Overcome by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we end one year and look to the beginning of another, I want to preach a series of messages that will help set the tone for our church family not only in 2025 but also in this new phase of our church’s life. It can be easy to focus on the difficulties or challenges of life. However, through Christ, we have all we need to not only survive adversity but to thrive in God’s perfect plan. The title of this weekend’s message is “OVERCOME”.
The Sobbin’ Women by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we come to the end of our series. We learned last weekend about the Benjamites standing in opposition to the rest of God’s people. As a result, the people of God took an oath not to give the Benjamites their daughters in marriage. They propose a solution, albeit an unsavory one. This is a reminder that women are held in high regard by Scripture and everywhere the gospel has gone, the status of women has been elevated. With this being the week of Christmas, it also draws our attention to Mary and how she was being treated unjustly. The title of this weekend’s message is “THE SOBBIN’ WOMEN”.
Wanted by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing to work through the account of Samson. Samson’s downfall took the form of Delilah, a woman being forced by her people to betray Samson. The Philistines were desperately trying to overcome Samson’s might. When God is using someone mightily, it irritates those who are against God. As with every moment of Samson’s life, there is an even deeper truth here that points toward Christ. The title of this weekend’s message is “WANTED”.
Truce by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing our study through the life of Samson. Samson made what appeared on the surface to be questionable choices. However, when we understand the culture of that day and the circumstances in the book of Judges, Samson’s choices not only make sense but he is presented as the hero he was always intended to be. This even affects how we view communion. The title of this weekend’s message is “TRUCE”.
Outgunned by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing our study through the life of Samson. Samson’s strength was perplexing to his enemies, meaning he did not look the part of a strong man. His strength came from the Lord, and it was evidenced in his displays of power. Much like Samson, when we are made weak, then God has the opportunity to make us strong. This is not of our own power or might, but the power of God in us. The title of this weekend’s message is “OUTGUNNED”.
Shootout by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we begin to study the life of Samson. A popular figure, Samson is often portrayed as a cautionary tale. However, there is much we can learn from his life and his fighting against the Philistines. He clashed with them several times, even provoking them to battle at times. How does that affect our understanding of Samson and his status as a judge? We’ll examine this and more in our message titled “SHOOTOUT”.
Sightings by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will look at the precursors to Samson’s life. His parents had an encounter with the angel of the Lord, who is much more than just an angelic messenger. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of the pre-incarnate Christ interacting with God’s people. What does this mean for our understanding of Scripture? How does this affect our view of Jesus? We’ll unpack this and more in our message titled “SIGHTINGS”.
Steer by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will encounter the next judge in Israel’s history: Jephthah. An enigmatic character, it is difficult to look at the circumstances of his life and determine how he can be the good guy, as we have learned the judges are in this series. However, Scripture includes him in the hall of faith listed in Hebrews. What can we learn from Jephthah’s life? We’ll unpack this and more in our message titled “STEER”.
Showdown by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are continuing the study of Gideon. Gideon was something of a reluctant, but God used him and his men in ways that surprised even him. When we are willing and obedient, God can lead us through whatever obstacles we might be facing. This weekend’s message is titled “SHOWDOWN”.
Calamity by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will examine the story of Deborah. Her story is often presented as one of the examples of the Bible elevating women, and certainly, that is true. However, as we will learn this weekend, there is much more to her than just being an example of God working through women. This weekend’s message is titled “CALAMITY”.
Bull-Headed by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are taking a look at the cyclical nature of sin in the book of Judges. Repeatedly, God’s people fell into sin, suffered the consequences, and were delivered, only to go right back to the same sin! Times may have changed, but God’s people still have this same problem of returning to the same sin over and over again. This weekend’s message is titled “BULL-HEADED”.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will examine the beginning of the book of Judges. God’s people are tasked with driving out the enemy nations from the promised land. Through every battle, we are able to see God’s hand delivering enemies over to the children of Judah. The book of Judges reminds us that God is with us in fighting not just physical battles, but spiritual battles as well. The title of this weekend’s message is “THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY.”
Who Will Be First by Abidan Shah, PhD
We are diving into a new series this weekend on the book of Judges. This book is filled with stories of men and women who, like American cowboys, are bold, peculiar, and compelling characters that are inspiring or serve as cautionary tales. They are examples of God using men and women to change the lives of those around them. This is the calling God has placed on all of us! Our new series is titled “WHO WILL BE FIRST?”
Till He Comes by Abidan Shah, PhD
Communion is something that is often misunderstood or dismissed as unimportant. Typically, this is because people are unaware of the significance of communion, especially as it relates to how we live the Christian life until Christ returns. We will examine this and more in this weekend’s message titled “TILL HE COMES.”
GPS: Rerouting by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will have a bonus message in our series. As we have been learning, many of you have expressed that you wish you had known this earlier. The same is true for me! However, we serve a God of mercy and second chances. There is hope even after making a wrong turn in life. We examine these issues and more in this weekend’s message titled “GPS REROUTING”.
GPS: Guidance by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we come to the end of our series. We will focus specifically on the relationship view of God’s will. How can we perceive God’s guidance in our everyday lives? The Bible is clear that God leads us, but what does that look like and how can we know we are listening to the right source? We will answer these questions and more in this weekend’s message titled “GPS DESTINATION: GUIDANCE”.
GPS: Destination – Career by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be looking at how to determine God’s plan for our career. This is often a question for people, either when they are graduating and embarking on the next chapter of their lives or when they feel dissatisfied with their current job. Is it possible to know God’s will regarding your career? Does what you do for a living play a role in your relationship with God or vice versa? We will examine these questions and more in this weekend’s message titled “GPS DESTINATION: CAREER”.
Inside Out: Growing Pains by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will turn our attention to the kids and teenagers in our lives. The Christian life is not only about us making it through difficult times. We are to help those around us as well. This is never truer than with the young minds that God has entrusted to us. Our next installment in this series is titled “INSIDE OUT: GROWING PAINS.”
Inside Out by Abidan Shah, PhD
We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to our interactions with others. God’s Word, however, reminds us that there is hope. Through Christ, we can build meaningful relationships and reflect God’s character to those around us. Throughout this series, we will deal with internal issues that make it difficult for us to connect and interact with others. The goal will be at the end of this series to make Christ visible in our relationships!
Death Dethroned by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we begin our series this weekend, we will look at ancient Egyptian culture and customs regarding death and the afterlife compared to what Scripture teaches. God’s Word reminds us that death is not a natural part of life, but an enemy to be defeated. As we approach Easter, we will learn what it means that Christ was victorious over death and the implications for our daily lives. This weekend’s message is the introduction to our series “DEATH DETHRONED.”