Providence ARP Church

The sermon presents a theologically grounded call for Christian submission to civil authority as ordained by God, emphasizing that rulers are God's ministers to uphold justice and protect the good, not to be feared for their power but honored for their divine appointment. It argues that true societal stability and freedom depend not on coercion or revolution, but on a moral and religious foundation rooted in biblical principles, warning that atheistic or totalitarian systems inevitably collapse into fear-based oppression due to their inability to transform hearts. Drawing from history, the sermon contrasts the destructive outcomes of revolutions—such as those in France and Russia—with the transformative power of the gospel, exemplified by the 1904 Welsh revival, which brought about profound moral renewal through spiritual awakening rather than force. It challenges believers to be faithful citizens who obey laws and pay taxes, yet remain uncompromising in their allegiance to Christ, refusing to endorse evil—even under pressure—while affirming that genuine religious freedom includes the public practice and proclamation of faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for bold evangelism and prayer, asserting that lasting change comes not from political power or violence, but from the Holy Spirit working through the preached gospel.

In Luke 14:1–6, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of religious leaders by healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, exposing how human traditions had corrupted the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day of mercy, necessity, and delight in God. The passage reveals that Jesus' willingness to engage with His enemies—those who sought to trap Him—demonstrates His mission to save sinners, including the self-righteous, because salvation comes not from moral superiority but from recognizing one's need for grace. The sermon emphasizes that the Sabbath was never meant to be a burden of legalistic restrictions but a sacred time for worship, good works, and compassion, with Christ Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath who consistently prioritized mercy over ritual. It warns against substituting human traditions for divine commandments, urging believers to reject cultural and religious practices that elevate man-made rules over Scripture, and to embrace the gospel with humility, even when it requires stepping outside comfort zones to reach the lost. Ultimately, the passage calls the church to live out the Sabbath's true meaning: a joyful, active commitment to God and neighbor, reflecting Christ's redemptive work in the world.

The study presents a comprehensive theological exploration of Paul's epistles to the Galatians and Romans, centering on the doctrine of justification by faith alone and the freedom found in Christ. It emphasizes that Christian liberty is not license but a liberation from the bondage of legalism, particularly the Judaizers' insistence on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law, which Paul rejects as contrary to the gospel. The sermon highlights the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, underscoring that true Christian identity is marked by love, humility, and spiritual transformation rather than external rules. In Romans, it unfolds the universal sinfulness of humanity—both Gentiles and Jews—before establishing that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ alone, apart from the deeds of the law, grounded in God's grace and the atoning work of Jesus. The message culminates in a call to live in the Spirit, bear one another's burdens, and prioritize love within the household of faith, while remaining vigilant against false teachings that distort the gospel.

Paul's exposition of Romans 13:1–8 presents a theologically grounded call for Christian submission to civil authority as a divine institution ordained for the common good, not merely out of fear of punishment but as an act of conscience and obedience to Christ. Rooted in the principle that all authority originates from God, the passage affirms the magistrate's role as God's minister to uphold justice, deter evil, and protect the vulnerable, even when rulers are corrupt or tyrannical, as exemplified by Nero. Christians are called to render due obedience, pay taxes, and honor civil leaders not because of their moral perfection, but because their authority is divinely delegated and essential for societal order and peace. The sermon underscores that while civil magistrates are fallible and their power must never override God's moral law—especially when they command disobedience to God—Christians are to obey them as representatives of Christ's authority, even in suffering, while looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of justice in Christ's eternal kingdom.

In a powerful exposition of Luke 13:31–33, the sermon reveals how Jesus confronts both the deceptive warning from His enemies and the fear of human authority with unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan. Though the Pharisees and Herod conspire to manipulate Jesus into fleeing, He sees through their malice and declares that His mission—casting out demons, healing, and fulfilling His divine purpose—will continue until He reaches Jerusalem, where He must die as the appointed Prophet. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' death was not a defeat but a deliberate, redemptive act, fulfilling God's eternal design, and that all human evil, including the crucifixion, is ultimately overruled for the good of God's people. Drawing from Romans 8, it affirms that nothing—neither persecution, death, nor any created thing—can separate believers from God's love, calling Christians to live with confident hope, knowing that God is sovereignly working all things for the advancement of His kingdom and the eternal good of His people.

The sermon presents a compelling vision of theological education in East Africa through the work of Trinity Bible Institute (TBI) in Uganda, emphasizing that the greatest need in the region is not merely material aid but sound doctrine to combat widespread theological confusion and false teachings. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain landscapes and vibrant African culture, the speaker highlights how TBI trains pastors from diverse nations—including refugees from war-torn regions—equipping them with biblical fidelity, sound exegesis, and practical skills to resist the influx of prosperity gospel, syncretism, and Islamic expansion. The central message is that the future of global Christianity lies in Africa, and preserving the historic Christian faith through rigorous theological training is a first-thing imperative, ensuring that the gospel remains uncorrupted and capable of sustaining a growing, biblically grounded church. The speaker calls the church to recognize this 'theological famine' as a critical mission field, where supporting institutions like TBI multiplies impact far beyond immediate needs, shaping the next generation of faithful leaders who will carry the truth across continents.

This sermon, drawn from Psalm 43, unfolds a profound journey from lament to joyful worship, centered on the believer's need for divine justice, restoration, and praise. The psalmist, David, cries out to God as judge, pleading for vindication against ungodly, deceitful, and unjust enemies, grounding his plea in God's character as the source of strength and righteousness. He then turns to God as the ultimate guide, asking for divine light and truth to lead him back to God's presence—symbolized by the holy hill and tabernacle—where true joy is found. This longing for restoration culminates in worship, where David declares God his 'exceeding joy,' affirming that true satisfaction is found only in the Lord, not in worldly pursuits. The sermon then reveals how Jesus Christ fulfills these roles: as the righteous judge who imputes His righteousness, the advocate who intercedes and satisfies God's wrath, and the Savior who delivers from sin, death, and the enemy. Ultimately, the psalm points to the gospel, where hope in God is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in Christ's finished work, leading to eternal joy in His presence.

The sermon, drawn from the epistle to Titus, centers on the transformative power of grace and the necessity of good works as a natural outflow of genuine faith. It emphasizes that Christian living is not driven by self-effort or moral performance, but by a deep reflection on one's former state of rebellion and spiritual deadness, contrasted with the boundless mercy and love of God revealed in Christ. The preacher underscores that good works—marked by submission to authority, gentleness, and courteous conduct toward all—are not a means to earn salvation, but a trustworthy evidence of it, rooted in the believer's identity as a redeemed child of God. Motivated by the reality of God's grace, which was poured out through Christ, believers are called to live as Christ-like witnesses in a hostile world, embodying His love even to those who oppose them. The ultimate purpose of such works is not human approval, but the glorification of God and the demonstration of His transforming grace to a watching world, urging believers not to grow weary in doing good, for God has already prepared these works in advance.

The sermon emphasizes the urgent need to heed the gospel message with diligent attention, warning against spiritual apathy and the subtle danger of drifting away from Christ, who is the ultimate anchor of the soul. Drawing from Hebrews 2:1–4, it underscores that while the law given through angels was immutable and enforced with justice, the salvation offered through Jesus Christ—confirmed by His life, death, resurrection, and the witness of the Holy Spirit—is infinitely greater and demands a response of faith and vigilance. The passage calls believers to examine their hearts, to cherish the Word of God, and to approach the Lord's Supper not as routine but as a sacred encounter with Christ's atoning sacrifice. It concludes with a call to live in continual dependence on Christ, to celebrate His work, and to share His salvation with others, rooted in the assurance that He is the only source of true and lasting redemption.

The sermon centers on Isaiah 25:6–9, presenting a divine banquet as a profound symbol of God's ultimate redemption and eternal hope, rooted in the continuity of His covenant from creation through the New Testament. Through the metaphor of a feast—rich in imagery of choice food and refined wine—the passage reveals God's promise to abolish death, wipe away tears, and remove the shame of sin, fulfilling His redemptive plan for all nations, tribes, and tongues. The sermon emphasizes that this banquet is not merely a future hope but a present reality in Christ, where believers partake of grace while the Lord Himself bears the cost of death and disgrace on their behalf. It calls the church to shift focus from self-centeredness to worship, recognizing that salvation is not earned but received through faith, and that the global, eternal worship of God is already being fulfilled across time zones and cultures. Ultimately, the message is one of profound comfort and joy: in Christ, the brokenness of this world is swallowed up by the eternal victory of God's grace.

The book of 2 Kings concludes with the exile of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem, yet it ultimately affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite national apostasy and judgment. Central themes include the inevitability of divine judgment for sin, the enduring reliability of God's Word, the critical importance of godly leadership, and the necessity of returning to Scripture for true reformation. Even in the midst of national collapse, God preserves a remnant, demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations, and ensures the continuation of the Davidic line, pointing forward to Christ. The narrative underscores that idolatry—whether in worship or allegiance—leads to ruin, while God's power is magnified through human weakness. Most profoundly, it proclaims that hope endures beyond judgment, as God's mercy triumphs over sin, offering restoration to all who turn to Him, and affirming that His kingdom will prevail through faith, not human effort.

Jesus, journeying toward Jerusalem, confronts the urgent reality of salvation in Luke 13, where He answers a question about the number of the saved not with abstract theology, but with a commanding call to personal faith. He warns that while many will seek to enter heaven, only those who strive through the narrow gate—agonizomai, meaning a desperate,全力以赴 effort—will succeed, emphasizing that salvation is not earned by works but is available only through faith in Christ, the one true key. The sermon underscores the danger of delaying faith, the futility of seeking salvation through other means or at the wrong time, and the tragic reality that even those who heard Christ's teachings or participated in religious rituals will be excluded if they do not personally know Him. Drawing from biblical examples like the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus, it illustrates how Jesus redirects every conversation to the individual's soul, urging believers to examine their hearts, reject the 'manana' mentality, and embrace the narrow, yet infinitely generous, way of Christ, which welcomes even the chief of sinners.

The sermon centers on the devastating destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, fulfilling God's prophetic judgment for Judah's persistent covenant violations, particularly its failure to observe the land's Sabbaths and its repeated betrayal of oaths, including to Babylon. Drawing from 2 Kings 25 and passages in Deuteronomy and Leviticus, the preacher emphasizes that God's patience is not indifference, and that national and personal sin inevitably leads to divine judgment when grace is rejected. The destruction of the temple—the symbolic heart of God's presence—is portrayed as the ultimate catastrophe, yet the preacher redirects focus to Christ as the true and eternal temple, whose sacrifice fulfills and supersedes the old system. The sermon concludes with a pastoral call to embrace Christ as the living temple, offering eternal redemption and hope for the final restoration of all things, while urging listeners to respond to God's present grace before it is too late.

The sermon centers on Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven in Luke 13:18–21 to reveal the nature of the kingdom of God as growing not through force or sudden transformation, but through humble, gradual, and organic expansion. Drawing from historical examples like Amy Carmichael's faithful, small-scale mission work and George Whitefield's quiet, persistent evangelism on a ship, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel advances not by worldly methods—such as mass revivals or political power—but by the inward transformation of hearts through the Spirit. The message calls believers to patience and faithfulness, rejecting the temptation to accelerate spiritual growth through manipulation or spectacle, and instead trusting God's sovereign work in individuals and societies over time. Ultimately, the kingdom begins insignificantly but will culminate in a mighty, visible reality, as the Spirit works unseen yet surely in the world and in the lives of believers.

The sermon centers on the tragic downfall of King Zedekiah, whose fear of men and refusal to obey God's clear command through Jeremiah led to the destruction of Jerusalem, the death of his children, and his own brutal captivity. Drawing from 2 Kings 24 and Jeremiah 38, it emphasizes the peril of compromise, the consequences of rejecting divine counsel for political expediency, and the necessity of standing firm in faith even when it costs everything. The preacher underscores that true faith requires courage to obey God over human approval, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice as the model of faithful endurance. The message calls believers to resist the temptation to conform to worldly pressures, trusting that God provides strength in trials and that those who remain faithful will be more than conquerors. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that while Zedekiah's line ended in judgment, Christ—the true Davidic king—reigns eternally, offering hope and victory to all who stand on His word.

Elder David Kabaale recounts the story of the Presbyterian Church in Uganda, tracing its origins in the aftermath of Idi Amin's regime and the conversion of a prosperity gospel preacher, Reverend Kefa Sempangi, to Reformed theology. It highlights the church's growth, its commitment to education through schools and Bible colleges, and its engagement with refugee communities, emphasizing a welcoming approach even amidst cultural and religious differences. The speaker underscores the challenges of expansion, including financial constraints and resistance from some community members, while celebrating the church's dedication to planting new congregations and providing theological training, ultimately demonstrating a global reach and a steadfast commitment to Christ's teachings. https://providencearp.breezechms.com/give/online Click on the Link Below for the Full Sermon!

The sermon explores the reign of Jehoiakim and the subsequent exile of Judah, highlighting the cyclical pattern of apostasy and divine judgment. It emphasizes that despite the seemingly bleak circumstances, God remains faithful to his people, preserving a lineage that ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah. The message underscores the importance of trusting in God's unwavering promises, even amidst darkness and adversity, and draws parallels between the historical events and the enduring hope of redemption through Christ, ultimately affirming that God's plans will always come to fruition.

The sermon explores the parable of the fig tree to examine the need for genuine fruitfulness in the lives of believers. Drawing parallels between the owner's patience with a barren tree and God's extended grace towards Israel and the church, the message emphasizes the importance of producing tangible evidence of faith, such as love, joy, and righteousness, rather than merely outward appearances or religious affiliation. The speaker urges listeners to self-examine their lives, recognizing the urgency of responding to God's offer of grace before time runs out and judgment arrives, ultimately calling for a heartfelt confession of faith and a commitment to bearing fruit for the kingdom.

The sermon explores the succession of Josiah's sons, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim, highlighting their failure to follow the righteous path of their father and embrace a relationship with God. It emphasizes that while political maneuvering and external forces can influence earthly power, true protection and salvation come only through a personal commitment to Christ, contrasting human attempts to extend life with the certainty of divine judgment and the enduring promise of God's refuge. Ultimately, the message cautions against complacency and encourages listeners to seek God's grace and protection, recognizing that human efforts to control destiny are futile in the face of eternity.

The sermon explores the complexities of suffering and divine providence, challenging the assumption that tragedy signifies divine judgment against specific individuals. Drawing from Luke 13, the message emphasizes that unexpected hardship can befall anyone, regardless of their perceived righteousness, and underscores the importance of repentance and faith in the face of adversity. It cautions against simplistic interpretations of suffering and highlights the sovereignty of God, while simultaneously urging listeners to embrace the opportunity to trust in Christ's grace and to seek reconciliation with Him before it is too late, ultimately offering a message of hope and a call to faithful living.