This weekend, as we take communion in each of our services, I want to preach a special message looking at the ordinances mentioned in the Gospel of John. In his book, John writes about both the Lord’s Supper and about baptism. These are so important in the life of the believer! As we walk through the message this weekend, my prayer is that God would impress upon us the importance of baptism, communion, and a life of obedience to him. The title of this weekend’s message is “WATER, BREAD, AND CUP.”
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.”
Reflection by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be reflecting upon 9/11 and how it has impacted our nation. I was not born in America but chose this as my home. I have seen life in other countries and I am just as convinced today as I was many years ago that God’s hand is upon this nation and that our best days are ahead. I will spend some time this weekend talking about America from my perspective and what makes this country great. This weekend’s message is titled “REFLECTION.”
Living Hope by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are moving forward through the book of 1 Peter. Peter is writing to an audience that was exiled and displaced. Hope would have been difficult to come by. And yet, he reminds them that their source of hope is God and what He has done for them and for all of us. The title of this weekend’s message is “LIVING HOPE.”
Identity by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we begin going through Peter’s letter to Jewish believers scattered throughout the region. They were discouraged and felt like they no longer had an identity as a people group. Peter reminds them, not of their previous identity, but of their new identity as Christians. The title of this weekend’s message is “IDENTITY.”
Produce by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be looking at the parable of the barren fig tree. A tree that isn’t bearing fruit is really quite pointless. However, in the parable, the keeper of the vineyard sees the possibility of fruit coming from the tree with just a little care. The title of the message this weekend is “PRODUCE.”
Neighbor by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our attention to the parable of the good Samaritan. This is one of the most well-known parables, and yet we will hear its challenge with fresh ears this weekend. Just like Jesus’ original audience, we are called to be a neighbor to those around us. The title of the message this weekend is “NEIGHBOR.”
Built by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are examining the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Jesus compared his listeners to builders who constructed houses, one upon a rock and the other on sandy ground. He gave a vivid picture of what happens to individuals who hear the Word but do not obey it. The title of this weekend’s message is “BUILT.”
Cost by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be looking at Jesus’ words to His disciples. He describes the cost of living a life of obedience to God and taking up their crosses to follow after Him. This parable caused the disciples to examine their hearts and determine if they were truly willing to forsake all others and follow Jesus. The title of this weekend’s message is “COST.”
Shrewd by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be taking a look at the parable of the unjust steward. This is the most difficult parable to interpret. However, once we unravel the layers, the truth that Jesus is communicating to His disciples is just as powerful and impactful for us today. Jesus warns his disciples to be wise and shrewd in their dealings with others. Just because we are believers doesn’t mean we operate with blind trust and naiveté. The title of this week’s message is “SHREWD.”
Reward by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our attention to the parable of the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard hired the workers at different times, but still gave each a generous reward for their work. It wasn’t based on the hours they labored, but rather on the grace of the owner. The title of this weekend’s message is “REWARD.”
Debt: Part 2 by Pastor Shah
This weekend, we will take a second look at the parable of the unforgiving servant. This time, we will be looking at the parable through the lens of extending forgiveness to other people. Offering forgiveness after we have been wronged is often difficult to do, but when we understand what we have been forgiven by God, it becomes the obvious choice. The title of this weekend’s message is “DEBT: PART TWO.”
Debt by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be looking at the parable of the unforgiving servant. This servant didn’t have the proper perspective on debt or the forgiveness that he received, which led him not to forgive his fellow servant. Many times, the struggle to forgive comes from a misunderstanding of our own sin debt and the depth of the forgiveness of God. The title of this weekend is “DEBT.”
Obedient by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be taking a look at the Parable of Two Sons. Jesus told this parable in response to an interaction with the religious leaders of the temple who had a problem with His authority. Through the parable, Jesus illustrates the importance of repenting and following God’s plan. The title of this weekend’s message is “OBEDIENT.”
Consequence by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are going to look at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. There are two kinds of rich people: the benevolent rich and the oppressive rich. The rich man in this parable was oppressive and an unrepentant sinner. He did not show mercy to Lazarus, poor man, yet begged for mercy on the other side.
Forgiven by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be turning our attention to the parable of the two debtors. Through this parable, Jesus illustrates God’s mercy and the people’s misunderstanding of forgiveness. There are two individuals who respond very differently according to the size of their respective debts. The title of this weekend’s message is “FORGIVEN.”
Prodigal by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are taking a look at one of the most iconic parables in Scripture: the parable of the prodigal son. Typically, people focus on the son who loses his way and squanders his inheritance, but there are two sons in this story. Each son communicates important truths that should give us pause and cause us to examine our hearts. The title of this weekend’s message is “PRODIGAL.”
Furnace by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will turn our attention to the parable of the wheat and tares. Jesus told this parable immediately following the parable of the sower, using similar language to communicate powerful truths to His audience. With this parable, Jesus challenged His listeners to think critically about their eternal destinations and to face the reality of hell. The title of this weekend’s message is “FURNACE.”