Providence Church Sermon Podcast

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

The Passage - 1 Peter 4:1-11Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

This passage points us to the heart of the gospel: Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. Though He was put to death in the flesh, He was made alive in the Spirit and now reigns in victory. Peter connects Christ's saving work to the story of Noah, showing how God delivers His people through judgment by His grace. Baptism, then, is not a mere outward act, but a response of faith—an appeal to God for a clean conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who now rules over all powers and authorities.

This passage reminds believers that while doing good rarely brings harm, suffering for righteousness may still come—and when it does, it is a blessing. Rather than responding with fear or anxiety, we are called to honor Christ as Lord in our hearts. We should always be ready to explain the hope we have in Him, doing so with gentleness and respect. By maintaining a clear conscience and Christlike conduct, even false accusations ultimately expose the emptiness of those who oppose the gospel.

Suffering for Righteousness' SakeThe Passage – 1 Peter 3:8-128 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:1-7 calls husbands and wives to reflect the gospel through humility, honor, and faithfulness in marriage. Wives are encouraged to display Christlike character through respectful and pure conduct, trusting God to work through a gentle and steadfast faith. True beauty, Scripture reminds us, is not found in outward appearance but in a heart shaped by hope in God. Husbands are likewise called to live with understanding and honor toward their wives, recognizing them as equal heirs of God's grace. Together, marriage becomes a powerful witness to God's design and purposes.

This passage calls believers to live as sojourners and exiles, resisting sinful desires and pursuing honorable lives that point others to God. We are instructed to submit to earthly authorities and live in such a way that our good deeds silence false accusations and bring glory to God. Even in unjust suffering, we are reminded that doing good with endurance is pleasing to the Lord. Christ Himself is our example, as He suffered without sin, entrusted Himself to God, and bore our sins on the cross. Through His wounds we are healed, and as once-wandering sheep, we have now returned to Jesus, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

We see that our whole salvation and all its parts are found in Christ [Acts 4:12]. We should therefore take care not to derive it from anywhere else. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is “of him” [1 Cor 1:30]. If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, in his anointing. If we seek strength, in his power; if purity, in his conception; if gentleness, in his birth. If we seek redemption, it lies in his suffering and death; if acquittal, in his condemnation; if remission of the curse, in his cross [Gal 3:13]; if satisfaction, in his sacrifice; if purification, in his blood; if reconciliation, in his death; if killing of sin, in his tomb; if newness of life and immortality, in his resurrection; if inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom, in his entrance into heaven; if protection, if security, if abundant supply of all blessings, in his Kingdom; if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given to him to judge. In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other. (John Calvin, Institutes, 2.16.19)

As we step into a new year, this passage reminds us to walk with both clarity and confidence. Scripture calls us to recognize the enemy by testing what we hear and holding fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. At the same time, we are invited to rejoice in the victory we already have, knowing that the One who lives in us is greater than anything in the world. From that place of assurance, we are sent to remain on mission, listening to God's truth and living faithfully as His people in the year ahead.

This passage proclaims the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, who has given Him the name above every name. Because of His obedience and work of salvation, all creation—heavenly, earthly, and under the earth—will one day bow before Him. Every tongue will openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, acknowledging His absolute authority and kingship. This universal confession ultimately brings glory to God the Father, revealing that Christ's exaltation fulfills God's redemptive plan.

Philippians 2:7 highlights the humanity of Christ in His incarnation. Though fully God, Jesus “emptied Himself” by taking on the form of a servant and becoming truly human. He did not cling to His divine privileges but willingly entered our world, embracing all the limitations, frailties, and experiences of humanity. In doing so, He identified fully with us so that He might redeem us. This verse reminds us that the eternal Son of God drew near by becoming one of us—love made low for our salvation.

Philippians 2:1–11 powerfully affirms the deity of Christ. Though Jesus existed in the very form of God, He did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but willingly humbled Himself by taking on human flesh. He became a servant, obedient even to the point of death on a cross. Because of this, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, declaring that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This passage reveals that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or example—He is God Himself, worthy of all worship and glory.

In this passage, Peter reminds believers that they are being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone—chosen by God but rejected by men. As living stones, Christians are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus. Though some reject Christ and stumble, those who believe in Him are honored and will never be put to shame. Peter emphasizes that believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the goodness of God who brought them from darkness into light. Once far from God, they are now His people, recipients of His mercy.

Peter calls believers to love one another earnestly and sincerely, because they have been born again through the imperishable Word of God. While human life is fleeting like grass, God's Word stands forever—and it is this enduring Word that brings new life. Therefore, believers are urged to put away sin like malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Instead, they are to crave the pure spiritual nourishment of God's truth, growing in their salvation. Those who have truly experienced the goodness of the Lord will long for more of Him.

This passage is a powerful call to live a holy life in response to the grace we've received through Christ. Peter urges believers to prepare their minds, remain sober-minded, and set their hope fully on the future grace to be revealed at Jesus' return. As God is holy, we are to reflect His holiness in all areas of our lives, leaving behind the sinful desires of our past. We are reminded that we were ransomed not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was chosen before the foundation of the world. Because of His resurrection and glory, our faith and hope are securely anchored in God.

In John 11, Jesus receives word that His close friend Lazarus is gravely ill, yet He delays going to him, saying the illness is for God's glory. When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Despite the grief of Martha and Mary, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” affirming that those who believe in Him will never truly die. Moved by compassion, Jesus weeps at Lazarus's tomb and then raises him from the dead, demonstrating His divine power. Many who witnessed this miracle believe in Him, but others report it to the Pharisees, prompting the religious leaders to plot His death. Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesies that Jesus would die not just for the nation, but to gather God's scattered children into one people.

Psalm 67 is a joyful call for God's blessing—not only for His people, but so that His glory and saving power would be known throughout the earth. The psalmist prays that God would be gracious, bless His people, and make His face shine upon them. This blessing has a purpose: that all nations might come to know, worship, and rejoice in the one true God. It celebrates God's justice, guidance, and generosity, as even the harvest is seen as a sign of His provision. Ultimately, the psalm looks forward to a day when all the peoples of the earth revere and praise Him together.

The prophets of old diligently searched and inquired about the salvation and grace that would come through Christ. They were guided by the Spirit of Christ as they spoke of His sufferings and the glory that would follow. It was revealed to them that their messages were not ultimately for themselves but for future generations—specifically for us. This good news has now been proclaimed by those empowered by the Holy Spirit, and it is so profound that even angels long to understand it.

Peter praises God for His great mercy in giving believers new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope points to an eternal inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and kept in heaven. Even amid trials, believers can rejoice because their faith—though tested—is proven genuine and will result in praise and glory when Christ is revealed. Though they haven't seen Him, they love and believe in Him, experiencing a deep, inexpressible joy. Ultimately, their faith leads to the salvation of their souls.

In the opening of his letter, Peter addresses believers as “elect exiles”—those chosen by God yet living as outsiders in the world. He reminds them that their identity is rooted in the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Though scattered across different regions, they are unified by a shared calling to live in obedience and hope. Peter's greeting of multiplied grace and peace sets the tone for a letter filled with encouragement for those navigating life as faithful followers of Christ in a broken world.

Psalm 19 celebrates both God's creation and His Word. The psalm opens by declaring how the heavens continually proclaim God's glory and handiwork without words, yet are universally understood. It then shifts to highlight the perfection of God's law, describing it as pure, true, and more desirable than gold or honey, capable of reviving the soul and bringing wisdom, joy, and clarity. The psalmist acknowledges human weakness, asking God for forgiveness of hidden faults and protection from willful sin. It ends with a heartfelt prayer that both speech and thought would be pleasing to the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer.

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham responds with remarkable obedience and trust, believing that God would somehow provide. At the moment of sacrifice, God intervenes and provides a ram in Isaac's place. Abraham names the place “The Lord will provide,” declaring his faith in God's provision. This powerful story reminds us that true sacrifice flows from deep trust in the Lord—and that God blesses those who hold nothing back from Him.This is a significant moment in the life of our church. As we gather, we come with hearts prepared to commit generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially to the vision God has placed before us. But we are not only committing our resources, but our very lives for the sake of Christ. Together, we step forward in faith, trusting God to use our generosity to impact generations to come.You can find the Antioch Initiative Commitment Form here: https://providencefrisco.churchcenter.com/people/forms/980016

In this special message from Providence Church, Afshin Ziafat returns to 2 Corinthians 9 to challenge and encourage our church family toward cheerful, sacrificial giving as we approach Commitment Sunday on September 21.Afshin reminds us that our generosity flows not from guilt or pressure, but from a clear view of God's abundant grace and provision. God doesn't just call us to give—He calls us to give joyfully, trusting in His sufficiency. Through this initiative, we have the opportunity to invest in reaching the next generation, expanding gospel impact, and leaving a legacy of faith.

"Today was supposed to be week 5 of 6 for our series called The Antioch Initiative - an exciting season that we are in as a church - casting vision for our future and where we are headed for the next chapter of the life of our church. But with the tragic week we walked through, we need to shift gears today. We need to spend today lamenting, grieving, and turning to the truth of God's word to guide us."

In 2 Corinthians 8:1–7, Paul highlights the remarkable generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave joyfully and sacrificially even in the midst of great affliction and poverty. Their giving flowed not from abundance, but from an overflow of grace and a deep desire to participate in the work of the gospel. They first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to others—an example of wholehearted, Spirit-led generosity. Paul urges the Corinthian church to excel in this same grace of giving, reminding them that generosity is a reflection of sincere faith and love. As we walk through the Antioch Initiative, this passage challenges us to become generous givers—trusting God, offering ourselves fully, and joyfully investing in His kingdom work.

In Acts 13:1–4, we see the church in Antioch listening to the Holy Spirit, setting apart Paul and Barnabas, and sending them out to proclaim the gospel—marking the beginning of the first missionary journey. This moment reflects a church that doesn't just gather, but goes, fueled by a vision to see the name of Jesus made known among the nations. In Acts 14:24–28, Paul and Barnabas return and report all that God had done through them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. The sending church became the celebrating church—rejoicing in how God advanced His kingdom through their obedience. This is the heart of the Antioch Initiative: to be a church that listens, sends, and celebrates as God works through us to reach the world.

This passage offers a compelling vision of gospel-centered community through the church in Antioch. This diverse, Spirit-led gathering grew out of persecution and became a hub for mission and generosity. As believers preached the gospel to both Jews and Greeks, the hand of the Lord was with them, and many turned to Christ. Barnabas and Saul discipled this growing community, strengthening their faith and deepening their unity. It was here that the disciples were first called Christians—evidence of a new identity shaped by the gospel. The Antioch church responded to need with sacrificial generosity, showing that true kingdom community is rooted in worship, formed by discipleship, and expressed through mission. This is the kind of church we long to become through The Antioch Initiative—a sending church, a growing church, and a gospel-shaped community for generations to come.

This passage paints a powerful picture of the gospel's expansion through the early church and provides the foundation for our vision in The Antioch Initiative. In the face of persecution, believers carried the good news beyond Jerusalem, and in Antioch, the gospel reached across cultural lines to the Gentiles. God's hand was clearly at work as many believed and turned to the Lord. The church in Antioch became a hub of gospel teaching, discipleship, and generosity—where believers were first called Christians. This moment marked the beginning of a gospel movement that would impact the world, and it mirrors our desire at Providence: to be a sending church rooted in the gospel, reaching our city and the nations for Christ.

God's glory fills the earth and declares His unmatched worth and majesty. As Isaiah 6:3 and Habakkuk 2:14 proclaim, all creation resounds with His holiness, and the knowledge of His glory will one day cover the earth like the waters cover the sea. The heavens declare His beauty (Psalm 19:1), and all that is lovely and good flows from Him. He is infinitely blessed—perfect in joy, fullness, and delight within Himself, as seen in His radiant self-revelation in Christ (2 Cor. 4:6) and in the eternal worship He receives (Psalm 72:19, Rev. 4:11). God's glory, beauty, and blessedness are not just theological truths—they are the heart of our worship and the hope of our souls.

In this passage, Paul explains that righteousness from God has been made available apart from the law, though the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement, demonstrating His justice by punishing sin while also showing His mercy by justifying those who have faith in Jesus. In doing so, God proves Himself to be both just and the justifier of sinners.

Titus 3:1–8 reminds believers to live lives marked by humility, gentleness, and readiness for good works, showing kindness to all. Paul urges us to remember that we, too, were once lost in sin—foolish, disobedient, and driven by selfish desires. But God, in His mercy, saved us—not because of our righteous deeds, but through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit made possible by Jesus Christ. We have been justified by grace and made heirs of eternal life. As recipients of this grace, we are called to devote ourselves to doing good, as it brings benefit and blessing to others.

Romans 15:13 is a prayer for believers to be filled with joy and peace as they trust in God. It reminds us that true hope comes from God, not our circumstances. As we believe in Him, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overflow with hope. This verse highlights the unshakable confidence we can have in God's promises through faith.

Isaiah 6:1–8 gives us a powerful glimpse into the holiness of God. Isaiah sees the Lord exalted on His throne, surrounded by seraphim who cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts,” declaring God's complete and perfect holiness. The overwhelming presence of God exposes Isaiah's own sinfulness, leading him to confess his unworthiness. Yet, in God's mercy, Isaiah's guilt is removed and his sin atoned for through a coal from the altar. In response to God's cleansing and call, Isaiah offers himself willingly, saying, “Here I am! Send me.” This passage reveals that God's holiness both humbles us and transforms us for His purposes.

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1  O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5  You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”

Jeremiah 23 reminds us that God is not a distant deity—He is near to us and fills all of heaven and earth. There is nowhere we can hide from His presence. Isaiah 46 declares that God alone is truly God, unmatched in power and wisdom. He knows the end from the beginning and brings His perfect purposes to pass. These passages together remind us that God is both all-present and all-powerful—always near, always in control, and always faithful.

DefinitionGod does not change in his nature, life, character, purposes, promises, or will. God does not change in himself, yet he does work in the lives of his creation and creatures. God cannot suffer change, and nothing or no one outside of him acts upon him in such a way that he becomes better or worse, greater or lesser. As Bavinck says, “Though everything around us changes, God is and remains the same.” While God brings about change in His creation, and while He acts differently in different situations, He experiences no change in Himself. He is what He is all the way down, always and forever. Application-Remember how different God is from you.-Refuse to trust in changeable things.-Rely on God and his promises.

Isaiah 40 paints a powerful picture of God's unmatched greatness and wisdom. He is the Creator who holds the waters, measures the heavens, and brings rulers to nothing—no one can compare to Him or offer Him counsel. All human power and nations are insignificant before Him, yet people still turn to idols made by human hands. God reminds His people that He sees and knows all, and He never grows tired or weary. Those who trust in the Lord will find renewed strength, rising like eagles and enduring without exhaustion.

This Week's Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1-23When a large army from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir threatened Judah, King Jehoshaphat responded with fear but turned to God in prayer and called for a national fast. He gathered the people to seek the Lord and prayed, acknowledging God's power and past faithfulness, and confessed their helplessness in the face of the enemy. God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, declaring that the battle belonged to Him and that the people of Judah would not need to fight. The next day, Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to trust God, and appointed singers to lead in praise as they marched. As they worshiped, God caused confusion among the enemy forces, leading them to destroy each other completely.

Jesus led His disciples to Bethany, where He blessed them and was taken up into heaven. The disciples responded with worship and great joy, returning to Jerusalem and continually praising God in the temple. In the book of Acts, we learn that Jesus spent forty days after His resurrection teaching about the kingdom of God and instructing the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. Just before His ascension, He assured them they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. As He was lifted into heaven, two angels appeared and promised that Jesus would one day return in the same way.

The risen Jesus appears to His disciples, offering peace and reassuring them that He is truly alive, not a spirit, by showing His wounds and eating with them. He reminds them that everything written about Him in the Scriptures has been fulfilled. Jesus then opens their minds to understand God's plan: that the Messiah would suffer, rise, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name. He commissions them as witnesses and promises to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the mission ahead.

This Week's Text: Joshua 4:19-24In Joshua 4, after the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructed Joshua to have one man from each tribe take a stone from the riverbed as a memorial. These twelve stones were set up at Gilgal as a lasting reminder of God's power and faithfulness. The purpose was to prompt future generations to ask about the stones so the story of God stopping the Jordan's waters could be retold. This moment not only affirmed Joshua's leadership but also served to glorify God among Israel and the nations.