How To Be a Verbal Arsonist By Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are addressing the issue of our speech. The kinds of words we use, the way we speak to others, and how our words shape the world around us; James has much to say about all of this. Speech is a powerful gift from God that, when used wrongly, can have devastating consequences, much like an uncontrolled fire. I would imagine most of us have found this to be true. We’ll talk about the consequences of our words and how to keep them in check this weekend!
Autopsy of a Dead Faith by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will explore one of the most prominent aspects of the book of James: the relationship between faith and works. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith as a gift from God. However, James seems to make it clear that faith without works is useless, even dead. What is going on here, and what does it mean for our lives today? We’ll answer this question and more as we continue our study of the book of James this weekend!
When God Gives You More Than You Can Bear by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will examine the beginning of the book of James and the assurance of trials in our lives. We often quote the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Is that true, though? Does God give us more than we can handle in our own human capacity? James seems to indicate there might be a deeper truth that we will discover this weekend.
The Case for the New Testament: Power of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will move from talking about what Scripture is to what Scripture does in our lives. The Bible is the only book that, as you read it, changes you. However, neglecting the study of God’s Word and surrounding yourself with people who do the same is a recipe for disaster. I believe this message will help guard us from the lies of the world and help us to build our lives upon the truth of the Bible.
When God Rebuilds Our Shattered Windows by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will hear God’s response to Job. God speaks to him not in anger, but in a way that corrects his misunderstandings and renews his confidence. We have referred to schemas that Job works through as shattered windows. This weekend, we will learn what happens when God begins to repair those windows and help us see suffering correctly.
When You Encounter False Wisdom by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to a much different exchange between the mysterious Elihu and Job. Elihu’s words to Job are unlike those of his other friends, speaking of suffering as a form of instruction, rather than punishment. This ideology is very similar to Buddhism and the monks who have been in our headlines recently. But is it true? What does God have to say about suffering?
“It’s Sinful to Question God” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
We’ve been working through incorrect schemas that people hold to regarding the nature of God and suffering. This weekend, we will address the subject of questioning God. Depending on your upbringing, this might be a difficult concept for you to grasp, or it may even seem completely out of the question. However, this weekend we will uncover what the Bible actually says about questioning God.
“God’s Anger is Why I’m Suffering” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
Last weekend, we introduced the concept of Job working through various schemas through the dialogue with his friends. Job dealt with the concept of God’s retributive justice in the face of his suffering, understanding there was much more going on behind the scenes. This weekend, we will deal with the idea that our suffering means that God is angry with us. God does get angry, but as Job learns, that is not the whole truth.
“You’re Getting What You Deserve” is Not the Whole Truth by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine a principle from Scripture that is challenged by the book of Job. The idea of “reaping what you sow” is mentioned and even affirmed in several places in the Bible. However, the idea of grace is getting something we do not deserve: God’s favor. Neither accounts for what happens to Job, though. As we will learn this weekend, there is something deeper happening.
When Death Feels Like a Good Option by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will encounter Job at possibly his lowest moment. He has endured unimaginable tragedy. In a few short moments, everything he held dear was taken from him. Job reaches the conclusion that death would be a better option than to continue existing in this life filled with suffering. Some of you may have felt that way at one point or another. But as God reminds Job, there is always hope.
Recovering Your True Identity by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will examine Job’s responses to his suffering. In his responses, we find the profound truth that Job’s identity was not rooted in possessions, status, or even his relationships. Rather, his identity was founded in Christ. This becomes clearer throughout Job’s story. This message will help us craft our true identity in Christ.
With Job in the School of Trauma by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend’s message, I believe, will be an encouragement and help to so many who are struggling through some of the darkest moments of their lives. The narrative of Job is a masterclass in processing trauma. Not all trauma is the same and not all people handle trauma in the same way. God in his wisdom gave us the account of Job to help us learn how to properly navigate trauma in our own lives while keeping our focus on him.
When Life Seems Unfair by Abidan Shah, PhD
As we head toward the holidays, I want to begin a series that will help us sort through all of the emotions that these months can bring. Our culture talks about the importance of self-care, but what about spiritual self-care? In this weekend’s message, we will examine the life of Job. Although he encountered intense hardship, Job remained focused on God. This message will help us understand how to do that as well.
The Secret to Reconciliation: Service by Abidan Shah, PhD
THE SECRET TO RECONCILIATION – SERVICE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: Summer is over and schools are in full swing now. We began a mini-series two weekends ago to help families with children, whether small or adolescent, deal with the struggles of life. There’s so much noise about “dysfunctional families,” “trauma,” and “toxic […]
End-Times Prophecy: Sin-Abounding by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will dig into a topic that, in my opinion, we often misunderstand: sin. What exactly do we mean when we talk about sin? It is one of those words that begins to lose its meaning the more you say it or are exposed to it. And yet, our understanding of sin affects our view of God’s grace and his goodness in our lives. Even through the prevalence of sin in our world, we can see God moving and making a way of salvation for us.
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: Ministry of the Thorn by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we come to our final message in this series. We have learned about the difference between stress and trauma and how to help others, especially children and teens, through traumatic events in life. This weekend, we will talk about the purpose of suffering itself. God used suffering in Paul’s life to refine and sharpen him, to give depth to his message, and to make him more like Christ. The title of this weekend’s message is “INSIDE OUT: MINISTRY OF THE THORN”.
Sufficient: Light of the World by Abidan Shah, PhD
SUFFICIENT – LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: How many of ya’ll have ever been to a cavern? Back in 2009, Nicole and I took our kids on a cross country trip, and we stopped at the Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri. It’s the only ride through cavern in America. […]
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.”