Providence Church Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Providence Church
Providence Church is a local gathering of Christ-followers in Frisco, TX who exists to glorify God by making disciples through the gospel, in community, and on mission. Watch our services online, get connected, and access additional resources at www.providencefrisco.com.
Isaiah 40 paints a powerful picture of God's unmatched greatness and wisdom. He is the Creator who holds the waters, measures the heavens, and brings rulers to nothing—no one can compare to Him or offer Him counsel. All human power and nations are insignificant before Him, yet people still turn to idols made by human hands. God reminds His people that He sees and knows all, and He never grows tired or weary. Those who trust in the Lord will find renewed strength, rising like eagles and enduring without exhaustion.
Jesus led His disciples to Bethany, where He blessed them and was taken up into heaven. The disciples responded with worship and great joy, returning to Jerusalem and continually praising God in the temple. In the book of Acts, we learn that Jesus spent forty days after His resurrection teaching about the kingdom of God and instructing the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. Just before His ascension, He assured them they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. As He was lifted into heaven, two angels appeared and promised that Jesus would one day return in the same way.
The risen Jesus appears to His disciples, offering peace and reassuring them that He is truly alive, not a spirit, by showing His wounds and eating with them. He reminds them that everything written about Him in the Scriptures has been fulfilled. Jesus then opens their minds to understand God's plan: that the Messiah would suffer, rise, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name. He commissions them as witnesses and promises to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the mission ahead.
This Week’s Text: Joshua 4:19-24
In Joshua 4, after the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructed Joshua to have one man from each tribe take a stone from the riverbed as a memorial. These twelve stones were set up at Gilgal as a lasting reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. The purpose was to prompt future generations to ask about the stones so the story of God stopping the Jordan's waters could be retold. This moment not only affirmed Joshua’s leadership but also served to glorify God among Israel and the nations.
On the road to Emmaus, two followers of Jesus were discussing the events of His death and rumored resurrection when Jesus Himself joined them, though they did not recognize Him. As they walked, Jesus explained how the Scriptures foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory, revealing how all of it pointed to Him. When they arrived at their destination and invited Him to stay, He broke bread with them, and in that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him before He vanished. Filled with awe, they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
At dawn on the first day of the week, they went to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty, with the stone rolled away. Two angels appeared and reminded them that Jesus had risen, just as He had said. Though the women shared this with the disciples, most did not believe them—except Peter, who ran to the tomb and left wondering at what he had seen.
As darkness fell over the land, Jesus breathed His last and committed His spirit to the Father, at which point the temple curtain was torn in two. A Roman centurion recognized His innocence, and many witnesses, including the women who had followed Him, watched in sorrow. Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body, laid it in a new tomb, and the women prepared burial spices before resting on the Sabbath.
Luke 23:18-43
The crowd demanded the release of Barabbas, a criminal, and insisted on the crucifixion of Jesus, even though Pilate found no guilt in Him. As Jesus was led to be crucified, He warned the mourning women of Jerusalem about future suffering, and He was crucified between two criminals. Despite being mocked by rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals, Jesus forgave His persecutors, and promised the repentant criminal beside Him a place in paradise.
This Week’s Text: Luke 23:1-16
Jesus is brought before Pilate, accused of misleading the people and claiming to be a king, but Pilate finds no guilt in Him. After learning Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends Him to Herod, who mocks Him but also finds no reason for condemnation. Both Pilate and Herod agree Jesus is not deserving of death, and Pilate proposes to punish and then release Him.
This Week’s Text: Luke 22:54-71
After Jesus is arrested and taken to the high priest’s house, Peter denies knowing Him three times, just as Jesus had foretold, and breaks down in bitter weeping when he realizes what he has done. Meanwhile, Jesus is mocked, beaten, and brought before the council, where He affirms His divine identity, prompting them to declare that no further testimony is needed.
This Week’s Text: Luke 22:35-53
Jesus prepares His disciples for the difficult week ahead, telling them to be ready and affirming that Scripture is being fulfilled through Him. In agony, He prays on the Mount of Olives, submitting to the Father's will while urging His disciples to stay vigilant in prayer. Soon after, Judas betrays Him with a kiss, leading to His arrest, yet Jesus responds with peace, healing an injured servant and acknowledging that this is the appointed time for darkness to take its course.
Jesus teaches his prideful disciples that true greatness is displayed through humility and service. But not only did Jesus teach it, he exemplified and embodied it as the One who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. And though Peter attempts to be great, Jesus tells him that he will fail. But the good news is that Jesus prays for and restores Peter so that he will be strengthened to serve others.
Jesus’ face is firmly set toward the cross and the religious leaders are actively seeking a way to put him to death. As the betrayal and arrest of Jesus draws nearer, he gathers with his disciples for a Passover meal. Through the bread and the cup, he gives them a picture of his coming sacrifice and the New Covenant he ushers in. Tomorrow we’ll follow his command to “do this in remembrance of me” as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.
In this week’s passage, Jesus directs his disciples’ attention to the coming judgment of sin and their certain hope in him. He prepares them for destruction and persecution, warns them to stay awake, and comforts them with his promise to eternally keep them, knowing these are signs the kingdom of God is near. At the heart of his teaching, he gives them this promise to cling to: “Your redemption is drawing near.”
While teaching the temple, Jesus offers strong warnings against the attitudes of the religious rulers and draws a stark contrast between them and the heart of a nameless widow. In doing so, he points to her example of faithful, sacrificial giving.
As Jesus continues to teach in the temple, the Sadducees, a group of Jewish rulers who did not believe in the resurrection, take their turn at attempting to trip him up. The scene brings up questions about the nature of the resurrection and the role of marriage in our world today.
As Jesus continues to teach in the temple, just days before his crucifixion, the religious rulers keep up their attempts to trip him up. This time, the topic centers around the issue of taxes and one’s responsibilities to the government under which they live.
With his crucifixion just days away, Jesus continues to teach in the temple where the religious rulers attempt to trap him with his own words. Jesus responds with a parable that predicts the rejection he will soon face from his own people and the death that will follow.
As Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, he is moved to tears and immediately makes his way to the Temple where he cleanses it of its corruption and begins teaching daily. The tension begins to rise as the people are drawn to his words and the religious rulers plot his death.
After years of slowly working through the Gospel of Luke, we are entering our final stint through this powerful account of Jesus’ life and ministry. In earlier parts of Luke, we saw how Jesus had “set his face toward Jerusalem,” deliberately working his way toward the city where he will be crucified.
This week, we look at his triumphal entry, a day that marks the final countdown leading to his crucifixion. Within one week of this pivotal moment, we see our Savior arrested, beaten, crucified, and resurrected.
Where we set our eyes will ultimately impact where we're headed. This week, we will look at where the gaze of our hearts should be set as we enter the new year, and how that gaze will influence our direction as a church.
As we’ve continued through Colossians over the past several weeks, we’ve seen Paul repeatedly emphasize the importance of recognizing our new identity in Christ. As he expounds on this theme in verses 11-17, he focuses on how that reality should impact our behavior and interactions with one another.
Last week, we looked at what it means that we are united with Christ. This week, as we continue in Colossians, we explore how we’re meant to respond to this amazing reality by putting off the old self and taking on our new identity in him.
When we choose to follow Christ, he plants in us a new identity, a new heart, and a new focus. Despite this, it’s still common for us to get distracted and retreat to old sins. As Paul writes to the Colossians, he encourages them to seek the things of Christ and put to death those things we’ve been called to leave behind.
As we follow Christ, there is a constant temptation to be drawn offsides by empty religious rules and regulations. As Paul encourages the Colossians in the second chapter of his letter, he hits the issue head-on and encourages them to remember that Christ is the substance of their faith and their hope.
As humans, our natural tendency is to think more of ourselves and less of God than we should. In Colossians 2, Paul shakes his readers awake to the majesty of Jesus, the power of his divinity, and the sheer depths of our sin against him. Through it all, he brings the full gospel into view.
As followers of Jesus, we all desire to grow in spiritual maturity. A significant part of this growth comes through a deeper knowledge of God and his will for us. In Colossians 2, Paul encourages the believers to look no further than Jesus to gain the knowledge they seek. He also reminds them that such spiritual wisdom should transform their behavior and character.
As we continue through our journey in Colossians, we reach a rich set of verses where Paul eloquently explains the source of a believer’s ongoing hope – “Christ in you.” Join us this weekend as we explore this dense and powerful passage.
As Paul encourages the Colossian believers in their faith, he demonstrates the unmatched character of Jesus before describing the salvation we have in him. In verses 21-23, he describes Jesus’ work of reconciliation, which presents believers who were once hostile toward God as holy and blameless before him. Paul challenges his readers to remain faithful to this hope.
In the midst of life’s natural rhythms, it is easy for us to lose sight of Jesus. We fail to truly consider his unmatched character. We make too little of his power, sovereignty, and love. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul compels his readers to stop and actually consider Jesus with language that is nothing short of worshipful. This week, we explore this theologically dense and poetic look at the Savior we follow.
The Apostle Paul was known to start many of his letters with warm greetings and expressions of thanksgiving. His letter to the Colossians is no exception. As he offers thanksgiving to God, he offers a rich reminder of the deep truths of the gospel.
In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing to his young protege as he assumes leadership over a struggling church. In the second chapter, he uses his own adversities as a reminder of the hope provided to us through the gospel. This week, we look at several verses where Paul is encouraging Timothy to stay faithful in the midst of persecution and discouragement.
As Paul gets into the meat of his letter to the Colossians, he opens by giving thanks to God for their faith. In it, we learn more about how the church developed and how the gospel is advancing in the first few decades after Jesus’ ascension. All of this sets up a powerful reminder of the gospel that he offers them in the chapters to come.
This weekend is the start of our new series in Paul’s letter to the Colossians! We begin by looking at how Paul opens his heartfelt plea to the saints and faithful brothers in this young church plant at Colossae.
What makes a church healthy and vibrant? What does it mean to honor God with our fellowship? The earliest example given to us comes from Acts 2 as the Church began to take shape. This week, we look at their model and how it is expressed today.
Our summer series through the life of Jacob finally reaches its close this week as we look at the deaths of Isaac and Rachel, the birth of Benjamin, and Esau’s descendants.
It has been decades since Jacob left Bethel where God initially promised him land and numerous offspring. Now, a much older and seasoned Jacob finally arrives back in that sacred place. But is he prepared for what he will find when he gets there? Will God protect him along the way? And what does God even want from him there?
Jacob and his family are on the cusp of entering Bethel when tragedy strikes. His daughter is assaulted. Her brothers are rightfully furious and decide to exact revenge. The passage is one of high emotion and complex issues and we’re diving right into it this weekend.
After years of serving Laban, Jacob is headed home. His brother is coming for him and he has just wrestled with God, leaving him with a limp and a new name. In Genesis 33, he comes to the moment he has likely been dreading for decades. He can’t run. He can’t hide. He must now face the man from whom he has taken everything.
After two decades of tricks and deception, Jacob and Laban finally part ways in dramatic fashion. A complicated chapter of Jacob’s life is finally over. Increasingly, both men also recognize the evidence of God’s hand at work in their lives. As we’ve seen repeatedly in past weeks, this episode comes with complicated questions.
In Genesis 30, the toxic relationship between Jacob and Laban escalates as Jacob tries to return home and Laban convinces him to stay. Even though Jacob agrees to remain with Laban and allow him to experience more of God’s blessing, he also continues in his tactics of deception and betrayal through the way he cares for their joint flock of sheep and goats.
After marrying Leah and Rachel, Jacob’s family begins to take shape, albeit in dysfunctional ways. Feeling overlooked by her husband, Leah seeks value in her childbearing. Rachel, feeling shamed by her initial barrenness, begins to compete with her sister’s fertility. Meanwhile, God is continuing to ultimately use the dysfunction for his glory.
In Genesis 29, Jacob has met his match. In this chapter, he meets Laban and his two daughters. Jacob offers to work for the right to marry Rachel, only for Laban to trick him into marrying Leah instead. The deceiver finds himself deceived, but it also sets up the formation of the household that would eventually become the twelve tribes of Israel.
NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, this week's recording has some choppy audio. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Jacob has swindled his brother out of his birthright. He has tricked his dying father into giving him his brother’s blessing. He has alienated his family and is now living on the run. In this lonely place, God visits him in a dream and offers the same promise he has given Jacob’s father and grandfather. This week, we take a look at this blessing and the significance of this moment in Jacob’s life.
Some stories in Genesis are difficult to digest. The story of Jacob stealing his brother’s blessing is one of them. It’s an episode that puts God’s sovereignty on display as he works through an imperfect family to accomplish his purposes. This week, we’re looking at this complex scene, what it reveals about the character of God, and what it shows about those chosen as part of his plan.
As we continue our journey through Genesis, we see an encounter in Genesis 26 between Isaac and Abimelech, the king of the Philistines. As Isaac enters Abimelech’s land, God repeatedly reiterates his covenant promise with him, yet we also see Isaac encounter struggles in this foreign territory and even respond sinfully. What do we make of this complicated story?
This week, we're launching into our new summer message series, Genesis: The Birth of a Nation, where we are exploring the lives of Isaac and Jacob.
Those who have been around Providence for a while know that we’ve explored other parts of Genesis in the past. In 2016, we began at the end of the book, looking at the story of Joseph, which vividly points forward to Jesus. We later rewound to the first eleven chapters of Genesis, digging into the creation story, Noah, the flood, and the Tower of Babel, where God creates the nations of the earth by scattering them in an act of judgment. In Genesis 12, we met Abraham, the man in whom God chooses to bless all the nations of the earth. We studied the life of Abraham, leaving off with his legacy of faith in the opening verses of chapter 25.
Now, six years later, we’re coming back to that legacy and God’s promise to make of Abraham a great nation. Join us as we pick up the story and see the birth of a nation through Isaac and Jacob.
In Luke 19, Jesus is on the outskirts of Jerusalem, getting ready to enter the city where he will soon be crucified. Before he does, he addresses the crowds with a parable about three servants. Two of them invest the money given to them by their master to enlarge his estate. The third wastes it. In the story, Jesus challenges how we view him, the gifts he has given to us, and our responsibility until his return.
We often think about the call to ministry as some kind of charge for those elite few. But as Paul addresses the Ephesians, he shows them something different. We're all called to ministry while some are specifically called to equip others for the task. Josh Patterson explains what it looks like for the church to walk in this truth.
We have all experienced seasons of despair and hopelessness. These seasons are all that much harder when we know its our own actions that have put us there. In Ezekiel, the prophet is living among a people who are dejected, broken, and facing the consequences that result from generations of sin. In Ezekiel 37, in their darkest hour, God instructs him to prophesy in a way that hints toward new hope and restoration.
In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he is addressing a faithful and growing church he has never had the opportunity to visit. As a result, he spends a great deal of time encouraging them to stay faithful to the gospel and making sure they truly understand it. In Colossians 1:15-22, he specifically lays out the significance of Jesus, who we were before his work on the cross, and what he has accomplished for us. This week, we look at this deep and powerful encouragement.
It’s no secret that we live in a highly materialistic world driven by a consumer mentality. If we’re not careful, that same mentality can bleed into our understanding of the local church. We’re constantly tempted to find the church that fits our preferences, styles, and personal needs. But we’re not called to simply come to the church to receive. As our look at the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple continues, we’re exploring what it means to leverage our gifts for the building up of the body and unity of the church.
Learn more about the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple at www.providencefrisco.com/maturity.
We were made for community. It's a truth that's reinforced from the creation story all the way through the Old and New Testaments. This makes fellowship a critical part of growing in spiritual maturity. As we continue in the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple, we look at why this is such an important piece of our spiritual lives and how to grow in it.
Our journey through the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple continues this week as we look at the critical role that studying the Scriptures plays in our spiritual growth. But this means more than just reading the Bible. Studying God’s Word involves handling it well, applying it with discernment, and allowing it to guide all aspects of our lives.
Learn more about the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple at www.providencefrisco.com/maturity.
As we continue in our series through the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple, we look at the importance of communing with Jesus. We’re designed to depend on him. But what practices foster a deeper relationship with him? How can we increase our desire for him in our lives?
Learn more about the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple at www.providencefrisco.com/maturity.
This week, we’re kicking off our new series, Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple, where we are unpacking what it means to grow in spiritual maturity. To start off the series, we’re specifically looking at what it means to be grounded in the gospel and have our identity rooted solely in what Christ has done.
Learn more about the Seven Characteristics of a Mature Disciple at www.providencefrisco.com/maturity.
Paul's letters to Timothy lay out clear instructions from an older leader to his protege. On this special Sunday, we have the opportunity to send out one of our own into pastoral ministry. As part of his commissioning, Afshin unpacks words of advice and instruction from 2 Timothy 4.
Our message series in Proverbs continues this week as we explore the concept of diligence. We see many warnings against laziness and instruction about the importance of working hard.
All around us, we're bombarded by messages designed to stoke discontentment and entice us to seek more. This taps into a deep-seeded feeling that our lives would be better if we simply had more. As we continue in our series through Proverbs, we're looking at the the importance of seeking contentment, rather than simply achieving or owning the next thing.
When you read through Proverbs, there's an undeniable theme that runs throughout the book - words matter. In Matthew 12, Jesus tells us they come directly from the overflow of the heart. Proverbs 18 tells us they have the ability to bring both life and death. So, if they're important, what should characterize our words? How do we speak in a way that reflects the gospel's work in our lives?
Throughout the book of Proverbs, the theme of faithfulness comes up over and over again, specifically in the context of our marriages. Not only does marital faithfulness matter to our families, but it matters to God. It displays his faithfulness toward us to come through on his word and fulfill his promises. This week, we’re looking at why this theme is so important and how it specifically reflects God’s glory.
We know God is sovereign and we know Jesus will eventually return. We also know that we are not ultimately in control. So what does that mean as we plan for our lives, both the short-term and the long-term? Is it okay? If so, how can we do so without forgetting that God gets the ultimate say on what happens to us?
How does it all end? Everyone loves to parse through the book of Revelation to figure out this big question. While the details throughout the book may be debatable, Revelation 21 gives us a clear, beautiful, and compelling picture of how the story of salvation comes to its final close. This week, we’re looking at this pivotal passage and exploring the hope and victory it promises.
As the tension surrounding Jesus' ministry continues to rise, he warns the people around him to wake up to the situation and recognize the significance of what is happening. He reminds his disciples of the cost of following him and pleads with his casual fans to see that time is running out. What does it mean for us to live with that same urgency today? And how will we each respond to his warning and rebukes?
As we continue in our journey through Luke, we take a look at Jesus' warning to his disciples to stay alert, dressed for action, and ready to serve. In this text, we see what it means to be a faithful steward of our resources and to remain ready for Jesus' return. The implications can impact the way we view our time, money, relationships, opportunities, and talents.
Anxiety is the buzz word of the day. In the busyness of our culture, it’s easy to worry and stress over every little detail of life. It was also common to the crowds around Jesus too. This week in our journey through Luke, we’re looking at a famous passage where he addresses these anxieties by reminding us of the goodness of the Father, the purpose of the material blessings we’ve been given, and his care for our every need.
As we continue in our journey through Luke, we're taking a look at Jesus' growing confrontation with the religious leaders of his day. In the text, he challenges their pride and self-dependence. Their errors and sins are easy for us to repeat today, making this a particularly important passage to consider.
We’re back into Luke this week, looking at Jesus’ challenge to the Pharisees who often focused on their outward signs of righteousness, rather than actual holiness. It’s a temptation so often faced today and an important reminder for each of us.
On Easter Sunday, we take a fresh look at the solid hope we find in the resurrection of Jesus. What evidence is there that it actually happen? What does the reality of his resurrection mean for the way we live today?
It's Palm Sunday, marking the day that Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to the people praising him. It’s a stark contrast to the events that will take place later in that same week. We are digging back into Luke, looking at a warning from Jesus where he compares himself to Jonah and his listeners to the people of Nineveh. In it, he makes a stunning accusation that should jolt us today as much as it would have jolted those standing around him.
As we continue in our journey through Luke, we’re looking at an intimate moment between Jesus and his disciples where they ask him for an important lesson – “teach us how to pray.” Not only does he give them an example of how to approach the Father, but he also gives them a glimpse into his good and faithful character.
This week, we’re unpacking a short but profound moment in Jesus’ life - his interaction with Martha and her sister, Mary. As he finds himself stuck in the middle of a sibling dispute, he responds in a surprising fashion that has tremendous implications for how we order our lives today.
As we continue in our journey through Luke, we’re unpacking one of the most famous parables in Jesus’ ministry - the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s a parable with many layers that challenged hearers from all walks of life when Jesus shared it. This week, we’re looking into what it means to live with radical compassion and Christ-like care toward others in light of this powerful example. Even more, Afshin is unpacking the heart behind the question that brought on this infamous parable.
Last week, we looked at how Jesus sent 72 of his followers into the surrounding towns and villages to go ahead of him. In this week's message, we look at their return and how Jesus responds to their excitement.
Over the past several weeks of our study in Luke, we’ve seen Jesus unpack the immense cost his disciples will face by following him. Now, in Luke 10, we see him send out 72 of these followers ahead of him into the surrounding towns and villages. His instructions to them are clear and specific. The message he calls them to preach is poignant. As we live on mission for Jesus today, what can we learn from these instructions? How should we feel both encouraged and challenged by this scene?
This week, Afshin takes us through Luke 9:57-62 where Jesus lays out the true cost of following him. We see the need for deliberate, intentional discipleship that mirrors his own obedience to the mission the Father had given him. In light of the tough call Jesus lays out, what does it mean for our lives today? How should our lives look different as his followers?
Luke 9:51 marks a pivotal change in Jesus' ministry as he sets his sights on Jerusalem. It's a shift that will eventually lead Jesus to the cross. He makes this change deliberately and with tremendous focus. In this week's message, Afshin unpacks why this is so significant.
Following the transfiguration where the disciples experience Jesus in his glorious state, he heals a boy with an unclean spirit and warns his disciples again of the suffering that awaits him. This week, Afshin dives into the nuances of these scenes and what they mean for anyone wishing to follow Christ.
Following the disciples' confession of Jesus as Lord and his stark warning that following him will require suffering, they get to see Jesus in his glorified form. It's an episode that stands in contrast to the earthly suffering Jesus prophesies for himself and his followers in the years to come.
This week, we look at an important passage and a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry when his disciples confess him to be the Christ. Despite their confession, they still don't quite understand what Jesus has come to do, leading to a surprising warning to anyone who would follow him. The episode raises an important question - are we really willing to bear the cost of following Jesus?
In Luke 9, we see a significant shift in Jesus' ministry as he begins preparing his disciples for a greater role in his mission. He sends them across the region to heal others and share the good news of his Kingdom. When they return, he retreats to a remote area with them until a great crowd follows along. It's there that we see him perform one of his most famous miracles.
As we kick off the new year, it's important to remember who we are in Christ and what he has called us to do. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul gives us a great reminder of these truths.
In this final week of Advent, we continue in our series, His Name Shall Ever Be, taking a close look at Jesus as “Prince of Peace.”
The four weeks leading up to Christmas Day mark a season of reflection and anticipation as we collectively remember the way the people longed for the Christ in the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. It’s also a poignant reminder of our own season of waiting for his return.
In the second week of Advent, we continue in our series, His Name Shall Ever Be, taking a close look at Jesus as “Everlasting Father.”
The four weeks leading up to Christmas Day mark a season of reflection and anticipation as we collectively remember the way the people longed for the Christ in the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. It’s also a poignant reminder of our own season of waiting for his return.
In the second week of Advent, we continue in our series, His Name Shall Ever Be, taking a close look at Jesus as “Mighty God.”
The four weeks leading up to Christmas Day mark a season of reflection and anticipation as we collectively remember the way the people longed for the Christ in the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. It’s also a poignant reminder of our own season of waiting for his return.
It's the official start to Advent! The four weeks leading up to Christmas Day mark a season of reflection and anticipation as we collectively remember the way the people longed for the Christ in the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. It’s also a poignant reminder of our own season of waiting for his return. Our new Advent message series, His Name Shall Ever Be, explores the names of Jesus prophesied in Isaiah 9 and what they tell us about his character and his reign.
As we continue in our journey through Luke, we reach Jesus' parable of the sower. In this example, he reveals how those things hidden in our hearts eventually manifest in our behavior and character.
On our very first Sunday under our new pavilion, we look at Luke 7 where Jesus encounters the sinful woman lavishly pouring perfume over his feet. The scene gives way to an important conversation about forgiveness and, more importantly, of how much we've each been forgiven.
As Jesus continues his ministry, John the Baptist questions if Jesus is everything he has expected him to be. In this scene, we see the gap between John the Baptist's presuppositions of Jesus and who he actually is. How does this challenge our own personal views of Jesus? What presuppositions must we abandon to fully embrace him?
Luke 7 marks a sharp escalation in Jesus' ministry following the Sermon on the Mount. This week, we look at two episodes that demonstrate his authority, power, and compassion.
As Afshin unpacks the final pieces of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke 6, we see Jesus challenging his followers to build a strong spiritual foundation and encouraging them to consider the fruit being produced in their lives.
Continuing from where we left off last week, we're unpacking Jesus' command not to judge one another. But what is the difference between judgment and accountability? And how does this attitude differ from the Pharisees in Jesus' day?
It's one of Jesus' most infamous commands - love your enemies. Why is this such a critical part of our Christian lives? What does it demonstrate about the gospel? Afshin unpacks these critical questions and more in Luke 6.
One of the key moments in Jesus' ministry comes when he chooses the twelve men who will be closest followers. The apostles would become the future leaders of his Church after his resurrection and ascension. But the men he chooses look much different than most people would have expected.
In Jesus' final moments with his disciples in John 15, Jesus instructs his disciples to abide in him and promises to abide in them as well. But what does it mean practically for us to abide? What does it do for our hearts? Grant Hoover, our Director of Students, unpacks this powerful text in a very personal way.
As we wrap up our Launch series, Afshin unpacks what it looks like to be a church who is ministering incarnationally and sending strategically. We see great examples of these principles lived out in Acts 8 and 13.
When the gospel penetrates our hearts, it transforms our relationships with those around us and gives us new eyes to see the equipping opportunities in front of us. In the second week of our Launch series, we look at how this happened within the early church and what it means for the future of Providence's ministry.
As the seasons change, school begins again, and families enter into new routines, it seems that everything in life is launching. So is Providence as we move toward a new vision that will define the next decade of ministry. In this first message, Afshin looks at the response of the believers in Acts 4 to the opposition around them and what it means to live with the same faithfulness and prayerfulness.
As we bring our journey through the Ten Commandments to a close, it's important to remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. In this final message, Afshin unpacks how Jesus accomplishes this on our behalf.
In the final commandment, we see the dangers of covetousness on full display. More than just not longing after the blessings of others, there is larger biblical command to be content in what the Lord has provided and it's something that requires the full weight of the gospel to fulfill.
The ninth commandment tells us to protect each other's reputations instead of slandering, gossiping, or spreading lies about one another another. Today, it is critical to our harmony and fellowship.
In the eighth commandment, God gives the straightforward command not to steal. But how do the weeds of stealing reveal the roots of greed in our hearts? And how does Jesus transform us from greedy sinners to generous saints?
In the seventh commandment, God warns against committing adultery. While the command is straightforward, Jesus later elevates the standard in the New Testament. But why is lust such an insidious sin? Why is adultery such an offense to God? And what hope does the gospel offer to those who have failed in this area?
The sixth commandment is simple - "Do not murder." But our calling as Christians extends beyond just defending life. We're called to promote it and help others flourish. It's a matter that begins with the heart.
In the fifth commandment, the focus shifts to commands that dictate our relationships with others, beginning with honoring our parents. This is a command given to a largely adult audience. How do we honor our parents as we (and they) grow older? Why is this such a big deal to God?
The fourth commandment is the most detailed of the ten. It was also seen as the most important. This week, Matt Morrison, our Director of Communications, unpacks the concept of Sabbath rest and what it means to engage in it.
The third commandment is clear - God's name is to be honored. So what does it mean to honor it? And what does it mean when we take it vain? Afshin unpacks the complexities and the heart behind this command.
Looking at the second commandment, Scott Dickson unpacks what it means to make something an idol and how even images we make to represent God can be hazardous to our worship.
As we kick off our new series on the Ten Commandments, Afshin unpacks why they're so important today and how they ultimately point us to Christ. The first commandment sets the stage for the rest - "You shall have no other gods before me." It's easy to agree that this important, but how and where do we hide idols in our hearts?
You may think to yourself, "why are we spending so much time and energy on the Ten Commandments?" Here's why these verses are so important and why they are still so applicable in our lives today.
As Kingdom Citizens, what role does the Church play in a corporate sense? How do we work together to advance God's kingdom in the world around us? In the close to the series, Afshin unpacks the charge Jesus has left us with.
As Kingdom Citizens, it's important to know where we came from and what is expected of us. This week, Afshin unpacks how our spiritual identity changes the way we interact with our world.
As we kick off our new series, Kingdom Citizens, Afshin unpacks who our King is and what it means to be a part of his kingdom.
In Ephesians 5, we don't just see God's intention for marriage, but also how marriage paints a clearer picture of the gospel. Arch unpacks what this passage means (and doesn't mean) as we seek to honor God in our relationships with our spouses.
All of the promises of Scripture rest on the historic moment of Jesus' resurrection. As we celebrate Easter Sunday, Afshin unpacks why we can lean on this truth and the hope that rises from it.
As Jesus continues healing and performing miracles, he runs into interference and frustration from the religious rulers who see him as a threat to their status. They question the validity of his claims by trying to trip him on important religious practices. How he responds reveals the difference between Jesus' righteousness and the self-righteousness of those standing against him.
As Jesus continues his ministry, he begins to take heat from the religious rulers who question his methods and who he chooses to associate with. In a very direct response to their criticisms, we see the heart of Jesus' ministry on display.
As Jesus continues his ministry, we see him heal the paralytic and the leper. But beyond physical healing, he provides a spiritual renewal greater than anything they could have imagined. In this message, Afshin looks at the characteristics of their faith.
As Jesus begins to call out men who will serve as his closest disciples, he meets the first three on their fishing boats. They stand in awe of his power and he gives them an important command, "Do not be afraid." It sets the stage for everything they'll encounter in the years that follow.
After nearly being killed in the synagogue, Jesus begins his healing ministry throughout the region where he speaks with authority and casts out demons. Immediately, people recognize a difference between him and other messengers that had come before.
After proclaiming himself to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophesies, Jesus faces unexpected rejection from those who have known him his entire life. Matt Morrison unpacks why the people react in such a violent way and the reason it should concern us today.
Following his temptation, Jesus begins his ministry in his home region of Galilee. He eventually makes his way into the synagogue in Nazareth and makes a stunning declaration. Afshin unpacks what makes this particular sermon from Jesus so important.
In Matthew 9, we see a clear picture of Jesus concern for those who were lost and his compassion on them. That compassion is the basis for his ministry.
As Jesus begins his ministry, he retreats into the wilderness where he experiences deep spiritual warfare and temptation at the hands of Satan. But what is Satan actually tempting him to do, and why? What was really at stake?
Who doesn't love a good genealogy? Scott Dickson, our Director of Equipping, walks us through the lineage of Jesus in Luke 3 and shows why it matters to understanding his message and mission.
As John baptizes the crowds, they marvel at the ministry unfolding before them. Little do they know, the Messiah is standing among them. How John handles this moment and deflects the glory back to Jesus shows his heart and his role in God's story. It also demonstrates the all-out commitment he has to his mission.
As Jesus prepares to begin his ministry, John the Baptist fulfills his role as his forerunner. In Luke 3, we see John baptizing people and proclaiming the Messiah who is soon to rise up. In this passage, we see Jesus as both the deliverer to sinners and a stumbling block to the proud.
As we take a closer look at Jesus' childhood, we visit his time in the Temple as a young boy. The passage highlights the importance of raising up our children to love and fear the Lord. In this message, Afshin takes us through the story and lays out the opportunities available to parents at Providence as we train up the next generation together.
Many of us know the Christmas story, but what happened next? Kicking off this new series in the Gospel of Luke, we look at Jesus' childhood, particularly his presentation in the Temple.
As we kick off the new year, we look at the kinds of resolutions we should be making that will have the greatest impact on our lives.
In the final weekend of 2021, Josh Patterson unpacks our responsibility to build each other up and encourage one another in Christ.
In the final week of Advent, we look at the story of John's birth and the completion of what God had promised to Zechariah at the beginning of the chapter. In it, we see Zechariah's renewed faith and growing excitement among those in the region who recognize that God is doing something special.
After receiving the news that she is going to give birth to the Messiah, Mary heads out to see Elizabeth. When she arrives, she sees the magnitude of what's happening in the responses from Elizabeth and John, prompting her to worship God with a fresh perspective.
After Gabriel visits Zechariah to share about the future birth of John, he gives Mary the message that she will give birth to the Son of God even though she is still a virgin. God's choice of characters in the story shows the unique and unexpected ways he is preparing to establish his Kingdom through Jesus. In this passage, we also see the proper response to God's miraculous works.
As we kick off an in-depth journey through the book of Luke, we begin in the season of Advent with a posture of waiting and anticipation. Arch McIntosh starts us out by looking at the moment Zechariah receives life-changing news. At his old age, he's going to be a father and his son will be no ordinary man.
As Paul has prayed over the New Testament churches, he has prayed that they know God more deeply, love one another, and obey his commands. But all of this is for a bigger purpose - our holiness and his glory.
After praying that the Ephesian church will experience greater knowledge of God and love for him, now Paul encourages the Colossian church to obey God's commands by his strength. But how do we find the strength to obey, even when it seems difficult?
Kicking off our new series in the Prayers of Paul, Afshin unpacks Paul's prayer for knowledge over the Ephesian church. It's a knowledge that goes beyond intellect and resides in our soul. But what does it mean to truly possess knowledge of God and respond accordingly?
Let's face it, giving isn't anyone's favorite topic but the Bible has quite a bit to say about the way we use our money. Digging into 2 Corinthians 8-9, Afshin explores the reasons why God commands us to invest in his Kingdom.
In this final week of Side by Side, we look at what it means to truly stir one another up toward good works and lift each other up in prayer.
We're called to know one another and be known. This can't happen without a certain level of vulnerability and honesty about our struggles and failures. The New Testament gives clear direction that we are to constantly confess to and forgive one another for our sins. In this we're able to effectively encourage, support, and challenge each other.
We often come to church with the expectation that we will be taught by the pastor on stage. While that's definitely important, the role of instructing and encouraging also comes from each other. In his letters to the Romans and the Thessalonians, Paul talks about these important tasks in the life of the church body and how we can live them out together.
We all have burdens that we carry, but we were never meant to carry them alone. As we continue our series, "Side by Side," Afshin takes us though what it means (and what it takes) to bear each other's burdens, comfort one another, and truly stand side by side in the gospel.
Afshin kicks off our new series, Side by Side, as we look at the "one anothers" of Scripture and what it means to live in authentic Christian community.