Tag: Christ

The Fear-Defier by Pastor Abidan Shah

We will be learning about Jesus walking on the water and calling Peter out of the boat. Peter was inspired to face his fears because he was looking to and trusting in Jesus. Even though the storm was still raging, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. Jesus defies our fears by igniting our faith.

The Soul-Sustainer by Pastor Abidan Shah

We will be learning about Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle is about much more than food, however. It is about spiritual satisfaction. Keep in mind that there were twelve baskets of food left over. When Jesus fills us, he more than meets our needs. Through Him, our souls are sustained; we are satisfied and will never be hungry again.

The Hope-Bringer by Pastor Abidan Shah

We will learn how Jesus brought hope to two different individuals: One, the daughter of Jairus and second, the woman with the issue of blood. In both cases Jesus brought hope where there was only hopelessness and despair.

The Sin-Forgiver by Pastor Abidan Shah

What Jesus was implying was that He was God. This message will again challenge us to remember that Jesus has the power to forgive us our sins, which is greater than any miracle story.

Miracles Happen by Pastor Abidan Shah

The first message is titled “Miracles Happen”. Instead of jumping in and looking at the miracles we will begin looking at the question, “Do Miracles Happen?” Unfortunately, people have become armchair skeptics. This message will challenge is to open our eyes of faith and believe God.

Alive: What Jesus’ Resurrection Means for Us

Contrary to what many consider, the resurrection of Jesus is not some stale doctrine based on some event that took place 2000 years ago. In fact, it is one of the most applicable doctrine of Christianity.

Out of the Graveyard by Pastor Abidan Shah

This is the first weekend of the New Year and I want to preach a message titled “Out of the Graveyard.” It will both awaken and inspire us. Awaken us out of the graves of regret, bitterness, fear, and doubt. Inspire us to step out into the New Year with Christ.

Comfort and Joy by Pastor Abidan Shah

In this message titled “Comfort and Joy” we will learn how Moses reassured the children of Israel that after his death God will send a new leader who will bring comfort and joy to them.

God’s Calling Card by Pastor Abidan Shah

We are trying to understand what Jesus meant when He told His opponents “Moses wrote about Me.” The question is – how and where did Moses mention Jesus? Another clue is found in John 1:12-14 where Jesus is described as coming down to dwell among us and allowing us to see His glory and His grace. Did you know that this was “GOD’S CALLING CARD” in the Old Testament, especially Exodus 34:5-7?

Believing is Seeing by Pastor Abidan Shah

Many people are looking for evidence before they can place their faith in Christ. This is contrary to what Jesus told those who opposed Him. He challenged them to re-read Moses because “he wrote about Me.” The reason the Pharisees couldn’t see Jesus in Moses’s writings is because they didn’t believe Moses.

Choose Jesus, Choose Life by Pastor Abidan Paul Shah

In this message titled “Choose Jesus, Choose Life” we will look at the central role played by the second person of the godhead in our salvation. No one can skip Jesus and get to God. He is the source and the goal of our salvation.

Battle of the Gods: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Pastor Abidan Shah

In this series we will examine Jesus’s words in John 5 where He explains His relationship to God the Father. We will come face to face with the cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith – the Trinity. But don’t think for a moment that this will be some deep theological discourse or disquisition. Each message will be very applicable for our salvation, church, marriage, family, and world.

It’s Time to Grow Up by Pastor Abidan Shah

The old way was one of waiting on the coming of Christ. Everything was given at kindergarten level with symbols and signs pointing to the coming of the One. When Christ came all that was fulfilled. We no longer have to return to those signs and symbols. We need to grow up in the reality that Christ is the fulfillment. There are people who are still fascinated by the signs and symbols instead of the reality. This message will challenge us to grow in our faith and not regress.

When God Calls You by Pastor Abidan Shah

First, we will see how Matthew got his call to follow Jesus and how he immediately complied. We need to remember that God is constantly calling men and women, boys and girls to follow Him. Is He calling you? What is your answer?

Furthermore, Matthew got busy inviting his old buddies to come and meet Jesus. Do your friends know Jesus? Have you invited them to meet Him?

DAILY DEVOTIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL GREEK – 1 John 1:3 by Abidan Paul Shah

1 John 1:3 – Ὃ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν, ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς κοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν· καὶ ἡ κοινωνία δὲ ἡ ἡμετέρα μετὰ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ μετὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ·
My Translation:
1 John 1:3 What we have seen and heard, we announce to you, in order that even you may have fellowship with us and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Some Devotional Thoughts:
John tells his readers that he is not content with having been with Jesus and seen His glory. He invites them to have fellowship with himself and those who have been with Jesus. In essence they will be having fellowship with God the Father and Jesus the Son. Unfortunately, Christianity today is very selfish. We have a personal relationship with God. We feel His presence in us. To the contrary, true fellowship with Jesus invites others to participate in the same joy and truth. Are you inviting others to join in your fellowship with Jesus.

DAILY DEVOTIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL GREEK – 1 John 1:2 by Abidan Paul Shah

1 John 1:2 – Καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη, καὶ ἑωράκαμεν, καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν, καὶ ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον, ἥτις ἦν πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἐφανερώθη ἡμῖν……………………….
…………………..John tells his readers that Jesus the life was revealed to this world. In other words, Jesus did not come through the agency of any human being or institution. He was revealed from above. As one of the disciples he was privileged to see Him. He is so sure of this that he is willing to testify about it. Now he wants to go about reporting about this eternal life. (Check out the blog to read more.)

DAILY DEVOTIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL GREEK – 1 John 1:1 by Abidan Paul Shah

1 John 1:1 – Ὃ ἦν ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς, ὃ ἀκηκόαμεν, ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν, ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα καὶ αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν περὶ τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς-…………………
……………….John begins his letter by spotlighting Jesus Christ. What an awesome way to begin a letter! What if we began every conversation with Christ? Won’t that keep our communication on the right path? Won’t that resolve most of our miscommunications in life? This does not mean that we have to verbally say His name or deliberately interject His name before we say anything else. What it does mean is that we need to have Christ at the forefront of our minds and hearts before we interact with any person – friend or foe. This will help guide our conversation in a God directed, empowered, and pleasing way….

Location, Location, Location!

This weekend we will be watching a message right from the banks of the Jordan River. As many of you know, Nicole and I were in Israel last month and we recorded a message about the baptism of Jesus on site. Words cannot describe the excitement we felt! It was a powerful moment when we realized that somewhere near was the actual spot where God in flesh submitted to be baptized by John! Even with the distractions of camera clicks, gift shops, and tour buses, I could feel the reality of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus! What is most powerful to me is how the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was present together at this place! It’s a reminder that the entire Godhead was involved in our salvation.