Why Worship? by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will be taking a look at the opening of Paul’s letter. He begins with several verses of praising God, packed with rich doctrine, especially regarding worship. What we say to and about God matters. Worship is much bigger than just a style of music or a time in service. What does it mean, and how does it affect our lives during and outside of service? Let’s find out together.
You’ve Got Mail by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will take an overview of the church in Ephesus to better understand the church dynamics and the occasion for Paul’s letter. Who were the Ephesians, what was church like for them, and how can we find ourselves in their shoes as well? This will help set us up for the rest of our series and give us a clearer picture of our own church relationships.
Late to Faith? by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we’ll explore further the church in Ephesus. The believers there received the gospel late. In many ways, that impacted their understanding of church and of what it meant to serve one another. Many understood the gospel, but they did not have a foundation of faith in their family history. Still, Paul encouraged them to be obedient to God and to let their service of others come from a love for the Lord.
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to the end of the book of James. As he closes the book, James gives his readers instructions on helping restore someone who has wandered away from the truth or backslidden into sin. It’s not only about making sure we course correct in our own lives. James tells his readers, and by extension, us, that we are to help our fellow brothers and sisters. In helping bring someone back to God, we are covering a multitude of sin, maybe even our own!
Living On A Prayer by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are taking a closer look at James’ instructions regarding prayer, specifically how to pray when someone is sick or unwell. We typically will pray things like “If it’s your will” or “according to your plan” because we don’t truly understand prayer. It is much more than just a list that circulates in church or a moment in service. Prayer is our lifeline to the creator of the universe! The message this weekend will help us develop a proper perspective on prayer for others.
Grab the Worst Seat in the House by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we come to James’ warning against showing partiality. James’ audience was tempted to show preferential treatment to others, just as you and I sometimes are. However, God’s Word reminds us that our actions affect not only our lives, but the perception of the gospel for those around us.
Take a Hard Look in the Mirror by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, we will learn from James that obedience to God requires more than just hearing the Word. It takes action. We cannot merely listen to the things of God and then go away unchanged. Doing so is like forgetting what your reflection looks like once you walk away from the mirror. If you have been struggling to take action in your walk with God, perhaps it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.
The Devil Didn’t Make You Do It… and God Neither
This weekend, we are addressing the subject of temptation. There are a lot of ideas about temptation, its nature, and its source in the world today. But what does God’s Word have to say? James is very clear on where temptation comes from and also the role it plays in our lives, specifically when we fail to stand against it.
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.
Familiarity Builds Commitment by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we begin our series this weekend, we will look at the concept of familiarity, especially as it relates to the Christian life. Sometimes, individuals who have grown up in or around church will talk as though they have been jaded by the hypocrisy they claim to have witnessed among believers. However, familiarity does not always bring about contempt. In fact, familiarity with God, church, and ministry can build a sense of commitment.
Dinosaurs, Dragons, and The Devil by Dr. Abidan Shah
As we conclude our study of the book of Job this weekend, we turn our attention to God’s line of questioning to Job at the end of the book. God focuses on various elements of creation, including the dinosaurs Behemoth and Leviathan. What are these mysterious beasts? Why does God bring them into the discourse, and what does this have to do with our experience of trauma today? We’ll unpack these questions and more this weekend!
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?
When You’re Waiting for an Apology by Dr. Abidan Shah
This weekend, as we continue to walk through the book of Job, we encounter Job justifying himself before his friends. The Bible goes to great lengths to remind us that Job remained righteous before the Lord. That does not mean he completely understood and followed God’s plan blindly through his suffering. At times, he was waiting for an explanation, justification, or even an apology.
“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.
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.
End-Times Prophecy | Act Two: The Foreknowledge of God
This weekend, our students are on their annual fall retreat. They are studying the concept of Christ time and how it impacts our understanding of our past, present, and future. Paul says that God “foreknew” his people. That terminology has raised many questions over the years. Does that mean that God knows the future and makes decisions based on his knowledge? And if he knows who will be saved, why does he create those who won’t choose him?
End-Times Prophecy | Act Two: Preaching Matters
In this weekend’s message, we are continuing to walk through the book of Romans. Paul addresses the topic of preaching and its unique place in the plan of God. Personal evangelism is obviously important, but there is something special and important about a man of God opening the Bible and exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging a body of believers. What place does preaching have in the plan of God? Come find out this weekend!
End Times Prophecy | Does God Elect?
As you know, we are in our series on end-times prophecy, looking specifically at how God’s plans for Israel are still intact. In this weekend’s message, we turn our attention to the doctrine of election. This divisive doctrine has caused much contention through the ages. But what does the Bible actually teach about election? Does God choose in advance who will be saved? We’ll find out together!