Providence Church of San Diego

Providence Church of San Diego

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Providence Church of San Diego episodes

  • The First Sermon

    Text: Acts 2:22-36

    I.  The life of Jesus Christ.  2:22

    A.  A man approved of God.
    B.  He conducted His ministry publicly in the midst of the people.

    II.  The death of Jesus Christ.  2:23

    A.  Divine sovereignty:  the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.  Isa. 46:9-11, Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
    B.  Human responsibility:  wicked hands have crucified and slain.
    C.  "This was bold talking, for Peter was doubtless addressing many of the very people who had put the Lord to death, and he charges them with it.  Observe how he declares that Christ's death was in accordance with 'the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,' yet he expressly says that 'by wicked hands' they had crucified and slain Him.  It never occurred to Peter that the counsel of God deprived men of the responsibility and guilt of their actions.  No neither need it ever occur to you."  Charles Spurgeon

    III.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ.  2:24-32

    A.  God raised Him up.
    B.  Loosed from the pains of death.
    C.  Not possible that death should hold Him.
    D.  Citation of Psalm 16:8-11, For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
    E.  Exposition of Psalm 16:8-11:  David spoke not of himself, but of the risen Christ.
    F.  "It was not possible that Christ should remain in the tomb because He had His Father's promise that He should not.  I have already reminded you that David, speaking by inspiration, had said, 'Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell' (hades, the abode of departed spirits), 'neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.'  That promise must be kept, so it was not possible that Christ should remain in the grave beyond the appointed period; indeed, this was part of the Father's purpose and plan, and an essential part of the great work of the redemption of His elect, that He who died should rise again; and what is in Jehovah's plan and purpose, none shall ever gainsay.  When He openeth the door, no man is able to shut it; and where He shutteth up, no man can possibly open.  Even Nebuchadnezzar, when he came to his right mind, said concerning the Most High, 'None can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?'  So, when the Father had purposed, and decreed that His Son, Jesus Christ, should not be held any longer by the bonds of death, it was not possible for Him to be detained."  Charles Spurgeon

    IV.  The ascension and enthronement of Jesus Christ in the inauguration of the New Covenant.  2:33-35

    A.  The oath (30) and the promise (33).  Ezek. 36:26, A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
    B.  Exposition of Psalm 110:  The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
    C.  "The proper counsel and intention of God in sending his Son into the world to die was, that thereby He might confirm and ratify the new covenant to His elect, and purchase for them all the good things which are contained in the tenure of that covenant, - to wit, grace and glory; that by His death He might bring many children to glory, obtaining for them that were given unto Him by His Father (that is, His whole church) reconciliation with God, remission of sins, faith, righteousness, sanctification, and life eternal."  John Owen
    D.  "Christ's sitting at the right hand of God speaks as much terror to His enemies as happiness to His people."  Matthew Henry
    E.  "Christ ascended into heaven to manifest himself there as Head of his church, through whom the Father governs all things."  Heidelberg Catechism
    F.  Question.  How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?  Answer. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and doth gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh intercession for them.  Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 54

    V.  The conclusion:  Jesus is Lord and Christ.  2:36

    A.  Ps. 72:8-11, He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.  They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.  The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.  Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
    B.  "There is nothing holier, or better, or safer, than to content ourselves with the authority and sovereignty of Christ alone."  John Calvin
    C.  "Believe in Christ crucified, and preach boldly in His name, and you shall see great and gladsome things.  Do not doubt the ultimate triumph of Christianity.  Do not let a mistrust flit across your soul.  The cross must conquer; it must blossom with a crown, a crown commensurate with the person of the Crucified, and the bitterness of His agony.  His reward shall parallel His sorrows.  Trust in God, and lift your banner high, and now with psalms and songs advance to battle, for the Lord of hosts is with us, the Son of the Highest leads our van.  Let no man's heart fail him!  Christ hath died!  Atonement is complete!  God is satisfied!  Peace is proclaimed.  Advance, ye saints, to certain victory!  You shall overcome through the blood of the Lamb."  Charles Spurgeon

    "Let me beg the reader not to overlook the mercy and love of God the Holy Ghost, in another sweet part of Peter's sermon, namely, the explanation of the sixteenth Psalm, in direct reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.  There can be no doubt from the manner in which Peter spake upon it, in begging permission to speak freely of the Patriarch David, but that the Jews of those days, considered that Psalm as written by David, in allusion to himself.  What a blessed scripture, therefore, it is, to have it thus explained with an eye to Christ, and from such authority.  And may we not observe that from the illustration of this Psalm, we derive information upon many other occasions of a similar nature, to make application to Christ?  Reader! do not forget to notice Peter's appeal from the whole, to the hearts and minds of his hearers.  How affectionate, yet how faithful the Apostle is.  Let them know, (saith he,) even the whole house of Israel, what the result of this wonderful event is.  To Jesus shall every knee bow.  He whom ye crucified, is now the Almighty and everlasting Lord of heaven and of earth!  Reader! behold the bold, the undaunted Apostle!  Oh! what did grace accomplish in him!  And why not in you, or me? Lord! the Spirit! do thou in thy rich mercy make thy servants faithful!  Speak, Lord, in them and by them, and let all whom thou hast sent, do the work of Evangelists, and make full proof of their ministry!"  Robert Hawker

    "Learn to know Christ and him crucified.  Learn to sing to Him, and say, 'Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin.  You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours.  You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not.'"  Martin Luther

    "Jesus is Lord, that is to say, wonderful as it is, He is exalted to supreme dignity.  It is the teaching of the New Testament, that Jesus, the God-man, sits on the throne of the universe and rules over all things.  We have Jesus for the Lord over all.  Trust His dominion and rejoice in His rule, and bow before His authority.  Jesus is Lord."  Alexander Maclaren

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  • Pentecost: What Does This Mean?

    Text: Acts 2:1-21

    Main Idea: The promised New Covenant was inaugurated on the day of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit filled the believers, empowering them to continue the mission of Jesus of redeeming people from every nation, tribe, and language.

    Pentecost reveals the turning point in God's story of redemption as the epoch-changing inauguration of God's New Covenant. (vs. 1-4)

    Exodus 34:22; Deut. 16:9-1; Num 28:26-31; Genesis 1:1-2; John 3:3-8; Ezekiel 36:26-28

    Pentecost highlights the Spirit-empowered, global, gospel-proclaiming mission of God's people. (vs. 5-13)

    Pentecost means that God keeps His promises. (vs. 14-21)

    Ezekiel 37:1-14

    Discussion Questions: What signs at Pentecost most resonate with you? Explain why. What was significant about the believers at Pentecost speaking in "other tongues?" In what specific ways are you seeking to make disciples of all nations? Have you considered being involved in cross-cultural missions? What is unique about the day of Pentecost? What are the ongoing effects of the day of Pentecost? In what ways have people disappointed you? How are the promises of God encouraging to you?

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  • Preparation for Pentecost

    Text: Acts 1:12-26

    Main Idea: The church continued the mission of Jesus by actively preparing for Pentecost.

    Preparation by devotion to Pray. (vs. 12-14)

    Preparation by confidence in Scripture. (vs. 15-22)
    Preparation by putting forth personnel. (vs. 23-26)

    Discussion Questions: When is it appropriate to apply biblical narrative to the church today? What three qualities were part of the church's earliest prayer meetings? Discuss whether or not we should pursue imitating these qualities in prayer today. What are some practical adjustments you can make to prioritize private & corporate prayer? Where did Peter get the idea that Psalms 69 and 109 had to be fulfilled? Why was it necessary for someone to take Judas' place? Discuss why there is no "apostolic succession" today. Why is it so important for the church to be governed by Scripture? What are some ways you could be more prepared in your witness? How can we encourage one another to be a more active witness to friends, family, and co-workers?

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  • The Mission of Jesus Continues

    Text: Acts 1:1-5

    Main Idea: The mission of Jesus continues through His Spirit empowered witnesses.

    The center of the story of Acts is Jesus Christ. (vs. 1)

    The mission of Jesus continues through His chosen witnesses, the Apostles. (vs. 2-3)
    The Apostles were empowered by the promised Holy Spirit. (vs. 4-5)

    Ephesians 2:10

    Discussion Questions: Why is it important to understand the genre of a book of the Bible? What are some ways people react to the idea of studying history? How should we study Acts? What are some of Luke's purposes for writing Acts? Why do you think so many sermons appear in Acts? What is the primary mission of the church? How does the ministry of Jesus continue in the church today? What are some things (good or bad) that distract the church from its primary mission? Discuss the importance of the empowering of the Holy Spirit for the mission. How can we encourage one another to stay focused on the mission of Jesus?

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  • God is Gracious!

    Text: Ephesians 2:1-10

    Main Idea: God is gracious, so we do not have to prove ourselves.

    Genesis 3:7-13

    The Truth about God: God is gracious! (Ephesians 2:1-9)

    Ephesians 1:3-8

    The Implication for us: We don't have to prove ourselves.

    1 John 1:9

    1 Corinthians 6:9-11

    The Response to the truth: faith and repentance.

    Ephesians 2:10

    Discussion Questions: What does it mean that we are saved by grace through faith? Are there any recent evidences of a lack of faith in God's grace in your life? In what ways do you work to be "vindicated" or shown to be "right?" How have you struggled to believe that God is gracious? At the heart level, do you truly see God as gracious, or do you try to prove yourself to God, others, or yourself? How can you take one step from unbelief to belief today? What does it look like for you to repent and believe the truth that God is gracious? With whom could you talk about these struggles?

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  • God is Good!

    Text: Psalm 34:8

    Main Idea: God is good, so we do not have to look elsewhere.

    The Truth about God: God is good! (Psalm 34:8)

    Psalm 100:5

    Psalm 106:1
    Luke18:19

    The Implication for us: We don't have to look elsewhere.

    Genesis 3:1-7

    The Response to the truth: faith and repentance.

    Psalm 42:1; Psalm 63:1; Jeremiah 2:13; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 4:13-14; John 6:32-33

    Discussion Questions: Consider the goodness of God in light of the greatness and glory of God. Have you thought too little of His goodness? In what ways have you tasted and seen the goodness of the LORD? In what ways have you struggled to believe that God is good? At the heart level, do you truly see God as good? Where else have you looked for satisfaction, joy, rest, etc.? How can you take one step from unbelief to belief today? What does it look like for you to repent and believe the truth that God is good? With whom could you talk about these struggles?

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  • God is Glorious!

    Text: Psalm 29

    Main Idea: God is glorious, so we do not have to fear others.

    The Truth about God: God is glorious! (vs. 1-9)

    Exodus 19:16-25

    Exodus 20:18-21
    Proverbs 9:10

    The Implication for us: We don't have to fear others. (vs. 10-11)

    Proverbs 29:25

    Fear of man is displayed in two ways:

    We live for the approval of others.

    We live to avoid the disapproval of others.

    Exodus 33:18-23

    Exodus 34:5-7

    The Response to the truth: faith and repentance.

    Matthew 17:1-5; John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20; Romans 8:16-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; John 5:44; John 12:42-43; Psalm 27:1

    Discussion Questions: Does God's voice carry the most weight in your life? Do you struggle with craving the approval of people or fearing rejection by people? Why? At the heart level, do you truly see God as all glorious? The fear of man can produce: discontentment, unhealthy dependence, cynicism, and bitterness. Do you see fruit like this in your life? How can you take one step from unbelief to belief today? What does it look like for you to repent and believe the truth? With whom could you talk about these struggles?

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  • God is Great!

    Text: Psalm 145:1-3

    Introductory Scriptures:

    Romans 10:9-10

    Proverbs 4:23
    Matthew 12:34
    Matthew 15:17-20
    Romans 1:25
    Psalm 51:4
    John 8:31-32

    Main Idea: God is great, so we do not have to be in control.

    The Truth about God: God is great!

    Psalm 145:1-3

    Deuteronomy 6:10-12
    Psalm 77:11-15
    Luke 22:41-42

    The Implication for us: We don't have to be in control.

    The Response to the truth: faith and repentance.

    Mark 1:15

    Isaiah 40:12-31

    Discussion Questions: What areas of life do you try to control? Why do you try to control them? At the heart level, what is true about God's nature/character that you are not believing? What fruit is believing this lie producing in your life? How can you take a step from unbelief to belief today? What does it look like for you to repent and believe the truth? With whom could you talk about these struggles?

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  • The Glorious Resurrection of Christ

    Text: 1 Corinthians 15:14-20

    Main Idea: Because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, He is to be believed and embraced.

    The glorious resurrection of Christ is essential for justification.

    The glorious resurrection of Christ is the pinnacle of the gospel.

    1 Corinthians 15:1-7; John 20:1-10

    The glorious resurrection of Christ changes everything!

    John 20:1, 11-18; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

    The resurrection of Jesus Christ can change your most significant relationships.

    Relationship to God.

    Relationship to Jesus.
    Relationship to people.

    John 14:19: Because I live, you also will live

    Discussion Questions: How is the empty tomb such powerful evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Why do many people dismiss the resurrection? How do even Christians "dismiss" the resurrection in their daily life? Since the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything, what do you need changed in your life that His power can accomplish?

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About Providence Church of San Diego

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It's all about Jesus! Providence exists to glorify God by making disciples of all nations.