Tracking: Level 1 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are going to shift gears a little in our series. We must understand that we also have a role to play in the process of sanctification. Christ does the work, but what is our part? We must take inventory of our spiritual lives, ensuring that we are developing Christlike characteristics. Without monitoring these things, we will be aimless in our spiritual lives. We will examine the first two items on Peter’s list in this weekend’s message titled “TRACKING LEVEL ONE”.
Furnish by Dr. Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study of 2 Peter as he lays out for his readers the process of sanctification. Often, we are just haphazardly making it through the Christian life, trying anything we think will work and will bring us closer to God. What we don’t realize is that the things we are trying to force to work in our favor actually end up hurting us. We must allow God to refine us and remind us that Christ is the one who will help us navigate life. The title of this weekend’s message is “FURNISH”.
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 3 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine the generations that followed Noah and their movement through the ancient world. One figure loomed large during that time in history: Nimrod. His desire for power and conquest made him a notable figure in his day. Despite his military prowess, his reign ended, and his influence along with it. Christ, however, still reigns eternally! The title of this weekend’s message is “TABLE OF NATIONS PART 3.”
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”.
Blessed: Part 2 by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will turn our attention to the blessing of parenting. We know what it means to be a parent, but what does it truly look like to parent in a way that points our children to Christ? This message applies to all of us whether you are parents or not. God has entrusted children to us to lead, guide, and help shape into the people he would have them to be. What greater calling is there? The title of this weekend’s message is “BLESSED PART 2.”
Keeping Cool by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be looking at the concept of the ice age. People often raise this as a question of biblical validity, saying that the Bible doesn’t speak about the ice age at all. Not only does the Bible talk about the ice age, but it gives us the proper framework for understanding history in light of the biblical account. The title of this weekend’s message is “KEEPING COOL”.
Church Autopsy (Article)
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
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.”