This weekend, we will be talking about the biblical values that undergird the foundation of America. Despite what many would try to erase or ignore, our nation was founded upon truths found from the pages of Scripture. The Founding Fathers understood this and if we are to have hope for our children and grandchildren, we must recapture those values for their sakes. The title of this weekend’s message is “RESHIFT.”
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.”
This weekend, we come to the final “I am” statement of Jesus in the book of John. Jesus states that he is the true vine. This is imagery that would have resonated with his listeners, but the implications here are so much greater than we might initially see. The only way for us to bear spiritual fruit is to be connected to our source, Jesus Christ. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: TRUE VINE.”
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the way, truth, and life. This is one of the more well-known statements of Jesus, and yet we neglect the truth it conveys. Jesus was teaching his followers that regardless of their need, he is the answer. Like we have learned in this series, he is sufficient for us and is both the way forward in life and the way to the Father. The title of this weekend’s message is “SUFFICIENT: WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE.”
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement that he is the “resurrection and the life.” He delivers this statement in the context of the loss of his friend, Lazarus. Jesus reminds those gathered to mourn that he is the answer to the problem of death. Christ himself was not bound by death and his resurrection offers wonderful promises for us as well. Much more than something to talk about at Easter, the concept of resurrection is central to our faith.
SUFFICIENT – LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: How many of ya’ll have ever been to a cavern? Back in 2009, Nicole and I took our kids on a cross country trip, and we stopped at the Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri. It’s the only ride through cavern in America.... Continue Reading →
This weekend, I am beginning a new series looking at the different “I AM” statements of Jesus. These statements revealed to his listeners both his nature and his mission. First, we will be examining Jesus’ statement that he is the bread of life. Jesus is our sustenance, our source of life, and the only way for us to grow spiritually. This weekend’s message is titled “SUFFICIENT: BREAD OF LIFE.”
This weekend, I will be preaching a special message as we head into the new year. In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives his sermon on the mount and talks about what people can expect in life. Contrary to some people’s opinion, the Christian life is not one free of troubles or worries. Rather, a life that is fully surrendered to Jesus puts worries in their proper place. The title of this weekend’s message is “TODAY.”
This weekend, we reach the end of our series “MAN OF PROMISE.” We have seen God’s faithfulness to Abraham and Sarah through his calling them, establishing his covenant, and promising a child. In this message, we will examine Abraham’s infamous test in offering Isaac as a sacrifice. There is a much deeper truth to this narrative than merely a test of obedience. Abraham is able to glimpse the redemptive plan of God and understand better his part in it. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: CONCLUSION.”
This weekend, we are continuing to move through the lives of Abraham and Sarah. They have struggled to understand God’s promise and see the ways he has been working in their lives. God plainly reminds them both that the promise will result in a child, their child, that will usher in blessings for the entire world. Sarah laughs, first in disbelief and later in joy at the birth of her son, Isaac. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: LAUGHTER.”
This weekend, we are focusing on Sarai giving her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram in a mistaken attempt to protect God’s promise. Sarai thought she was helping God but in reality, she had been deceived into thinking God’s plan was in jeopardy. The serpent was again attempting to thwart the arrival of the Man of Promise, but still, God made a way and protected his plan. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE: DECEIVED.”
This weekend, we will be looking at a very important interaction between God and Abram. Abram is discouraged and is having difficulty believing in God’s promise to give him a son. In a vision, God reminds Abram that not only will he have a son, but his descendants will outnumber the stars of the sky. Through his lineage, the world will be blessed. The title of this weekend’s message is “HEIR.”
As we dive further into the life of Abraham this weekend, we will learn about his encounter with a man named Melchizedek. In this brief encounter, the Bible describes Melchizedek as a priest of the Most High God. We will learn more about this mysterious man of God and how this encounter became a precursor for our celebration of communion. The title of this weekend’s message is “ORDINANCE.”
In this weekend’s message, we will look at Abraham and Sarah specifically. God’s hand was on them as they began their journey out of Ur. However, Abraham made a critical mistake in taking his wife right into the heart of the kingdom of the Serpent: Egypt. What did this mean for Abraham, Sarah, and God’s plan as a whole? The title of this weekend’s message is “KINGDOM.”
Abraham and Sarah are often depicted as this no-name family moving from Ur to God’s Promised Land. However, they were much more than just wanderers. Abraham, Sarah, and others around them knew something was going on, that God’s plan was in motion. They could see God blessing them and protecting them as they followed His plan in obedience and faith, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus. The title of this weekend’s message is “MAN OF PROMISE.”
This weekend, we will continue our study of Babel and how it shaped our history. Different languages and people groups developed because of the people’s rebellion against God. It wasn’t just about the prideful building of a tower. It was important that the people scatter across the earth, and, in rebellion, they refused. What was important about that command to scatter and how does it impact us today? The title of this weekend’s message is “TYRANNY: PART 2.”
This weekend, we are turning our attention to the Tower of Babel. This is a very blatant example of disobedience to God’s command to fill the earth. Many of us are familiar with the story and with the consequences of the people’s actions. However, there is a much deeper theological truth to be learned from this account. The title of this weekend’s message is “TYRANNY: PART 1.”
This weekend marks the conclusion of this series on evangelism. We are called by God to be the light of the world. Light is integral in eliminating darkness and drawing attention to something. We are able to shine a light, but not because of anything within ourselves. The title of this weekend’s message is “LAMPSTAND.”
This weekend, we are continuing to examine the pictures for evangelism that Jesus gives his listeners. Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd and extends that metaphor to evangelism by talking about bringing sheep into the fold. What are we doing to reach the lost and bring them to our shepherd, Jesus Christ? The title of this weekend’s message is “SHEEPFOLD.”
This weekend, we are going to expand on this idea of sharing the gospel with others. The Bible compares the world around us to a field ready to harvest. How will the harvest be gathered? How do you know what to harvest? What is the point of the crops that are gathered? We will examine these questions as they relate to our mission as believers and as a church family. The title of this weekend’s message is “HARVEST.”