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!
Why Worship? by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be taking a look at the opening of Paul’s letter. He begins with several verses of praising God, packed with rich doctrine, especially regarding worship. What we say to and about God matters. Worship is much bigger than just a style of music or a time in service. What does it mean, and how does it affect our lives during and outside of service? Let’s find out together.
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.
Living On A Prayer by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are taking a closer look at James’ instructions regarding prayer, specifically how to pray when someone is sick or unwell. We typically will pray things like “If it’s your will” or “according to your plan” because we don’t truly understand prayer. It is much more than just a list that circulates in church or a moment in service. Prayer is our lifeline to the creator of the universe! The message this weekend will help us develop a proper perspective on prayer for others.
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.
Humbler Than Thou by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will be learning from James about the importance of humility. Humility is a tricky thing, because often once you realize you have it, you have immediately lost it. Pride is at the root of all sin, so humility is a critically important part of the Christian life. However, obtaining and cultivating humility can prove to be difficult, especially in a culture that glorifies the prideful side of humanity.
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 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.
“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.
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?
Finding Your Place: Using God’s Gifts in the Church by Abidan Shah, PhD
Church is about much more than just coming and sitting in a pew, listening to the message, and then going home. Church is a place to belong; a family to which we are connected. The gifts and abilities that God gives us are meant to be used to serve the body of Christ. There are lots of ways to do that, but not using those gifts makes it difficult to connect and grow in your faith. This weekend, take a step in finding your place here at Clearview!
The Secret to Reconciliation: Service by Abidan Shah, PhD
THE SECRET TO RECONCILIATION – SERVICE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: Summer is over and schools are in full swing now. We began a mini-series two weekends ago to help families with children, whether small or adolescent, deal with the struggles of life. There’s so much noise about “dysfunctional families,” “trauma,” and “toxic […]
End-Times Prophecy: Faith to Faith by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of faith. It is a common term in Christian circles, but what is faith truly, and how does it impact our understanding of salvation? Paul has much to say on the matter. Faith was an integral part of the formation of the early church and their understanding of the work of Christ on the cross. This message will help us understand the role of faith in our relationship with God and our daily walk with him.
End-Times Prophecy: Act One – Verdict by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will see in the book of Romans how God’s judgment is coming for all mankind. The judgment of God is not something we discuss often, but it is a necessary part of his nature. Seeing the judicial language in Romans points ahead to God’s coming judgment in the book of Revelation. When we operate with the judgment of God in mind, it gives a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with those around us!
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.
30 Years to a Better Marriage by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to take a break from our series. Nicole and I just celebrated 30 years of marriage on our anniversary this year. We have learned much and there are many things we wish we had known years ago, but God in his timing and his grace has protected our marriage over the years, leading us to these important truths that we believe will be a blessing to everyone, married or single! This weekend’s message is titled “30 Years to a Better Marriage.”
Life Together by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will be examining the concept of biblical community. This is coming from God’s Word, but also from the desires we have heard from many of you. The Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation but among a family of brothers and sisters. This weekend’s message will chart a course for us moving forward and will reorient us to the concept of living life alongside one another. The title of this weekend’s message is “LIFE TOGETHER”.
Overcome by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we end one year and look to the beginning of another, I want to preach a series of messages that will help set the tone for our church family not only in 2025 but also in this new phase of our church’s life. It can be easy to focus on the difficulties or challenges of life. However, through Christ, we have all we need to not only survive adversity but to thrive in God’s perfect plan. The title of this weekend’s message is “OVERCOME”.