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”.
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.”
Sufficient: True Vine by Dr. Abidan Shah
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.”
Sufficient: Way, Truth, and Life by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Sufficient: Resurrection and the 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: Door of the Sheep by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are examining Jesus’ statement “I am the door of the sheep.” There are a lot of applications to draw from this passage, but perhaps the most important is that Christ is the path to salvation. There is no way to God except through Jesus’ death on the cross, no matter how many systems or ideologies the world offers. Jesus alone is the one who saves. This weekend’s message is titled “SUFFICIENT: DOOR OF THE SHEEP.”
Today by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Deceived by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Heir by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Ordinance by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Kingdom by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Man of Promise by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Tyranny: Part 1 by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Lampstand by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Connection: Part 2 – Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we come to part two of our series on “CONNECTION.” It is our responsibility to be discerning when it comes to the opinions and beliefs of those around us. It can be easy to be swept up into popular thinking, but we must remember that this church family is a blessing and not something to be taken for granted.
Leviathan by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are taking a look at a topic not often brought up in churches. We will be learning about dinosaurs. Where do they fit into the biblical account? How far off is the timeline that secular scientists offer? What impact do fossils have on our understanding of the book of Genesis? The title of this weekend’s message is “LEVIATHAN.”
Traces by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be examining the after effects of the flood. We can see evidence of the worldwide flood in the world around us, if we use the lens of Scripture. Even the rock layers of different geological formations. The title of this weekend’s message is “TRACES.”
Legends by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, as we continue to learn about Noah and the flood, we will compare the biblical account to ancient myths and mythologies from cultures around the world. The presence of other flood narratives might seem strange, but when we look closer we will find proof of the authority of God’s Word in these “LEGENDS”.
Secure by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of the account of Noah. While the storms and floodwaters raged outside, Noah and his family were safe within the ark. This not only shows God’s provision for Noah, but reminds us how He protects all of His people. The title of this weekend’s message is “SECURE.”
Wanderer by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of Cain, looking at the events of his life after he murdered Abel. There are many questions and speculations about the nature of Cain’s punishment and how he spent the rest of his days. In this message, we will uncover the truth not only about Cain’s life but also about God, both His justice and mercy. This weekend’s message is titled “WANDERER.”