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 […]
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 by Abidan Shah, PhD
INFLUENCE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: It’s quite sad for me to watch that video of Mary Lou Retton. I remember the year 1984 – TV had just come to our hometown, and mom and dad had bought our first TV set. I was in 6th grade, and this was the year of the […]
Public Square by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine what the Bible says about Christians being involved in the public square. There is a pervasive misunderstanding of what the separation of church and state truly means. People, usually those with an anti-Christian agenda, use this rhetoric to claim that Christians have no place in the political sector. That was never the original intent and is an entirely harmful line of reasoning, not only for believers but for America as a nation. What will it take to return us to being “one nation under God?”
End-Times Prophecy: Spirit Minded (Part 2) by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in Romans that the Holy Spirit serves as our intercessor, going before God the Father on our behalf. Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit is vital to our growth and maturity as believers. Being spirit-minded is how we take our eyes off this world and focus them on Christ.
End-Times Prophecy: Spirit-Minded by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will take a look at what it means to set your mind upon spiritual things. Our thoughts reveal the posture of our hearts. If your mind perpetually wanders toward carnal desires, it may be that your heart has replaced God with another object of worship or desire. To fix our minds, we must fix our hearts and submit them to the Lord.
End-Times Prophecy: War Within by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study through the book of Romans. Paul has examined the power of sin and the danger of the flesh, likening them to us following old masters back into slavery. Christians have been saved from sin and death, but we still struggle against the power and influence of sin in this world. Paul was no stranger to this war within the heart of every believer.
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: 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 – 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: 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.
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.
End-Times Prophecy: Mapping History by Abidan Shah PhD
As we head back into our series this weekend, I want to focus on tracing God’s plan throughout history. Since time began, God has been writing the story of creation. While things might seem out of control at times, the Bible reminds us that God has always been and will always be in control. End-times prophecy reminds us especially of God’s sovereignty and his providence both in our lives and throughout all of history.
End-Times Prophecy: Mercy to the Israel of God by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend marks the beginning of our study of end-times prophecy! This series will shape our church and our understanding of God’s plan. While we will spend a considerable amount of time in Revelation, this weekend I want us to begin by looking at the book of Romans. We cannot rightly understand end-times without first grasping the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. God has always had a special plan for his people and that includes what will happen in the time to come. This first installment in our series will focus on the relationship between God and Israel and why that matters for our understanding of end-times prophecy.
Soul Winning by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of evangelism. When people hear evangelism, they automatically begin drawing conclusions about what that should look like. While there are several good approaches to sharing the gospel, the practice of evangelism is one that is frequently side-lined in the Christian life. Evangelism is not only a key component of the Christian life, but vital for our understanding of end-times prophecy. The title of this weekend’s message is “SOUL WINNING”.
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”.
Praying Saints by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue this introductory series to prophecy by looking at the importance of prayer. As you may know, this weekend is our 24-Hour Prayer Vigil. Prayer is vital in our understanding of prophecy because it is how God shifts our hearts to match his heart. Prayer changes things, namely the person doing the praying! The title of this weekend’s message is “PRAYING SAINTS”.