Providence Church

The gospels moves out in word and deed. It brings people in to fellowship and community. And it spills over in abundant joy.

In Acts 6–7, Stephen faithfully serves, boldly proclaims Jesus, and becomes the first Christian martyr. His story reveals that suffering is not evidence of God's absence but often part of following Christ. In this sermon, Brad Watson explores how opposition cannot stop the mission of God, why believers share in the life of Jesus, and how the hope of resurrection transforms even death into victory.

As the early church grew, it faced much opposition. But the greatest threat to the growing church might have been growth itself. Because growth brings challenges and complexities that can distract the church from the mission of God.

The mission of God will always meet resistance and opposition. But whatever comes our way, we can seek God, and he can give us courage to do the work he has called us to do.

Here in Acts 4 we have a confrontation between the religious leaders and the apostles. And at the root of the confrontation is the name of Jesus. His name dominates the entire episode and is what the controversy is all about. There is no other name like the name of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit forms ordinary people into a community devoted to the gospel and his people. This sermon explores how the gospel saves us not only from sin and death, but into a shared life marked by hope, belonging, and mission. Even in a world marked by church hurt and isolation, the Spirit-filled church becomes a visible witness that Jesus is making all things new.

Acts 2:1-13 is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. On the one hand, what happens in this account is unique, because the Holy Spirit only comes one time in this particular way. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit who comes in Acts 2 is the same Holy Spirit given to us. So, who is he? And what does he do?

Jesus was "taken up into heaven," but his work continues. The kingdom of God advances as the Holy Spirit empowers us to bear witness to Jesus. We are called out of complacency into a renewed life of expectancy, prayer, and boldness.

The risen Jesus transforms the disciples' fear into joy, a timeless message because we are a fearful people. Jesus' bodily resurrection speaks to our deepest questions about God, showing that God cares for us and can change our lives.

The road to Emmaus is in many ways a model of Christian experience. It’s a description of the journey of faith. We walk it again and again. And the risen Jesus draws near to us on the journey.