God’s Covert Operation by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will continue to explore the doctrine of salvation. The concept of the gospel is simple, but it is far from simplistic. In fact, it is referred to as a great mystery. Does this mean we can’t or won’t be able to understand salvation? How does this change the way we see Christ and the cross? Let’s explore these questions and more together this weekend!
High Price, not Wholesale by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our focus from the Father’s role in our salvation to that of the Son. Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sin, the high price that you and I could not pay. Does it matter that Christ paid our debt rather than cancelled it? We’ll find out together this weekend!
Adopted, Not Abandoned by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will begin studying Paul’s description of our adoption as children of God. We have not been abandoned to our sin but have been brought into the family of God through Jesus Christ. How we understand this adoption will affect the way we see ourselves, our Savior, and each other.
Why Worship? by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be taking a look at the opening of Paul’s letter. He begins with several verses of praising God, packed with rich doctrine, especially regarding worship. What we say to and about God matters. Worship is much bigger than just a style of music or a time in service. What does it mean, and how does it affect our lives during and outside of service? Let’s find out together.
Late to Faith? by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we’ll explore further the church in Ephesus. The believers there received the gospel late. In many ways, that impacted their understanding of church and of what it meant to serve one another. Many understood the gospel, but they did not have a foundation of faith in their family history. Still, Paul encouraged them to be obedient to God and to let their service of others come from a love for the Lord.
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!
Grab the Worst Seat in the House by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to James’ warning against showing partiality. James’ audience was tempted to show preferential treatment to others, just as you and I sometimes are. However, God’s Word reminds us that our actions affect not only our lives, but the perception of the gospel for those around us.
Take a Hard Look in the Mirror by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will learn from James that obedience to God requires more than just hearing the Word. It takes action. We cannot merely listen to the things of God and then go away unchanged. Doing so is like forgetting what your reflection looks like once you walk away from the mirror. If you have been struggling to take action in your walk with God, perhaps it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.
The Devil Didn’t Make You Do It… and God Neither
This weekend, we are addressing the subject of temptation. There are a lot of ideas about temptation, its nature, and its source in the world today. But what does God’s Word have to say? James is very clear on where temptation comes from and also the role it plays in our lives, specifically when we fail to stand against it.
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.
When God Gives You More Than You Can Bear by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will examine the beginning of the book of James and the assurance of trials in our lives. We often quote the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Is that true, though? Does God give us more than we can handle in our own human capacity? James seems to indicate there might be a deeper truth that we will discover this weekend.
Familiarity Builds Commitment by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we begin our series this weekend, we will look at the concept of familiarity, especially as it relates to the Christian life. Sometimes, individuals who have grown up in or around church will talk as though they have been jaded by the hypocrisy they claim to have witnessed among believers. However, familiarity does not always bring about contempt. In fact, familiarity with God, church, and ministry can build a sense of commitment.