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.”
This weekend, we are examining the fifth church in the book of Revelation: Sardis. At the time of Revelation, Sardis had gone the way of many churches today. They had a positive reputation but, they were spiritually dead. They were warned to wake up or be snuffed out completely. This is the case for many of our churches today. We, like Sardis, need to wake up and return to God! The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: DEATH’S DOOR.”
This weekend, we are studying the third church listed in Revelation: Pergamum. The church in Pergamum on the surface was holding up against persecution and false teaching. However, twisted and harmful teachings had begun to creep into the church and twist the doctrine. Wrong doctrine is harmful to every area of our lives because it corrupts and distorts what we believe about God. This weekend’s message is titled “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: MUTILATED.”
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.”
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”.
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.”
This weekend, we are going to look specifically at Gen Z and Generation Alpha. These are our children and grandchildren and the ones currently most in touch with the culture around us. We cannot afford to misunderstand or neglect these generations, because the world is aiming for their minds and hearts. If we can understand Gen Z and Generation Alpha, not only can we impact them for the gospel, but equip them to impact the world around them. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: IMPACTING”.
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, 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 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 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, 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”.
This weekend, we are revisiting the issue of the evidence we have for our faith and the truth of the Bible. We don’t have to operate on blind faith or be worried about scientific discoveries disproving the Bible. We can trust that God’s Word is true and that we have evidence to back it up.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, we will begin new series focused on the cross and what Jesus has accomplished for us. Most believers have a very incomplete understanding of the cross. The concepts of salvation, justification, and atonement, however, are central to our faith. We will gain a better understanding of Christ’s work on the cross through this series titled “JUSTIFICATION.”
OPERATION FORTIFY – 2 by Dr. Abidan and Nicole Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: How many planners do we have in this place? How many “pantsers” do we have in this place, people who “fly by the seat of their pants?” In life, you need both. If it’s all “plan plan plan,” then you lose the... Continue Reading →
CULTIVATING by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: As some of you know, we moved to the church parsonage about 22+ years ago; then, 10 years ago, we bought our new home. We instantly fell in love with it, especially the beautiful garden around the front of the house. My favorite were the beautiful rose... Continue Reading →
This week, we are continuing through the book of Genesis and examining the account of creation. We have come to the fifth day, the first day that animals are created. From this moment, the world was teeming with life, each one designed uniquely by a loving Creator. The title of this weekend’s message is “ORIGIN.”
This weekend as we continue through Genesis, we are looking at God’s creation of plant life and vegetation. God created each of the different varieties of plants and made them able to reproduce themselves. We will understand the implications of God’s design and how it impacts our faith. The title of this weekend’s message is “FLOURISH.”
This weekend, we are looking at the third day of creation. God is bringing form and structure to what was previously empty and formless. God designed land and sea in such a way that they would be perfectly suited to sustain the life that would soon fill them. This should amaze and inspire us to be obedient to God and to serve in church. With the Ministry Drive this weekend as well, this is a perfect reminder for us as to why serving in church is so important. The title of this weekend’s message is “LANDSCAPE.”
This weekend, we will be looking at the beginnings of the world itself. Having examined the first day, we will turn to how the waters were separated and what that means. The book of Genesis contains in its first few lines the framework for the entire world. As we approach the second day of creation, we will see how God created the space He would later fill with life. This weekend’s message is titled “GROUNDWORK.”