Why Church? by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will begin by looking at the nature of the church. Why did God choose to work through this unique organization as Christianity began to spread? Understanding more about the early church from the book of Ephesians will help us to discover God’s calling on our lives and his direction for our own church family. Join us as we embark through Ephesians this weekend!
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to the end of the book of James. As he closes the book, James gives his readers instructions on helping restore someone who has wandered away from the truth or backslidden into sin. It’s not only about making sure we course correct in our own lives. James tells his readers, and by extension, us, that we are to help our fellow brothers and sisters. In helping bring someone back to God, we are covering a multitude of sin, maybe even our own!
Living On A Prayer by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are taking a closer look at James’ instructions regarding prayer, specifically how to pray when someone is sick or unwell. We typically will pray things like “If it’s your will” or “according to your plan” because we don’t truly understand prayer. It is much more than just a list that circulates in church or a moment in service. Prayer is our lifeline to the creator of the universe! The message this weekend will help us develop a proper perspective on prayer for others.
When You Need Patience Now by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to James’ instructions on patience. Patience is a struggle for most of us, especially when it comes to the things of God. We often fall into a state of complacency, thinking that Jesus’ return is in the distant future. The truth is, none of us know the day or the hour. We need to properly understand God’s plan in order to live with both patience and urgency in the Christian life.
Does The Bible Support Social Marxism by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are addressing a portion of James that is often misunderstood or misapplied. James seems to be writing against the wealthy and those who are more well-off than others. He uses strong language that some have taken as biblical support for things like social Marxism. However, as we will learn this weekend, there is more at play behind James’ words. You and I must understand the full context to combat biblical misinterpretation or misrepresentation.
Humbler Than Thou by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will be learning from James about the importance of humility. Humility is a tricky thing, because often once you realize you have it, you have immediately lost it. Pride is at the root of all sin, so humility is a critically important part of the Christian life. However, obtaining and cultivating humility can prove to be difficult, especially in a culture that glorifies the prideful side of humanity.
The Art of War and Peace by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be confronting a bitter truth. Many people are caught up in fights, quarrels, and disagreements. You and I experience these interpersonal conflicts but often fail to recognize where they originate: our own sinful desires. James will unpack for us how our own sinful hearts lead us into conflicts and how we can avoid them.
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!