Christian Formation

In this episode, we chat through how praying through the psalms will enrich your prayer life. What to expect: learning the value of the praying the psalms along with how to pray them and 4 different types of psalms. (This is a repost of episode 146)Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss how discipleship is communal. Join us as we discuss this aspect of discipleship together.ResourcesQuotes"The mature Christian is almost impossible to offend." —Dallas Willard"A mature christian is easily edified." —Harold Best Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we see from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 that discipleship is intentional. We are always being formed into something, if we want to be formed into the likeness of Jesus, we have to be intentional in our discipleship. We will never drift toward Jesus, we must develop one another into disciples of Jesus. Join us as we discuss this aspect of discipleship together.ResourcesDeveloping Deep Disciples // Providence SermonConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

What do you do when the lyrics of a song are gospel-centered and theologically accurate, but you believe the church that created the song might not necessarily be either of those things? In this episode, we discuss questions like, "Can we as Christians listen to music from churches who we believe might not have sound theology?""Should we listen to music written by someone who was at one time a Christian but has fallen away?""What is our response as the local church body in addressing issues of conscience?" (1 Cor 8)Tune in and submit any questions or feedback to formation@providenceomaha.org.Connect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss Psalm 73 and how it addresses the common question of, "Why do good things happen to bad people?" We also talk about our upcoming Psalms series and display how the psalms can give us practical counsel with the real issues of life.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

When we look at who is called to be an elder we look at: Character, Competency, Compatibility. In this episode, we discuss these three qualifications and explain why those are important to our team.ResourcesChurch EldersConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we highlight Harbor Church, a new church plant taking root in Sarpy County Nebraska. We sit down with Trevor and Ryan, Harbor's co-planters, to discuss why church planting is important, as well as hear their story of God calling them to plant a church after 17 years of waiting.To connect with Harbor Church, check out their website here: https://www.harborsc.org/Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we will recap what Biblical financial stewardship looks like, and then we will address questions such as: What does it look like to love God and reflect his values with our finances? Is it wrong to want to plan ahead or make money in this world? How do we love God while also making smart financial decisions that can support our family?Join us as we explore biblical principles of financial stewardship.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we dive into biblical stewardship—what it means, why it matters, and how it challenges the way we think about ownership. If God owns everything and is over everything, that means our time, talents, gifts, money, resources, (essentially everything) is his. Therefore, we are responsible to entrust those things to him to use for his purpose.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

The truth of Christianity stands or falls on the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. With Easter quickly approaching, you'll have a great opportunity to talk to your friends and family about the hope you have in Jesus' resurrection. In this episode, we'll look at the historical evidence we have that Jesus was, in fact, a real historical person, that Jesus did rise from the dead, and why we can have confidence that Christianity is true.ResourcesThe Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for ChristWesley HuffConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we dive into the significance of Holy Week—exploring its history, the key events included and their importance. We also reflect on the ultimate hope for our church family during this time, offering insights into how Holy Week can shape our faith in formative ways.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we seek to show how as beautiful as general revelation truly is, it was never going to be enough. We needed God to specially reveal himself, and now that he has revealed himself primarily in Christ, we look to Christ and his word to define all things for us in thought and life.ResourcesThe Wonderful Works of God By Herman BavinckQuotes“When therefore, we review the whole terrain of general revelation, we discover, on the one hand, that it has been of great value and that it has borne rich fruits, and, on the other hand, that mankind has not found God by its light.”“In general revelation such objective teaching is adequate to its purpose. What God intends by it is to provoke man to seek Him, to feel Him out and find Him (Acts 17:27), and, not finding Him, yet be without excuse (Romans 1:20). But in His special revelation God has compassion upon man who strays about and cannot find Him. In it, God seeks man out and Himself tells man who and what He is.” p50“The central content of the special revelation is the person and work of Christ.” p50“Thus the whole revelation of the Old Testament converges upon Christ, not upon a new law, or doctrine, or institution, but upon the person of Christ. A person is the completed revelation of God.”  p77274 - The Beauty of General RevelationConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we seek to define and display the beauty of general revelation. The hope is that this episode would help us understand what general revelation means, see God's grand design in his creation, and recognize God's kindness in revealing himself to us.ResourcesVersesRomans 1:18-23Psalm 19Acts 17:22-31Romans 1:18-23PodcastsThe Knowing God PodcastFurther ReadingWhat is general revelation and special revelation?What Is General Revelation?"Divine Revelation: God Making Himself Known"Quotes“As a matter of fact, all of the works of God, whether of word or deed, are constituent parts and elements of the one, great, comprehensive, and always continuing revelation of God.” - Bavinck“Revelation, therefore, cannot have its final purpose in man; in part it passes him by and soars on beyond him.” - Bavinck“In the general revelation God makes use of the usual run of phenomena and the usual course of events; in the special revelation He often employs unusual means, appearances, prophecy, and miracles to make himself known to man.”“When therefore, we review the whole terrain of general revelation, we discover, on the one hand, that it has been of great value and that it has borne rich fruits, and, on the other hand, that mankind has not found God by its light.” - BavinckConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

The goal of this episode is to help encourage Christians to prepare themselves better to engage with God on a Sunday through the sermon.ResourcesChristian Formation Episodes109 - How to Come to ChurchHow to listen to a sermon:HumblyHungry/EagerlyExpectantlyThoughtfullyWorshipfullyConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

The goal of this episode is to help people see the power and gift of preaching sermons in the local church.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

This episode seeks to help the Christian suffer well with hope and confidence in God's blessing. We often think of Job as the sufferer, but his story begins and ends with blessing. Even through the mess of the middle of his life, God's blessings prevail. This shows us that we too can believe in God's promises of blessing even through the valleys, however long they may last.ResourcesChristian Formation Podcast EpisodeExodusGod is FINISHING the work in you, he isn't finished - Jackie Hill Perry VideoVersesPsalm 422 Corinthians 3:18Philippians 1:6Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

This episode serves as an introduction to Ash Wednesday, explains what it is, the history behind it, and common practices associated with it.ResourcesBooksThe Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of LentThe 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual TransformationChristian Formation Episodes103 - Why Sundays Matter for the Church 109 - How to Come to Church 221 - Understanding Lent222 - Lenten Practices018 - Observing LentConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we seek to show how studying Scripture shouldn't be merely something we do at certain times, but rather a way of life.ResourcesImitate Israel's Culture of Studying ScriptureConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode explain why people might need Sunday School and why they should participate in Sunday School at Providence.ResourcesMark Noll's The Scandal of the Evangelical MindConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we seek to compel people that the room we gather in matters, and how we gather is both theological and spiritual.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

As our church family defines our vision as a church, it's easy to wonder if we are "missing out" by not doing what other churches in our city are doing. This same fear of "missing out" feeling can surface in our own lives as we follow the Lord's specific vision for our life.In this episode, we explore what it looks like to focus on the things that align with our God-given vision and pay no attention to those that don't—while embracing the freedom that comes with not having to do everything. RESOURCESLinden McKay - The Words You SpeakLinden McKay - Self Talk SwapsConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss how to develop core focus areas, or specific values, to help you achieve the vision you set for your life.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we emphasize the helpfulness of having a clear vision for your life and talk through how to develop a vision and why that's important. We do this by using the vision for our church interwoven throughout the episode.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

New year means new goals; intense workout plans, fad diets, or schedule changes make up the average American's resolution list. This impulse to start fresh isn't bad. The problem is that most of these resolutions don't always stick, and more often than not they don't really help our characters. This podcast episode from a few years ago explores creating A Rule of Life, or a rhythm of life that allows you to abide in Jesus and be formed by God's Word and Spirit, instead of a classic resolution. Our past worship director, Gabe, and Andrew and Ravyn discuss what A Rule of Life is, why it's important, and some practical next steps to implement it. Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss if as Christians we should be goal setting, or if it is something that we shouldn't do so that we can "let go and let God." Join us as we discuss this together.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss the song, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."In this episode, we follow along with our 2024 Advent Devotional and explain why we chose the song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to be sung throughout the third week of Advent this year.ResourcesPrepare Him Room Advent Devotional136 - The Importance of Hymns (audio)137 - Hymns Unraveled (audio)O Holy Night (audio)Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (audio)O Come All Ye Faithful (audio)LYRICSConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we discuss the song, "O Come All Ye Faithful."In this episode, we follow along with our 2024 Advent Devotional and explain why we chose the song "O Come All Ye Faithful" to be sung throughout the third week of Advent this year.ResourcesPrepare Him Room Advent Devotional136 - The Importance of Hymns (audio)137 - Hymns Unraveled (audio)O Holy Night (audio)Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (audio)LYRICSConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we follow along with our 2024 Advent Devotional and explain why we chose the song "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" to be sung throughout the second week of Advent this year.ResourcesPrepare Him Room Advent Devotional136 - The Importance of Hymns (audio)137 - Hymns Unraveled (audio)259 - O Holy Night (audio)LYRICSConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we follow along with our 2024 Advent Devotional and explain why we chose the song "O Holy Night" to be sung throughout the first week of Advent this year. ResourcesPrepare Him Room Advent Devotional136 - The Importance of Hymns (audio)137 - Hymns Unraveled (audio)Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, Ravyn and Andrew discuss the idea of separation of church and state. Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we are joined by Nate Grasz, Policy Director at Nebraska Family Alliance, to discuss the most recent 2024 Nebraska ballot initiatives concerning abortion as well as the Church's role in the political sphere. Other Episodes in this Series252 - Our Public Posture253 - Life and Sexuality254 - Generosity and Hospitality255 - Unified in ChristConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode we examine the different seasons of life most people will experience. What are the ways that we can embrace each season (20s, 30s, 40s... etc), walk with God well in each season, and transition well from one season to the next? Join us as we unpack these questions together.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we look at what it means to be unified in Christ after a political election.Other Episodes in this Series252 - Our Public Posture253 - Life and Sexuality254 - Generosity and HospitalityConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we look at two more foundational elements of our Christian faith: generosity and hospitalityHistorically, the church stands out because of its view on generosity and hospitality. However, how does this view impact our political engagement? Join us as we examine how these two elements play a part in our politics and in our daily discussions.Other Episodes in this Series252 - Our Public Posture253 - Life and SexualityResources078 - Giving Financially in Hard Times213 - Why a Giving Push? (with Jim Shaffer)Do not muzzle the ox2 Corinthians 8-9Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this episode, we look at two foundational elements of our Christian faith: life and sexuality.Historically, the church stands out because of its view on life and sexuality. However, how does this view impact our political engagement? Join us as we examine how these two elements play a part in our politics and in our daily discussions.ResourcesThe Patient Ferment of the Early Church: The Improbable Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire (book)167 - Is God OK with Some Sin? (podcast episode)

How should we as Christians think about our public engagement with the world? There are many valid options, but one thing is certain: Jesus calls us to be a certain type of people, which is where he will be known. In the Beatitudes we see Jesus explaining what his people will look like in the world. However we vote and engage, the beatitudes must be exemplified in our public posture. Join us as we discuss this idea together.

The Second Coming of Christ offers the hope of the life to come. What is the exact hope we find in the second coming, and how should we expect it? Join as we discuss this together.Resources From ProvidenceProvidence's Statement of Faith

Resurrection is the great hope of Christianity. In this episode we see the Biblical understanding of resurrection and resurrection hope.Resources From Providence247 - Statement of Faith: SalvationDoctrines of Grace Episodes095 - Unconditional Election096 - Limited Atonement097 - Irresistible Grace098 - Perseverance of the SaintsReadingsProvidence's Statement of Faith

What is the church? And does the church really need to be in the statement of faith for all believers? In this episode, we seek to show the beauty and importance of Christ's body, the church.Resources From ProvidenceTrinity Series132 - God the Father: Trinity Series133 - God the Son: Trinity Series134 - The Holy Spirit: Trinity Series135 - Questions Over the TrinityDoctrines of Grace093 - 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 GraceChurch Membership at Providence138 - Commitments of Church Members139 - Proclaim and Protect, Contribute, SacramentsReadingsProvidence's Statement of Faith

What is the Christian belief of sanctification? What does it mean? Why is it important? And why should it be central to our faith and practice? Join us as we discuss the Bible's answers to these questions.Resources From ProvidenceDoctrines of Grace Episodes093 - 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 GraceProvidence's Statement of Faith

What do we believe about God's salvation of his people? There are many options for salvation, shalom, nirvana, bliss, wholeness, etc. Different religions teach various things, and most people assume a variety of means. In this episode, we seek to understand the Christian belief of how humanity is saved.Resources From ProvidenceDoctrines of Grace Episodes094 - Total Depravity093 - Doctrines of Grace / CalvinismTrinity Episodes132 - God the Father: Trinity Series133 - God the Son: Trinity Series134 - The Holy Spirit: Trinity Series135 - Questions Over the TrinityProvidence's Statement of Faith

What is Biblical anthropology? The world has always sought to understand humanity - our origins, our inner workings, our ethics, etc. In this episode, we examine the Christian understanding of mankind.Resources From ProvidenceDoctrines of Grace Episodes094 - Total Depravity093 - Doctrines of Grace / CalvinismTrinity Episodes132 - God the Father: Trinity Series133 - God the Son: Trinity Series134 - The Holy Spirit: Trinity Series135 - Questions Over the TrinityProvidence's Statement of Faith