Providence PCA: Recent Episodes
For the ancient Hebrew, if you were to ask them about the sea, they would say that it was a place of great chaos, dread-waters, and danger. In this section of Mark, the disciples find themselves in the middle of all that water represents in the Old Testament. Christ takes on this source of evil and rebukes it. In confronting the sea, Christ is really confronting the enemies of God and his people. He says to that great enemy of our souls, -Be still, and be silent--
Post-Sermon Lecture from Rev. David Inks--Job begins and ends after the pattern that Jesus speaks of, that the Old Testament anticipates him in his suffering and in his glory. We saw the sufferings anticipated in the first two chapters and throughout the book, and now comes the glory as the Lord restores the fortunes as Job returns out from under the curse.--Outline--I. The Story-II. The Significance -42-7--III. The Sacrifice -42-8-9--IV. The Superlative Blessings -42-10-17-
Job is not about you. Job is not about me. Job is about Jesus. So when we come to this book we need to say, -Show me Jesus.- It is about Jesus and his righteousness, Jesus and his curse-bearing, Jesus and his defeat of the devil, Jesus and his acquisition of glory. That's what Job is all about.--Outline--I. The God-Fearer Blessed-II. The Debate in Heaven-III. The God-Fearer Cursed-IV. The Debate on Earth-V. Fire-Tested Righteousness-VI. The Foolishness of Wisdom
The King may appear to come in weakness and seem inept to accomplish his end, but the Bible promises that no matter how weak it may look, King Jesus will have dominion over all the earth. In the same way, he who has little now will be given more at the end.
The word of God is always effective- it accomplishes what it intends. To the faithful, it reveals the kingdom of God. To the faithless, it further obscures the kingdom. Listen carefully to Pastor Tony as he helps illuminate what mysteries this parable holds for us today regarding the manner of the kingdom.
The Servant -Christ- was given as a covenant by our Creator God to offer restoration and forgiveness to a world estranged by sin. He offers freedom to those held captive by the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Because of our vital union with Christ, we now share in that same anointing. In light of this, let us sing a new song-
Jesus as the servant of God is described in Isaiah 42 as being upheld, and loved by the Father, and as having the Spirit poured out upon him to empower him for his work. Jesus was the better ensurer of victory than Moses, a more acceptable sacrifice than the types and shadows of the law, and equipped with the Spirit to proclaim God's will. Thus equipped, the servant does actually accomplish all the Father gives him to do in patience and with gentleness.
As we think about Christ's church, what should we expect for her trouble and state-- Should we expect her to diminish as the wicked world around us prospers-- The answer is in the meaning of mystery- what was once hidden is meant to be revealed. We can look back to the promise to Abraham to receive the nations as his heritage and here we are in 2024, in Fort Wayne, IN, and we gentiles have our lives hidden in Christ. God is sovereign and we can trust his promise.
Why did the Kingdom of God appear to come powerlessly-- If the kingdom is here, why does it appear so powerless-- Why is it that so many people reject it-- Why did the religious leaders of Christ's time reject the kingdom-- If the kingdom is here, why haven't all our enemies been overthrown. Christ's response to these questions is simple, yet profound- the sower sows a word.
This week at Sunday School, Pastor Tony delivers a warning about tactics used when interacting with others about the gospel. He talks about how the content of their faith -theology- is usually not the problem, but the delivery or manner in which it is conveyed can sometimes come across as elitist or smug. Tony wants to discuss some tactics or ways of engaging with others about faith that are winsome and convey truth and love. He will be covering these tactics over the next few weeks based on a book and curriculum he is familiar with. The goal is to defend the truth of Scripture but do so in a loving way.
In this sermon, Pastor Tony looks at why Jesus communicated through parables, why his message seemed to come without power, and when the promised punishment would come. Jesus used parables both to reveal secrets of the kingdom to those with faith, but also to conceal his meaning from unbelievers. The sermon focuses on what the Parable of the Sower reveals about the nature and reception of God's kingdom.
As we come to this text, we see again, that Christ's ministry and the coming of his kingdom forces a decision. We see two groups of people. One group, the crowds, believe the claims of Christ and they want to draw closer to him--they stand on the inside of the house with him. Second, there's a group that stands on the outside. Their determination is that he's insane, or not just that he's insane, but that he's evil. These are the very same questions this text forces on us. --Is he deity-- Is he delusional-- Or, is he a deceiver----Take heed how you hear this word.
This section of Mark may sound merely routine--it's just a list of names. God does not give his word with insignificant portions. The Holy Spirit, through Mark is very selective. Rather than just being filler, our text shows us nothing less than that Christ accomplishes the fulfilling of God's promises. We find in this passage the nation's re-creation, the calling of the nation, and the cost.
The Pharisees come to Jesus and ask, -Why is it your disciples are allowed to do that which is impermissible on the Sabbath--- You'd think Jesus would cite a text about the Sabbath and say, -Here's why- it's not really breaking the law of God. The law, in Deuteronomy actually gives us permission to glean. You guys are missing the point.- But Christ doesn't do that. Instead, he goes to this seemingly random, interesting, odd text, about David on the run from Saul eating the bread of the Tabernacle. You have to ask yourself why he chose this particular text as a defense for his actions. In essence, his argument is this- -Long ago, David did this thing, in a particular circumstance. And this circumstance should remind you of what's going on now.---Next, Christ says they can do so, because he is the one who can authorize such a thing as Lord of the Sabbath. This pushes the offense over the top, into a whole other category for the Pharisees. --Lastly, Christ goes on to show the true intention of the day. How grateful can we be that Christ gives us not the explanation we would expect, but the revelation we need.
If the Kingdom of God is here now, what mood are we supposed to be in, festive or fasting-- Is Christ removed for us now-- So fasting does have a role now. But even for those of us that live apart from Christ physically, we see that a new age has dawned. The Day of Salvation has been granted by faith. While fasting has it's place, it is not the tenor and tone of the Christian life.
We're confronted, as we open this passage, with questions--questions about the Kingdom. Who gets into the Kingdom-- What are the qualifications for getting into this Kingdom----Christ will explain to the Pharisees that, if they ever want to join the Kingdom, they would have to change the way they identify themselves. They would have to leave the -righteous ones- and join themselves to the band of sinners. The question is- -Are they willing to do that--- Are we willing to do that----Are we willing to be self-reflective enough to realize that, at the end of the day, we have nothing to offer God of our own righteousness- that what God's standards are, and who we are, shows plainly that we are broken- that we are unfit- that we are sinful- that we truly are in need of redemption-- Or will we keep telling ourselves that we are a good person--that -I'm not like people who do bad things--- Christ says the only way to join the kingdom is to say, -No, I really am in that company. These really are my people. These sinners are my kind-- Only then do you have any chance of joining the Kingdom of God.--If you're satisfied with your righteousness, or if you're -not that bad,- Christ didn't come for you. And that's not good news. Because you will be exposed on that last day.--These people are able to sit at table with Jesus, why-- Not because he didn't care about sins, but because he can say to those who are honest about their sinfulness that he has the power within himself to forgive them, and to change them forevermore.
What is most needful in life-- If someone were to ask you that, how would you answer-- In this passage, we see a man lying before Jesus paralyzed, and Jesus' comment takes everyone by surprise- -Your sins are forgiven you.- It seems insensitive that this man is dealing with obvious physical need, and yet, Christ is bringing up the forgiveness of sins instead. By placing this in the text, Christ--through Mark-- is making us reckon with some big questions. Not only does this cause cognitive dissonance, it makes a bold statement about who Christ is and the coming of the Kingdom. Christ is trying to show us something. The question is- -Will you see it---
Pastor Tony begins our new series in the Gospel of Mark on the coming of Christ the King with this sermon entitled -Kingdom Conflict-.
We look today at the ascension of Christ. This aspect of Christ's work is often overlooked in lieu of the death and resurrection. Let's spend some time studying this essential aspect of his mission. --As a bonus, Tony spends some time studying the structuring of the New Testament.
How can we understand this most contested and controversial clause from the Apostles Creed-- What is the importance of the real, full and powerful death of the Lord Jesus Christ--
The next two sermons will be based on lines dealing with Christ from the Apostle's Creed. Today's sermon is based on the line -He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried...-
Discover the beauty and power of true worship as we explore what it means to truly honor and glorify God in our hearts and actions. Join us as we unpack the question of what is acceptable worship and find inspiration to deepen our connection with the Lord.
- Example of the Macedonians, 1-7-2. Example of Jesus, 8.8-9-3. Exhortation for giving, 8.10-9-15
Do you ever despair at the condition of the church- At the seeming lack of impact that the church has and the people of God the lack of impact that the people have gone have in this world- Or at the persecution of God's people, at the infighting and abandonment of biblical morality of so many. How can it be- How long will this continue- We're God's people, after all. Has God abandoned his people- Why am I so weak and irrelevant- Why do I suffer- And the ungodly are so powerful and strong-
What do you fear- What makes you anxious- In this world in which we live, we will not be able to avoid the things that incite fear and worry. Jesus knew this would be a part of our experience and he spoke to his disciples about how to overcome their fear. In this series, we'll look at what the Bible teaches about fear and anxiety, and how to overcome it and instead be filled with boldness.--1. Anxiety's Symptom-a. Poor Patterns and Priorities-b. Poor Pondering-c. Presumptions of Mind--2. Anxiety's Source-- cf. Matthew 8-23-27, -Jesus Calms the Storm--- cf. Ephesians 2-11-22, -One in Christ-
The Apostle Paul addresses some division that has taken root in the Roman church after the Jewish Christians were removed by the emperor and later returned. Paul gives three points of instruction to the reformed body of both Gentile and Jewish believers -particularly for those who understand and follow the Old Testament law- for how to handle the issues caused by the Gentiles who aren't obeying the Law.-1. They belong to their Master, not you. -v3--2. Not only are they saved, but they are acting in faith. -v5-9--3. They are saved by Christ and that's his decision, not yours. -v10-12-
In the final song of the Songs of Ascent in Psalms 122-134, we hear the Pilgrim say goodbye to the ministers or priests from Jerusalem and the ministers' response to the Pilgrim as he journeys back into the world, and we see that they gloriously point to the coming of our salvation in Christ and the New Jerusalem he has prepared for us.-1. The Pilgrim's Parting Words to the Ministers -v1-2--2. The Ministers' Parting Words to the Pilgrim -v3-
This psalm is a beautiful picture of what it is like for believers in this age to go to church together, worship the Lord, and be rejuvenated by the presence of God and his people.-1. In Terms of Location -v3--2. In Terms of Liturgy -v2--3. In Terms of Life -v1-
Three times per year, Israelites would pilgrimage from their homes to Jerusalem for feasts. While they traveled, they would sing these Songs of Ascent -Psalms 122-134-.--While we are not on a pilgrimage to Old Testament Jerusalem, we are on a pilgrimage to the New Jerusalem where our King sits on his throne.--1. David's Faithfulness to the LORD -1-10--2. The LORD's Faithfulness to His People -11-12-
- Death's Dethronement. vv 20 - 22--2. Death's Destruction. vv 23 - 24--3. God's Dominion. vv 25 - 28
- Death's Dethronement. vv 20-22--2. Death's Destruction. vv 23-24--3. God's Dominion. vv 25-28
- The Deficit of Love. 1-3--2. The Description of Love. 4-7--3. The Destiny of Love. 8-13
The purpose of the spiritual gifts is to buttress up the truth, equip the saints and to benefit others.
- Unity- one body. vv 12 - 13--2. Diversity- many members. vv 14 - 20--3. Equality of the members in the body. vv 21 - 26
- Right view of the elder- a. Desperate sinner- b. Redeemed Sinner-2. Right view of the elder's work- a. Essence of God- b. Encouragement of God
- Jesus Heals a Leper-2. Faith, Unbelief, and Gospel distortion.-3.Faith, unbelief, and Gospel declaration.-4. Jesus Heals a Lame Man
- Unity of the body and the Giver of gifts.--2. Diverse service for the one Lord.--3. God's purpose and use of the gifts.
- The woman's shameful condition.--2. The woman's shameless flee.--3. The Savior's shalom cleansing.
- False spirituality and former spiritual folly.--2. Full spiritual blessing--3. Freedom of speech in the power of the Spirit
- Pity is Pathetic -v1-4- -2. The Prophet's Personal Pity -v5-10- -3. God's Providential Prerogative -v9-11-
- The Response of the Recommissioned Prophet-2. The Proper Response to God's Message of Judgement-3. The Lord's Merciful Response to Repentant Sinners
The 2019 PCA General Assembly was held in Dallas, TX. Pastor Tony Garbarino and Dr. Hadley Mitchell, one of our ruling elders, attended and participated. Pastor Tony conveys what transpired there and why it matters to our congregation in Fort Wayne, IN.
- Review of the Rebel-2. Relationship of a Father-3. Redemptive History-4. Reasons for Hope--a- Sovereignty of God in the glory of Christ--b- Resurrection of the Greater Jonah-
- Perseverance is made Certain by God-2. Perseverance is made Clear through Holiness and Love.-3. Perseverance makes Confident in Faith.
The Third Petal of the Flower - a.k.a. Particular Redemption-1- What is the atonement--2- What did the cross accomplish--3- For whom did Christ die-
Unconditional Election motivates action- 1- Preaching, 2- Prayer, 3- Praise, 4- Evangelism
Total depravity- its definition, the will of the depraved person, and what it mean for salvation.
Evidence from history and current events that Christ has, is, and will in the future continue to work out His purposes in the lives of His people for His glory.
Paul makes the point that you belong to the age to come by--1. Encouraging confidence of your connection to OT believers.-2. Issuing caution against carelessness.-3. Instilling comfort when faced with temptation.
Of what benefit is it to us that Jesus resurrected from the grave--1. His ressurection has justified you. -past--2. His resurretion is sanctifying you. -present--3. His resurrection will glorify you. -future-
Philadelphia in the New Testament is the mutual love of those who are united together in Christ- not just a general love for mankind.
Paul asserts that he has the freedom to exercise his rights as an apostle but has determined no to asserts his right to the detriment of others. Our liberty must always be exercised with Christian charity.--Question- What rights are you not willing to give up for the sake of the Gospel and your brother-
Acceptable worship comes from a grateful heart for what God has done and not from a heart that is seeking approval of its self before God or trying to justify its own worthiness.