HARD HEADED PEOPLE
In our series on the life of Christ we come to the passage where Jesus called Peter. We typically think of the passage where Peter and his brother Andrew were by the Sea of Galilee mending their nets and Jesus called them to follow Him. We picture them dropping their nets and following Him immediately. Many of us have heard wonderful messages on the need to follow Jesus immediately. Only problem – did you know that there are 4 different accounts of Jesus’ interaction with Peter?!!
The point is – it took 4 different callings (at least that many are actually recorded in the gospels) before Peter left all and followed Jesus. The message is that God is more gracious than we realize. He works with us and draws us to Himself, even when we keep turning back. We don’t deserve anything but His wrath. God is so compassionate and patient towards us. It’s time to turn to Him and follow Him.
TRUE LIGHT
John tells us in chapter 1 that Jesus was “the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” The adjective “true” cautions us that there are many false lights. There is no doubt that we are living in darkness but the real issue is are we looking to the false lights to light up our lives.
Jesus is the true light of the world who immediately sets everything into clear view – Sin is exposed, holiness is revealed, and salvation is offered. Without Christ we will continue to live in darkness in our homes, relationships, and spiritual lives. With Christ our world comes alive. Have you ever received the light of Jesus in your life?
NEAR AND YET SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH
In Matthew 2 we see the encounter between the magi from the east and King Herod. The magi traveled over 400 miles to come and worship the King of the Jews while Herod was clueless of His birth just 6 miles south in Bethlehem. Even when he found out about Him, Herod was envious and threatened rather than submissive and obedient. What a tragedy!
It’s no less a tragedy when people are going to hell right from under the shadow of the steeple. They have heard the truth but have become inoculated. It’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to knock on the doors of the hearts of our friends, family, and neighbors and ask the question –“Where is Jesus?” If they don’t know, it’s our responsibility to share Him with them.
LOVING PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT
In Matthew 2 we meet some unusual visitors to the baby Jesus. They were the Magi from the east. Through the centuries scholars have debated over them: Who were they? Who told them about the coming of the Messiah? What was this star? Although, many of these questions may remain a mystery, one thing is for sure – the coming of Jesus Christ reminds us that God is not just the God of the Jewish people but of all peoples.
Our world desperately needs to hear the message that God loves all people. Jesus came to save everyone who is willing to receive Him. On one hand, we need to remain firm in our biblical convictions and, on the other hand, we need to be full of compassion.
WE STAND BY GOD’S GRACE
We should never lose sight of the fact that “We Stand By God’s Grace.”
UNCHANGING GOSPEL FOR CHANGING TIMES
It is up to us to step out of our comfort zones and understand the philosophy and worldview of people around us and then communicate the gospel to them in a way they will understand.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET SAVED
Many people remain confused as to what really happens when they get saved.
REMOVING OBSTACLES TO GETTING SAVED PART 2
it’s four weeks since we began this series and someone has come to Christ and followed through in baptism.
REMOVING OBSTACLES TO GETTING SAVED
There is a big difference between excuses and obstacles.
THE RIGHT TIME TO BE SAVED IS NOW
There are plenty of excuses and reasons to hold off the most important decision that we can ever make. Receive Christ as your Savior now before it is too late.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE TRUE GOSPEL?
Most people have never truly understood the true gospel. They think that the gospel is being a good person or a church going person or a praying person. Although all those things are great but they are not remotely close to being the true gospel.
SIGNS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED
Salvation brings certain changes in your life. There will be a difference in your life before Christ and since Christ.
Baptism of Ruthie Howard by Pastor Shah at Clearview Church Henderson (May 4, 2014)
THE POWER YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
This was no ordinary power but Resurrection Power. This power is available to every believer who wants to do the extraordinary with God.
WHAT JESUS DID TO SAVE YOU
Jonah is a type of Jesus. His time in the belly of the great fish is a picture of the suffering of Jesus on the cross.
WHO DECIDES MY DESTINY?
WHO DECIDES MY DESTINY by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson Romans 10:1-4 1Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish […]
SET FREE FROM SIN
SET FREE FROM SIN by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson Many Christians are frustrated with their Christian lives. They want to move forward; they want to do more; but they feel like they are stuck. Why? Some old habit or some old hang-up or some old sin keeps them from going further. God never leaves a […]
THERE IS ONLY ONE PLAN OF SALVATION
THERE’S ONLY ONE PLAN OF SALVATION by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson Nehemiah 9:3-8 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for one–fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God….this is what they said 5 […]