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.
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.
The Case for the New Testament: Power of the Word by Dr. Abidan Shah
In this weekend’s message, we will move from talking about what Scripture is to what Scripture does in our lives. The Bible is the only book that, as you read it, changes you. However, neglecting the study of God’s Word and surrounding yourself with people who do the same is a recipe for disaster. I believe this message will help guard us from the lies of the world and help us to build our lives upon the truth of the Bible.
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.
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!
A Legacy That Outlasts You by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I want to preach a very special message on the lives of two men, Erastus and Babbius. Both of these men in the New Testament came from a slave beginning, but as far as we know, only Erastus came to faith in Christ. Because of that, he is mentioned by Paul several times in his letters while Babbius fades into obscurity. It is not our beginnings that matter. It is only our relationship with Jesus.
Connection by Abidan Shah, PhD
This weekend, I will begin a two-part series on the importance of being connected to our church family. This is more than simply attending service and listening to the message. This is serving in a ministry, attending Sunday School, and joining a small group. The title of this series is “CONNECTION.”
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.”
The Plan by Pastor Abidan Shah
Our plans may fail. Our plans may get disrupted. Our plans may have to be revised. But, God’s Gospel Plan does not fail, will not get disrupted, and it’s not open to revision. The Plan of Salvation is the only hope for every man, woman, boy, or girl. Today it can happen for you and change your life forever.Which plan are you trusting in for your salvation? Your Plan? The Church Plan? The Denomination Plan? The wrong plan of salvation will cost you your soul. Are you truly saved? Repent, Believe, and Follow Jesus Christ.
Counting the Cost by Pastor Abidan Shah
When it comes to our salvation, we have to count the cost. We have to ask ourselves, “What all am I willing to give up in order to be saved?” Please don’t misunderstand. Giving up doesn’t save us. Salvation from start to finish is the work of God. It’s only by grace through faith in the cross of Jesus and the empty tomb that we are saved. But, being willing to give up everything reveals whether or not we understand the gospel. It demonstrates how sincere and how committed we are to follow Christ our king.
Discipleship: Intercession by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our attention to the importance of prayer. Throughout Scripture, we see the emphasis on prayer and the privilege of talking to our Heavenly Father. Jesus, Paul, James, and many others in the New Testament talk about the importance of prayer, not only for ourselves but interceding on the behalf of others, too. The title of the message this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP: INTERCESSION.”
Discipleship: Restoration by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are looking in the book of Galatians at Paul’s charge to restore someone caught in sin. As you heard in an earlier message, none of us can go through the process of discipleship alone. We need one another to help us stay focused and to bring us back to God when we lose our way. The title of this week’s message is “DISCIPLESHIP: RESTORATION.”
Discipleship: Implanted by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we turn our attention to the importance of the Word of God being implanted in our hearts. When we memorize Scripture, we hide God’s Word in our hearts to keep us focused on Him when life tries to steal our attention. The implanted Word within us responds to the external Word when we sit under biblical teaching and preaching. Likewise, the external Word stirs the implanted Word within us and calls us to action. This weekend’s message is titled “DISCIPLESHIP: IMPLANTED.”
Discipleship: Rooted by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we are taking a look at Paul’s words to Timothy regarding the importance of studying the Bible. He encourages Timothy to remind others to regularly study the Scriptures without falling into pointless debates that only create division. Proper study of the Word ensures that men and women have a firm foundation of truth. The message this weekend is titled “DISCIPLESHIP: ROOTED.”
Discipleship: Pathways by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend’s message is critical to our understanding of discipleship. Having examined each of the facets of discipleship through our acronym WATER and the obstacles connected to each one, we turn out attention to how to practically implement these strategies into our lives. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he encourages the young pastor to put into practice the things he has learned and help others to grow spiritually. The title of our message this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP: PATHWAYS.”
Discipleship: Overcoming Obstacles by Pastor Abidan Shah
For the message this weekend, we will be returning to Jesus’ words in the Great Commission. Jesus ended by saying that He would be with His disciples until the end of the age. This promise comforted the disciples when they encountered obstacles in the process of discipleship. They were able to overcome because Christ was with them just as He is with us. The title of the message for this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES.”
Discipleship 5: Reproducing by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we come to the final letter in our acronym WATER, showing us what a true disciple looks like. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the Pharisees they should be less concerned with pointing out the shortcomings in others. Rather, they ought to get their own hearts right with God and lead others to do the same. Instead of tearing others down, they should be turning the minds and hearts of others to Christ. The title this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP 5: REPRODUCING.”
Discipleship 4: Established in the Word by Pastor Abidan Shah
This messages marks the fourth installment in our series. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus spent time teaching His disciples and those around Him the importance of the Old Testament and the prophecies that had been fulfilled. Disciples should be established on the truth of the Bible. The title of the message this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP 4: ESTABLISHED IN THE WORD.”
Discipleship 3: Together by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we come to the third letter of the acronym WATER, which stands for “Together.” In the book of Acts, the believers were united by a common purpose and desire to see the gospel spread to the nations. Their unity made them stand out from those around them and drew people to the truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. The title of this week’s message is “DISCIPLESHIP 3: TOGETHER.”
Discipleship 2: Accountable by Pastor Abidan Shah
This weekend, we come to the second letter of the acronym WATER, which stands for “Accountable.” Throughout Scripture, we find disciples of God being grouped into pairs and going out to spread the gospel, establish churches, or visit those in need. Jesus encouraged His followers to rely on a close inner circle to keep themselves focused on pursuing God and a pure life. The title of this week’s message is “DISCIPLESHIP 2: ACCOUNTABLE.”