Providence Baptist Chapel

Among all the announcements about the birth of Christ, the words by the Angel to the Shepherds is particularly significant. Heaven revealed the purpose and mission of this child: He is to be Saviour, Christ, and Lord to all who seek Him. He must be all three or none at all. We delve into the significance of each of these essential titles and what they mean for us individually.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Christ's appearance in Bethlehem is how the Word of God meticulously records the key elements of His birth, life, death, and Kingdom. As we examine 12 astonishingly detailed prophecies, we must conclude that we have no excuse for rejecting Christ, who was born of a virgin to fulfil all the Scriptures had foretold about Him.

Can we trust the Gospel accounts that describe the birth of Christ and affirm that Jesus came into the world to save sinners? Dr. Luke's aim was to provide us with confidence in the accuracy of his narrative. The Apostle John sought to declare the truths that he had personally heard and seen. Additionally, recently translated papyri support the historical reliability of the Bible's accounts. There is no reason to doubt the Divine record, including the wonderful details of the incarnation.

"Only the Blood of Jesus". God's Word teaches us the exclusive and indispensable nature of Christ's sacrifice for salvation. Only through His blood, can we obtain atonement, redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life, establishing a new relationship with God based on grace and faith. This truth forms the foundation of Christian belief and worship, highlighting both the cost of salvation and the depth of God's love for humanity.

The human tongue has a power for both good and harm. James considers the negative aspect of using the tongue for cursing, but also suggests several positive uses for the tongue. We consider how the tongue has been given to us by God, primarily to bless God. We look at the best uses of the tongue.

David's long wait to become king is nearing its end. Once more, he approaches Saul as he sleeps but chooses not to harm the Lord's anointed. Despite demonstrating real courage and faith, David quickly falls into sin and despair, seeking refuge with the Philistine king, Achish, and even considering fighting against Israel alongside him. We learn here important lessons on maintaining steady faith.

Words hold immense power; they can either uplift or destroy. The letter of James emphasizes a significant challenge to believers: our speech and all forms of communication should reflect God-given self-control and embody the life of God within us. Alternatively, they may reveal that the nature of our hearts remains unchanged.

Seven titles of Chrst drawn from the opening verses of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Five essential qualities of God seen in the closing benediction of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Few realise the terrible bondage that the guilt of sin brings upon us. Yet Christ is determined to save His people from the chains of guilt despite all the opposition of the world, the flesh and the devil, and provide the believer with true spiritual freedom.

Although the gospel of salvation is expressed so clearly and simply in the Bible, yet here in this passage Paul reveals the deep things of God. His glorious plans and purposes before this world began which make salvation in Christ sure, and guarantees that each believer will enjoy the glory and happiness of heaven for all eternity.

Isaac Watts famous hymn encourages us to "Survey The Wondrous Cross". This turning point in history is the place where every sinner must come. We must bring our sins and look to the only One who can atone for them. We consider what was happening and the eternal significance of Christ's death and the momentous events of Calvary.

James illustrates how faith and the evidence of a new life go hand in hand. He turns his readers to the faith of Abraham and Rahab. True faith is never alone. It is always attested by the evidence of works, done by a heart which has been changed by God. Abraham became the Friend of God, because he believed God's promise.

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.