Plunder by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we conclude Isaiah 53 and focus on the reward for Jesus’ obedience. Isaiah writes about Jesus’ seeing generations beyond Himself, pointing forward to the resurrection and His victory over death and the grave. We were stolen out of God’s hand, but Christ came to rob the grave and steal us back. The title of today’s message is “PLUNDER.”
Astray by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are examining our relationship with Christ and how we have wandered away from what we know to be true. Like sheep, we have turned away, but our Good Shepherd has taken our sins upon Himself. The title of this weekend’s message is “ASTRAY.”
Atonement by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will dive into Peter’s examination of the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 53 is only mentioned a handful of times in the New Testament, but Peter’s use of the passage is the one of the most significant. We will take a look at Jesus’ death on the cross and its effect on our lives. The title of this series is “ATONEMENT.”
Marvelous Light by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are continuing our series through 1 Peter and moving further into chapter two. Peter is reminding his readers that God has not abandoned them to the darkness, but instead has called them into His presence. As believers, we cannot continue to pursue the darkness of the world after God has rescued us and brought us into the light of His presence. The title of this weekend’s message is “MARVELOUS LIGHT.”
New Beginning by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will begin chapter 2 of 1 Peter. Having talked about the importance of love as a response to being born again, Peter goes on to instruct his readers that they must continue to grow in their understanding of the Word, laying aside earthly, sinful behaviors. The title of this weekend’s message is “NEW BEGINNING”.
Faithfulness by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will step back and take a look at the faithfulness of God toward His people. Throughout Scripture, God gave His people constant reminders of His faithfulness. He has done the same for us this year and this message will help us remember that He will never let us down. The title of this weekend’s message is “FAITHFULNESS.”
Greater than Rulers by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will focus on the impacts of Jesus’ birth on the regional ruler, King Herod. Many of us are familiar with his name, but we will see how exactly his life and his position was impacted by the birth of the Messiah. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER THAN RULERS.”
Greater Than Rome
This weekend, we are beginning a brand new series focused on Christmas, titled “GREATER.” Through this series, we will focus on the society and political structure during the time of Jesus’ birth. Even though times change, people, situations, and politics remain the same. In this first message, we will take a look at the Roman Empire and how it was affected by Jesus’ birth. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER THAN ROME.”
Firm Resolve by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we continue through the first chapter of 1 Peter. Peter shows his readers the importance of being sober-minded and having the resolve to stay focused on God and what He is doing, even in the face of uncertainty. This is such a critical reminder, not only for Peter’s audience, but for us as well. The title of this weekend’s message is “FIRM RESOLVE.”
Greater Plan by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are continuing through the first chapter of 1 Peter. Peter is reminding the Jewish people that their lives should not be built around things of this world that will fade away or fail. Rather it should be established upon the eternal truth of God’s Word and their identity as believers. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER PLAN.”
Genuine Faith by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are moving forward through the book of 1 Peter. Peter is reminding his audience of the purpose of trials in this life. The Jewish people were no stranger to trials, but Peter wanted them to remember that ultimately, difficult situations help strengthen our faith by the grace of God. The title of this weekend’s message is “GENUINE FAITH.”
Identity by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we begin going through Peter’s letter to Jewish believers scattered throughout the region. They were discouraged and felt like they no longer had an identity as a people group. Peter reminds them, not of their previous identity, but of their new identity as Christians. The title of this weekend’s message is “IDENTITY.”
Abound by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will examine a very familiar passage in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He is telling his readers that in every circumstance, he has learned how to be content. However, contentment cannot come at the expense of ambition. We must be able to be content while still moving forward in the race to which God has called us. The title of this weekend’s message is “ABOUND.”
HOSANNA by Dr. Abidan Paul Shah
This is a series leading to the Good Friday and Easter Season. Here’s the message in this series: God wants to save us. In fact, he delights in saving us. Being saved by God is not a sign of weakness. It is our prerogative as his children.
The Blessing of Standing Up for What’s Right
I’ll be honest with you – the final beatitude deals with a subject that I don’t like to think about because I had to experience it growing up. In America people talk about persecution and how good it is for the growth of the church and develops holiness and purity. Ironically, those who go through to it don’t talk about how wonderful it is. In fact, they do whatever they can to avoid it and fight against it.
Persecution is the final beatitude for a reason. It is not something that we should look forward to. It is something we should do all we can to avoid, prolong, and work against. It is not something that God gives an extra something for. If you notice, the reward of persecution is no different than the one for the first beatitude – 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Unfortunately, it is a subject that we in America are having to face in a small degree. The response is not to brace ourselves and prepare for the worst. We need to strive to maintain and increase the presence of Christianity and biblical values in our country and beyond.
TORTURED FOR THE NAME OF JESUS
In Matthew 2 we read the account of Joseph returning back from Egypt to Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling in Judea, he was afraid and went to Galilee to the town of Nazareth. Matthew reminds us that all this happened as part of the fulfillment that Jesus was to be called a Nazarene.
Not only was the name Nazarene significant in the ministry of Jesus but it also became the designation of Christians in the Middle East to this day. In the past few months, Christians were persecuted in Iraq and the Arabic alphabet “N” was spray painted on their front doors. What a stark reminder that the word Nazarene is hated 2000 years later!