Providence Community Church

Two days shy of 500 years ago, an unassuming document to the average passing eye was tacked to the door of a castle church in Germany by one oblivious, would-be reformer; Martin Luther. These 95 theses were points of contention this Augustinian monk had with current religious practice of the day especially relating to indulgences. The sale of indulgences assumed that a monetary sum paid to procure...

Jonah unequivocally confessed upon his own deliverance from well deserved calamity: “Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (2:9). This phrase serves will as a theme for his entire book. In an ironic display of Jonah's fickle heart (and perhaps a mirror for our own), we see him just a few verses later resenting the very truths he had so recently realized as great occasion to worship the Lord! Jonah finds...

Jonah's message to Nineveh is not exactly an ideal example of a well balanced gospel presentation we might hold up as a model for seminary students. The ideal mix of 'law & gospel' does not appear to be a concern for him. His 8 word sermon is heavy on the judgement side of things as he calls out in the streets of this pagan city: “yet 40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Jonah in fact was...

Imagine driving home from a family outing one day only to return to a pile of smoldering ashes with an occasional metal object standing here and there like charred witnesses to the merciless power of flames. Every thing you worked for, treasured, and lived in... gone. Furthermore, imagine you have no insurance policy, no savings, and no supportive family or friends. This is just a taste of the dev...

In light of his race analogy opening chapter 12, it seems appropriate that the author of Hebrews would extend his athletic metaphor to illustrate rigorous, behind the scenes training required to finish the course with honors. In doing so, he underscores a recurring theme of Paul's epistles. Perhaps the most recognizable and beautiful summary of this aspect of the Christian life is featured in II C...

Our title today reflects the prominence of the Word of God in this section of our text, not to mention the entire account of Jonah. The Word of God comes to Jonah, mercifully, a second time – word for word – reiterating his missionary call. The Word of God is then featured in Jonah's ministry to the Ninevites declaring – word for word – the revelation he had received. Jonah’s opportunity to do so...

The apostle Paul takes the time to unveil the significance of our salvation pictured and proclaimed in baptism for several reasons. He knows these truths will equip them to walk as Christians in a pagan society (6). He knows these realities will cause them to flourish in their spiritual growth (7). Finally he is confident in the power of gospel understanding to fortify the church against arguments...

Similar themes to this psalm are featured in other Old Testament passages, Psalm 37, 49 and the book of Job among them. The author wrestles with the perennial question: “How could a good God allow me to suffer while His enemies prosper?” This question would have proved especially difficult at this time in covenant history. The progressively unfolding nature of special revelation had not fully reve...

Much like the 12th chapter of the book of Romans, the author of Hebrews introduces the major application section of his book having laid the groundwork with painstaking precision. He answers the question: 'how then shall we live...' in light of the testimony of former professors of faith – not to mention the unparalleled exploits of its author and finisher – Jesus Christ Himself. To assist his rea...

Little did Solomon know the extreme conditions under which his prayerful request would be answered as he dedicated the temple in I Kings 8:29 saying: “..That your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said: “My name shall be there, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place.” Nor could David have known how literally useful h...

Let us notice first of all a surprising twist in the context of our passage today. The storm was threatening to destroy this vessel on account of Jonah's unfaithfulness, not the flagrant idolatry of his shipmates! Consider this circumstance and principle applied in our day. Jonah’s experience leads us to ask: how much of the tumult of judgement we experience as a people is the direct result of the...

Psalm 72 closes the second book of the Psalter. The collection is arranged in 5 parts echoing the Pentateuch (5 books of Moses). Book 1: 1-41, book 2: 42-72, book 3: 73-89, book 4: 90-106, book 5: 107-150. Each book closes doxologically extolling the Lord, blessing Him with worship and praise and calling for the participation of the congregant and bidding his hearty “Amen!”. These notes of emphati...

With a persuasive flourish, the author of Hebrews concludes his section on the faith of former saints with a rhetorical question, a cumulative case, and an argument from lesser to greater. Hebrews 11 opens the blinds on windows overlooking the legacy of promise through redemptive history. The perspective is remarkable indeed. We keep the blinds closed at our own peril risking discouragement and ap...

Jonah's Old Testament book is cataloged with the 'minor prophets'. His is an account of condensed and dramatic proportions full of surprising twists and foreshadowing Gospel realities. The theme central to these four chapters may well be the final phrase uttered by Jonah himself upon divine intervention and rescue from the waters of judgement. His psalm of praise concludes with the immortal words:...

Many have argued for the thematic continuity of the entire Bible appealing to the 'kingdom' theme. I don't think the author of Matthew would disagree. In fact on close analysis of his gospel, we find this central idea and organizing concept absolutely pervasive. By my count, documenting instances where David's lineage, the kingdom of heaven, and Christ as ultimate King are featured, we have 50 plu...

The escalating ministry of Christ builds to a crescendo of glorious power and reach as Matthew's gospel closes. Paul has summarized the triumphant thrust of the ongoing influence of the incarnation in several places. A classic instance can be found in Ephesians 1:19-23. Here he illuminates the greatness of the power of God realized by those who believe by pointing to Christ in whom the same power...

Fred and Cindy Cressman – Malawi Update

Psalm 71 provides us the rarest of treasures: a perfectly preserved, Spirit inspired, song and prayer of an elderly and godly man. The value of this Psalm is further appreciated as we consider the context of the author's appeal. He finds himself at the weakest stage of life in need of intense help. This is something of a classic example of prayer, given these extremes. As the Psalmist is aging, he...

As the author of Hebrews continues to multiply examples of faith, he presents several instances which feature foreboding obstacles and shared experiences. These references feature the power of God intervening in the most challenging circumstances thus demonstrating His superior power. They also remind us that all believers share in the experience of salvation and its attending promises. We can rel...

As the gospel arc of revelatory fulness comes to fruition in Matthew's account, we see the ministry of Christ gloriously showcased in manifold ways. One example in the bigger picture of the book is apparent in angelic visitations which introduce and reprise the earthly ministry of Christ. In Mat 1:18-25 an angel of the Lord enlightens and consoles Joseph as to his role in the life of the Messiah....

As circumstances and conflicts come to a head in the final days of Christ, three illegitimate authorities conspire against Christ to dismiss Him as the imposter. Priests, Pharisees, and Pilate scheme to ensure their influence and authority at the expense of Jesus Christ; His person, His work, and His message. We are reminded of a showdown that foreshadowed these events in Elijah's prophetic minist...

Psalm 70 is a refrain from Psalm 40. A virtually verbatim echo of verses 13-17 of the prior song. Psalm 40 contains direct Messianic fulfillment as Hebrews 10 recognizes its foretelling of the incarnation. The messianic allusions extend to the rest of Psalm 40 and Ps 70 as well as we recognize the attitude of the unbeliever mirrored in its hatred of Jesus, not to mention His physical lineage (Davi...

Faith acts on the invisible. II Corinthians 5:7 declares of Christians like minded with the apostle Paul: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” later in the same section he notes: “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This second reality: The fact of final judgement, is the “invi...

Numbers 21:8-9 records a typological moment in Israel's history illuminating judgement and salvation. “...The Lord said to Moses, make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole and everyone who is bitten when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” In John 3:10-15 Jesus is speaking with Nic...

Interposition as illustrated in Psalm 69 contains the idea of coming between two parties in order to bring peace. To rescue one by intervening on his behalf. Noah Webster comments in his historic dictionary in reference to the term: “how many evidences have we of divine interposition in favor of good men!” – Surely Psalm 69 is one of those sterling examples Webster had in mind. Here is the doctrin...