Providence Blog

Jonah's Problem

2012-01-24T13:14:00.006-05:00

Jonah had a heart problem.

Sunday at Providence - Jeff Pruett showed us Jonah's symptoms, diagnosis, and God's therapy for Jonah's problem.

The sermon is online here if you'd like to hear it.

Jonah knew what God wanted him to do.

He just didn't want to do it.

God wants you to repent and believe the gospel.

God wants you to love Him with all your heart.

God wants you to love your neighbor (yes that neighbor) as yourself.

God wants you to change the world by making disciples.

Don't be a Jonah.

Fish stomachs stink pretty bad.

Self-righteous, uncaring attitudes smell worse.

What are you so excited about?

2012-01-14T22:36:00.007-05:00

With all the hype about football and politics today - I wonder what our kids, neighbors and classmates are learning from us.

I just read one of the best blog posts of the year from Justin Taylor - He actually just cut and pasted a bunch of D.A. Carson so I figured it would be ok if I did the same. Here's what Carson had to say:

If I have learned anything in 35 or 40 years of teaching, it is that students don’t learn everything I teach them. What they learn is what I am excited about, the kinds of things I emphasize again and again and again and again. That had better be the gospel.

If the gospel—even when you are orthodox—becomes something which you primarily assume, but what you are excited about is what you are doing in some sort of social reconstruction, you will be teaching the people that you influence that the gospel really isn’t all that important. You won’t be saying that—you won’t even mean that—but that’s what you will be teaching. And then you are only half a generation away from losing the gospel.

Make sure that in your own practice and excitement, what you talk about, what you think about, what you pray over, what you exude confidence over, joy over, what you are enthusiastic about is Jesus, the gospel, the cross. And out of that framework, by all means, let the transformed life flow.

The rest of the post is amazing too - especially the story about his friend in college - it's worth reading all the way to end - Click HERE to read it.

Church Plants Rock!

2012-01-13T07:28:00.005-05:00

At Providence, we are committed to church planting.

From the beginning we've been investing our energy and resources in this area.

In March, we're planning to build our sixth church for the Gnobe Bugle people down in Panama.

We are also actively supporting 4 other church plants in our local area.

This weekend - two of the churches we've invested in are taking significant steps.

Sunday morning - Reverb Church is holding their very first service at Pacetti Bay Middle School.

Bryan Lamoureux is their pastor and is one of the most encouraging guys I know. I'm looking

forward to seeing God do great things through Reverb. Please pray for Reverb as they launch this weekend!

The Crossing Church is moving from bi-weekly services to meeting every week in Fruit Cove Middle School up on Race Track Road. Adam Flynt is their pastor and has preached for us at Providence. God is doing great things through the Crossing. Pray that God will use them greatly this weekend.

We support local church plants because we believe the body of Christ is bigger than our little church. He is using all kinds of people in many different ways to reach this community. We celebrate when lives are changed and people follow Jesus whether it's at Providence Bible Church, Life Point, Edgewater, Turning Point, The Village, Good News, The Crossing, Reverb, or any other like-minded, gospel-preaching church in our area. (I've prayed for these churches already this morning and would appreciate it if you would do the same).

3.2 Million Dots

2012-01-06T10:34:00.003-05:00

Here's a video of a portrait that took 210 hours to create using 3.2 million dots.

One dot doesn't seem to make much of a difference until you put it with 3,199,999 others.

Then it makes a masterpiece.

Today may not seem like that big of a deal to you.

It may not seem earth shattering to actually listen to your co-worker when they share about their problems. It's just a dot.

It probably doesn't feel like you are changing the world when you set aside a few minutes to pray and read your Bible. It's just a dot.

You might be thinking it's not going to make much difference when you volunteer to work with children this Sunday at church. It's just a dot.

You're small donation to your favorite charity is just a dot in the bucket...but at least it's a dot.

Don't overlook the importance of the small things you can do each day to make a difference.

When you put them all together, you'll get a masterpiece out of your life.

Keep making dots.

Christmas Eve!

2011-12-29T06:46:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to everyone who made our Christmas Eve service a huge success!

There was no more room in the parking lot at the Crab Shack.

We're going to need to shuttle people to off-site parking next year.

The food was amazing - the music was great, and the gospel was shared!

If you missed it you REALLY missed it. Don't miss next year - for that matter, don't miss this Sunday at Providence!

8:30 and 11:00!

Join Us Christmas Eve!

2011-12-22T07:43:00.002-05:00

Bring your friends!

Why does God allow suffering?

2011-12-21T06:23:00.002-05:00

That's what I'm about to talk to some men about this morning.

I think we'll need more coffee.

I don't think we'll get to the complete answer.

We'll get glimpses, but we'll still be left to trust God.

Trust that He knows what He's doing, even when it doesn't make sense to us.

I just read this from Tim Keller:

Job repeatedly asked God to explain to him the reason for his suffering. And when God finally met with Job at the end of the book God never gave him an answer. And the fact is, that if at any point God has said to Job, "Let me tell you all the reasons why you're suffering" then Job would have said, "Oh, so that's it! I'm going to be famous, I'm going to inspire millions of people with my courage and nobility." Here's the irony - Job never would have become the great person that he became if he knew why he was suffering. And when we are in the middle of suffering, we should not try to imagine reasons that would justify it. That is really no the best thing for our heart.

Chewbacca Silent Night

2011-12-19T08:58:00.001-05:00

Good advice from Charles Spurgeon

2011-12-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

This is the first thing I read today. Great reminder for the week.

From Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening.

"The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."
Proverbs 16:33

If the disposal of the lot is the Lord's whose is the arrangement of our whole life? If the simple casting of a lot is guided by him, how much more the events of our entire life--especially when we are told by our blessed Saviour: "The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father." It would bring a holy calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember this. It would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the better able to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When a man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is troubled about the world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are serving himself. If you would "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," all things would then be added unto you. You are meddling with Christ's business, and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances. You have been trying "providing" work and forgetting that it is yours to obey. Be wise and attend to the obeying, and let Christ manage the providing. Come and survey your Father's storehouse, and ask whether he will let you starve while he has laid up so great an abundance in his garner? Look at his heart of mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind! Look at his inscrutable wisdom; see if that will ever be at fault. Above all, look up to Jesus Christ your Intercessor, and ask yourself, while he pleads, can your Father deal ungraciously with you? If he remembers even sparrows, will he forget one of the least of his poor children? "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved."

My soul, rest happy in thy low estate,

Nor hope nor wish to be esteem'd or great;

To take the impress of the Will Divine,

Be that thy glory, and those riches thine.

Give Clean Water - Fiji

2011-12-07T16:15:00.004-05:00

Our friends over at Give Clean Water are currently installing water filters in Fiji.

You could join them next year! - Here's a link

Or you could buy a family clean water for Christmas!

I think I might need to go on a research trip as we get ready to launch our non-profit for water filters for the Gnobe Bugle people of Panama.

The Paradox of Christmas

2011-12-02T06:41:00.003-05:00

God became a man so sinners could become saints.

Surrender

2011-11-29T07:15:00.003-05:00

Who knows more, you or God?

Who is more powerful?

Who is most awesome?

Who never makes a mistake?

Doesn't it make sense to follow Him?

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Bonfire Video

2011-11-28T08:12:00.001-05:00

We had a great time Nov. 20th at the Bonfire on our church property.

Maybe next year we'll need to work around a building!

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to make this possilbe!

TWLOHA - Move Conference

2011-11-23T10:50:00.004-05:00

Depression.

Addiction.

Self-injury.

Suicide.

To Write Love On Her Arms is an organization dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with this things. They've been doing this since 2006 and have helped countless young people see their way through these issues.

Our friends at The Foundry in St. Augustine are hosting a TWLOHA conference Friday and Saturday Dec. 2-3.

Here's the gist of the conference called "MOVE":

MOVE is our way of equipping and educating communities about the topics we address at To Write Love on Her Arms: depression, addiction, self-injury, suicide, and the role a trusted community plays in bringing hope to those who feel broken.

MOVE is for people who are looking for a way to engage others in conversations about topics we believe matter very much. This conference stems from the idea that uniting our resources helps take people from places of pain to places of hope and healing. MOVE is for students, mentors, parents, friends, pastors, professionals, and for everyone in-between. It is for someone new to these topics entirely or someone who has worked in a clinical setting for years. This two-day, in-depth, engaging workshop is an effort to begin a conversation about issues often left in the dark. Our aim is to battle stigma and shame with honesty and compassion.

In a discussion led by professional counselors, we explore what is behind these struggles, what drives them, what recovery looks like, and how we can make a difference. Each of us has a different story, and every MOVE conference is a place where we learn from licensed professionals and from each other. Our hope is that you leave encouraged, inspired, and informed.

Registration deadline is Nov. 30th - sign up today - scholarships are available, email me.

The Reason for God - Study starts this Sunday!

2011-11-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

This will make you think.

A couple of our weekly small groups are taking some time off for the holidays - that doesn't mean you need to miss out - join us all on Sunday mornings at 9:45 at Wards Creek Elementary for this new study series.

Between now and Christmas, we're going to see what the Bible has to say about:
-Science vs. Christianity (Is the Bible a Myth?)
-Can we say there is only ONE way to God? What about other religions?
-Does anyone have the right to tell me how to live my life? Why are there so many rules?
-Why does allow suffering?
-Why are there so many hypocrites?
-Can God send good people to hell?

Most of your time will be spent discussing what the Bible has to say about these questions, but a portion of the time we'll watch a video that was captured live and unscripted of pastor Tim Keller and 6 people who are not Christians talking about these subjects.

It's one of the best small group studies I've seen. I hope you can join us.

Breakfast, Lunch, Shoeboxes, and Bonfires!

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Join us this Sunday at the Crab Shack for FREE BREAKFAST!

Or hang around after our 11:00 service at Wards Creek Elementary for lunch.

Don't forget you shoe box this Sunday

AND - We're having a BONFIRE NEXT WEEK!

Your Shoebox could go to a house like this. Shoebox Adventure Part 3

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

C'mon. Pack a box.

]
Shoebox Adventures, Part 3, My New Home from New Missions on Vimeo.

Here are some instructions

Bring your shoe box to Providence this Sunday!

Shoebox Adventure Part 2

2011-11-09T07:35:00.000-05:00

I think you could send at least 2 boxes...

Shoebox Adventures, Part 2, Village Path from New Missions on Vimeo.

Shoebox Adventure

2011-11-08T07:33:00.001-05:00

This could be YOUR box!

Shoebox Adventures, Part 1, Hello Haiti from New Missions on Vimeo.

Share a little Christmas with Haiti

2011-11-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

We're collecting shoeboxes full of gifts for kids in Haiti this Sunday.
Kids who are made in the image of God. Matthew 25:31-40
Here are some instructions for packing yours.
SHOEBOX PACKING LIST.

Give a little extra this year to make a difference in a child's life.

There are no 'ordinary' people.

2011-11-04T08:21:00.000-04:00

vs.

"I see no reason for attributing to man a significance different in kind from that which belongs to a baboon or a grain of sand." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

The Bible teaches the exact opposite Mr. Holmes' philosophy. It teaches that every person on this planet is created in the image of God. From the person in the womb of the unwed mother to the 1% at the top of the economic ladder, all are created in the image of God. Since this is true, it matters how you treat them. It particularly matters how you treat those who are in need of help.

It matters how you treat your co-workers today and your kids this afternoon. It matters how you respond to the beggar as well as how you talk about your boss.

C.S. Lewis put it this way:
"There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. It is immortals who we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit."

7 Ways to Make the Most of Monday Night (Don't Waste Your Candy)

2011-10-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

Monday night - hundreds of ninjas, zombies, and Darth Vaders are coming by our house to score some free candy.

It's a unique opportunity to enjoy your community and reach out to a ton of people.

If you don't live in a neighborhood where trick-or-treating occurs, go hang out with some friends who do.
Don't sit inside, put some chairs in your driveway.
Come up with a simple game that kids can play to win some really big candy bars - (Ring toss, toss a starburst into a pumpkin, etc.)
Offer warm apple cider or coffee to make your driveway the most welcoming on your street.
Carve a "P" umpkin and invite people to Providence when they ask about it.
Hand out invite cards and "P" tattoos with each handful of candy.
Specifically invite some folks to attend church with you on November 6th.

Here's a template for your "P" umpkin. - Now go change the world.

You were meant to change the world.

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

You can use a pair of channel locks to drive a nail.
I've done it.
It usually doesn't turn out too well.
You can mess up the pliers, and you'll probably just bend the nail.
(but you can then pull out the bent nail using the channel locks!)
It's much better to use a hammer to drive a nail.
That's what the hammer was designed to do.
Loads of people are spending their lives trying to do
something they weren't designed to do.
They are dissatisfied with their job, but not enough to change it. They want a healthy relationship with their kids, but would rather complain about them than actually talk to them.
What's worse than this is that they were created to glorify God and enjoy Him, but they are spending their time and energy doing the exact opposite.

How about you?
What were you created to do?
What are you doing today?

You're supposed to change the world.
Many people just let the world change them.
It's not supposed to be that way:

Matthew 5:13-16 Says that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You're supposed to change things around here.

Here's what a real man looks like. Uncle Ellis

2011-10-22T21:59:00.002-04:00

Ellis Hitzing

This picture was in the program for my "Uncle" Ellis' funeral today.

He wasn't technically my uncle (he's my 2nd cousin's uncle) but that's what I always called him.

He was an amazing man.

He was 96.

He was married to my Aunt Mabel for 69 years until she passed away in 2009.

Born on a ranch in South Dakota, his family moved to Jacksonville in 1926.

He quit school in the 8th grade to deliver groceries and ended up buying the grocery store.

He served in the Army Air Corps in WW II.

He also owned and managed several auto parts warehouses.

He served on the board of the Baptist Children's Home in Jacksonville for over 25 years.

I always knew him as a rancher.

I learned to drive in an old beat up Bronco on his ranch in Alachua. Some of my best memories growing up involve Uncle Ellis and his ranch.Working cattle, riding horses, dove hunting, riding with him in the cab of his combine, cleaning that combine, and listening to my Uncle Ellis tell stories at night helped shape me into the man I am today.

He never retired, he just kept working and giving.

Today I heard his pastor say: "In a day when it has become difficult to define manhood, if anyone ever asked me what it meant to be a man, I'd just show them Ellis Hitzing."

I hope they can say something like that about me one day.

If they do, it will be partly because of the way God used Uncle Ellis in my life.

Tonight I'm praying God will give my children an "Uncle Ellis".
This world could use a few more.

Don't put people in a washing machine.

2011-10-21T06:55:00.001-04:00

And don't think you're ok if you're not connected to a community that cares about you.

Get committed to a group of people who are living the way you want to live.

What are you committed to?

2011-10-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

The small things you do everyday shape who you will be tomorrow.
Some people will be Facebook experts by the end of the year.
Some will be able to write a book about the latest news and political gossip.
Some will have a better relationship with their neighbors.
Some will know their children better and love their spouse more.
Some will be able to run farther, faster than ever and they will be in the best shape of their life.
Some will know God and their Bible much better.

All because of what they were committed to in their spare time.

What you are committed to shapes who you become.

2011-10-19T11:08:00.000-04:00

Any successful athlete will tell you.
It takes commitment to win.
You might win your fantasy football game by getting lucky, but that just doesn't happen in real life.
Every good athlete works hard, eats well, practices, studies, and prepares for their competition.
They are committed.
If you are committed to doing the things that help you win, you're probably going to win more often.
If you are committed to the things that are detrimental to your success you're probably not going to succeed.
If you are a Christian, you need to be committed to Jesus Christ first, and a community of believers second.
You can't change this world by yourself.
You need help.
Other people need your help.
Who are you helping?
Who's helping you?
What you are committed to shapes who you become.

Check out Romans 6 , and Hebrews 10:19-25 for more on this.

6 Guidelines for Loving Each Other Amid Differences

2011-10-18T11:03:00.000-04:00

Adapted from John Piper via Tim Keller's The Gospel in Life week 4

Avoid gossiping. (I know those other people do it all the time, but let's just stop it.)
Identify evidences of grace in each other and speak them to each other and about each other. (You're either in the construction business or the demolition business when you're talking to people.)
Speak criticism directly to each other if we feel the need to speak to others about it. (Have you talked to the person you're talking about yet? ... see #1)
Look for, and assume, the best motive in the other's viewpoint, especially when we disagree. (this is one time it's good to assume - I Cor. 13:7
Think often of the magnificent things we hold in common. (We're both sinners who are in need of God's grace which He has lavished on us.)
Be more amazed that you are forgiven than that you are right. (Which is even easier to to when you're wrong.)

Let every relationship you have today be shaped by the gospel.

What you are committed to shapes you you become.

Idol Detector Questions

2011-10-11T16:37:00.004-04:00

We talked about idols last Sunday at Providence.
Idols are a lot more than just a statue, or money, or some person who wins a reality show...

Here are some questions from Tim Keller to help you identify the areas in your life where you are most tempted to have an idol or two:

Power idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I have power and influence over others.

Approval idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am loved and respected by ________________________.

Comfort idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life."

Image idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I have a particular kind of look or body image.

Control idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of ____________________

Helping idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ people are dependent on me and need me."

Dependence idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ someone is there to protect me and keep me safe."

Independence idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone."

Work idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am highly productive getting a lot done."

Achievement idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am being recognized for my accomplishments, if I am excelling in my career."

Materialism idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions."

Religion idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am adhering to my religion's moral codes and accomplished in it activities."

Individual person idolatry: "Life only has meaning/ 1 only have worth if ‑‑ this one person is in my life and happy there and/or happy with me."

Irreligious idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and with a self‑made morality.

Racial/cultural idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ my race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior."

Relationship idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ Mr. or Ms. 'Right' is in love with me."

Inner ring idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ a particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in."

Suffering idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ I am hurting, in a problem ‑only then do I feel noble or worthy of love or am able to deal with guilt."

Family idolatry: "Life only has meaning /I only have worth if ‑‑ my children and/OR my parents are happy and happy with me."

The Great Race last last weekend was a great success!

2011-10-10T07:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to make it a great day for our community!

Great Day for a Great Race

2011-10-04T16:32:00.000-04:00

7 countries, 7 challenges, 3 age divisions, one amazing afternoon.
Sunday a beautiful fall day here in St. Augustine and we celebrated with a Great Race in Heritage Landing.
This event was a huge success due in large part to our amazing volunteers!
Some folks involved in our small groups ministry decided to do something for kids and reach out to our community at the same time.
We had a ton of kids show up and parents and kids who don't even attend Providence have a great memory that they'll remember for the rest of their lives.
I'll post some more pics and info when I get them - but for now... I'm just thinking about The Great Race II.

First Time Ever in the History of Providence Bible Church!

2011-09-24T16:32:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, Sept 25, 2011 we are launching 9:45 small groups at Wards Creek Elementary School.
Nursery, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Senior High and Adults will all be meeting.

Elementary Kids will be studying this:

Middle Schoolers will begin a study of this:

Senior High and Adults will begin studying this:

If you've ever been in a situation you were waiting to change, you'll find encouragement tomorrow at 8:30 and 11:00 as the sermon comes from Jeremiah 9:4-14.

The more we get together the better we'll be - C'mon and join us tomorrow at 9:45.

We also have groups on Tuesday Morning, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Nights, Thursday Nights and Friday Nights!

Panama July 2011

2011-08-04T07:33:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago 9 folks from Providence and four friends from Jacksonville headed down to Panama to see if we could change the world. Here's a little bit of what we did:

Installed 35 BioSand Water filters, providing clean water to 297 people.
Mixed and poured around 15 yards of concrete to finish the floor in the main church in Molejon.
Built walls and rooms around the seminary building that will be used for housing seminary students when they travel in for class, also we used it for Sunday School space for 250 children Sunday morning.
Installed a water tank and pump for the Taylors and Lighthouse Children's home.
It was a great trip. - You should go with us next time... or get a group together and I'll help you plan your trip.

You can see more pics from our trip here.

Everybody's somebody.

2011-07-18T06:03:00.001-04:00

Do you ever watch the credits at the end of a movie?
Some people do.
The people who care about the people whose names are rolling up the screen strain to catch of glimpse of their nephew's name who was a key grip.
The production assistant's mom pauses the DVD when her daughter's name rolls across the screen.
They may be nobodies to you, but to the people who know them, they are somebody.
For the good of the movie, they are somebody.
The movie really wouldn't happen without them.

Everybody's somebody.
That includes you.
You might not be famous, but that doesn't mean you don't matter.
You matter to God.
You matter to the people you're helping.
That person you're ignoring..... they matter to.

Take a little time today to notice the credits.

The best place to look for help.

2011-06-28T07:04:00.000-04:00

This is from C.H. Spurgeon's Morning Devotion for today. Here's a link if you'd like to read it tomorrow too.

Many of our problems are a result of where we look.

“Looking unto Jesus.”
— Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.” Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; when thou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

FISHING FIESTA FATHER'S DAY!

2011-06-17T05:25:00.001-04:00

DON'T MISS THIS!

Invite your friends and neighbors!

Trophies for
Biggest, Smallest, Most, and Ugliest fish!
Fishing from 6:30 - 9:00
Awards Ceremony 9:00 - 9:30
Grab breakfast at the Crab Shack then come join us for worship at
Wards Creek Elementary School at 11:00!

Action Speaks Louder than Heard - Ordinary Heroes

2011-06-16T06:33:00.006-04:00

I talked to some amazing people while I was up at SEBTS a couple weeks ago. I was rubbing elbows with missionaries, pastors, youth pastors, war heroes, scholars, and evangelical leaders who are on the forefront of advancing the gospel. I was encouraged and humbled by the caliber of men and women around me. But when I returned home, I found I was still surrounded by heroes, albeit slightly less famous ones.

At Cami's dance recital I talked to Yvette. She and her husband are celebrating their adoption of 3 siblings from the foster care system this weekend. (this is the second time they've adopted)
At the pool Sunday I talked to Darlene. She and Larry are going through the process of adopting SEVEN siblings from the foster care system, the youngest is less than a year old. Larry and Darlene already have a grandchild older than that.
My friend Dan sent me this book he wrote last week. He and Jane have adopted children both internationally and from the U.S.
I saw single mom Fran at church Sunday. She has adopted 2 children originally from another country.
Alex and Alba are providing a transitional place to live for a young single Mom and her children. (It seems like they always have a couple extra people living in their home.)
Wednesday I hung out at the Crab Shack with Bob. He and Earlene were foster parents and adopted a child through that system years ago.
If you attend our Thursday night small group tonight, you'll be in a home with beautiful young adopted girl.
I talked to Alex Taylor in Panama this week. After planting several churches in Costa Rica, He and Mirta moved to Panama to train Gnobe Bugle pastors and plant churches. They're also taking multiple Indian children into their home and starting a children's home in San Felix.

The list could go on and on. I love what these people are doing.

I want my kids to be around people like this all the time.

Most people probably view these folks as exceptional risk takers and heroes.(and they are)

But I have a suspicion that what these people are doing is not supposed to be the exception.

It's supposed to be the rule.

This is what people who follow Jesus do.

They help people who need help.

They sacrifice to do it.

Action speaks louder than heard.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I John 3:16-18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. ¹⁷But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? ¹⁸Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Matthew 22:37-40

³⁷ He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the greatest and most importantcommandment. ³⁹ The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."

Action Speaks Louder than Heard - God's Word & Speed Limits

2011-06-14T07:01:00.001-04:00

Let's say that you get pulled over today for going 85 in a 65mph zone.
(This is a hypothetical question b/c you would never do that);)
The officer asks you the question they always ask for some reason - "Do you know how fast you were going?"
You respond - "Yes sir(even though he's 10 years younger than you) I was going 85 mph, but I KNEW the speed limit was 65, I've been looking at the signs for the last 100 miles."
What do you think his next words are?
"Well, as long as you read them, that's enough for me, here's your warning."
Probably not.
Yet, tons of people think it's enough that they attend church and stay awake for 45 minutes while some guy talks about God' Word.
They hear it. They read it. They just don't let it affect their lives.
Won't work with a State Trooper. Won't work with God either.
What is it that you know God wants you to do today?
Actions speak louder than heard.

James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Deut 31:11-12

When all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. ¹²Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law...

Action Speaks Louder than Heard

2011-06-13T07:07:00.001-04:00

If you told your kids to go to bed what would you expect them to do?
Form a group and talk about what a great parent you are?
Memorize your command, print it on a poster and hang it on a wall?
Blog about it?
I'm betting you would expect them to... GO TO BED.
You wouldn't be satisfied that they HEARD you.
You would want them to ACT on what they heard.

Jesus told us we should:
REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL
LOVE GOD
LOVE PEOPLE
and CHANGE THE WORLD.

I'm afraid we might be talking about what we heard instead of obeying His command.
Action speaks louder than heard.

At least that's what it looks like to me from Matthew 7:24-27

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be likea wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

Take ACTION today.

Wear your bathing suit to church! (under your clothes)

2011-06-10T08:13:00.000-04:00

Plan now to join us for lunch by the Heritage Landing pool after our 11:00 service this Sunday!

Bring a side dish to go with the hamburgers and hot dogs David is cooking up for us at the Crab Shack.

Aaron and Cheryl are breaking out the shave ice machine as well!

Panama anyone?

2011-06-09T09:44:00.002-04:00

We've been building churches, training pastors, and helping children in the Chiriqui province of Panama since we got started here at Providence. So far, we've built 5 churches, 1 Bible Training facility for pastors, and 3 Sunday School spaces for the Gnobe Bugle people. We're also helping start a children's home and church in the town of San Felix.

This July, we're heading back down to Panama to do some support construction on these buildings, install some more water filters, and work with children in the Indian villages. If you would like to be a part of this trip email Mike. If you would like to give to help buy materials and offset transportation costs for this trip click here or write "Panama" in the memo portion of your check this Sunday.

Here are some pictures of our last trip.

Panama January 2011 from Mike Lewis on Vimeo.

Look up from your work every now and then.

2011-06-08T07:05:00.000-04:00

I'm wrapping up my first stretch on campus at SEBTS today.

The classes have been great.

The fellowship has been better.

The content of what we have studied has made an indelible impression on my heart and mind.

The character of the men I've gotten to know has changed me more.

Don't get so busy with the task in front of you that you miss the person next to you.

Be sure to take time to get to know the people around you.

It will change your life.

It just might change theirs.

D + 1 Day - keep fighting.

2011-06-07T07:40:00.001-04:00

Today is the day after D-Day.
Last night I had the privilege of watching Day Of Days with a veteran.
I'm going to try to do something like that on historic days from now on; it was one of my favorite memories from this cohort. It increased my thankfulness for those who have served our country and improved my prayer time for my friends who are serving now.
Day of Days is just one installment in a mini-series about WWII. The next section of series is called "D+1 Day".
The men who survived, just had to keep on fighting. It was just another day.
Last week, my friend Brent said "they don't make movies about the day to day" while explaining that it's often the unnoticed things that make the biggest difference. Sometimes we think life is all about the BIG days. Wedding Day, Graduation Day, promotion day, vacation day, big Wednesday. The reality is life is full of D+1 days and D+23 days that few people notice and fewer make movies about. But it's the day to day stuff that actually changes the world and prepares you for the BIG days.
This may not be a huge day in your history, but it is an important day. God has you alive and on this planet today for a reason.
Make it count.
Keep fighting.

Preach the Gospel at all times...use words.

2011-06-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

St. Francis of Asisi (and you should be suspicious of anyone with a name like that) said
"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."
Sounds good. Except that it's ALWAYS necessary to use words to preach the gospel.
The gospel is about Jesus dying on a cross for sinners and rising from the dead.
That's pretty hard to figure out just by looking at someone's actions.
Make sure you tell someone.

Phil's Last Sunday - Live like you were moving.

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

I think our lives might be better if we lived like we were moving.

My friend Phillip ( I like to call him Dr. Phil) is preaching his last sermon at the church he's served for 8 years in NC today. I'm thankful for the way he's faithfully served our King and been an example and encouragement to me. I'm thankful for what God has done and is doing through the saints at Turner.

Phil's moving to FL next week to serve as pastor of FBC Palmetto.
As I pray for him I suspect he has a greater sense of urgency and importance for today's sermon than most Sundays.
It's kind of like Paul's last letter to Timothy. I'm sure he wants to make sure he gets the most important information clearly delivered to this flock today.
He's not going to get another shot at it.
He can't continue the series next week.
There's going to be a level of intensity that's hard to duplicate in his preaching today.

I wonder if that intensity can be duplicated. Every week there are people in our congregations who we might not get the opportunity to share with again. They'll move, they'll go to a different church, some of them might be giving this whole church thing one last shot. If we think about these folks every week, will it be possible to preach every Sunday like it's our last?

What if you talked to your wife every day like you would just before you left for a long trip? What if you told your kids now the things you want them to know before they go to college?
What if you shared with your neighbor today what you want to be sure to share with them before they move?

Yeah, I'm going to strive to live like I'm moving even though I'm not, because I don't know who else is.

Tornado Relief / Mission Trip

2011-05-06T07:29:00.001-04:00

TORNADO RELIEF

Come prepared to give this Sunday to help relief efforts in Alabama.
Write "Tornado" in the memo portion of your check/or on your envelope this week to help provide immediate relief for those affected by the storms.
We'll be sending a team to work with Mumford Baptist Church May 14 - 17.
If you would like to help with this effort - email Mike and he'll get you more details.

You can't love God and hate your _______________.

2011-05-02T06:46:00.000-04:00

You can fill in the blank with whoever you've excused yourself from loving.

I John 4:19-20

We love because he first loved us. ²⁰ If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. ²¹And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Mascot Jesus?

2011-04-28T07:28:00.000-04:00

Lots of people say they believe in Jesus.
The question is, do they believe in the real Jesus?
Some people just like having Jesus for a mascot.
When times get tough, it's nice to think about him and look to the sidelines and have him lift their spirits, but they don't really seek him for input on the direction of their lives.

The truth is, He's more like a head coach than a mascot.
He calls the plays, decides who starts, who sits, and what position you play.
He is supposed to have a major impact on every area of your life.
He is LORD, which means much more than just coach, it means He rules absolutely.
He's so much more than a mascot.
Why do we think of Him like one?

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck....it's not necessarily a duck.

2011-04-26T06:54:00.003-04:00

Let's say hypothetically that your parents gave your kids a really noisy singing duck puppet for a toy. Now, your two year old would look at and see a duck. When you squeeze it's beak, it would sound like a duck.
You ask your two year old to identify the object...."DUCK".
One problem.
It's not a duck.
We know that.
It lacks the essential qualities of "duckness". Like living, swimming, flying.

However, we don't seem to be quite a discerning when it comes to the term "Christian".
If someone says the name "Jesus" and acknowledges his existence, when asked to identify themselves they will often choose the term "Christian" yet they lack the essential qualtities of being a true follower of Christ.
The little book of first John is all about identifying the essential qualities of true believers.
John hits 3 qualities over and over, what people believe about Jesus, how they respond to his commands or relate to sin, and how they love each other.

Lots of "teachers" are out there today saying they believe in Jesus, but when you dig down in to what they believe about him, you find that they think he is less than God come in the flesh, or he a more of a consultant to them than a King.

They'll use the right jargon and will argue with you if you challenge their claim to be Christian.

They'll say they live moral lives, and use the name "Jesus". They walk like a Christian and quack like a Christian, so they must be a Christian....right?

John says that's not necessarily so.
I John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Be discerning. Know what you believe and why you believe it. That means you're going to need to read your Bible for yourself. Here's a good place to start.

You don't have to have it all figured out.

2011-04-25T09:15:00.000-04:00

ISAIAH 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Some Friends I'm Praying for this Easter

2011-04-22T07:17:00.003-04:00

Please join me in praying for the men below and their ministries this weekend.
I'm praying they'll have an amazing Easter this Sunday and preach the gospel with power and clarity.
I've had the opportunity to talk to and pray with most of them this week.
It's an honor to labor along side these men. I'm thankful to be on their team as we serve our King.

Tommy Mallard - Promise Land Baptist Church
Scott Yirka - Hibernia Baptist Church
Kevin Connell - East Coast Church
Mark Nicholson - Cornerstone Church
Chris Peck - The Foundry
Brett Maragni - Harvest Bible Chapel
Bill Sloan - Edgewater Church (They are having a special good Friday service tonight at Pacetti Bay Middle School - from 6:30 - 8:00, you should stop by and participate, I think it's going to be a powerful experience)
Phillip Hamm - TMBC
Alan Liphart & Bob May - The Village Church
Brian Shepherd - Orange Park Bible Church
Darrell Sammons - Fleming Island Baptist Church
Tim Larson - Oakleaf Church
Mike Madaris - Hickory Grove
Buddy Mulally - Wards Creek Church
Gardner Gordon - Coquina Community Church
Wes Slough - Switzerland Communiy Church

I'm also praying for and excited about the opening of Good News Presbyterian's Campus down at the other end of International Golf Parkway - please join me in praying for Andy Hirko as he leads this fresh new work in our area!

It's going to be an amazing weekend - if you go to a church where the gospel is clearly preached - invite everyone you know and some folks you don't to go with you this Sunday.

We need more boring heroes.

2011-04-21T08:20:00.002-04:00

We need more boring heroes.
It's one thing to be a hero in a time of crisis when everyone's watching.
It's another to do the right thing when life is boring and no one will notice.
The real heroics don't happen when you feel like Bear Grylls on the mission trip to the wilds of Panama.
They happen when you read and pray with your kids every night.
Boring heroes say no to the urgent stuff so they can do the important stuff.
Boring heroes are willing to disappoint their boss so they can be there for their family.
Boring heroes faithful to their spouse when the excitement level is low and it would be easy to stray.
Boring heroes teach children and really care about their lives when it would be easier to let someone else do it.
Boring heroes take care of their neighbors mail, yards, and kids when their friends need help.
Boring heroes aren't known as much for their talking as they are for their listening.
Boring heroes just walk with God, day in, day out, without recognition, fame, or real exciting tangible rewards.
The world is changed by boring heroes.
We need more boring heroes.

Love invites.

2011-04-19T07:33:00.002-04:00

"If the truth of the gospel is alone the power of God unto salvation, the most loving thing we can do is to live it out and preach it out." - Don Carson

Last Sunday at Providence we looked at I John 3:11-24 and saw that love is more about what you do than how you feel.
This truth has major implications for every relationship in your life.
God expects you to love other people, whether you feel like it or not.
This doesn't mean you have warm, fuzzy, feelings about them.
It means you do what is best for them. You pray for them. You speak kindly to them. You meet the needs in their life that you see and have the capacity to meet. You tell them the truth.
A simple action you can take this week to show love to someone is invite them to church with you this Sunday.
They'll probably come with you - it's Easter after all.
I just finished reading The Gagging of God by Don Carson. Overall, the book defends the idea of knowable, absolute truth, and deals with the religious pluralism that is eroding that is eroding the effectiveness of the church today.It is a very thick book that had some difficult spots in it, but in a few moments of caffeinated clarity I was able to glean some really helpful truth.
In a chapter titled Heralding the Gospel in a Pluralistic Culture, Carson shares some interesting data.
In a survey of unchurched folks in Boston (which is most folks in Boston), the majority of people said they would attend church if one of their friends invited them. That's it. Not if it was entertaining, easy to find, or had good coffee. They just need to be invited. When they get there, they're looking for authenticity, not a show. So be real, and invite your friends to come to church with you this Sunday. If you attend a church where the gospel is clearly preached. If you don't go to a church like that - FIND ONE and invite your friends to check it out with you this Sunday.

Shooting Skeet, Eating Meat.

2011-04-18T06:46:00.006-04:00

Saturday, some men from Providence got together at Lake Swan in Melrose, FL.

We were challenged to lead, read, and pray like men after God's own heart.
Special thanks to Randall and Aaron, for organizing and leading the way.

Here are some quotes/thoughts I wrote down from that day:

"There are two types of things we can do each day, things that have eternal value, and things that dont." - Randall

"If you want to know if you're the spiritual leader in your home, go ask your wife." - Allen

"Less time with your family = less influence" - Allen

"You can always carve out more time if you'll get up early." - Jeff

"The weakest ink is better than the strongest memory." - Jeff

"How long you've been a Christian is not directly related to how effective you are." - Imeh

"Pull!" - every guy who was shooting skeet at Gator Skeet and Trap Club

How do you know God loves you?

2011-04-16T06:40:00.003-04:00

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. - I John 3:16

We don't know Jesus loves us because we get healed, get the job, or our kids do well on their FCATs.
We know Jesus love us because he laid his life down for us.
He laid aside his "rights" and took the wrath we deserved on himself.
So that sinners like you and I could be forgiven.
Justified.
Clean.
Forgiven.
Forever.
That's the good part; the easy part.
It's the second part of the verse we struggle with.
We ought to lay down our lives for each other.
We'll talk about that tomorrow at Providence Bible Church.

Give Me Faith

2011-04-15T07:00:00.028-04:00

Bryan Tabb is leading us in worship again this Sunday.
I'm so looking forward to singing this song.
- this is one of those we might sing more than once.

All I am

I surrender

Give me faith to trust what You say

That You're good and Your love is great

I'm broken inside I give You my life

I need You to soften my heart

To break me apart

I need You to open my eyes

To see that You're shaping my life

I need You to soften my heart

To break me apart

I need You pierce through the dark

And cleanse every part of me

I may be weak

But Your Spirit's strong in me

My flesh may fail

My God You never will

CCLI Song No. 5680939

Chris Brown | London Gatch | Mack Brock | Wade Joye

CCLI License No. 2861193

Is neighborhood soccer veiled socialism?

2011-04-14T09:21:00.002-04:00

I've been skeptical of soccer. I know it's the most participated in sport in the world, but the way it's been presented in our neighborhood league has been a little suspect to me. Socialist even. No matter how hard you work, how many goals you score, how good or bad your attitude is, you still get a snack and a trophy. Our league hasn't even recorded scores or standings until this year!... it just comes across as un-American to me.

My view is changing though. Not just because we're finally tracking scores and standings like any other real sport, but because I'm realizing it's not socialist or communist, it's grace based. Far from being a taking from the few to give to the many, it is a picture of grace.

Here's what I mean:
There's a kid on my team who will score a goal every game.
There are a few who may not score a goal this season and we're doing good if they kick the ball away from their own goal.
They'll both get a trophy at the end of the season.
Not because they deserve it.
Not because they earned it.
They get the trophy because their parents already paid for it.
It's not based on the kids performance.
The trophy is awarded based on the parent's ability to pay the $70 for their kid to play.

Your forgiveness and reward of heaven is quite similar.
Your redemption is not based on your performance.
You don't lose it because you're a novice and you don't get more forgiven because you're an expert.
You get forgiveness because your Father paid for it Himself.
He sent His Son to pay the price for your sin, as a result, if you place your faith in Jesus, you get the trophy of eternal forgiveness.
So, don't think that because you're on the way the heaven, you're better than anyone else, it's not based on your goodness.
Also, don't think that because you don't measure up, God's going to write you off. You never had enough righteousness to pay for your sin to begin with.
Someone else paid for you.

I Peter 3:18 - For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God

It's what we call GRACE.
I'm starting to think soccer is not so bad after all.

John Newton on sanctification: nobody's perfect.

2011-04-13T15:50:00.001-04:00

From last Sunday's sermon on I John 2:28 - 3:10

Here's a good bio of John Newton from John Piper if you'd like to learn more about him.

John Newton: The Tough Roots of His Habitual Tenderness

It's obvious if you're a gator fan.

2011-04-11T18:51:00.003-04:00

If you're not a gator fan, it's obvious to you which of your friends are gator fans.
It just comes out.
They're just different from the rest of us.
They have multiple items in their wardrobe that are orange and blue.
They think gator heads are appropriate accents to their Sunday attire.
Their status update includes "go gators" at least once a week, even when it's not football season.
They were much happier at work during the 2008 season than they were last year.

You can just tell. Can't you?

If it's obvious who follows some guys chasing a ball around a field or court, shouldn't it be obvious who is following the King of Kings?
Yet, many "Christians" today have no distinguishing characteristics from those who do not follow Jesus.
There should be a difference, in fact, if you really follow him.... it's obvious.

At least that's what the Apostle John thought.

You can read what he wrote about it here.

Here's a sermon about what John wrote from Providence last Sunday.
We love sinners at Providence, that's why we welcome Gator fans.... and even a few Auburn folks ;)
(war people who think orange and blue looks good together)

April, 10, 2011 I John 2:28 - 3:10 If you live in Jesus, you'll live like Jesus.

No Lunch this Sunday. - Relay for Life Saturday

2011-04-08T08:41:00.002-04:00

This week we won't be having lunch at the school after our 11:00 service so we can participate in a community outreach at Heritage Landing. - We'll still share breakfast at the Crab Shack - so - come hungry!

There will be great food for sale out there and we'll have some sandwiches at our table where we're giving away balloons, providing a bounce house and inviting everyone to join us for Easter.

Wear your P-Shirts, and come on out join us this Sunday!

We'll also be participating the Relay for Life Saturday- Sunday beginning at 12:00. Come on out and support our team and band and help raise money to fight cancer.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIGHT - we need door prizes, like gift cards, hats, shirts, any swag your company has that they'd like to give away ... or just pick up a gift card from Starbucks, McDonalds, or your favorite restaurant and bring them out Saturday - we'll use them to raise money for the fight....

You can also give directly by clicking this link.

Even if you can't join us, you can still invite all your facebook/twitter friends to Providence this Easter by right clicking and saving this logo and making it your profile pic for the next 2 weeks!

Beach Bash & Baptism Video

2011-04-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon March 27, we celebrated some folks publicly declaring their faith in Jesus at Surfside Park just north of Vilano Beach. Here's a document that explains what we believe about baptism.
Here's a video of the event.

Beach Bash and Baptism March 27, 2011 from Mike Lewis on Vimeo.

Raleigh in the Spring? ADVANCE

2011-03-28T11:00:00.002-04:00

I really like the message and delivery of this promo video - makes me want to go to Raleigh in May - who's with me?

Advance 2011 Promo from Vintage21 Church on Vimeo.

Why Should You Serve God?

2011-03-15T15:42:00.000-04:00

Just read this quote from Spurgeon while preparing for our Men's Bible Study in the morning at the Crab Shack - join us at 5:15 or 6:30!

The heir of heaven serves his Lord simply our of gratitude, he has no salvation to gain, no heaven to lose;...now, out of love to God who chose him, and who gave so great a price for his redemption, he desires to lay out himself entirely to his Master's service. O you who are seeking salvation by the works of the law, what a miserable life yours must be!... you have that if you diligently persevere in obedience, you may perhaps obtain eternal life, though, alas! none of you dare to pretend that you have attained it. You toil and toil and toil, buy you never get that which you toil after, and you never will, for, "by the works of the law there shall no flesh living be justified." ... The child of God works not FOR life, but FROM life; he does not work TO BE saved, he works BECAUSE he is saved.

Solomon and Scooby-Doo

2011-03-04T08:22:00.001-05:00

"Let's split up gang." It always happened when they were trying to solve a mystery in a really creepy place. Almost always it was a bad idea. There were 5 of them...so you would have 2 teams of 2 and one loner. The loner always got in trouble first. Every zombie movie ever made will teach you that.
The writers of Scooby-Doo and I am Legend weren't the first to develop this idea. Solomon wrote about this before mystery vans were invented.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reads: ⁹Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹²And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Life's just more dangerous when you're alone.
You need a community.
Get plugged in to a group of folks who are going where you want to go with your life.
At Providence, we call these things small groups - and they're launching next week - Sunday in fact. Sign up for one this week and get to know your neighbors as we gather in homes for dinner and a great time talking about how the Bible applies to our lives.

"Let's stick together gang!"

Panama Jan 2011

2011-02-10T07:01:00.001-05:00

We took a team to Panama a couple weeks ago to build a church in Llano Tebu, rebuild our first structure that was damaged by a storm, and install some water filters for the Ngobe Bugle people.

Here are some pics from the trip - we're planning on heading back in July - let me know if you're interested.

Panama January 2011 from Mike Lewis on Vimeo.

SUP in Alaska

2011-01-15T07:44:00.003-05:00

Stand up paddleboard, that is.

In ALASKA.

On a wave that pushes for FIVE MILES.

You can read more about it here.

Underachieve your way to great achievement.

2011-01-06T07:38:00.000-05:00

The tortoise taught us that slow and steady wins the race. He didn't break any records, but he still finished the race ahead of the rabbit.
You can set a new years resolution to read through the Bible 12 times, pray for 5 hours a day, give 50% of your income, take 2 date nights a week, and exercise for 2 hours a day.
You'll be a lot more likely to read through the NT once, pray 10 minutes, give 10%, go out once a month and exercise 30 minutes every other day.
Even if you don't do the latter you'll be better off if you give yourself permission to underachieve.
It's better to read one chapter than to NOT read a whole book.
It's better to give 5% than to not give 20%.
It's better to walk 15 minutes than to not run 30.
Often, we make the excuse to do nothing because we can't do the great thing.
Just do what you can right now. I mean RIGHT now.
Log on to a Bible website and read a chapter.
Pause for a moment and pray.
Put down the soda and go get a water.
You don't have to change the world with everything you do.
But if you do what you can, you find that, eventually, your world changes.
Quit making excuses and underachieve your way to great achievement today.

Read your Bible in 2011 - 5 great sites for Bible reading plans.

2011-01-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here are some good Bible reading plans to get your new year started right.

ESV from Crossway

YouVersion - great app for your iPhone, Droid, or Blackberry.

NavPress - you can print these out - these are the ones we give away at Providence.

One Year Bible - will email you your daily reading each day.

Bible Gateway

What's your favorite? Do you have any sites that you would recommend?

Fight Hunger this Christmas

2010-12-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve we'll be doing more than just sharing a meal with each other at the Crab Shack. We'll be sharing food with anyone in our community who needs it this Christmas. Be sure to bring some non-perishable food items and keep a free re-usable Providence shopping bag as our way of saying thanks.
At our community-wide Christmas Eve service, we'll open up our food pantry to anyone there who could use a little extra help right now. We'll also be taking donations to help young Hannah Lee and her family in her fight against cancer. Join us this Friday at 6:00 at the Crab Shack (4:00 if you'd like to help set up), bring some canned goods, and come celebrate the birth of our Savior by giving to the least of these.

CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE CRAB SHACK

2010-12-22T16:10:00.001-05:00

DON'T MISS THIS!

FREE Christmas Dinner!

Live Music!

Fireworks!

S'mores on the Grill!

Celebrate Christmas Eve with our community at the Crab Shack - bring your friends!

Christmas is for giving.

2010-12-13T07:56:00.003-05:00

If you’ve been forgiven, you’re wired to forgive….and give.
This Christmas we’re working together at Providence to give more than ever.
December 5th we sent a load of shoeboxes filled with gifts to Haiti.
December 12th we sent a load of gifts to Afghanistan as care packages.
December 19th, we’ll be helping a Children’s home in Panama get and amazingly healthy start.
December 24th, we’ll be concluding our food drive to help feed folks in our community. (we’ll also be celebrating at the Crab Shack with free Christmas dinner for anyone in our community.)
We’ve also been challenged to be more generous to folks around us this Christmas season. We’re finding ways to bless others by giving and, when it’s possible, we’re giving them these cards along with our gifts.

If you’ve been able to share with someone this Christmas, or if you’ve received one of these cards along with a gift. We’d love to hear your story! – Email us at Christmas@providencebiblechurch.com or leave your story as a comment below, we can even share it anonymously if you would prefer.

Providence Update

2010-12-10T06:14:00.003-05:00

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS SUNDAY!

We had a great time last Sunday talking about how forgiven people are wired to forgive from the book of Philemon.
I believe this is going to be even better. It's going to be an amazing Sunday in the history of Providence.
You really don't want to miss it.
We'll be sharing a meal together at both services (Bring some extra food if you're a Providence regular, our crowds keep growing and we want to be sure to have plenty of food). We'll also be giving you a tool that could make this one of the most memorable Christmas seasons for you in a long time. Please pray for our services, get there early, bring some food, and a few friends.

SHOW SOME LOVE TO OUR MARINES IN AFGHANISTAN
Be sure to bring your gifts for our care packages for our soldiers in Afghanistan this Sunday.
We’re getting together care packages for our young men and women serving in Afghanistan this Christmas.
Suggested Items to Bring to Providence next week:
Personal notes/Christmas Cards
(have your kids make them one)
Protein Bars, Cereal Bars, Breakfast Bars,
Cheese and Peanut Butter Crackers, Beef Jerky, Hard Candy, ATT Phone Cards,
Sunflower Seeds, Water Flavoring Packets (Gatorade etc.).

HELP A NEIGHBOR
We've had some folks give some money toward Alexis Ferro's and Hanna Lee's cancer treatment.
We'll be talking up a special offering this Sunday to help these families offset the costs associated with the treatment for these two young girls.
We're also looking for volunteers to help with a Heritage Landing Hayride next Sunday, Dec. 19th in Heritage Landing that will benefit the Ferro family.

SMALL GROUP AT THE ANDERSON'S TONIGHT (FRI)
6:30 - Heritage Landing Currently studying the great doctrines of the Bible

RADICAL MEN'S STUDY TODAY (FRI) 6:30 AM at the Crab Shack
Real men get up early. --- come on.

Providence Youth
Dec. 19th - Ice Skating right after our 11:00 service - $15 for lunch and skates
Dec. 22 - Christmas party at the Heritage Landing Amenity Center with a Tacky Sweater contest and White Elephant gift exchange!

Let go of the rope. Christmas is forgiving.

2010-12-07T11:18:00.001-05:00

Sunday we talked about forgiveness and the book of Philemon.
We saw from the scriptures that if you've been forgiven, you're wired to forgive.
It's not always easy though. Corrie Ten Boom suffered in a Nazi concentration camp, yet was able eventually to forgive her captors.

We used her illustration of forgiveness being similar to letting go of the rope on a bell in a bell tower:

Corrie ten Boom told of not being able to forget a wrong that had been done to her. She had forgiven the person, but she kept rehashing the incident and so couldn't sleep. Finally Corrie cried out to God for help in putting the problem to rest. "His help came in the form of a kindly Lutheran pastor," Corrie wrote, "to whom I confessed my failure after two sleepless weeks." "Up in the church tower," he said, nodding out the window, "is a bell which is rung by pulling on a rope. But you know what? After the sexton lets go of the rope, the bell keeps on swinging. First ding, then dong. Slower and slower until there's a final dong and it stops. I believe the same thing is true of forgiveness. When we forgive, we take our hand off the rope.
But if we've been tugging at our grievances for a long time, we mustn't be surprised if the old angry thoughts keep coming for a while. They're just the ding-dongs of the old bell slowing down." "And so it proved to be. There were a few more midnight reverberations, a couple of dings when the subject came up in my conversations, but the force -- which was my willingness in the matter -- had gone out of them. They came less and less often and at the last stopped altogether: we can trust God not only above our emotions, but also above our thoughts."

If you stop throwing wood on a fire it will eventually go out (Prov. 26:20). If you quit pulling the rope of the bell it will eventually stop ringing. If you stop rehearsing the wrongs that have been done to you, you'll eventually get past them and be able to move on with the life God has for you. This Christmas, isn't it time to let go of the rope?

Here's a trailer for an old movie about the life of Corrie Ten Boon:

Be a John Mark.

2010-12-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt useless? You're in good company.

As Paul wrapped up his letter to the Colossians, he mentioned a few folks who were with him.
In verse 10 he sends greetings from Mark and tells them to be sure to welcome him if Mark comes to them.
Seems normal enough.... except that in Acts 15 he refused to take Mark with him on a mission trip.
Luke wrote that Paul and Barnabas had a "sharp disagreement" about the usefulness of Mark for the journey.
This "disagreement" (read argument) ended up breaking up the band and Paul and Barnabas took off in separate directions.
The apostle Paul would rather go without Barnabas (who was known as a very encouraging guy) than bring John Mark with him.
Young Mark was deemed unqualified and useless by none other than the APOSTLE PAUL.
It's one thing for your boss to think you're a slacker or your brother to consider you a pain... but the Apostle Paul!?!?
Most people would have given up.
Considered themselves useless for future ministry.
Not John Mark.
He just kept going apparently.
Here, a little while later, Paul is endorsing Him.
In Paul's last letter 2 Timothy, Paul actually requests that they send Mark to him because he is so... get this..."very useful to me for ministry". 2 Tim. 4:11.
Oh yeah... he also wrote a little book... maybe you've heard of it..

Maybe some man or woman you really looked up to has written you off as useless.
Maybe you feel like a failure, I'm sure Mark did.
You can either believe their opinion about you, or you can keep plugging away and do what God has called you to do.
I'm betting if you keep at it, you'll find out you were useful after all.
They may not be talking about you 2000 years from now, but, you never know.... nobody expected us to be talking about Mark.

Be a John Mark, you're probably more useful than most people think.

Small things are great things.

2010-12-02T08:50:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt obscure? Like you weren't really making a difference with your life?
You probably bought a lie. A lie that says it's the big things in life that make the most difference.
The reality is, small things are big things when you do them for Jesus.

We wrapped up our study of Colossians last Sunday - you can listen to the message here.
Paul closes his letter mentioning 10 folks who weren't that famous, (at least not as famous as him) yet the small things they did turned out to be great things in the long run. The first guy he mentions is Tychicus.
Tychicus - just delivered a letter.... that outlasted the Roman Empire. He probably didn't think he was changing the world all that much. He was just an errand boy. Yet his efforts are still impacting lives today as people read the letters he faithfully delivered to Asia Minor. He probably had no idea the impact his actions would have on the course of history.

Neither do you.

You don't know how much it matters that you are faithful in the small things.
Keep praying for your friend.
Stay faithful to your wife.
Keep encouraging your co-workers.
Fill that Christmas shoebox for Haiti.
Keep loving your kids.
Study hard for your little class this Sunday.
Keep on sponsoring that child on the other side of the world.

The world is changed by people who do small things.
People like Tychicus.
People like you.

Bonfire Pictures, Thanksgiving at the Crab Shack and feeding the homeless.

2010-11-24T11:50:00.001-05:00

Our first event on church property was a huge success!

Thanks to everyone who made it possible!
30 ft. flame, smores, a hayride complete with woolyboogers, great music, great food, great folks!

I especially loved that our neighbors who live around the property came out and joined us for the festivities.

Here are some pics from last Sunday night.

Join us tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner at the Crab Shack. Bring a casserole or dessert if you like, we'll have plenty of food though, so don't feel like you have to bring something.

The festivities begin at 12:00. Come on out for a feast you'll never forget.

We also have some folks heading to Labor Ready on U.S. 1 to feed the homeless Thursday - if you'd like to pitch in and help with this call Kelly - 446-6158

Come burn stuff with us!

2010-11-18T06:27:00.000-05:00

Come on out to the new church property on 16A just north of the big corner on SR16 this Sunday at 4:00! We'll have food from Outback Crab Shack, a hayride, and a bonfire! Be sure to bring your lawn chair!

Shoeboxes for Haiti

2010-11-03T10:28:00.003-04:00

We'll be kicking off our "Christmas is For Giving" series in December with a shoebox drive for Haiti - but you need to start putting yours together now - the First Sunday in Dec. is the last day we'll take them.

Christmas Shoebox Drive

Here is how you can participate:

1. Grab a clear, plastic shoe box sized box from the dollar store.

2. Fill it with items that are suggested below.

3. Wrap ONLY the lid of your shoe box with Christmas wrapping paper.

4. Put a check in your shoe box for $7.00 payable to New Missions.

5. Put a Christmas card in your shoe box with a note to the child that

will receive it and include a picture of yourself and/or your family.

6. Pray over your shoe box and bring it back to Providence or the Crab Shack.

Be sure your box is turned in NO later than

Sunday December 5^th, 2010.

Ideas to include: Prayer: The most important ingredient in your shoebox is prayer.

The child who will receive your shoebox lives in the poorest country in the Western

Hemisphere. Your shoebox will be a great blessing and open their hearts to the love of

Jesus.

School supplies: Pens, pencils & sharpener, markers, spiral notebooks, solar calculator, rulers, erasers, etc.
hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, washcloth, hand towel, hair brush, comb, nail file and clippers, deodorant, etc.

clothing: Socks and underwear, light-weight clothing (t-shirts, sundresses, shorts with elastic band) and braided belts (boys), flip-flop sandals, ball caps, sun visors, sunglasses, etc.
other items: Christmas card for the child that will receive your shoebox, your family photo, wristwatch, hair accessories, costume jewelry,
flashlight (with extra batteries or solar powered/wind-up), compact umbrella, etc. small toys: Coloring books, crayons, dolls, small cars, dominoes, playing cards, jump ropes, balls(deflated with possibly a small pump & needle for a soccer ball or basketball), yo-yo's, stuffed animals,
stickers, marbles, checkers, Etch A Sketch, etc.
1 lb. bag of rice
1 lb. bag of beans

Do Not Include:

Candy/chocolate
Used items (clothing, toys, stuffed animals)
Rubber snakes, liquids, glass
Military items, toy guns, knives
Medical supplies, perishable foods

Fill up a shoebox and help change a child's life.

All sin is founded in secret atheism...

2010-10-24T04:00:00.002-04:00

"All sin is founded in secret atheism... All the wicked inclinations in the heart... are sparks from this latent fire; the language of every one of these is, "I would be a Lord to myself, and would not have a God superior to me."...In sins of omission we own not God, in neglecting to perform what he enjoins; in sins of commission we set up some lust in the place of God, and pay to that the homage which is due to our Maker... We deny his sovereignty when we violate his laws... Ever sin invades the rights of God, and strips him of on or other of his perfections... Every sin is a kind of cursing God in the hear; and aim at the destruction of the being of God; not actually, but virtually... A man in every sin aims to set up his own will as his rule, and his own glory as the end of his actions against the will and glory of God."
- Stephen Charnock - 1845

You can read the whole book here - Existence and Attributes of God

The day we put the sign up.

2010-10-13T08:43:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday a handful of folks stuck around after lunch to put the sign up on the land that was given to us by an anonymous donor.

It's on 16A 1.3 miles from Wards Creek Elementary School.

We've been meeting for a little over 3 years and have been all about loving God, loving people, and changing the world.
We're striving to develop a reputation in our community and around the world as a generous church through local missions, international missions, and church planting.

You can't outgive God.

Big Weekend at Providence and 3 opportunities to help some folks.

2010-10-08T08:27:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this Sunday! - We'll be eating together and sharing some very exciting info about the future of Providence - plus I've got a great update for you on our water filter project for the Ngobe Bugle people of Panama.

Here are 3 opportunities for you to help some folks around our community this weekend.

RUN FOR RILEY - 5K - Saturday at the town center - info here - http://www.mattnew.com/riley/

Help out the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech - this place had made a huge difference in the life of the Campbells - especially Garrett - All you need to do is email Michelle and she'll set you up - no $ required, this is a grassroots letter campaign (she'll even write the letter for you!) that could help tons of hearing imparied kids - Email Michelle here.

Daryl and Angelika have a friend who is a young father who has Hodgkins Lymphoma - you can learn more about how you can help Billy here - or email Angelika for more info on what you can do.

Run for Riley

2010-10-06T07:34:00.000-04:00

Riley Turner was born February 21, 2008, and from birth, she has been a very medically complex child. She has an undiagnosed neuromuscular disease which necessitates a tracheostomy tube requiring 24-hour attention and a gastrostomy-jejunostomy tube for feeding and medicine. Group insurance benefits for medical equipment and nursing care services have been exhausted and government programs are not available.
To help cover her ongoing medical expenses, Riley’s extended family is sponsoring a Walk/Run for Riley as part of “The Human Race”, a 5K Walk/Run and 1 Mile Fun Runpromoted by HandsOn Jacksonville and the RITA Foundation, the umbrella organizations for the event. All pledge money raised flows through The RITA Foundation and is returned 100% to The Riley E. Turner Special Needs Trust Fund.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH AT 8:00 AM
ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
The walk/run will start and finish in the center of the main street
with the course winding through the avenues of shops and stores.

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Walk/Run for Riley is actually a “race within a race”—an event within a larger event:

HandsOn Jacksonville and The RITA Foundation have organized a 5K Run/1 Mile Walk event—“The Human Race”—that allows participants to designate their sponsor donations for specific causes.
All sponsor donations raised by participants who are “running for Riley” are passed through the RITA Foundation and contributed 100% to The Riley E. Turner Special Needs Trust Fund.
1st Place Sports handles registration and manages the event.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

SIGN UP for the 5k Run or the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk.
- Complete the entry form and mail it in with your entry fee or you can register online at www.1stplacesports.com/human.html. (Entry fee only covers the cost of the race). Note: If you are not a runner, consider the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk—starts at 9 AM, only costs $12, and you still get the Run t-shirt.
LINE UP donations for Riley’s Trust Fund

Ask friends, neighbors, family, fellow employees, your employer, other businesses, church groups, etc., to sponsor you with a tax-deductible donation. Don’t forget to write a check yourself. You can use the enclosed sponsor formto record donations.
All donation checks should be made payable to The RITA FOUNDATION. Donations are run through RITA and passed on in full (100%) to Riley’s Trust Fund.
Important: On the memo line on all checks, please write “Riley Turner Fund” to ensure proper credit for Riley.

SHOW UP at The St. Johns Town Center, Saturday, October 9th

5K Run starts at 8 AM; 1-mile Walk starts at 9 AM. Please park in the lots behind Maggiano’s or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Before you check in for the run, come to the Team Riley tent (at the square on the corner between Williams-Sonoma and Oceanology), get your “Running for Riley” sticker, and turn in your donations.
Look for pink balloons and the Riley banner. Volunteers will be wearing badges w/pink lanyards.

If you cannot participate in the race, you can still contribute.
Please make checks payable to The RITA Foundation, and send to RITA, 8334 Amherst Hills Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32256. On the memo line of your check, write “Riley Turner Fund” to ensure proper credit for Riley.

Due to the complex nature of Riley's medical condition and the limited amount of funding she receives, the yearly out of pocket expenses for her medical equipment, nursing care, medications, specialist fees, etc. is around $70,000.00.
Each donation is not only much needed but also greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING RILEY AND HER FAMILY!

Download a printable flyer to promote the event.

Download a printable version of Participant Info.

Back to RileyTurner.com

It takes a team.

2010-09-29T09:17:00.001-04:00

My favorite college football team hasn't won a conference game this year.

They have very talented players. They're just not playing as a team the whole time.
A great coach is just another guy without players who work together and execute.
You can have an amazing running back, but if the ball isn't hiked well, he won't get the handoff.
If the offensive line doesn't block well, the best quarterback on the planet won't get the chance to throw the touchdown pass.
While it's true that one person can make a difference, you'll make the biggest impact if you're part of a team.
You might not be the coach or the QB or the linebacker.... but the kicker, the center, and the guy who mixes the gatorade are extremely important too. What matters is that you're doing your part to help the team succeed.

Find a team of people who are passionate about doing God's will and join them.

At Providence, we're aiming to help folks love God, love people, and change the world.
We've got a pretty good team right now, but we could always use a few more key players.
There's a group of ladies who are on the team meeting right now studying 2 Corinthians.
I'll be meeting with a group of men who are on the team Friday morning at 6:30.
A team of folks will get to the school at 7:45 Sunday to make sure multiple environments are set up for one life-changing hour.
Grown men and women are giving up their Wednesday night toghether tomorrow night so that students can be encouraged and get to know the God of the gospel.
Some folks are going by the store today to buy diapers for kids they'll never meet to show some young, single moms that God cares about them.
A team of musicians will practice this week so God can be glorified in song this Sunday.
A team of teachers and assistants are preparing to communicate foundational truths in a relevant way to children this week.
Someone is already thinking about where to get doughnuts for you to enjoy this Sunday.
An army of prayer warriors is patrolling the neighborhoods around the WGV and bathing this community in intercessory prayer.

If you're not on the team at Providence, find a team near you that is making a difference and join it.
You just might be the key player they need in order to turn their season around.
I'm hoping the Bulldogs can work together as a team this weekend and celebrate a win.
I'm confident the team at PBC is going to.
Join us.

Through the servant's entrance.

2010-09-28T07:46:00.000-04:00

If you want to be somebody, you've got to be a nobody first.
Be willing to serve in obscurity.
There are tons of folks who will serve for fame, recognition and reward.
We're looking for people with servant hearts who will serve for the glory of God and not their own.
We're looking for people who will strive for excellence in the smallest tasks.
Cleaning tables.
Rolling cords.
Changing diapers.
Setting up chairs.
Taking out trash.
Not because these tasks have to get done and no one else will do them.
Because these tasks matter in the kingdom of God. These things glorify God.
We do these things because we love God, and if we really love God, we'll love people.
Loving people is not seeking their praise and approval.
Loving people is doing what is best for them.
It's serving them.
The fastest way to a leadership position is through the servant's entrance.

Why expository preaching... and what is it anyway?

2010-09-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

From our friends at The Gospel Coallition.

Here's some really smart guys talking about the responsibility of the preacher.

It's kind of like P.T.I. on ESPN for us nerdy preacher guys.

Was it worth it?

2010-09-24T06:08:00.000-04:00

It's Friday.

Another week is gone.

What did you invest your time, energy and resources into this week?

Will it be worth it 10 years from now? How about 100?

You've still got today.

Make it count.

Make sure it's worth it.

Col. 1:24-29
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Beach Bash and Baptism for September. Hurricane, Schmurricane.

2010-09-21T23:11:00.002-04:00

So far this summer, we've baptized in between schools of mullett and sharks, after a thunderstorm, and now, in hurricane surf.

Hurricane Igor was churning up the surf Sunday but it didn't stop these folks from getting baptized.

We're planning on doing it again in October. It'll be too cold in November so this is probably your last chance to get baptized in the Atlantic Ocean at Providence this year. Although, I guess getting baptized in freezing water might go with the extreme theme we seem to have running here. Sunday was the first time I've ever come out of the baptistry bleeding. My leg got a little scraped up.

Here's a video of the celebration:

Beach Bash & Baptism , September 19, 2010 from Mike Lewis on Vimeo.

Beach Bash and Baptism this Sunday

2010-09-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

We're meeting at Surfside park at 5:30 for a cookout and beach party.
Sign up this Sunday to bring ice, drinks, or a side dish.
Bring your beach chairs and toys too!

Here's a document that explains what we believe about baptism.

Here's a video from our party last month:

And here's a movie of our July baptism service:

Beach Baptism July 2010 from mike lewis on Vimeo.

RADICAL

2010-09-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

JOIN A GROUP OF RADICAL MEN – WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 6:30am @ Outback Crab Shack.

We’ll be walking through Radical by David Platt and challenging each other to live radical lives for Christ.

“Do you believe that Jesus is worth abandoning everything for? Do you believe him enough to obey him and to follow him wherever he leads, even when the crowds in our culture -maybe even our churches- turn the other way?”

In Radical, David Platt invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. He challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated a God-centered gospel to fit our human-centered preferences. With passionate storytelling and convicting biblical analysis, Platt calls into question a host of comfortable notions that are common among Christ’s followers today. Then he proposes a radical response: live the gospel in ways that are true, filled with promise, and ultimately world changing.

BLC This Sunday! - Let's Eat!

2010-09-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's like old fashioned dinner on the grounds! - Bring a covered dish to share and come enjoy a great meal at Providence Bible Church!

You say you want a rebelution....

2010-09-07T04:46:00.001-04:00

This is coming to Orlando in a couple months - I'm thinking about taking my family. Wanna go with us?

Sunday Recap

2010-09-06T04:43:00.000-04:00

Really good day at Providence yesterday!

I was surprised by the crowd considering it was Labor Day Weekend.
As usual, the music was amazing at the Crab Shack.
We had a guest there who had been to Haiti, which was very encouraging and helpful to me - she even helped fold bulletins!
The band was exceptionally good at Wards Creek.
Aaron Rivers is my hero b/c he set most of the stuff up single-handedly Sunday - email me if you're interested in serving on the set-up team.
Even though we were initiallyshort-handed for set up - lots of folks jumped in a little later and we were ready with time to spare.
We talked about Col. 1:15-17 and I asked folks the question "How great is your God?"
We revisited the music stand illustration.
Got packed up in record time - more and more people are pitching in each week. So thankful to be serving with a great team.

I'm really looking forward to next Sunday - we're eating at both services!

What is the Bible basically about?

2010-08-31T05:00:00.001-04:00

In our study of Colossians we are seeing that everything is really all about Jesus.

I like how Tim Keller puts it in this clip:

Sunday Recap

2010-08-30T07:36:00.000-04:00

Really good day at Providence yesterday.

Saw some old friends at the Crab Shack and got to preach under the tent while a gentle rain was falling..love when it does that.
Tex and the crew did an amazing job as usual.
Our set up crew killed it at WCES - they are some of the heroes at PBC.
Travis and the band really brought it in our 11:00 service, I'm very thankful for them.
Really like that song "Our God."
We looked at Colossians 1:9-14
We should live to please God.
There are several people in our fellowship who actually pray for hurricanes... and west winds.
Trying to get God to conform to our will instead of trying to get ourselves to conform to his will is a little bit like trying to win an MMA fight with boxing skills.
I'm super stoked about our text for next week. (we might just park there for a couple weeks)
Got to pray with a good group of folks and Mr. Anderson at Cunningham Creek Elementary. It's going to be a really good year for them.
After the Elementary School prayer Allen and I rode over to Switzerland Point Middle School where we prayed with my friend Wes Slough and his crew.
Popped home and Mikey and I headed across the river to hear Dennis Swanberg in Middleburg with my dad. I love getting to spend time with my Dad and I'm thankful for what God is doing at FBCM.

Can't wait for next Sunday!

6 Good and Helpful Bible Study Links

2010-08-26T05:00:00.010-04:00

You need to be careful any time you're on the internet.

"Google" is not a real discerning site as far a doctrine or anything else goes. (I've seen the Bing commercials)

"Bing" really isn't any better.

Any nut with a computer can create a "Bible Study" site and claim to be a reliable source when it comes to learning about Scripture.

To just wander around the internet and soak up whatever you find would be like buying the penny stock that spammer emailed you about last week. You can buy it real cheap, but you're probably going to get less than you paid for.

Here are 6 of my favorite Bible Study Sites

Bible.org - Usually has some really good articles and papers - you can search by passage or by topic. My favorite guy on here is Bob Deffinbaugh.

GospelCoalition.com - click on "Resources" - then search by Scripture or Topic - load up your mp3 player on their sermon page.

ESV.org - There is an audio button on each page of Scripture so you can have some guy read it to you.

BibleGateway.com - Any version of the Bible you could want.

BlueLetterBible.org - You can find some classic commentaries and Lexicons on any passage with their drop down menus - or you can do a word study with Strongs #s if you know what that is.

Precept Austin - it looks like they built this site in the 90's with Pagemaker and haven't updated it's looks since - but there's some really good content on here if you click around a little.

What are some of your favorite websites for Bible Study? - I'd love to hear about them - shoot me a link in the comments section.

Sincerity won't cut it. The OBJECT of your faith matters.

2010-08-25T12:55:00.002-04:00

The OBJECT of your faith matters more than your faith.

Solid chair or flimsy music stand?
Which will hold your weight?

What will happen if you try to sit on the music stand... with all your weight, feet off the floor?

You'll collapse in a heap and maybe end up on AFV - (because almost everything that happens now seems to be captured on video)

What if you really believe the music stand will support your weight?
I don't mean just kind of hope that it will, what if you believe it because it's what you've always been taught since you were a little kid? What if most of the people you knew just accepted as a fact that a music stand would hold the weight of a full grown adult? What if you belonged to a large group of people who argued that this would work, and they had magazines, websites, and diagrams explaining how it would be possible for the music stand to hold you up?

Plop. Still. Even though you sincerely believe the music stand will support your weight, you'll still destroy the thing and come crashing down the moment you try to take your feet off the ground.

OK, it's obviously a silly illustration; when it comes to sitting on a music stand, everyone knows it's a bad idea, no matter how sincere one might be in believing it will support their weight. Yet millions of people on our planet think they are getting heaven because they are "good people" or they have some deal with a god other than the true God.

When it comes to forgiveness of sin, heaven, and a right relationship with God, many people think that sincerity is the determining factor. "You have your way to get to God, and I have my way. As long as you really believe what you believe, we're all going to the same place."

Jesus actually said He was the ONLY way to God.
John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you sincerely believe you're going to heaven because you are good, or you done something to deserve it, or any other reason besides Jesus' finished work on the cross on your behalf, you might as well try to sit on a music stand, because your system will collapse under the weight of God's holiness.

You need to trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.

The OBJECT of your faith matters.

Let evangelical thinking correct emotional thinking.

2010-08-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

God doesn't love you more because you perform well.
That's a pretty basic gospel truth.
Yet Christians forget it all the time, especially those in ministry.
We embrace "functional saviors" (anything besides Jesus that you think justifies you).
We feel more loved by God if we "succeed."
We're happier when we preach well, sing well, or have a good crowd at our Bible study.
When crowds are small, our sermons fall short, the sound doesn't cooperate and people get mad at us, we question our call, our abilities, and even our salvation in extreme cases.
We only say we're blessed when our children behave, we close the sale or get the raise.
We look down on people who don't read as much, pray as much, or sit in rows and listen to preaching as much as ourselves.
We act as if our acceptance by God is based on our performance.
This thinking will lead us to either be Pharisees, or depressed....or depressed Pharisees because we'll never perform well enough.
Every day we must preach the gospel to ourselves. Remember that is by God's grace, not your performance that you are accepted by Him. He loves you because of what Jesus did, not because of what you are doing, so, even if you've blown it, you're still loved by God. - Don't believe me? - read the last part of Romans 8.

We have a tendency to measure God's love by how we feel day to day, but His love is unchanging.

J.I. Packer put it this way:

Think of what you know of God through the gospel, says Paul,

and apply it.

Think against your feelings; argue yourself out of the gloom they have spread;

unmask the unbelief they have nourished;

take yourself in hand,

talk to yourself,

make yourself look up from your problems to the God of the gospel;

let evangelical thinking correct emotional thinking.

By this means the indwelling Holy Spirit,

whose ministry it is to assure us that we are God's beloved children and heirs,

will lead us to the point where Paul's last triumphant inference -

"I am convinced that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38-39)

-will evoke from us the response: "And so am I! Hallelujah!"

For in this response, as Paul knows, lies the secret of the "more-than-conquerors" experience,

which is the victory that overcomes the world and the Christian's heaven on earth.

- J.I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 260.

I just finished reading Knowing God. I wrote the above paragraph (with it's super long sentences) in my journal yesterday. Thought it might benefit you. If you haven't read the book, you should. If you don't get the book at least read Romans 8. Then take a few minutes and preach the gospel to yourself.

Sunday Recap

2010-08-23T04:35:00.004-04:00

We had a really good day yesterday at Providence -

Kicked off our series in Colossians - message should be online here later.
I really enjoyed the music at the Crab Shack - Tex and the crew do an amazing job.
The people at the Crab Shack are at least 25% more spiritual than the people at 11:00 because they come to church early at 8:30 and it feels like it's 105 degrees out there this time of year. ;)
The people on the set up team for Wards Creek Elementary are at least 35% more spiritual because if feels like 90 in the school before the air kicks on and they are up there working hard before anyone even shows up at the Crab Shack.
Bryan Tabb and the band flat out brought it at our 11:00 service. It's always easier to preach after really good music.
Apparently, Cary is the third city in the RTP triangle up in NC. (you had to be there)
Collosae was the 3rd city in the Laodiceia, Heiropolis, Collosae triangle, until Rome built an exit with a South of the Border at Heiropolis... then everyone forgot about Collosae.
We talked about a lot of stuff, but the bottom line is, it's all about Jesus.
A music stand won't support a grown man.... even if he sincerely believes it will.
People aren't right with God apart from Jesus, even if they sincerely believe they are.
We showed this video from our baptism service last Sunday evening.
I was able to be a part of the "Blessing of the Houses" at WCES again this year - it is a great privilege to be able to pray for each section of the school, and the students and the teachers. Lots of people from the school and the community took part in this event.
We'll be doing this again next Sunday for Cunningham Creek Elementary - I think every school in the county is doing it so go to your kids school next Sunday afternoon if you are able.
We are really blessed as a community to have such a great school nearby, I'm very thankful that we get to meet there.
Everyone really jumped in for tear down after the service - the worship center looked like a cafeteria ready for students in record time Sunday.
We talked about praying for people we don't know - you can go to http://www.operationworld.org/ and click on "pray today" and pray for a different country every couple of days - you'll learn some geography too. I've set this up as my home page so it's the first thing I see when I go online each day.

It was a really good day. I can't wait for next Sunday.

Beach Bash and Baptism

2010-08-11T14:54:00.003-04:00

Join us this Sunday at 5:30 at Surfside Park (just north of Vilano) for a cookout and baptism service. We'll probably do some surfing and fishing too, so bring your boards and poles. Email Mike if you'd like to be baptized.

Let's Eat! - BLC This Sunday at Providence

2010-08-06T08:16:00.002-04:00

If you're from the south, and ever spent the summer with grandma, you remember "dinner on the grounds". It's also known as "covered dish", or "potluck" (but potluck sounds a little Rastafarian and we don't believe in luck). No matter what you choose to call it, we're eating this Sunday at Providence.... except it's breakfast AND lunch. There's just something about sharing a meal that helps you get to know folks better so bring your friends with you this Sunday or just come make some new ones.

We'll share breakfast at the Crab Shack out by Six Mile Creek this Sunday at 8:30 and we'll hang around after the service for lunch at Wards Creek Elementary School for lunch.

Bring a casserole, some fried chicken, pancakes, dessert, ham, gumbo, or some other side dish to share.

Even if you forget to bring some food, please join us for the meal - we always have plenty.