Table of Nations: Part 3 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine the generations that followed Noah and their movement through the ancient world. One figure loomed large during that time in history: Nimrod. His desire for power and conquest made him a notable figure in his day. Despite his military prowess, his reign ended, and his influence along with it. Christ, however, still reigns eternally! The title of this weekend’s message is “TABLE OF NATIONS PART 3.”
Table of Nations: Part 2 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing to look at the Table of Nations. God’s people did not stay stationary but migrated. As they moved, they carried the message of hope and salvation with them as they went. God continued to work through the nation of Israel throughout history leading up to the coming of Christ and beyond. How does this impact the way we see Christmas? The title of this weekend’s message is “TABLE OF NATIONS PART 2.”
Fulfill by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to study this passage where Paul is describing the great mystery of the connection between Christ and the church. Paul’s use of the words “flesh and bone” points to other passages of Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments. This language shows how God always keeps his promises at the right time and how the Bible is one, unbroken story. The title of this weekend’s message is “FULFILL”.
Blessed by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to begin a very special series focusing on the blessing of family. One of the most profound gifts of God mentioned in Scripture is that of a family. After Noah and his family came out of the ark, God commanded them to go forth and repopulate the earth. Engaging in building and nurturing our families is an act of obedience to God. The title of this weekend’s message is “BLESSED.”
Keeping Cool: Part 2 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are setting our sights on the ice age. Science describes it to us, but how should we think about the ice age in light of Scripture? We learned last weekend that the Bible does in fact talk about the ice age, but how can we accurately see this event through the lens of our faith? The title of this weekend’s message is “KEEPING COOL PART 2”.
Circles by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will turn our attention to the story of Job. A familiar one in Scripture, Job experienced profound loss and tragedy, leaving him in a state of mourning. However, Job did not suffer alone but was visited by his three friends who stayed with him in his grief. We are called to live life alongside one another, helping each other through both good and bad times. Small groups are one way to do that and are an important part of church life here at Clearview. The title of this weekend’s message is “CIRCLES”.
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.”
Reasoning by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to focus on our mind, specifically our thoughts. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he spent a great deal of time talking about the mind and how to bring thoughts under control. Our minds often threaten to run away from us. What would it take to glorify God and focus on him with our very thoughts? The title of this weekend’s message is titled “REASONING”.
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: Mutilated by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the third church listed in Revelation: Pergamum. The church in Pergamum on the surface was holding up against persecution and false teaching. However, twisted and harmful teachings had begun to creep into the church and twist the doctrine. Wrong doctrine is harmful to every area of our lives because it corrupts and distorts what we believe about God. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: MUTILATED.”
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.”
Anastasis: Foundations by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we approach Holy Week, I want to begin a series titled “ANASTASIS”. This is the Greek word for resurrection. Many of us have heard the language of the empty tomb or Christ rising from the dead, but what does that mean for us? How does that change our perspective on life and belief? Over the next few weeks, we will dive into this idea of resurrection and how that impacts our understanding of the Christian life. This weekend’s message is titled “ANASTASIS: FOUNDATIONS”.
Generations: Intergenerational by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will conclude our series by looking back at everything we have learned. The goal of this series was not to divide, but to inspire us to come together across generational lines. We are most effective for God’s kingdom when we stand together, utilizing our individual strengths to glorify God and make him known. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTERGENERATIONAL.”
Generations: Introduction by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we begin our series, I want to lay a foundation for us and our discussion of generational differences. We will introduce a framework for the rest of the series that will help us understand each generation, how they see the world, and the strengths they possess. In doing so, we will not only build each other up, but will become more unified and effective as a church family. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTRODUCTION.”
Water, Bread, and Cup by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we take communion in each of our services, I want to preach a special message looking at the ordinances mentioned in the Gospel of John. In his book, John writes about both the Lord’s Supper and about baptism. These are so important in the life of the believer! As we walk through the message this weekend, my prayer is that God would impress upon us the importance of baptism, communion, and a life of obedience to him. The title of this weekend’s message is “WATER, BREAD, AND CUP.”
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: Way, Truth, and Life by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the way, truth, and life. This is one of the more well-known statements of Jesus, and yet we neglect the truth it conveys. Jesus was teaching his followers that regardless of their need, he is the answer. Like we have learned in this series, he is sufficient for us and is both the way forward in life and the way to the Father. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE.”
Sufficient: Light of the World by Abidan Shah, PhD
SUFFICIENT – LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: How many of ya’ll have ever been to a cavern? Back in 2009, Nicole and I took our kids on a cross country trip, and we stopped at the Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri. It’s the only ride through cavern in America. […]