South Side Baptist Church
Abbeville, South Carolina
Pastor Joel Bradberry
March 8, 2026
Sunday AM Service
https://www.southsideabbeville.com
Sermon Notes:
1. Theophilus
2. Gabriel and Zechariah
3. Gabriel and Mary
4. Mary and Elizabeth
5. The Magnificat
6. John is born
7. Jesus is born
8. Jesus’ dedication
9. Jesus’ childhood
10. Jesus at 12 years
11. John prepares the way
12. Jesus’ Genealogy
Providence: God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that He (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which He created them [Preservation]; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do [Concurrence]; and (3) directs them to fulfill His purposes [Government].
Preservation: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3)
Concurrence: God causes all that comes to pass—together with His creation.
“[God] accomplished all things according to the counsel of His will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
1. Creation:
For to the snow he says, “Fall on the earth, like wise to the downpour…“ (Job 37:6)
From His chamber comes the whirlwind and cold from the scattering winds. (Job 37:9)
Whether for correction of for His land or for love, He causes it to happen. (Job 37:13)
2. Animals:
Look at the birds of the air, they neither reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26)
3. Random or “chance” events:
The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33)
4. Primary and Secondary Causes:
God=primary cause
What is observed=secondary causes
5. Nations:
Daniel 4:34–35 (ESV) — 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Daniel 2:21 (ESV) — 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
6. Every part of our lives:
Isaiah 43:6–7 (NKJV) — 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
Concurrence and human choices: God causes all things to happen, but He does so in such a way that He somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices, choices that have real and eternal results, and for which we are held accountable.
Government: God has a purpose in all He does in the world and He providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) — 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
So, what?
