We at Providence Church take every word and phrase of the Bible very seriously.  That is why were are committed to what is called "Expository Preaching." 

Expository preaching is a distinct form of preaching that is usually set over and against what is commonly called topical preaching.  In topical preaching, the minister begins by thinking of a particular topic he wants to address, such as home-life, fatherhood, salvation, or work).  After selecting his topic, he will try and find Scriptures that go along with that topic and weave them into the sermon.

In expository preaching, the text is put first, and the Scripture determines the topic.  It may be confessed first that we begin by choosing a book of the Bible to work through (currently, we are in the gospel of Luke).  The minister will begin by reading the text and seeking to understand it in its context.  He will break the text down, line by line and word by word to determine its meaning.

After scrutinizing that particular text, he will begin to construct his sermon.  The theme of the passage under scrutiny will become the topic of the sermon.  The points too will be drawn from the text.  In sum, the whole message is attempting to explain that particular passage of Scripture

The aim of this expository approach is to "let God speak."  While this can certainly be done in topical preaching, it may also be the case that the voice of God is more easily skewed.  In topical preaching the Scriptures can easily be pulled out of their context or the pastor can "hobbyhorse" on his particular topics.  It is also likely that he will not be as diverse as the Scriptures themselves are in his topical choice.

In expository preaching one can get an in-depth understanding of Scripture because you are examining each and every line, and sometimes every word!.  As you work through a book of the Bible, you become familiar with the whole counsel of God because you are sucking the marrow out of every bit of it. 

All this is, of course, for the listener's benefit.  As each passage of Scripture is opened up, we believe the Holy Spirit has more opportunity to convince, convert, and convict those who are listening. 

We've got a total of 400 gospel tracts and sermon CD's to distribute at the annual Ashland Balloonfest next week!  It isn't much in comparison to the thousands who will be in attendance for the event, but it is enough for the Lord to use mightily. 

The tracts include "Is God that Picky?" and "Are you a good person?"

Pray that the Lord will cause many to read/listen to these and turn to Christ.  Ask too, that the Lord will give wing to His Word and do far more than we can ask or imagine!

Pastor Matt has just posted a Christian classics reading list over on his website.  If you are looking for some summer reading material, or are just looking for something edifying to work through, you might want to check it out.

There has already been some interest in doing a Christian classics class for our young people and/or homeschool community.  If that's something you might be interested in this fall, let him know.

The love of God is perhaps the most prominent theme in Scripture. Likely this is so because it is only when we are assured of God's love that we will trust Him and willingly do what he commands.  

Here in Romans 5 we the Apostle Paul details for us just how great God's love really is.  As we examine these verses we can't help but be astounded by the immense bounty of it.  

As you can see from the pictures below the Providence gang enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship during our annual Pleasant Hill Lake Park camping trip.  The Lord blessed us with virtually perfect weather.  The lake temperature was surprisingly ideal too, despite the incredible amount of rain in the previous days and a couple chilly nights. 

We certainly don't want to forget to thank Anthony and Kristen too!  We appreciate the time you put in organizing the weekend and making it possible for us to have such a great time!

When my wife and children go away for the week, I live the stereotypical bachelor’s life.  As a result, the house doesn’t typically have that “woman’s touch” that makes it so warm and inviting.  

On one of these occasions a friend of mine came over to hang out.  When we entered the house I did a quick breeze through to clean up the worst of the mess.  I didn’t worry that my tidying up left much to be desired.  I knew my friend would not be concerned about the smaller things still scattered around the room.

Many people view their life with God in the same way.  We think that God will accept us as long as our lives are somewhat tidy.  We know those whose sins are flagrant and scandalous deserve to go to hell.  However, God isn’t so picky as to worry about some of the smaller sins that clutter up our lives… right?

Wrong.  The Bible makes it quite clear God hates even the smallest infraction of his law, and he will not overlook any of them.

Consider the very first sin.  Adam and Eve were given only one stipulation.  God commanded them not to eat of the fruit of one particular tree in the midst of the vast paradise spread before them.  Despite the prohibition they ate the fruit, and the consequences were disastrous.  They were expelled from God’s presence, given over to live a life of misery, and condemned to die.

All that for eating one little piece of fruit!

The Bible makes it clear that God takes sin very seriously.  That’s because God is infinitely holy.  Since he is infinitely holy, even the slightest transgression of his law is infinitely evil and deserves an infinite punishment. 

Some will object and say, “But God is a God of love!  How can he be that austere?”  It is true, God is love.  However, we must always remember that God loves his own honor first and foremost.  So whatever offends God must be dealt with in such a manner so as to defend his honor.

That obviously puts us in a dilemma.  If God really is that picky, it means we are all liable to his wrath and curse.  Even if we had only one “little” sin for which we were accountable (and, of course, we have many), O what a dreadful punishment that would be! 

The good news is that there is a remedy for our predicament.  The seriousness of sin is dealt with in the cross of Jesus Christ.  When Christ went to the cross, he died a painful and shameful death to atone for all sin, be it great or “small.”  That means he died in our place.  He took the curse that was due to us for our sin and paid the penalty in full.

Moreover, Jesus’ life was the tidy life God requires.  He never sinned once in all the days he lived.  As a result, his life can make us acceptable to God.

In essence, Jesus makes it possible for sinners of all sorts to be right with a picky God.  And if you wish to be delivered from the sins that still clutter up your life, all you have to do is this:  acknowledge that your life does not measure up to God’s perfect standard and turn to Jesus.  When you do that, the life Jesus lived will be transferred to you, and all your sin will be wiped away.  You will never need to fear standing before God because he will not count one of your sins against you.  When he looks upon you, he will only see the perfect life of Christ.

If you would like to receive Jesus as your Savior, you can use this prayer as a guide:

Dear God, I might not be a murderer or a horrendous villain in the world’s eyes, but I do know that I am a sinner.  As such I know too that I deserve to be punished.  But I am sorry for the things I’ve done.  I pray that you would forgive me.  Thank you for sending Jesus to live and die for me.  I know that only he could live the life I could not, and I want him to be my savior.

A couple of guys have recently begun meeting for the purpose of making some concerted efforts to spread the gospel. 

There are a number of plans being made, including some evangelism training classes.  One item on the agenda involves distributing some gospel literature at the Ashland Balloonfest (June 27-29).  

More information will be coming out over the next few weeks as to a specific date & time. Right now, the plans are to meet at Matt Timmons' house (located just down the street from the Balloonfest venue) to pray and get organized.  The group will then walk down and begin to hand out some gospel oriented materials that have been prepared.  

It shouldn't take long, as our materials are limited at this time.   So, after our distribution, we can have some fun together enjoying the Balloonfest activities.  

Anyone may participate in this event, and we would love to have you and your family join in the outing. Just send us an email to let us know that you want to be kept informed of the details as they develop.

The Scripture tells us to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us.  The discipline that is devoted to this line of study is called, "Apologetics."  

In this issue of our church newsletter, we will explain how to engage the unbeliever so as to rightfully vindicate the name of Christ.

We've mentioned before that we would be dusting off our old listenings and bringing them into the 21st century.  Now they've arrived!

Our first installment brings you two CD series that will help you redeem the time as you commute to and from work.  

R.C. Sproul's series Dust to Glory will walk you through the New Testament and introduce you to things like the miracles of Jesus, the expansion of the church, and the book of Revelation

We've also put Doug Wilson's Introduction to Church History on the fast track.  We at Providence Church think it is important to consider what God has done in and through His church over its history.  We've noted elsewhere that this historical heritage is one of the distinct features of our church.  


These 6 lectures will give you a helicopter's view of what has happened since the time of the apostles.  You will learn the significance of the early church councils, meet the men of the Reformation, and see how the church developed on the shores of America.  You will be sure to gain much as you look at the church's battles, growth, and challenges.  

On June 16 Providence is planning to have our Sunday morning worship service at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.  The service will start at our regular time (10:30).  We'd love to have you join us if you are visiting!

If there is rain the service will be held at our regular meeting place in Mifflin.  If there is a chance of rain, a decision will be made early that morning and email sent out.

(Directions to the Campground)

Enter the park through the main entrance.  If there is an attendant at the gate, tell them that you are with the Providence Church group.  Just after the gate, turn left to get to our site. 

If you need more information, please email us and let us know!