Recently, my wife, Nicole, and I went on a tour of the historical sites in Turkey. Although the entire trip was amazing, my favorite places were the cities in the Aegean region, especially the seven cities to whom Jesus sent
Church Autopsy (Article)
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”.
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: Bedridden by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are studying the fourth church listed in Revelation: Thyatira. Thyatira was a serving and loving church, but they tolerated sinful influence. Sometimes it is easier to quietly obey God than to call out and denounce sin. Yet, is this how God has called us to live? We ought to love what God loves and hate what he hates. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: BEDRIDDEN.”
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.”
Delight by Abidan Shah, PhD
In light of Mother’s Day, I want to preach a special message not just for moms, but for all parents. Children are God’s gift to us and as parents, we have such a precious few years to impact them. At times, parenting can be overwhelming, confusing, or even frustrating. However, God’s Word helps us not only lead our children, but count it a privilege to do so. The title of this weekend’s message is “DELIGHT.”
Anastasis: Foundations by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we approach Holy Week, I want to begin a series titled “ANASTASIS”. This is the Greek word for resurrection. Many of us have heard the language of the empty tomb or Christ rising from the dead, but what does that mean for us? How does that change our perspective on life and belief? Over the next few weeks, we will dive into this idea of resurrection and how that impacts our understanding of the Christian life. This weekend’s message is titled “ANASTASIS: FOUNDATIONS”.
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: Introduction by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we begin our series, I want to lay a foundation for us and our discussion of generational differences. We will introduce a framework for the rest of the series that will help us understand each generation, how they see the world, and the strengths they possess. In doing so, we will not only build each other up, but will become more unified and effective as a church family. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTRODUCTION.”
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.”
Sufficient: Bread of Life by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
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.”
Tyranny: Part 2 by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
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.”
Sheepfold by Abidan Shah, PhD
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.”
Multitude by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this very special message this weekend, we will examine the culture of Clearview itself. This is more than just a service that we attend or a building where ministries meet. Clearview is a family that God brought into our lives. We all have a responsibility in the ministry and impact of our church in reaching people and creating a community here. The title of this weekend’s message is “MULTITUDE.”