Cities of Refuge by Abidan Shah, PhD
In Joshua’s day, God commanded the Israelites to establish places where people could go who were in trouble or needed help. These cities served as beacons to those who would run into them and find refuge and solace. Church, small groups, and Christian connection should function the same way. This is especially true for small groups. They have a unique ability to uplift and edify believers while connecting them to the church. The title of this weekend’s message is “Cities of Refuge.”
Church-Autopsy: Earshot by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are celebrating communion together. This is a family meal, reminding us of what Christ has done and who we are in him. The churches in Revelation missed this principle. Communion unifies us and refocuses us on the truth of the gospel. We cannot afford to misunderstand or misrepresent the Lord’s Supper and risk going the way of those seven churches. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: EARSHOT.”
Church-Autopsy: Nauseous by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining the seventh and final church in the book of Revelation: Laodicea. Of all the churches, this one is the most well-known, likely because of the language used. The church is called “lukewarm” and Jesus says he will vomit them out of his mouth. What does it mean to be lukewarm and what is the message for us today? The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: NAUSEOUS.”
Church-Autopsy: Paralyzed by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining the sixth church in the book of Revelation: Philadelphia. The church was doing many things well but was locked in fear and failed to take opportunities that God presented them. Fear can blind us to God’s plan and prevent us from stepping out in obedience. That was true for the church in Philadelphia; is it true for you as well? The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: PARALYZED.”
Church-Autopsy: Fainthearted by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the second church listed in Revelation: Smyrna. Smyrna was facing tremendous hardship and was in danger of falling to the pressure and fear of persecution. God reminded them of the importance of standing up under that pressure and remaining faithful. We will learn from their example how to stand firm in the face of trials and what the reward is for a life of obedience. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: FAINTHEARTED.”
Church-Autopsy: Heartsick by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are looking at the church in Ephesus. Jesus brings a serious charge against them: they have lost their first love. They were checking all the right boxes but for all the wrong reasons. The problem for them wasn’t an external behavior but an internal reality. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: HEARTSICK”.
Anastasis: Moral Order by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue through our series on the resurrection. It is much more than just a past truth or a future reality. The resurrection has implications for our life now. It changes the way we approach life and our understanding of God’s plan. The resurrection is not just about us one day. It’s a life-changing truth for today! The title of this weekend’s message is “ANASTASIS: MORAL ORDER”.
Anastasis: Demonstration by Abidan Shah, PhD
This Easter weekend, we are continuing our series titled “ANASTASIS” as we examine Jesus’ resurrection and its impact on us. The idea of resurrection is found throughout Scripture, but never so prominently as the empty tomb at Easter. While this is something we often talk about, we likely understand very little of how this impacts our lives and changes our future. This weekend’s message is titled “ANASTASIS: DEMONSTRATION”.
Sufficient: True Vine by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we come to the final “I am” statement of Jesus in the book of John. Jesus states that he is the true vine. This is imagery that would have resonated with his listeners, but the implications here are so much greater than we might initially see. The only way for us to bear spiritual fruit is to be connected to our source, Jesus Christ. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: TRUE VINE.”
Sufficient: Resurrection and the Life
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the “resurrection and the life.” He delivers this statement in the context of the loss of his friend, Lazarus. Jesus reminds those gathered to mourn that he is the answer to the problem of death. Christ himself was not bound by death and his resurrection offers wonderful promises for us as well. Much more than something to talk about at Easter, the concept of resurrection is central to our faith.
Sufficient: Door of the Sheep by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement “I am the door of the sheep.” There are a lot of applications to draw from this passage, but perhaps the most important is that Christ is the path to salvation. There is no way to God except through Jesus’ death on the cross, no matter how many systems or ideologies the world offers. Jesus alone is the one who saves. This weekend’s message is titled “SUFFICIENT: DOOR OF THE SHEEP.”
Man of Promise: Conclusion by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we reach the end of our series “MAN OF PROMISE.” We have seen God’s faithfulness to Abraham and Sarah through his calling them, establishing his covenant, and promising a child. In this message, we will examine Abraham’s infamous test in offering Isaac as a sacrifice. There is a much deeper truth to this narrative than merely a test of obedience. Abraham is able to glimpse the redemptive plan of God and understand better his part in it. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: CONCLUSION.”
Laughter by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing to move through the lives of Abraham and Sarah. They have struggled to understand God’s promise and see the ways he has been working in their lives. God plainly reminds them both that the promise will result in a child, their child, that will usher in blessings for the entire world. Sarah laughs, first in disbelief and later in joy at the birth of her son, Isaac. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: LAUGHTER.”
Heir by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be looking at a very important interaction between God and Abram. Abram is discouraged and is having difficulty believing in God’s promise to give him a son. In a vision, God reminds Abram that not only will he have a son, but his descendants will outnumber the stars of the sky. Through his lineage, the world will be blessed. The title of this weekend’s message is “HEIR.”
Ordinance by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we dive further into the life of Abraham this weekend, we will learn about his encounter with a man named Melchizedek. In this brief encounter, the Bible describes Melchizedek as a priest of the Most High God. We will learn more about this mysterious man of God and how this encounter became a precursor for our celebration of communion. The title of this weekend’s message is “ORDINANCE.”
Kingdom by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will look at Abraham and Sarah specifically. God’s hand was on them as they began their journey out of Ur. However, Abraham made a critical mistake in taking his wife right into the heart of the kingdom of the Serpent: Egypt. What did this mean for Abraham, Sarah, and God’s plan as a whole? The title of this weekend’s message is “KINGDOM.”
Man of Promise by Abidan Shah, PhD
Abraham and Sarah are often depicted as this no-name family moving from Ur to God’s Promised Land. However, they were much more than just wanderers. Abraham, Sarah, and others around them knew something was going on, that God’s plan was in motion. They could see God blessing them and protecting them as they followed His plan in obedience and faith, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE.”
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.”
Secure by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of the account of Noah. While the storms and floodwaters raged outside, Noah and his family were safe within the ark. This not only shows God’s provision for Noah, but reminds us how He protects all of His people. The title of this weekend’s message is “SECURE.”
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.”