“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.
“God’s Anger is Why I’m Suffering” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
Last weekend, we introduced the concept of Job working through various schemas through the dialogue with his friends. Job dealt with the concept of God’s retributive justice in the face of his suffering, understanding there was much more going on behind the scenes. This weekend, we will deal with the idea that our suffering means that God is angry with us. God does get angry, but as Job learns, that is not the whole truth.
“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.
Recovering Your True Identity by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will examine Job’s responses to his suffering. In his responses, we find the profound truth that Job’s identity was not rooted in possessions, status, or even his relationships. Rather, his identity was founded in Christ. This becomes clearer throughout Job’s story. This message will help us craft our true identity in Christ.
Worship Through Suffering by John Galantis
In this weekend’s message, we will look specifically at the response of worship in the face of suffering. Many times, people are just going through the motions in worship as their minds are reeling with the pain of their current situation. Others are chasing a feeling they’ve had in the past. This message will help us understand the purpose of worship in the life of the believer during times of suffering.
With Job in the School of Trauma by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend’s message, I believe, will be an encouragement and help to so many who are struggling through some of the darkest moments of their lives. The narrative of Job is a masterclass in processing trauma. Not all trauma is the same and not all people handle trauma in the same way. God in his wisdom gave us the account of Job to help us learn how to properly navigate trauma in our own lives while keeping our focus on him.
When Life Seems Unfair by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we head toward the holidays, I want to begin a series that will help us sort through all of the emotions that these months can bring. Our culture talks about the importance of self-care, but what about spiritual self-care? In this weekend’s message, we will examine the life of Job. Although he encountered intense hardship, Job remained focused on God. This message will help us understand how to do that as well.
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 | Act Two: Israel by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we are moving into the second act of our series, focused on Israel and how God still has a heart for his people. There is a lot of conversation around Israel in our world today, and much of it is unprofitable and negative. This message will help us in our understanding of Israel’s place in God’s plan currently and in the future.
A Legacy That Outlasts You by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a very special message on the lives of two men, Erastus and Babbius. Both of these men in the New Testament came from a slave beginning, but as far as we know, only Erastus came to faith in Christ. Because of that, he is mentioned by Paul several times in his letters while Babbius fades into obscurity. It is not our beginnings that matter. It is only our relationship with Jesus.
Finding Your Place: Using God’s Gifts in the Church by Abidan Shah, PhD
Church is about much more than just coming and sitting in a pew, listening to the message, and then going home. Church is a place to belong; a family to which we are connected. The gifts and abilities that God gives us are meant to be used to serve the body of Christ. There are lots of ways to do that, but not using those gifts makes it difficult to connect and grow in your faith. This weekend, take a step in finding your place here at Clearview!
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 (Part 2) by Abidan Shah, PhD
INFLUENCE – 2 by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson Introduction: As many you know, I am a big fan of the Andy Griffith Show. The town drunk, Otis Campbell, was a big favorite on the show. He would stagger into the Sherrif’s office drunk and then lock himself inside the jail to sleep off the moonshine. […]
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?”
When Life Gets Messy by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, I want to talk about what to do when life gets messy. Some people shut down, others get frustrated, still others lash out at those around them, the perceived sources of the mess. However, the mess is simply a sign that life is happening. Making this mental shift could be the difference between being frustrated by a mess and being fruitful because of one.
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.