation, its nature, and its source in the world today. But what does God’s Word have to say? James is very clear on where temptation comes from and also the role it plays in our lives, specifically when we fail to stand against it.
Knowledge Is Not Power… Wisdom Is by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will continue our study of James regarding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. While some use those terms interchangeably, they are best thought of as related but distinct. In fact, the Bible has much to say about wisdom, how to acquire it, and its application in our lives.
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.
The Case for the New Testament: Power of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will move from talking about what Scripture is to what Scripture does in our lives. The Bible is the only book that, as you read it, changes you. However, neglecting the study of God’s Word and surrounding yourself with people who do the same is a recipe for disaster. I believe this message will help guard us from the lies of the world and help us to build our lives upon the truth of the Bible.
When God Rebuilds Our Shattered Windows by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will hear God’s response to Job. God speaks to him not in anger, but in a way that corrects his misunderstandings and renews his confidence. We have referred to schemas that Job works through as shattered windows. This weekend, we will learn what happens when God begins to repair those windows and help us see suffering correctly.
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.
When You Are in the Eye of the Storm by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we come to an interesting part of the book of Job. Chapter 28 feels, in many ways, like a departure from the overall flow of dialogue between Job and his friends. There is a sudden discourse on wisdom, where it comes from, and how God uses it. This is much more than just an aside or a later addition to the book. We will walk with Job this weekend through the eye of the storm.
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.
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.
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!