Partakers by Abidan Shah, PhD
Last weekend, I began a new series titled “ON TRACK” that will help us grow in our spiritual disciplines. We learned that unchecked desires lead to a life that is off track. This weekend as we celebrate communion together, we will learn what it means to have the nature of Christ. We are human, and yet if we are believers the Bible says that we share in the divine nature. What does that mean? We’ll uncover that and more this weekend in our message titled “PARTAKERS”.
Unchecked by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we begin this series, we need to understand the importance of a balanced growing spiritual life. Many of us, if we are honest, are simply hoping for the best in our relationship with God. We go to church and maybe even serve on a ministry team, but through the week our spiritual lives are left to chance or simply hoping for the best. Or worse, we live however we want throughout the week and try to clean up for church. This weekend, we will understand the dangers of a spiritual life that is “UNCHECKED.”
Table of Nations: Part 4 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we come to the conclusion of our series. As we have seen, God’s hand has been on the lives of his people throughout Scripture. We will be following the descendants of Shem, Noah’s son, and will see how God guided the events of history leading toward the birth of Jesus. Since before the foundation of the world, God has been working to bring salvation to mankind through his son, Jesus. The title of this weekend’s message is “TABLE OF NATIONS PART 4”.
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.”
Table of Nations: Part 1 by Abidan Shah PhD
This weekend, we will be looking at what is known as the Table of Nations. These are the generations following Noah and his sons. These people groups dispersed throughout the land and settled into the nations that are present in the accounts of Scripture. What role did these people play in God’s grand story of redemption and the coming of the Messiah? The title of this weekend is “TABLE OF NATIONS PART 1”.
Knowledge by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we turn our attention to the Table of Nations. Throughout Scripture, it is clear that ancient nations and peoples knew about the God of the Bible. In time, however, these nations forgot or at times chose to forget. Where did this knowledge come from and how did it fade from their memory? What are the implications for our understanding of the Bible? The title of this weekend’s message is “KNOWLEDGE”.
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”.
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”.
Devoted by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a message on serving in spite of trials. Throughout Scripture, we are met with examples of men and women who continued in faithful service in the face of adversity, one of the most notable examples being Paul in his journeys. With our ministry expo this weekend, we have the opportunity to display the same obedience in our lives. The title of this weekend’s message is “DEVOTED”.
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: 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.”
Church-Autopsy: Heartsick by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are looking at the church in Ephesus. Jesus brings a serious charge against them: they have lost their first love. They were checking all the right boxes but for all the wrong reasons. The problem for them wasn’t an external behavior but an internal reality. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: HEARTSICK”.
Carry-On by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a special message in light of the beginning of summer. While traveling, often people will bring the essentials with them in their carry-on bag. That way, in case they are separated from the rest of their luggage, they will have the things they need. In our walk with God, there are some essentials that we must make sure we never lose sight of amidst the changes of life. We will learn what to pack in our spiritual “CARRY-ON.”
Anastasis: Moral Order by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue through our series on the resurrection. It is much more than just a past truth or a future reality. The resurrection has implications for our life now. It changes the way we approach life and our understanding of God’s plan. The resurrection is not just about us one day. It’s a life-changing truth for today! The title of this weekend’s message is “ANASTASIS: MORAL ORDER”.
Anastasis: Demonstration by Abidan Shah, PhD
This Easter weekend, we are continuing our series titled “ANASTASIS” as we examine Jesus’ resurrection and its impact on us. The idea of resurrection is found throughout Scripture, but never so prominently as the empty tomb at Easter. While this is something we often talk about, we likely understand very little of how this impacts our lives and changes our future. This weekend’s message is titled “ANASTASIS: DEMONSTRATION”.
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: Impacting by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are going to look specifically at Gen Z and Generation Alpha. These are our children and grandchildren and the ones currently most in touch with the culture around us. We cannot afford to misunderstand or neglect these generations, because the world is aiming for their minds and hearts. If we can understand Gen Z and Generation Alpha, not only can we impact them for the gospel, but equip them to impact the world around them. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: IMPACTING”.
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.”