There are many things that God commands us to do that we can do with a joyful and a willing heart. For example: studying his word, loving our family and children, and using our gifts in his service. But then, there are things that He commands us to do that are not as fun and exciting. They are uncomfortable. They push us past our limits. Sometimes, they are downright unbearable. How do we obey God even when it is uncomfortable?
Proclaim by Dr. Abidan Shah
PROCLAIM by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: Growing up, we did not have all the Christmas shopping and gift giving as we do in America. At the most, we would get a new set of clothes, a new shirt and a new pair of pants. That’s it. Imagine my shock when I was invited... Continue Reading →
Uncomfortable Obedience (2020) by Dr. Shah
UNCOMFORTABLE OBEDIENCE (2020) by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson (A Christmas Eve Message, Christmas 2020) Introduction: Once again, we want to welcome you to our Christmas Eve Service. For the past 2 Christmas Eves, we have been talking about “Uncomfortable Obedience.” There are many things that God commands us to do that we can do... Continue Reading →
Uncomfortable Obedience (2019) by Dr. Shah
UNCOMFORTABLE OBEDIENCE (2019) by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson (A Christmas Eve Message, Christmas 2019) Introduction: Once again, we want to welcome you to our Christmas Eve Service. For the next few minutes, I want to talk to you about “Uncomfortable Obedience.” There are many things that God commands us to do that we can do... Continue Reading →
Greater than Religion by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will take a look at how Jesus’ birth was perceived by the religious leaders of His day. They were used to being in power and navigating the political climate of that day for their benefit. However, the coming of Jesus radically changed their way of life. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER THAN RELIGION.”
Greater Than Rome
This weekend, we are beginning a brand new series focused on Christmas, titled “GREATER.” Through this series, we will focus on the society and political structure during the time of Jesus’ birth. Even though times change, people, situations, and politics remain the same. In this first message, we will take a look at the Roman Empire and how it was affected by Jesus’ birth. The title of this weekend’s message is “GREATER THAN ROME.”
Royal – Our Shepherd King by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are looking at Jesus as our protector. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for and protects His sheep. Even in the Old Testament, God was known as His people’s protector. The title of this weekend’s message is “OUR SHEPHERD KING.”
Royal – Our Universal King by Pastor Shah
OUR UNIVERSAL KING by Pastor Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson Introduction: One of my favorite Disney movies is Robinhood, the animated version. Of course, you have familiar characters like Robinhood, Little John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham but one of the funniest characters is “Prince John.” He is the “Phony King of England” who hates Robinhood for... Continue Reading →
MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! (Article) by Abidan Paul Shah
One of my pet peeves is reading or listening to claims that many of our Christmas traditions are just pagan rituals that should be abandoned. Here are some facts on a few of them:
Fulfilled: Location of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
In this message, we will be focusing on the location of Jesus’ birth. In his account of the birth of Jesus, Matthew quotes a prophecy written by Micah pertaining to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. This had powerful implications for the people during Micah’s day, those that Matthew was writing to, and for us as well.
Fulfilled: Manner of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
This is the third message in our series, focusing on the manner of Jesus’ birth. Many people today will claim to be Christians, but denounce the virginal conception. This is critical to our faith, though, as it not only proves Jesus is the Son of God but that He is the One promised from the Old Testament. It sets Him apart from any other religion or deity that promises salvation.
Fulfilled: Time of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
In this message, we will focus on the timing His coming, how it was also promised when He would be born. Again, Jesus' coming was no accident. It was planned right down to the moment of His coming.
Fulfilled: Family of Jesus’ Birth by Pastor Abidan Shah
This first message centers on the promises fulfilled in the family tree of Jesus. It’s clear that God had His hand on the family of Abraham throughout the generations, ultimately leading up to the birth of Jesus. The providence of God is displayed through this family and serves as a reminder of His providence in our lives.
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.
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.
What is Jesus Doing in Your Life? – Part Two
In this message we will complete the comparison between the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament and Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. The conclusion is this – What Jesus has done for His people, He continues to do for us today. We can trust His promises. He is always faithful.
What is Jesus Doing in Your Life?
When we study the Old Testament and the New Testament side by side we begin to realize that Jesus was none other than the “Angel of the Lord” who visited His people time and again before His birth 2000 years ago. In His pre-incarnate visits He did certain ministries for His people. Amazingly, those were the same ministries that He performed in His years on earth. And, yes – those are the same ministries that He still does for His people today. What is He doing in your life right now?
Before the Manger: How Can a Baby Change My Life?
Many people have a very limited or shallow view of the baby that was born in the manger 2000 years ago. They ask - “What can a little baby do for us? After all, he needs us more than we need him!” But, when we understand who the baby really was before He was born, it changes our perspective. Unlike us, He existed before He came into this world. In fact, He was doing great and mighty things that no human could ever do. He entered our world to do even greater things. When we invite Him into our lives, He transforms us forever.
How to Enjoy the Holidays
It is that time of year when things start getting hectic with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas not too far away. Unfortunately, people get stressed out with work, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. and miss out on the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
MISTLETOE IN A MINUTE
What does kissing under a mistletoe have to do with Christmas? In ancient times mistletoe was considered a miracle plant. When everything was dead in the harsh winter, this rootless parasitic plant was still flourishing. It symbolized life, hope, and fertility. Ancient Druids and Vikings thought this plant was so sacred that they would marry under it. When they became Christians, the mistletoe took on a deeper meaning. It reminded them of God’s power to bring life where there was death. Later on in England, when a couple passed under the plant, they had to stop and kiss and if they did, God would bless them with an everlasting love. So next time someone points out “Hey! You’re under a mistletoe,” think about the undying love of God in Jesus Christ and oh yes, pucker up! Merry Christmas!