Sermons by Dr. Abidan Shah

In this message, we come to the end of our series. We learned last weekend about the Benjamites standing in opposition to the rest of God’s people. As a result, the people of God took an oath not to give the Benjamites their daughters in marriage. They propose a solution, albeit an unsavory one. This is a reminder that women are held in high regard by Scripture, and everywhere the gospel has gone,...

In this message, we witness the unraveling of God's people. Their sin and disobedience have brought the Benjamin's into conflict with the other nations. God's people are standing upon the precipice of war with one another, a truth we too often experience today. The title of this message is "CIVIL WAR". Are you aware of the consequences of your disobedience to God? Do you n...

In this message, we’re looking at one man’s quest to redeem the love of his wife. Unfortunately, the Enemy stepped in and wreaked havoc. Yet even in the depths of despair and wickedness, there is the hope of redemption in Christ. The title of this message is “REDEEMING LOVE”. Do you feel like you have strayed from God? Are you in need of his mercy, new every morning? Are you saved? Invite your fri...

In this message, we are coming to a big shift in the book of Judges. The era of the judges has ended. The people have gone off the deep end. We will soon see the lasting ramifications of the people's disobedience and their disdain for God's correction through the judges. This setup is eerily similar to what we are facing in our world today. The title of this message is "HIRED GUN&qu...

In this message, we are continuing to work through Samson's account. Samson's downfall took the form of Delilah, a woman being forced by her people to betray Samson. The Philistines were desperately trying to overcome Samson's might. When God is using someone to mightily, it irritates those who are against God. As with every moment of Samson's life, there is an even deeper trut...

In this message, we are continuing our study through the life of Samson. Samson made what appeared on the surface to be questionable choices. However, when we understand the culture of that day and the circumstances in the book of Judges, Samson’s choices not only make sense but he is presented as the hero he was always intended to be. This even affects how we view communion. The title of this mes...

For this message, we are continuing our study through the life of Samson. Samson’s strength was perplexing to his enemies, meaning he did not look the part of a strong man. His strength came from the Lord, and it was evidenced in his displays of power. Much like Samson, when we are made weak, then God has the opportunity to make us strong. This is not of our own power or might, but the power of Go...

In this message, we begin to study the life of Samson. A popular figure, Samson is often portrayed as a cautionary tale. However, there is much we can learn from his life and his fighting against the Philistines. He clashed with them several times, even provoking them to battle at times. How does that affect our understanding of Samson and his status as a judge? We’ll examine this and more in our...

In this message, we are continuing to look at the circumstances surrounding the birth of Samson. There is so much that foreshadows the birth of Christ; very familiar language and similar details. This also shows how children are relentlessly under attack, especially today. There is a very real agenda behind most of the media we consume that seeks to completely misguide our children and destroy the...

In this message, we are examining the promise of a child to Samson’s parents. The promise of a coming child is not just a blessing, but a reference to the promise of a child in Genesis, the coming savior. Throughout history, Satan has made every attempt to attack our children, noticeable most recently in the abortion industry. It is because of his contempt for God’s plan of salvation that he has l...

The social media videos and pictures from Hurricane Helene will stay with us for the rest of our lives. It has been especially sad for Nicole, our kids, and me to watch them because for the past 22 years, we have been going to a Christian camp in Bryson City, North Carolina. We know some of the people who have been directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Some of our church kids and families know th...

In this message, we will examine the precursors to Samson’s life. His parents encountered the angel of the Lord, who is much more than just an angelic messenger. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of the pre-incarnate Christ interacting with God’s people. What does this mean for our understanding of Scripture? How does this affect our view of Jesus? We’ll unpack this and more in our mes...

This weekend, we will encounter the next judge in Israel’s history: Jephthah. An enigmatic character, it is difficult to look at the circumstances of his life and determine how he can be the good guy, as we have learned the judges are in this series. However, Scripture includes him in the hall of faith listed in Hebrews. What can we learn from Jephthah’s life? We’ll unpack this and more in our mes...

In this message, we learn about Gideon’s successor, Abimelech. He played the part of a leader of God’s people, but he was a power-hungry charlatan. God’s people disobeyed as a result of his leadership and suffered the consequences. The Holy Spirit of God wants to put us on to accomplish God’s work but will not work through someone who is faking their faith or going through the motions. The title o...

In this message, we will continue to look at the life of Gideon. He is often regarded as a coward or opportunist because of his asking God for a sign, disciplining some of his people, making an ephod, etc. However, Gideon is never condemned as a coward or opportunist by Scripture. In fact, he is praised as a faithful judge over God’s people. We will learn why this misconception takes place in our...

In this message, we are continuing the study of Gideon. Gideon was something of a reluctant, but God used him and his men in ways that surprised even him. When we are willing and obedient, God can lead us through whatever obstacles we might be facing. This message is titled “RAID." Are you facing challenges that seem impossible? Do you believe that God can help you overcome those difficulties...

In this message, we will enter into the transitional period between Deborah and the next judge, Gideon. The tribes of Israel all made excuses as to why they couldn’t show up to fight Sisera. After the time of Deborah, God called Gideon as the judge; however, he was very reluctant to step into the calling that God had for him. We often respond the same way to God’s call, full of excuses and trepida...

In this message, we will examine the story of Deborah. Her story is often presented as one of the examples of the Bible elevating women, and indeed, that is true. However, as we will learn this weekend, there is much more to her than just being an example of God working through women. This message is titled “CALAMITY”. Do you see God working in your life? Are you surrounding yourself with people w...

In this message, we will examine one of the first judges of Israel: Ehud. At first glance, Ehud did not have a lot going for him. He didn’t fit the picture of an imposing leader who would liberate his people. However, God used him in extraordinary ways. The Christian life isn’t about checking off all the boxes of prerequisites. It is about being willing to be used by God and being obedient when yo...

In this message, we are taking a look at the cyclical nature of sin in the book of Judges. Repeatedly, God’s people fell into sin, suffered the consequences, and were delivered, only to go right back to the same sin! Times may have changed, but God’s people still have this same problem of returning to the same sin over and over again. This weekend’s message is titled “BULL-HEADED”. Do you find you...

This is strikingly similar to the story of God’s people through the book of Judges. There is a cyclical nature to the narratives within the book that show God’s people failing to remember what God had done for them and what he had commanded them to do. The sinful cycle of disobedience has occurred in countries like England and, if we do not take action as believers, can occur here, too. The title...

God has gifted us life for more than just to survive or thrive. He wants us to face all the stages with the ups and downs, the good and the bad, in a way that brings the most glory to him. Ultimately, it’s not how we started or what we went through, but how we finished for Christ that matters.

Communion is something that is often misunderstood or dismissed as unimportant. Typically, this is because people are unaware of the significance of communion, especially as it relates to how we live the Christian life until Christ returns. We will examine this and more in this message titled “TILL HE COMES.” What significance does communion hold in your life? Are you worshipping in light of Chris...

In this message, we will pick up the account of Caleb promising his daughter, Achshah, to Othniel because he cleared the land of enemies. Achshah and Othniel came together and built something for the future, but there is a deeper truth about who Christ is for us to uncover in their story. The title of this message is “HOMESTEAD.” Do you believe that God is in control over your marriage? Do you und...

In this message, we will examine the beginning of the book of Judges. God’s people are tasked with driving out the enemy nations from the promised land. Through every battle, we are able to see God’s hand delivering enemies over to the children of Judah. The book of Judges reminds us that God is with us in fighting not just physical battles, but spiritual battles as well. The title of this message...