Christian Formation

In this episode we seek to pursue a biblical understanding of forgiveness and its importance in the Christian life. Why does Jesus include forgiveness in the prayer's petitions? How does our forgiveness from God correlate to our forgiveness of others? How do we forgive in different situations? We examine multiple questions to try to come to a helpful understanding of how to be a community of forgiveness.Providence ResourcesForgiveness Model MentionedWomen's Retreat 2022: Free IndeedKnowing God Podcast042 - Life through Forgiveness093 - Forgiveness by ForgivenessConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

We're releasing this bonus episode to give you a look at our sermon series this fall. A lot of our 2026 fall podcast episodes will coincide with the series, so be sure to join us on Sundays and during the week to be fully immersed in what God is teaching us through His word.This fall, we're taking a step back to focus on the foundation underneath our life with God. Rather than asking what we should do as Christians, we want to ask what God has done, what He has promised, and what that means for how we live. Our hope is that by learning the theological underpinnings of our faith, we will grow in biblical confidence, and clarity. Resources156 - The Comfort of Covenants225 - Trusting God's Means of Salvation297 - Baptism and the CovenantsConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

The goal of this episode is to consider Jesus's teaching that we should depend on God for daily bread. Why is that at the core of Jesus's prayer? Where did he get this imagery from? How do we live this out practically? Why does it feel so hard to live dependent upon his provision? We seek to find helpful ways to live in a state of faith-filled dependence on God that leads to an anxiety-free life of provision.ResourcesRecipe mentionedWhat is a chiasm?Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

 In this episode, we're diving back into our series on the Lord's Prayer, focusing on a deeply profound phrase: "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done." How are we supposed to actually understand this? Is the Kingdom of God a present reality we live in right now, a future promise we're waiting for, or a beautiful combination of both? Join us as we wrestle with the "already but not yet" of faith and what it means for our daily lives.Additional Resources: Episode 143 - Bible Translations: Why so Many?Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

 In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Lord's Prayer, unpacking the powerful meaning behind the specific words Jesus chose. We explore how this prayer is beautifully crafted from a communal perspective—shifting our focus from "my" needs to "our daily bread." Join us as we continue our series and discover how this timeless prayer shapes our lives today. Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series on the Lord's Prayer, diving into its unique biblical contexts across the Gospels, from the disciples' direct request in Luke's account to its placement at the absolute center of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. Additionally, we explore the rich historical and contemporary reasons why we should use it today, tracing its practice from the early church's Didache through global Christian traditions to our modern daily lives. Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

 In this episode of Christian Formation, we explore the deeply personal and spiritual process of "Choosing a Church." We discuss practical and prayerful strategies for discerning where to plant roots and find a church home. The conversation also navigates the difficult situations that may signal it is time to leave a congregation. Ultimately, this episode serves as a supportive guide to help you find a faith community where you can truly grow and serve.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

What do prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance look like in the life of a believer? In this episode, we explore Saint Augustine's take on the four cardinal virtues. Discover whether Christians should intentionally pursue these traits and how to cultivate true, God-centered virtue in your daily spiritual walk.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

Should evangelism (sharing the gospel) be the top priority in the church's mission, or just one important part among many? In other words, should evangelism take priority over social action, or are both evangelism and social action equal partners? In this episode, we are discussing what the mission of the church should be based on the article Should We Prioritize Evangelism in Missions?Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we're tackling a trend you've probably seen online but might not have a name for: the "Edgelord". We dive into a recent article from Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition (link below) that explores how some Christian influencers are trading truth for provocative reactions and social media clout. Why are so many young men drawn to this style of leadership, and how is it secretly shaping our faith? We break down what an Edgelord actually is and discuss why being aware of these online influences is so important for our spiritual formation today. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/edgelords-inherit-earth/Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we tackle the idea that you might be more theologically liberal than you realize. We're looking at how our views on the Bible and personal experience have been shaped by history. We dive into the influence of Friedrich Schleiermacher and discuss how his ideas still show up in the church today, often without us even noticing. Join us as we break down where these concepts come from and why understanding them is so helpful for your own faith and discipleship.Learn more: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-horse-inn/id356920632?i=1000735955305Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we examine Jonathan Edwards's 5 distinguishing marks of the Spirit. How do we discern if activity is from the Spirit? What should we be looking for? Edwards writes 5 marks that lead us to believe the Spirit is at work. We examine his 5 marks and discuss why that is helpful in our discipleship and church.Article here: https://www.onthewing.org/user/Edwards%20-%20Distinguishing%20Marks%20of%20the%20Spirit.pdfConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we address the reality of losing our joy in Jesus. We can feel stuck, apathetic, or look back to ‘better times' in our relationship with God. Why do we get into these situations? How do we get out of feeling stuck in our faith? Here are 3 considerations from Charles Spurgeon that might lead to recovering joy in Jesus.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As more families in our church begin thinking about schooling for their children, we want to explore the different options—what they are and why families in our church have chosen them. Our hope is that these conversations are a helpful resource as you prayerfully consider what type of schooling might be best for your child and your family.In this episode, we explore Classical Education with a Hybrid Model of school.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As more families in our church begin thinking about schooling for their children, we want to explore the different options—what they are and why families in our church have chosen them. Our hope is that these conversations are a helpful resource as you prayerfully consider what type of schooling might be best for your child and your family.In this episode, we explore the topic of Homeschool.Connect with Brooke about homeschool here.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As more families in our church begin thinking about schooling for their children, we want to explore the different options—what they are and why families in our church have chosen them. Our hope is that these conversations are a helpful resource as you prayerfully consider what type of schooling might be best for your child and your family.In this episode, we explore Private School.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As more families in our church begin thinking about schooling for their children, we want to explore the different options—what they are and why families in our church have chosen them. Our hope is that these conversations are a helpful resource as you prayerfully consider what type of schooling might be best for your child and your family.In this episode, we explore Public School.ResourcesThe Anxious GenerationNext few weeks on Christian formation...Private School (drops April 15)Classical Education - Hybrid Model (drops April 22)Homeschool (drops April 29)Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

Are ornate church buildings sinful? Are they better than meeting in a strip mall downtown? Are we as a church "missing something" by not owning our own church building? In this episode, we discuss church buildings and their impact on us as embodied creatures based off Marc Sims article, 12 Theses on Church Buildings.Resources12 Theses on Church Buildings by Marc Sims312 - The Formative Power of Physical Space266 - The Room Matters109 - How to Come to ChurchConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we listen to what kids said they love about their parents. Join us as we listen to these encouraging statements and discuss the impact of a parent's presence. Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss the value of discipline for our children while having some of your children join us for the discussion. Why do we discipline and what does that practically look like for some of our families?Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As we are spending time focusing on our prayer life this year, why is it important to teach our children to pray? What does it look like to teach our children to pray? What is our role as parents to model a prayer life to our children?Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss the importance of teaching spiritual disciplines and practices to your kids even before they fully comprehend the truths about God and Christ. Listen along as we invite kids in our church to join the conversation.Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

Parenting, like most things in life, is never perfect. We often have failures and fears that play into the way we parent and how we interact with our children. This episode addresses various failures and fears in parenting, and how the gospel speaks into those areas.ResourcesJudges :: The Sin of Pride SermonPride Breakdown Instagram PostConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

What is parenting? Why do we parent in the first place? What's God's vision for parenting?In light of our upcoming parenting conference and recent questions from members in our church, we take this episode to discuss parenting 101—a biblical look at what parenting is, why we parent, and it what it means to raise our children as image bearers of Christ.Resources309 - A Vision For Parents (with Trevor Nashleanas)292 - Why Parent Commissioning?Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

Do we believe in the formative power of physical space? Do the items we have around us help shape and form us to fix our eyes on Christ?In this episode, we discuss the reasoning behind new position of both the communion elements and the baptismal tank on Sunday mornings. We also discuss the theological position of believing that space forms us.Resources266 - The Room Matters109 - How to Come to ChurchSpirit and Sacrament: An Invitation to Eucharismatic Worship by Andrew WilsonConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss what Lent is, the history behind Lent, and how to observe Lent this year.ResourcesPodcast Episodes290 - Why You Should Know the Nicene Creed289 - Nicene Creed - Why does it matter? (with Steve Sarmiento)222 - Lenten Practices221 - Understanding Lent018 - Observing LentBooksThe 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual TransformationThe Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of LentLent: The Season of Repentance and RenewalDesiring God Article about Lenten practicesConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

A conversation around why we might not be satisfied in our prayer lives as Christians and what routines to cultivate to help us to engage in a rich prayer life.ResourcesA Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul MillerA Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World by Paul MillerConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we highlight a biblical vision for parents as it relates to our upcoming Parenting Conference. Resources279 - Harbor Church (with Trevor Nashleanas and Ryan Meyer)Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Matthew LaPine to have a conversation about mental health, and how his work in this area has informed his view of how the church engages with the idea of mental health.ResourcesThe Logic of the Body by Dr. Matthew LaPineThe Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Maia SzalavitzWayfaring: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care by Warren KinghornStatus Anxiety by Alain De BottonA Quiet Mind to Suffer With: Mental Illness, Trauma, and the Death of Christ by John Andrew BryantDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeThe Soul of Shame by Curt ThompsonConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

Do our bodies really matter? Doesn't God mostly just care about our souls getting to heaven? In this episode we seek to explore a Biblical theology of our physical bodies. Why did God create us with a body? What does it mean to have fallen bodies? How does Jesus redeem our bodies? And what should we expect for our glorified bodies?ResourcesThe Logic of the Body by Dr. Matthew LaPineEmbodied Souls, Ensouled Bodies by Dr. Marc CortezThe Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Maia SzalavitzConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we seek to give relatively short answers to some big questions we've received over the fall of 2025.ResourcesBooksChrist and Culture by H. Richard NiebuhrCenter Church by Timothy KellerPodcast Episodes142 - Should children sit through "big church"?292 - Why Parent Commissioning?164 - Creation (Genesis 1)304 - Baptism Q&APolitics250 - Our Public Posture251 - Life and Sexuality252 - Generosity and Hospitality253 - Unified in Christ072 - Our Hearts After the Election110 - What the Church Needs Today088 - Cultural ChristianityConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

Today, we're discussing what Christians confess about God the Son through the Nicene Creed—who he is, what he's done, and what he's doing right now for our salvation. In this episode, we ask and answer questions like:What is the nature of God the Son?What is the importance of different aspects of Christ's work from incarnation to salvation to Ascension to 2nd coming What happens if we miss each one of those elements?We also talk about the famous myth of St Nick slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea. Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss the following questions submitted by our listeners:Does baptism save you?When should someone be rebaptized?If someone was baptized as a believer but wasn't fully immersed in water, are they baptized?What if a believer feels as though they've grown in their understanding of the gospel since being baptized?What if someone isn't sure they fully believed at the time they were baptized? Should they be re-baptized?How do we handle our growing number of kids in the church becoming believers?ResourcesEpisodes293 - Baptism Imagery in the Old Testament294 - Tracing Baptism Through the Gospels295 - Does Baptism Save You?296 - What Do Christians Believe About Baptism? A Guide to Different Views297 - Baptism and the Covenants298 - Does History Prove Infant Baptism?299 - Should Baptism be a Requirement for Church Membership?089 - Infant Baptism (with Kyle McClellan)090 - Believer's Baptism (with Bobby Jamieson)ArticlesDoes 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?What is the proper mode of baptism?I was baptized unbiblically. Do I need to be rebaptized?Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we continue our conversation around sin, humanity, and salvation. Last week we looked at the 4 states of mankind in relation to sin and salvation. This week we look closer at what sin actually is. Is it nature? Is it merely our actions? And how does understanding sin better help us understand salvation?Resources UsedDefinition of SinConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we explore one of St. Augustine's most influential theological frameworks: the Four States of Man. From humanity's original harmony in Eden to the tension-filled struggle after the Fall, Augustine explains our different nature in relation to sin. Join us as we break down each state—able to sin, not able not to sin, able not to sin, and not able to sin—and unpack what they reveal about the human condition.Whether you're new to Augustine or revisiting his thought with fresh eyes, this episode offers an accessible, engaging guide to one of the foundational ideas in Christian understanding. ResourcesEpisodes093 - Doctrines of Grace / Calvinism094 - Total Depravity095 - Unconditional Election096 - Limited Atonement097 - Irresistible Grace098 - Perseverance of the Saints100 - Debated Passages in the Doctrines of Grace Conversation101 - Q & A Over the Doctrines of GraceArticles and Books"aw-GUS-tin"The Battle of the Will, Part 1: Pelagius and AugustineAugustine's Four-fold State of HumanityBoston's Fourfold StateAugustine of HippoAugustine's ConversionConversion of St. AugustineWhat Is the Biblical Evidence for Original Sin?The Bondage of the Will by Martin LutherConfessions by St. AugustineConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

How do we behold and see the beauty in Advent when we talk about the same aspects of it each year? How do we not get tired of the tradition? This episode seeks to help listeners find the beauty in Advent, year after year.Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we hear from one of Providence's partners about his own salvation story and how God transformed his heart to desire to reach unreached people groups around the world. We pray that no matter the call God has on your life, you see the need to preach the Good News to those around the world, especially those in unreached places.Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we address our foundational question for this mini-series: What does baptism have to do with church membership? Should baptism be a requirement for membership? Are baptism and church membership two distinct commitments, or are they linked in the life of the church? How should Christians think of the connection between the two? Join us as we explore how Christians can think biblically about the relationship between baptism and church membership, and what Providence will practice moving forward.ResourcesPodcast Episodes138 - Commitments of Church Members139 - Proclaim and Protect, Contribute, Sacraments089 - Infant Baptism (with Kyle McClellan)090 - Believer's Baptism (with Bobby Jamieson)WrittenCovenantal (presbyterian)Westminster Confession of Faith 28.1“Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church, but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace…”Book of Order (Presbyterian Church U.S.A.)G-1.0303 - Church Membership"A faithful member accepts Christ's call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of his Church... A person becomes an active member of the congregation through baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior."Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we take a closer look at the claim that church history overwhelmingly supports a paedobaptist view. We find that while it's true that infant baptism became the predominant practice for many centuries, the historical picture isn't quite so straightforward. What did Christians throughout history believe was happening in infant baptism? How did the earliest believers, those in the New Testament era and shortly after, understand infant baptism? Can historical evidence alone settle the baptism debate between paedobaptism and credobaptism? Join us as we explore these questions and key moments in church history to consider whether the historical argument can truly decide the debate.Resources090 - Believer's Baptism (with Bobby Jamieson)089 - Infant Baptism (with Kyle McClellan)Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we explore the covenantal argument for baptism. Throughout Scripture, God makes covenants with His people, and baptism is often viewed as the sign of initiation into that covenant relationship. But how do these two ideas connect? How does a biblical understanding of God's covenants shape the way we think about baptism? We'll argue that, based on our relationship with God under the new covenant, baptism should be administered only to those who profess faith in Christ.Resources156 - The Comfort of Covenants090 - Believer's Baptism (with Bobby Jamieson)089 - Infant Baptism (with Kyle McClellan)Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

What is baptism? This episode seeks to dive into the different views on baptism in Christianity, and then highlight the reformed view we believe at Providence Church. The goal of this episode is to help you understand the different views as well as have humility and charity towards other Christian views. Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we continue our posture of discovery, tracing the theme of water throughout the New Testament to shape our understanding of baptism today. Rather than ending with a concrete definition, we'll reflect on key moments that provide more insight into what baptism is specifically as we see it in the New Testament. We talk about hard questions like, "Does baptism save you?" and "Should an entire household be baptized if the leader of the household comes to faith?" Whether you're new to the Bible or a seasoned theologian, join us as we dive into the story.Resources174 - Acts (podcast)Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org