Providence Baptist Chapel

David's years of preparation for kingship were guided by the Lord, with so many lessons to be learned. He was being shaped by his experiences, learning patience, gaining wisdom, and deeper trust in God's perfect timing. Abigail was to play a key role. God uses all our trials, circumstances and those around us to refine us, and equip us for the calling He has on our lives.

"Who has known the mind of the Lord?" God's mind is infinite, immense, and unchangeable, with thoughts far beyond our understanding. If only we could see clearly who God really is, we would be humbled by His greatness, wisdom, and knowledge. We would stand in awe, surrendering ourselves to His perfect will and reflecting on our ways and our later end.

The most significant danger we face is delusion of the soul, believing we are something when, in reality, we are nothing. False faith is dead and brings no true profit. We must distinguish between dead religion, which lacks genuine life, and living faith, which bears fruit in our lives. As Luther famously said, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone." True faith is active and alive, evidenced by the transformation it produces.

The Psalmist reminds himself of the wonders of the deeds His personal Lord and Saviour has already accomplished. He considers also the Lord's plans that are in favour of him. Combined they are too many and too vast to count. What an encouragement for us to reflect on the works and thoughts of God towards us.

A boy, suffering from a severe affliction. The disciples couldn't heal him. Jesus simply said, "Bring him to Me." In that moment, the father's heart was torn between hope and doubt—a struggle for faith. He believed in Jesus, yet his faith felt fragile. Humbly, he earnestly asked Jesus to help him trust more deeply, to strengthen his weak faith. A plea Christ will always answer.

What does James mean when he speaks of "if ye keep the Royal Law"? Does this phrase replace the Ten Commandments, or does it serve to deepen and clarify our understanding of the moral law? We consider the believer's relationship to the Law, and see how in Christ, we are called to live by the Perfect Law of Liberty, guided and motivated by pure love for Christ.

Do we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on the Lord's where, when and how? David's conscience spoke to him when faced with a golden opportunity to take Saul's life and become King. Whilst he didn't fall to the temptation, in cutting off a piece of Saul's robe he didn't "leave God to order all his ways".

The holiness of God is the true beauty and perfection of all He is. Isaiah's extraordinary vision into heaven's throne room shows us a little of the unmatched purity and majesty of God's character. He did not just wonder at His wisdom or rejoicing in His love, Isaiah was overwhelmed by God's holiness. The most awe-inspiring and foundational attribute of God's greatness and glory.

James teaches us that real faith is evidenced by how we treat others. Since the fall, one of humanity's greatest struggles has been the tendency to look down on those different to us. Prejudice, favouritism, discrimination, and racism have divided society and even the church. James issues a strong rebuke, reminding us that such partiality is not of Christ.

David's life offers so many valuable lessons for believers. After initial mistakes, seeking help from the wrong places and people, his faith in God grew as he turned to the Lord in prayer. God listens and guards His chosen servant from Saul's hostility and relentless attacks. Meanwhile, David's spirit is strengthened through the loyal friendship of Jonathan, reminding us of the importance of trusting God's promises and godly friends in difficult times.

What a profound contrast there is—the heart of God versus the heart of man. Jeremiah vividly describes the human heart as "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Before we can truly understand and desire the incredible love that flows from God's heart, we must first see ourselves as God sees us.

What are the signs of real faith? Not mere outward rituals, or pretence. James highlights three key marks that reveal whether there is "The Life of God in the Soul of Man." Control of the tongue, reflecting inner righteousness; Genuine care and compassion for the needy, God's love in action; and a desire to be unspotted from the world, by being committed to holiness.

As David fled in fear from his relentless enemy King Saul, he sought refuge in the Cave of Adullam. There, surrounded by 400 men who were also distressed, the Lord drew near to David, and he rose to become their leader. In this chapter of David's life, we learn valuable lessons that are relevant to every believer today, and we explore how we can apply these truths in our own walk of faith.

As two of Christ's followers walked the 7-mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, their hearts were sad and burdened as they tried to process what had just happened. But Jesus drew near to them, and gently questioned and taught them. He taught them of Himself from the Scriptures. Soon their hearts burned within them, and they begged Him to remain.

Could we be hearers only God's Word? What a tragedy it would be if we heard His Word and did not obey its calls and commands. James teaches us that to be a hearer only is like a person who looks in the mirror and forgets the horrors seen, carrying on in life without obeying The Lord and without His rich blessing.

While waiting to become King of Israel, David runs from the growing shadow of King Saul, which started to dominate his thoughts. In his anxiety, a pattern of dishonesty emerged, and his faith began to waver. He sought help from the wrong sources, relying on his own strength rather than trusting God. These are danger-signals set up to deter us from slipping.

After 40 years of journeying toward the Promised Land, some Israelites were kept from entering because of unbelief, they refused to trust God's Word. Despite having many reasons to believe, they chose not to. Unbelief is the only unpardonable sin. Even today, many people do not believe, not because they cannot, but because they simply "will not." We will explore the reasons for unbelief and the importance of trusting God's Word.

Life is a pathway from birth to death, from time to eternity. One path for life may seem appealing for many reasons, but Solomon warns that its end is ultimately death, loss, and pain. Yet, there is another way—a path open to everyone. At first, it may appear less attractive, but it leads to life. This way is a person—Jesus Christ, the altogether lovely One. Which path are we walking on?

"If there's a God, why is there evil in the world?" The Bible offers a clear and satisfying answer. James assures believers enduring persecution that God is the source of good gifts only and not the origin of evil, temptation, or sin. We explore different aspects of the problem of evil, reaffirming God's goodness is unfailing and His character remains perfect even amidst our suffering.

All beauty originates from God. In creation, He made everything beautiful. Likewise, He transforms fallen souls into new creatures. Reflecting His perfect beauty, Isaiah prophesied about this marvellous work of Christ, who would give beauty for ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning.

The Apostle James emphasizes the importance of faith through trials, showing that God will provide wisdom to withstand hardships and remain faithful. Those who persevere by fixing their eyes on eternity will receive their reward. All who love Him—because He first loved us—will be granted a crown of life.

Following the defeat of Goliath, David faced many challenges during his apprenticeship years, while Saul was still King of Israel. In all of these trials David behaved with wisdom and maturity. We consider the lessons that his pattern provides for us, in dealing with the difficulties that will inevitably arise in the Christian life.

There is both a simplicity and depth to Christ's words. With just three words, He reveals how we should pray and can come to know the truth. We explore these words, which are promises and encouragements to seek after the Giver of real life, Christ Himself.

Who defeated mighty Goliath? It was the Lord who struck him down, but did so through David. Although the victory was the Lord's, David still had to step out in fearless faith. We look at David's first and greatest battle—fighting not just Goliath, but promoting the Lord and His glory with unwavering courage. We as believers will face many "Goliaths".

After affirming that trials are a purposeful, normal part of the Christian life, James gives encouragement to persecuted believers, reminding them of God's special help. He teaches that anyone who asks for wisdom in faith, without doubting, will be granted it. What is this Divine help, what it is not, and how we can receive it in time of need.

Several times in the Gospels, we see Jesus remaining silent. The One known as The Word, who loved to speak and had much to say, chose not to respond. We reflect on the meaning of His silence and the powerful questions it invites us to consider.

The Apostle James addresses Jewish believers forced to migrate due to persecution. We explore his central message: what genuine faith in Christ truly entails, how faith will be put to the test through trials, and the fruits that such testing brings in the life of every true believer.

King David was a "man after God's own heart". One through whom the Holy Spirit chose to signpost to Christ and teach us many lessons. As we begin this series on David's life, we learn vital lessons of God's unfolding plan of salvation which will come through David's greater Son.

God has written certain truths within our hearts. We look briefly at 7 such truths, but dig into the essential fact of eternity. Solomon spoke of a knowledge of Eternity being set by God in each of our hearts. We all know death is not the end, yet many ignore this fact or chose willingly to deny it and so will never be prepared for it.

Jeremiah urges us to pause and seek the ancient, tried-and-tested paths, timeless truths of God's Word. Genuine rest for our souls will be found only when we return to God's way, listen to His voice, and walk in obedience. In a world of distractions and empty promises, we need to seek the Lord with our whole hearts, for only then can we experience true and lasting peace for our souls.

Before entering the promised land, the Israelites needed to be humbled so they would trust and rely on God. Only then could they be ready to receive His blessings. Similarly, we must learn humility and depend on Christ first, then our prayer life, will grow and flourish.

Jesus' method of calling His disciples is also a parallel of the personal invitation of the Gospel. With only a few spoken words, these ordinary men left everything to follow Him. Though it would be challenging, He would radically change their lives and send them on a mission with everlasting consequences.

Nehemiah "faced an unfinished task". He turned to prayed and urged the people to gather when they heard the trumpet's sound. They must avoid isolation and be encouraged by one another in the great work of re-building. God promised to fight for them. We too must hear the Lord's rallying call and unite in difficult days, with much opposition to face.

Isaiah addressed Israel when they faced God's judgment because of pride, misplaced trust in foolish things, and their disregard for His numerous warnings. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, salvation remained accessible—they could still be cleansed, covered, and made safe. Christ, as the Branch of the Lord, is also promised to us if only we will turn from our sins and trust in Him.

The parable of the lost sheep and their shepherd was so straightforward and easy to understand. Yet, many of Jesus' listeners failed to grasp its meaning, which caused division among them. His response was to give them a theological masterpiece: the "Golden Chain of Salvation." We consider its 5 unbreakable links.

One of the vivid Old Testament Gospel illustrations is a picture of The Potter and the clay. In the allegory, Christ is evidently the Potter, and we are the clay. It teaches us that God has the absolute sovereign power to do as He pleases, choosing to shape the clay into a vessel of honour or of dishonour.

Heaven is a topic that captivates many people. Some believe it does not exist, others see it as just an emotional state of mind or something that can be completely experienced here on earth. We turn to the Bible's vivid imagery to break through the many misconceptions and understand the wonderful mystery of what heaven will truly be like.

We live in a pleasure obsessed age but look in the wrong places for happiness. Unless the source of our delight is in our Creator God, we will be disappointed. The Christian has come to see "that only Christ can satisfy" whereas "fading is the worldling's pleasure".

Conversion to Christ is a gracious work of God, accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. Though with Jesus for three years, clear understanding and realization had not yet fully dawned on the disciples. But when the resurrected Jesus appeared to them personally, He opened their hearts. Suddenly, everything He taught them became so clear. This is conversion.

Disobedience is another subtle sin that often quietly takes root in our lives. It represents both a rejection of God's way and a rebellion against His authority. The phrase of "Disobedience to parents in the Lord" serves as a broad warning, against refusing to submit to God's appointed rulers and rejecting the accountability and responsibility He has placed over us.

Since the fall of man, a spiritual battle has been waged between humanity and our Creator. A conflict seen throughout Bible history, as many have repeatedly sought to deny, destroy, defeat, or diminish the power, authority and knowledge of God.

Dr. Luke records that people brought those with all kinds of illnesses to Jesus, and He healed them. Christ is the "Great Physician" — He can heal all our diseases, He charges nothing, and cures the soul of the most widespread and serious disease of sin for good.

Pride is the original sin and the root of all evil. However, we often let it silently enter our thoughts, words, and attitudes. Obadiah provided a clear diagnosis of this problem with the words: "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"

In closing his personal testimony of God's faithfulness throughout his life, David expresses full confidence that the Lord will continue to lead and follow him in the days ahead. God's goodness and mercy are ready to restore and heal the damage caused by sin, and the Psalmist stands assured and confident in the Lord's presence.

Hypocrisy is one of many subtle sins of the heart that Jesus Christ clearly identified as detestable - something God hates and will not accept. Instead, every genuine believer should remove hypocrisy from their lives and seek to live with integrity and sincerity.