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
Church Autopsy (Article)
Carry-On (Article)
CARRY-ON (Article) by Abidan Shah, PhD (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on June 16, 2023) “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8) My wife, Nicole, and I... Continue Reading →
Church-Autopsy: Earshot by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we are celebrating communion together. This is a family meal, reminding us of what Christ has done and who we are in him. The churches in Revelation missed this principle. Communion unifies us and refocuses us on the truth of the gospel. We cannot afford to misunderstand or misrepresent the Lord’s Supper and risk going the way of those seven churches. The title of this weekend’s message is “CHURCH-AUTOPSY: EARSHOT.”
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.”
Catching Zs (Article)
CATCHING Zs (Article) by Abidan Shah, PhD (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on March 24, 2023) No, I’m not referring to taking a nap. I’m referring to understanding and reaching the generation born between 2000-2015, otherwise known as Z. They are often mislabeled, misunderstood, and mocked. Parents want to know how to motivate... Continue Reading →
The Carbon Copy (Article)
THE CARBON COPY (Article) by Dr. Abidan Shah (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on December 29, 2022) “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the... Continue Reading →
Water, Bread, and Cup by Dr. Abidan Shah
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.”
Rivalry by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be looking at the account of Cain and Abel. This tragic first pair of siblings has raised many questions in people’s minds over the years. There are details from the account that are flagged as examples of the Bible containing errors. Through this message, we will not only learn more about Cain and Abel, but will be able to defend the authenticity of the Bible. This weekend’s message is titled “RIVALRY.”
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.”
HOSANNA by Dr. Abidan Paul Shah
This is a series leading to the Good Friday and Easter Season. Here’s the message in this series: God wants to save us. In fact, he delights in saving us. Being saved by God is not a sign of weakness. It is our prerogative as his children.
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.”