Advent | Peacemaking Pt. II | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

How do the Gospel writers introduce Jesus? The question of where to begin recounting the world's greatest narrative with an eternal back story would be a daunting task indeed. All 4 gospels begin in different ways providing a multi-faceted perspective on the greatest eventsI n history. The Gospel authors were keenly aware of the significance of the…

Advent | Peacemaking Pt. I | Matthew 5:9 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

In Romans chapter 5, verses 6-11, the apostle Paul expounds on the atonement. The condition we were in, how we are reconciled, and justified through Christ. Gods love for us is such that while we were still enemies of God, he sent his Son to take the punishment we deserve, that we might be reconciled to him.…

Advent | Peace with God and Man | Romans 5:1 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

In I Cor chapter 7, Paul continues with his teaching strategy introduced in chapter 6. Adding to the phrases: All things are lawful for me• & the phrase: -Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food', Paul addresses a 3rd popular notion of the day denoted by the phrase 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman· (7: …

Advent | Prince of Peace | Isaiah 9:6-7 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Our passage today introduces another unique feature which will resurface later in the book of Proverbs. The ascending numerical device of verse 16 is a feature of Wisdom Literature & Hebrew poetry. The 6 followed by 7 reference is designed to emphasize that the author's point Is strengthened by the frequency of examples, the number of which exceeds…

Dear Church | Final Greetings | 1 Corinthians 16:19-24 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

The first half of Proverbs chapter 6 contrasts the ambitions of the wise with the efforts of the wicked. The student of wisdom will work to reinforce a stable and virtuous vision for life while the fool uses corruption as leverage to benefit himself at the expense of others and God's design for relationships. Proverbs 6 contains perhaps the 10th 'M…

Dear Church | Fatherly Instruction | 1 Corinthians 16:5-18 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Ps 134 is a fitting conclusion & crescendo to the Songs of Ascent summarizing central themes of this catalogue in the Psalter. In the context of temple worship at the time of authorship, Psalm 134 serves as an appropriate salutation and benediction. In its historical context, the people wave “goodbye” to the priests returning to their various vocat…

Dear Church | Giving Church | 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

In I Cor 6:12-13, Paul cites several general statements that are context dependent. In light of what the Apostle has addressed thus far and what he proceeds to cover in this chapter, Paul provides categorical qualifications to equip the church with discernment pertaining to matters of moral order within their community given the norms of society ar…

Dear Church | Mysterious, Victorious Resurrection | 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Dear Church | Christian Hope | 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

In Titus chapter 2, Paul lays out the qualities and characteristics of the biblical woman. He gives instruction on how they are to conduct themselves, as well as instruction relevant to their God given role. Although men and women have different roles in God's plan for the church and the family, they are equally as important, and it is essential fo…

Dear Church | The Reality of the Resurrection | 1 Corinthians 15:12-34 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

We have noted how the entire book of Proverbs by design is an exposition of the 5th commandment (Ex20:12) “Honor your father & your mother...”. Properly applied within the covenant home, Solomon demonstrates that to obey this commandment is to obey them all. In this way, the framework of Proverbs presents an exhortation to all parties in society. I…

The poetic imagery of this song evokes the beauty and blessings of condescension. Anointing oil poured from above, dew falling, as it were, from on high and appearing at the mountain of God where heaven touches earth. Ps 133 expounds in metaphor the precious gift of the God-glorifying communion of the saints. David compares the gift of brotherly lo…

Dear Church | Of First Importance | 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Dear Church | Decently and in Order | 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Yet today, despite the moral degradation of our society, in a court room the judge is referred to as “Your Honor”, to acknowledge the solemn duty and sacred authority of justice. If order breaks down at any point in the court proceedings, what does the judge do? He takes up the gavel (symbolic of his authority) and strikes the desk, reminding the c…

Stand Alone | Psalm 81 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

In 1 Timothy chapter 3, Paul lays out the qualifications required for churchleadership. These are the standards set forth for a man to be in a position ofauthority in the church. But the qualities and characteristics of such a man,are also a good benchmark for all Christian men. All men should aspire tomeet these requirements, regardless of their a…

Dear Church | Ordered Worship Revisited | 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

The concept of baptism precedes the New Testament church. If we told someone from the promised land generation of Israelites about our baptism here today, they would, no doubt, liken it to the events at Gilgal upon crossing the Jordan river into the promised land of Canaan. Likewise, we can greater appreciate their experience in light of our servic…

Dear Church | The Greatest Gift | 1 Corinthians 13 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Today's sermon title is derived from several verses in Proverbs chapter 4 which reveal the connection between the wellbeing of the student of wisdom and what the wise father endeavors to teach him. (4) “Keep my commandments and live”. (10) “...Accept my words that the years of your life may be many”. (13) Instruction is to be guarded, Solomon says …

The final three songs of this division in the Psalter introduced by Psalm 132 all include references to the apex of the songs of the ascent. The destination and desire of every faithful pilgrim is poetically proclaimed in these songs. “May the Lord grant us entry to the place of his dwelling and the fullness of covenant promises fulfilled”, the aut…

Dear Church | Spiritual Gifts pt. 2 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Dear Church | Spiritual Gifts | 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

The next pressing issue Paul addresses after concluding his exhortation on therelationship between the congregation and their leaders and influences is one of blatant immorality exceedingthe sexual misconduct of the unbelievers. There were reports of incest tolerated among members of theCorinthian church. Recent lectures from our church family camp…

Dear Church | Ordered Worship pt. 2 | 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Dear Church | Ordered Worship pt. 1 | 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Depending how you mark them, we have in our text today, the 5th extended “My son” oracle of Proverbs. The parallels between the book of Proverbs and the 10 commandments (Ex 20:1-17) abound and this passage is no exception. Like the Law of Moses, Solomon's instructions here contain 8 prohibition statements. The corrigible son is exhorted in the 5th …

Dear Church | The Litmus Test | 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

As an ascent of David, Ps 131 is remarkably and appropriately brief. The length serves as a poetic device to emphasize the psalmist's main idea. If David were to go on and on expressing lengthy lamentations or desperate appeals, the form would contradict the theme. As it stands in its beautiful simplicity, the tone of Ps 131 breathes a sigh of peac…

The occasion of Paul's opening remarks in I Cor chapters 1-4 came by way of distorted views of the nature of the church and her leadership. Many in Corinth had a corrupted view of the identity of church influencers and the relationship between these men and the church generally speaking. In writing to correct these errors, Paul is provided opportun…

Dear Church | Dining with Demons | 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Once again calling the attention of the student of wisdom in verse 11 with the adjuration "my son·: Solomon continues with an exposition of the virtues of wisdom in verses 11-20 of chapter 3. We find here, in the light of her great benefits, that wisdom is rejected at an infinite cost of our souls. On the other hand ... Would you have great stores …

Dear Church | Spiritual Israel | 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

The Third “My Son” oracle of Proverbs opens in chapter 3. Verses (1-10) comprise a set of 5 of condition/benefit couplets…followed by an exposition of the virtues of wisdom (11-26)…closing with a list of prohibitions and warnings (27-35). Conditions, virtues, & warnings are key categories of Proverbs chapter 3. The genre of wisdom literature classi…

Dear Church | Divine Power of Laying Down Rights | 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

Stand Alone | Christian Disposition | Psalm 46 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

We are quite familiar with the term 'existential threat' these days. This term is appropriate with respect to our guilt before a holy God. The existential hope published & heralded in Ps 130 is indeed our only prayer and this hope is unto eternity. In terms of this song, ‘forever’ is not hyperbole. The weight of anguish the author associates with h…

Dear Church | Rights & Responsibilities | 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church

The "temple vantage point" of Paul's instruction to the church in Corinth in chapter 3extends to his applications in chapter four. In our text today, Paul writes to correct the view of the Corinthianstoward apostolic ministry and authority. Once again, he addresses a primary theme and purpose in writingthat has surfaced several times early in his l…

Dear Church | Remembrance & Impartation | Joshua 4:1-9 by Providence Community Churchبقلم Providence Community Church