How To Be a Verbal Arsonist By Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are addressing the issue of our speech. The kinds of words we use, the way we speak to others, and how our words shape the world around us; James has much to say about all of this. Speech is a powerful gift from God that, when used wrongly, can have devastating consequences, much like an uncontrolled fire. I would imagine most of us have found this to be true. We’ll talk about the consequences of our words and how to keep them in check this weekend!
Autopsy of a Dead Faith by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will explore one of the most prominent aspects of the book of James: the relationship between faith and works. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith as a gift from God. However, James seems to make it clear that faith without works is useless, even dead. What is going on here, and what does it mean for our lives today? We’ll answer this question and more as we continue our study of the book of James this weekend!
Knowledge Is Not Power… Wisdom Is by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will continue our study of James regarding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. While some use those terms interchangeably, they are best thought of as related but distinct. In fact, the Bible has much to say about wisdom, how to acquire it, and its application in our lives.
The Case for The New Testament: Preservation of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will continue our study of the Bible as we look at the way God’s Word has been preserved through the centuries. While we no longer have the autographs of Scripture, we can say with utmost certainty that what we hold in our hands is truly the Word of God. Throughout the years, God has protected the process of the preservation and transmission of Scripture. We’ll uncover what that means for us as we worship together this weekend!
The Case for the New Testament: Power of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will move from talking about what Scripture is to what Scripture does in our lives. The Bible is the only book that, as you read it, changes you. However, neglecting the study of God’s Word and surrounding yourself with people who do the same is a recipe for disaster. I believe this message will help guard us from the lies of the world and help us to build our lives upon the truth of the Bible.
When God Rebuilds Our Shattered Windows by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will hear God’s response to Job. God speaks to him not in anger, but in a way that corrects his misunderstandings and renews his confidence. We have referred to schemas that Job works through as shattered windows. This weekend, we will learn what happens when God begins to repair those windows and help us see suffering correctly.
When You’re Waiting for an Apology by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we continue to walk through the book of Job, we encounter Job justifying himself before his friends. The Bible goes to great lengths to remind us that Job remained righteous before the Lord. That does not mean he completely understood and followed God’s plan blindly through his suffering. At times, he was waiting for an explanation, justification, or even an apology.
“It’s Sinful to Question God” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
We’ve been working through incorrect schemas that people hold to regarding the nature of God and suffering. This weekend, we will address the subject of questioning God. Depending on your upbringing, this might be a difficult concept for you to grasp, or it may even seem completely out of the question. However, this weekend we will uncover what the Bible actually says about questioning God.
“You’re Getting What You Deserve” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine a principle from Scripture that is challenged by the book of Job. The idea of “reaping what you sow” is mentioned and even affirmed in several places in the Bible. However, the idea of grace is getting something we do not deserve: God’s favor. Neither accounts for what happens to Job, though. As we will learn this weekend, there is something deeper happening.
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.
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?
End-Times Prophecy | Act Two: Preaching Matters
In this weekend’s message, we are continuing to walk through the book of Romans. Paul addresses the topic of preaching and its unique place in the plan of God. Personal evangelism is obviously important, but there is something special and important about a man of God opening the Bible and exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging a body of believers. What place does preaching have in the plan of God? Come find out this weekend!
End Times Prophecy | Does God Elect?
As you know, we are in our series on end-times prophecy, looking specifically at how God’s plans for Israel are still intact. In this weekend’s message, we turn our attention to the doctrine of election. This divisive doctrine has caused much contention through the ages. But what does the Bible actually teach about election? Does God choose in advance who will be saved? We’ll find out together!
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 (pt. 3) by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine the war within us between our old sinful flesh and the Holy Spirit. What we fill ourselves with is where our hearts will lie. If we are focused on the things of this world and of the flesh, that is where our focus will be. However, if we focus on God and what his will for our lives is, our minds will be focused on heavenly things.
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.
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”.