Influence by Abidan Shah, PhD
INFLUENCE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC Introduction: It’s quite sad for me to watch that video of Mary Lou Retton. I remember the year 1984 – TV had just come to our hometown, and mom and dad had bought our first TV set. I was in 6th grade, and this was the year of the […]
Public Square by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine what the Bible says about Christians being involved in the public square. There is a pervasive misunderstanding of what the separation of church and state truly means. People, usually those with an anti-Christian agenda, use this rhetoric to claim that Christians have no place in the political sector. That was never the original intent and is an entirely harmful line of reasoning, not only for believers but for America as a nation. What will it take to return us to being “one nation under God?”
When Life Gets Messy by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, I want to talk about what to do when life gets messy. Some people shut down, others get frustrated, still others lash out at those around them, the perceived sources of the mess. However, the mess is simply a sign that life is happening. Making this mental shift could be the difference between being frustrated by a mess and being fruitful because of one.
End-Times Prophecy: Creation Liberated by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will see that creation itself is eagerly awaiting the return of Christ and its liberation from sin. The world around us experiences the effects of sin in the form of natural disasters, disease, and death. However, there is coming a day when Jesus will return to do away with this distorted creation and usher in a new heavens and new earth.
End-Times Prophecy: War Within by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue our study through the book of Romans. Paul has examined the power of sin and the danger of the flesh, likening them to us following old masters back into slavery. Christians have been saved from sin and death, but we still struggle against the power and influence of sin in this world. Paul was no stranger to this war within the heart of every believer.
End-Times Prophecy: Sinful Flesh by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will be learning about our own sinful flesh. Much like sin, flesh doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but rather to a power working against us. We, like Paul, often find ourselves doing things we wish we wouldn’t. We will learn this weekend about the dangers of the flesh and the hope of victory we have in Jesus.
End-Times Prophecy: Sin-Abounding by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will dig into a topic that, in my opinion, we often misunderstand: sin. What exactly do we mean when we talk about sin? It is one of those words that begins to lose its meaning the more you say it or are exposed to it. And yet, our understanding of sin affects our view of God’s grace and his goodness in our lives. Even through the prevalence of sin in our world, we can see God moving and making a way of salvation for us.
End Times Prophecy: Death-Defied by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, as we think about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we will examine what the effects are for us. Adam ushered sin into the world through his disobedience, and death has plagued every generation since. Jesus came to save us from the clutches of sin and death, to bring life and hope to the world. The gift of salvation is full and free, death has been defied, and Jesus is alive!
End-Times Prophecy: Law-Abiding by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will turn our attention to the law. Often, people mistakenly think the law was abolished by the coming of Christ. However, understanding the true function of the law is necessary for our understanding of end-times prophecy. Without understanding the law, we can’t truly understand God’s grace in sending Jesus to the cross. Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.
End-Times Prophecy: Faith to Faith by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of faith. It is a common term in Christian circles, but what is faith truly, and how does it impact our understanding of salvation? Paul has much to say on the matter. Faith was an integral part of the formation of the early church and their understanding of the work of Christ on the cross. This message will help us understand the role of faith in our relationship with God and our daily walk with him.
End-Times Prophecy: Act One – Righteousness of God by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine God’s righteousness as outlined by Paul in the book of Romans. What does it mean that God is righteous and that we are made righteous? Understanding what Paul means in this context is critical in our approach to end-times prophecy. None of us can achieve righteousness on our own. It is a gift of God. But what is the nature of that gift and how should it change our perspective of end-times prophecy? We will answer these questions and more in this weekend’s message.
End-Times Prophecy: Act One – Verdict by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will see in the book of Romans how God’s judgment is coming for all mankind. The judgment of God is not something we discuss often, but it is a necessary part of his nature. Seeing the judicial language in Romans points ahead to God’s coming judgment in the book of Revelation. When we operate with the judgment of God in mind, it gives a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with those around us!
End-Times Prophecy: Mapping History (pt.2) by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue to examine God’s design throughout history. In his letter to the Romans, Paul is holding up the Roman believers as an example to others. His letter is unique in that he does not seem to be addressing a particular situation or controversy but rather provides a guide of core beliefs for all Christians. In doing so, he offers a guide for us today on how the church should function and believe.
30 Years to a Better Marriage by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to take a break from our series. Nicole and I just celebrated 30 years of marriage on our anniversary this year. We have learned much and there are many things we wish we had known years ago, but God in his timing and his grace has protected our marriage over the years, leading us to these important truths that we believe will be a blessing to everyone, married or single! This weekend’s message is titled “30 Years to a Better Marriage.”
Last Step on the Way Down (Article)
Last Step on the Way Down (Article) by Abidan Shah, Ph.D (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on February 1st, 2025) Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Righteousness is the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity and longevity, but sin is the cause of its reproach and […]
End-Times Prophecy: Mercy to the Israel of God by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend marks the beginning of our study of end-times prophecy! This series will shape our church and our understanding of God’s plan. While we will spend a considerable amount of time in Revelation, this weekend I want us to begin by looking at the book of Romans. We cannot rightly understand end-times without first grasping the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. God has always had a special plan for his people and that includes what will happen in the time to come. This first installment in our series will focus on the relationship between God and Israel and why that matters for our understanding of end-times prophecy.
Soul Winning by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will examine the concept of evangelism. When people hear evangelism, they automatically begin drawing conclusions about what that should look like. While there are several good approaches to sharing the gospel, the practice of evangelism is one that is frequently side-lined in the Christian life. Evangelism is not only a key component of the Christian life, but vital for our understanding of end-times prophecy. The title of this weekend’s message is “SOUL WINNING”.
Life Together by Abidan Shah, PhD
In this weekend’s message, we will be examining the concept of biblical community. This is coming from God’s Word, but also from the desires we have heard from many of you. The Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation but among a family of brothers and sisters. This weekend’s message will chart a course for us moving forward and will reorient us to the concept of living life alongside one another. The title of this weekend’s message is “LIFE TOGETHER”.
Forever Worship by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue this introductory series to prophecy by looking at the importance of worship. Worship is much more than a specific style of music or portion of service. It is also a prominent theme in the book of Revelation. Worship defines us as believers and is one of our core values here at Clearview. The title of this weekend’s message is “FOREVER WORSHIP”.
Praying Saints by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, we will continue this introductory series to prophecy by looking at the importance of prayer. As you may know, this weekend is our 24-Hour Prayer Vigil. Prayer is vital in our understanding of prophecy because it is how God shifts our hearts to match his heart. Prayer changes things, namely the person doing the praying! The title of this weekend’s message is “PRAYING SAINTS”.