Matt Timmons performs some of the teaching here at Providence.  He has just posted a blog over at his site that we wanted to share here.  It gets at what makes the teaching here at Providence different from a lot of other churches in the area.  

Matt teaches Bible and theology classes at Richland Correctional and is currently working through a class on Bible interpretation.  This particular post deals with a distinctly Christian method of Bible interpretation, that is finding how Christ fulfills each text of Scripture.

We link it here because we want everyone to know that "preaching Christ and him crucified" is a priority for our church.  

The significance of October 31, 1517 cannot be underestimated.  The tremors are still being felt over 500 years later.  That is why we dedicate our latest newsletter to Martin Luther and his posting of his 95 Thesis.

Martin Luther was Born 11/10/1483 in Eisleban, Germany on St. Martin’s Day so he was named Martin.   (For a time reference he is almost 9 years old when Columbus comes to America).

After a few months they moved to Mansfield, a city with a beautiful countryside. Father Hans was the oldest son of a hardworking peasant family in Mohra in the Thuringian forest but the youngest sons inherited the property.  He worked as a smelter for the Count.  He was a hard demanding man.  Luther’s mother was a musician.  They were very superstitious, but went church every week and believed in an angry vengeful God, They were not encouraged to read the LATIN Bible.  

Luther went to church and was exposed to this harsh god.  He found it difficult to escape the watchful eye of God.  Most of the people were farmers who believed in too many holy days and were frightened to disobey the church which owned most of the property.  Luther loved the music he found in the church.

Luther started school there at age 5 when most were at least 7 in one large classroom of boys.  He was pushed by his dad.  School was 6 days a wk. year round with harsh Latin lessons.  He suffered beatings at school and at home.  

Since we are talking about Reformation Day, I thought I'd share this sweet clip from the movie Luther.  This was definitely the high point of the movie, and perhaps also of Luther's life (though there are many high points that could compete!).  

Luther here stands before the Roman Church's highest officials and the Holy Roman Emperor himself.  He is then called to recant his writings where he denounced the church's errors.  The tension is immense because, if he doesn't, Luther could be executed!

Yet no man could sway him. 

All in all, we affirm that unless we can be convinced by arguments from Scripture, "Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me!"

This Lord's Day Providence will have a number of special activities planned in honor of Reformation Day.

Reformation Day is the a day where we remember the great work that the Lord God did during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period commonly known as "The Reformation."  

During this time the Lord raised up men who sought to reform the church as many errors had crept in over the several preceding centuries.  Essentially, the Reformation was a widespread back to the Bible movement.  A few of the most distinctive reforms are contained in the 5 Sola's of the Reformation.

This Sunday we will begin with our regular Bible reading at 9:30 am.  At 9:50 we will then view a short documentary on the life of Martin Luther, one of the main men God used in the Reformation.  

Our 10:30 worship service will also have a distinctive Reformational flavor.  We will be singing a number of Reformation hymns and hear Mark Hamilton preach from the Scriptures on the doctrine of faith alone.  

We are excited to say that a new Bible study in the Mansfield area is coming together!  A number of families had expressed interest over the last few weeks, and now it is starting to come to fruition.

The plans are still in the making, but a few specifics have been nailed down.  Our initial meeting will be held at the Kennard's on Sunday November 4th at 6:30 pm.  

Matt Timmons will lead the study, probing Psalm 124 and the miraculous survival of the church.  Afterwards we will talk about how we want to continue (e.g. do we want a weekly study? every other week?  Sunday nights? Or another evening?).

Kids are welcome to join us if you wish.  Feel free to invite whomever you would like too.  We've already had a couple people inquire about bringing friends.

We are thankful that we can further disciple our families, especially all our new Mansfield brethren!

Treason is a crime punishable by death.  As it currently stands, we are all guilty of it.  The only way to escape it is to turn from your rebellion and seek the King's mercy.

So begins Mark's gospel.  The first half of the opening chapter makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the Sovereign King.  His kingship is noted in three ways.

The very first line is one evidence of Christ's royalty.  In ancient times the kings and emperors would send out announcements when a child was born to their house.  It would say that there was good news: a son of god has been born.

Mark's initial word is, "The beginning of the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  This declaration was a confession that Christ was the incarnate King.  

Mark immediately follows this with the narrative of John the Baptist and his role as one who would "prepare the way of the Lord" and "make straight his paths."  In ancient times, before a king would travel to a certain place, servants would be sent ahead to fill in potholes and fix the roads so the king's journey wouldn't be too rough.  There is even a legend that a whole mountain was leveled for one particular king.

John was the King's path maker.  His duty, of course, was that of a spiritual paving.  He called people to repentance.  It was their lives that needed to be made straight.  Their pride needed to be leveled.  Their crooked ways needed to be made straight through their repentance.

Thirdly, Christ is designated as king by virtue of His royal anointing from on high.  Jewish kings were always anointed with oil.  It was a way of saying, "God's Spirit has equipped you to reign."  Mark doesn't dwell long on it, but he notes that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after He was baptized.  Everyone standing there would have recognized this royal symbol.

The story then takes a ironic turn.  The people who were living in rebellion to the King ought to have been rounded up and executed.  But instead Jesus extends the offer of grace.  He says, "Repent and believe the gospel."  

This King essentially says, "I have good news for you.  If you turn from your rebellion and pledge allegiance to me, I will allow you to live."

Obviously, refusing this offer will mean that you give the king no other choice but to carry out your execution.  However, King Jesus does permit you this present chance to amend your ways.  

Up to this point, you have not given the king the homage he deserves.  You have not known him or acknowledged him to the degree you should have.  You have not kept his commands or walked in his ways.  

What's more, you have actively sought to usurp his throne!  You have been involved in a quiet conspiracy.  By your silent disavowal of his absolute dominion over your life, you have declared yourself king and Lord.  

The King finds this betrayal utterly unacceptable.  However, He gives you this chance.  He extends his mercy to you and allows you the opportunity to renounce the error of your ways.  He pledges to grand you full pardon if you would only turn from your present sedition.  If you seek his favor and give allegiance to His crown, then you may no more fear having to pay the price owed to you for your disloyalty.

Pastor Matt did a little outreach one campus yesterday.  He put together some sermon CD's and passed them out to random students.  

You can see the CD was designed specifically for the college crowd.  It was a sermon on God as Creator, something that probably isn't heard much in these circles.  It also had a QR code so to link the smart phone generation right to the church's website or Facebook page.

Let's pray that the Lord will use this in the lives of some of these young people.

On a monthly basis a number of couples from Providence Church get together for a night of fellowship.  The time usually begins around 5:30 as the group heads out on the town for dinner.  Afterwards they will meet at someone's home for a teaching video and time of discussion.

This month the group has chosen to watch Go, Stand, Speak:  The forgotten power of the public proclamation of the gospel.  The video will delve into the nature and necessity of sharing the gospel through  street preaching.  

The fellowship is always a great encouragement.  The discussion to ensue will most certainly be stimulating as we pick through this thought-provoking and somewhat controverted topic.

You are most welcome to join in the fun.  Our group typically meets on the second Saturday of the month.  Feel free to email us for specifics. 

Providence Church enjoyed a day of worship and fellowship at the Mohican Outdoor School this past Lord's Day.  The service, lunch, and season of camaraderie out in the woods was greatly blessed of the Lord.  Enjoy the picture recap!