There are many facets to our life as a church! Our hope is that these posts will enable you to plan, pray, and ultimately rejoice in what the Lord is doing at Sovereign Grace Church. Here are a few updates for you to do just that! 

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The Bridge Course

Our newest Bridge Course just got started! What is Bridge? It’s a 10 week opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a fun and relaxed way - SNACKS included! Missed a class? You can jump in at any point. For more info, times and locations visit hub.sovgracetucson.org/bridge.

A Celebration Sunday!

February 26th is going to be a joy filled Sunday! During the service we will be welcoming NEW MEMBERS, followed by a WATER BAPTISM, and a CHURCH PICNIC! Join us as we celebrate all the Lord is doing! If you’re interested in participating in our Baptism, please contact one of our Pastors.

What storm is brewing in your life today? God is God of your storm, and His promise to be with you and preserve you through it is Yes, and Amen in Jesus. So, as long as the storm lasts and as difficult as the storm becomes, you can trust him and testify to Him with true joy and peace. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Hopeful: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 27
TITLE: Heavenly Anchors for Our Earthly Storms
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet

POINTS:
1. God’s Promised Presence is an Anchor
2. God’s Saving Son is an Anchor
3. God’s Unchanging Character is an Anchor

SERMON EXCERPTS:
”Like the storm in our text, people witnessed the events of the Bible, giving verbal and written testimony with amazing details and accuracy. One more reason we should have confidence in the veracity of the Bible.”

“Oh, how we need that confidence, especially in the storms of life. Acts 27 is meant to strengthen our faith and courage as we face storms of a very different kind. Sometimes they are a slow brew, like a relationship that keeps declining or an illness the doc can’t correctly diagnose. Other storms are sudden and fierce. One day you are healthy, you run routine labs, and the next day you're prepping for cancer. …In these moments, what keeps us anchored? What calms our troubled hearts when the storm rages all around us?” 

“…neither experience nor expertise anchored Paul’s confidence. His confidence amid the storm was anchored in the presence of God. The ship was sinking, but Paul knew the Lord was with him. God's most significant promise to His people is His constant presence. From the garden to Moses to the prophets, the mark and source of confidence for God’s people was His presence.”

“This was Jesus’ promise to his disciples in Matthew 28:20—I am with you always to the end of the age—and it is our promise today through the ever-present Holy Spirit. There is nothing you go through without God going through it with you. And while an angel might not appear to you at night, in the midst of the storm, God reassures you of His presence in many ways:

• Through His Word 

• Through encouraging fellowship

• Through the quiet voice of the Spirit (sermon or prayer)”

“Our problem is not that God takes His eyes off us; we take our eyes off God. He is there. Do you see Him?”

 “We believe in God’s promise of His presence. But it’s easy to feel all alone when the ship is sinking. If that is you today, hear and believe Hebrews 13:5—I will never leave you nor forsake you. Whatever your storm today, ask the Lord to awaken your faith to His merciful and faithful presence in the storm.”

“In the storm, Paul remembered he belonged to God. He doesn’t belong to the sea. He doesn’t belong to fate. He doesn’t even belong to himself. He belongs to God. This is more than a general statement of God as His Creator, so all things are His. It’s a gospel proclamation. Paul is identifying with Christ. He belongs to God because he is purchased with the blood of Jesus.”

“What a promise we have in Jesus! No matter how hard, hopeless, and horrific the storm may seem, our identity in Christ as the forgiven and accepted possession of God anchors our hearts in peace.”

“Ultimately, only one storm can sink you—God’s just judgment for your sin. But that storm was dealt with 2000 years ago on the cross where Jesus was swept away by it in our place. On the cross, he faced the hurricane of eternal justice for your sake. Now, by faith in Jesus, you belong to God, hidden, safe, and secure from the ultimate storm.”

“We never outgrow the gospel. We must preach it to ourselves daily if we are to continually live in the good of it. How true is this amid the storms of life?”

“While you and I don’t have the luxury of direct, special revelation like Paul, we do have the promise that God is sovereignly and providentially with us in Christ, and no storm can alter his good purposes for us. He always knows what we need when we need it, and He graciously provides it. Isn’t God merciful?!”

QUOTES:
C.S. Lewis - “He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always hard to penetrate. The real labor is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake.”

Kent Hughes - “We are often objective oriented, but God is process oriented. We just want to get to Rome, but God is even more interested in how we get there.”

J.C. Ryle - “By affliction, God shows us our emptiness and weakness, draws us to the throne of grace, purifies our affections, weans us from the world, makes us long for heaven. In the resurrection morning, we shall all say, “It is good for me that I was afflicted.”  We shall thank God for every storm.”

APPLICATION:
Two important implications of being properly anchored in the storm:
1. When we are appropriately anchored, we grow spiritually through the storm.
2. When we are appropriately anchored, we can help others through the storm.

We often put ministry on pause amid the storm. We are tempted to isolate as we wait for the storm to pass before we return to serving and telling others about Jesus. 

Paul doesn’t wait until he gets to Rome. No doubt he wishes the wind would cease and the sun would shine. But Paul doesn’t wait until then. God gives him the grace, as He will you, to continue trusting and testifying to Christ at a time when trusting and testifying to Christ is most intriguing to people—during the storm. 

How can he do that? The heavenly anchors of God’s presence, God’s Son, and God’s character.

Are you a leader? If you need help, the answer is yes. Everyone is a leader in some sense. As a husband, you lead your home. As a mother, you lead your children in their father’s absence. If you are single, you have to lead yourself. You may lead in your classroom or on the field of competition. You may lead in the workplace or in your church. Everyone is a leader in some sense. If you are a Christian, your leadership always has a spiritual aspect. 

Over the years, I have read plenty of books on leadership. Some good. Some bad. Ultimately, I have always benefited as I discern what to keep and throw out. It is always fascinating to see how many secular leadership principles flow from biblical principles. My favorite book on leadership is Spurgeon on Spiritual Leadership by Steve Miller. As a pastor, Mr. Spurgeon explains, among other topics, how a commitment to holiness, a heart to serve, a willingness to suffer, and a resolve to endure are essential to fruitful, Christ-exalting leadership. Guess where he begins? That’s right, prayer. Chapter One is A Passion for Prayer. Listen to Spurgeon’s passion for prayer come through in his own words:

The minister who does not earnestly pray over his work must be a vain and conceited man. He acts as if he thought himself sufficient of himself, and therefore needed not to appeal to God.

For Spurgeon, leadership began on one’s knees. Why? Humility is vital to leadership. Prayer is the most significant expression of humility one can experience. As a leader, people look to you. They depend on you. They willingly follow you. In the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:16-17—Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not. No matter what place of leadership you are in, prayer is a personal and humble expression of your need for the power and grace of God to lead (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer transfers the focus from self to God, who is our wisdom, strength, and source of fruitfulness. Whether you are a pastor or not, prayer is a cry from the heart—I need you, Lord, for I am not sufficient, but you are! 

Whatever form your leadership takes, the home, workplace, or church, may prayer never be a secondary activity. By the grace of God, let our most extraordinary efforts in leading, whomever we lead, however we lead, wherever we lead, be on our knees in passionate prayer for the Lord to bear fruit through us for His glory (John 15:8)!

-Derek

“I’m going on a marriage retreat” Ha? It’s very interesting to see the look on people’s faces - especially non-believers - when they hear you’re going on a marriage retreat. The confused look on their face tells it all. It’s like they add up that you’ve been married 40+ years, somewhat wonder if there are problems (but are afraid to ask), and then just move on.

There’s certainly no confusion with your Pastors or our wives. Even though there is almost 100 years of combined marriage experience, your Pastors are sinners and always have areas of their marriage that need help. We are so grateful that our family of Churches - especially our regional leadership - all desire to help local Pastor’s build and maintain healthy marriages. We also never tire of giving thanks to God for all of you in our Church that desire to see healthy marriages in your Pastors and support us taking time to get out of town and focus on this important part of our lives.

It’s fascinating that in just 48 hours (Thurs around noon till Sat around noon) a Pastor and his wife can be so refreshed and challenged, and also have time to renew friendships with fellow Pastors in our region of Churches. Bob and Julie Kauflin - married for 47 years and in Pastoral ministry for 41 years - were our guest hosts. Bob led the teaching sessions and Julie testified to God’s grace and kindness in their marriage for almost five decades.

Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 2:1-2 “And I, when I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Bob taught us that the gospel works in our marriages to change our identity, allow forgiveness, and bring real transformation. He also challenged us to see how the gospel changes everything for married couples. He picked 2 categories of growth to consider in each season of married life and that gave all of us plenty to consider. We also were able to have a session where the men and women met separately. In our final session on Saturday morning, we spent a few hours in smaller groups simply praying for couples in each of the three seasons of married life.

Our regional leader - Eric Turbedsky - builds in plenty of time for fellowship, meals, etc. It’s always encouraging to hear and catch up on how God is working throughout other local churches, whether that’s celebrating grace or empathizing with struggles. No Pastor is immune from getting so focused on your local Church that you forget that God is building Churches all around the world!

On behalf of your Pastors and wives, THANK YOU! All of us are so grateful to belong to a Church that prioritizes marriages! Thank you for your financial support and the prayers and text messages of encouragement. It makes a huge difference!

Have you ever been told you were crazy on account of your faith? If you live for Jesus, someone at some time will call you crazy, but true sanity can’t be defined by the world! Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Hopeful: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 25-26
TITLE: Crazy for Jesus
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet

POINTS:
1. A Futile Mob
2. A Confused Governor
3. An Embarrassed King
4. A Victorious Evangelist

SERMON EXCERPTS:
”If you live for Jesus, someone at some time will call you crazy. And my prayer for us today is that when that happens, we would take courage in the Lord to look beyond what others think of us and testify to the transforming power and glory of Jesus with our words and actions.”

“Let’s be honest, it’s easier said than done. The crazy label from your neighbor can be a powerful paralyzer. Paul’s example today is a reminder that in Christ we are victorious and we have nothing to fear so living Crazy for Christ is the sanest thing we can do.”

“…in verse 7 we learn that for all the serious charges the Jews brought against Paul, they couldn’t prove any of them. None of their accusations would stick. How frustrated must these Jewish leaders be—Once again, their plan is proven futile.”

“This Paul situation was driving Festus crazy. He is confused. He couldn’t offload the problem to Jerusalem. He knows if he sends Paul to Caesar, he has to explain what and why the situation demands the Emperor's attention. You can’t just send problems up the ladder. Festus’ political career and legacy is at stake here. Then he remembers King Agrippa is in town so he thinks—Oh, maybe this guy can make my problem go away.”

“Ever been in an intimidating moment? For instance, the only one in group who believes abortion is an abomination to the Lord or Jesus is the ONLY way to God? If Paul was standing next to you, I think he would say, Take courage, don’t worry about what they think of you, live for Jesus right now and speak. That’s exactly what Paul does as he stands in the shadows of powerful people.”

“Paul’s mission is to bring the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. His call was to call sinners like himself to repent and believe in a crucified and risen Jesus and live for his glory instead of their own. By the way, that mission hasn’t changed, has it. We get sidetracked by competing causes and personal ambitions, but the Christian life is about living for Jesus and telling others about him.”

“When people call you crazy because you live for Jesus, let Paul’s words comfort you—It’s God’s plan!”

“So often, this is what keeps people from embracing Jesus—What will others think?”

“An embarrassed king. A confused governor. A futile mob. None of them can thwart God’s plan for Paul to take Rome to the gospel. In all the power and pomp of our text, guess who turns out victorious? Paul!”

“The pomp and power and philosophies of this world are a powerful temptation. They are also fleeting and hollow. The praise and acceptance and approval of men are like king Agrippa and all his pomp, passing fantasies that are here today and gone tomorrow. But Paul’s gospel prevails today. The gospel is victorious throughout the ages. It is preached. It is believed. It radically transforms lives. The gospel stops people in their tracks, turns them around, and produces a life lived for Christ’s glory. It did that to Paul and it continues to do that today—you are exhibit A. Why? Because the gospel is not a philosophy. It’s not a theory. It’s not a religious idea—it is the power of God unto salvation.”

“THE GOSPEL is the good news that Jesus has come to set the helpless and hopeless sinner free. It is the good news that reveals God’s undeserved mercy. It is the good news that unlocks the mysteries of God’s eternal plan. It is the good news that brings great joy to your life everyday. It is the good news that transforms your life as you live in the good of it. It is the good news that reminds you true life awaits you when this life is over.”

“If you are in Christ, you are the sane one. You are the victorious one. So take courage and be crazy for Christ by living in all humility, with deep gratitude, and for no one’s glory but God’s!”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Romans 1:16

APPLICATION:
I bet everyone here could think of one area right now where you need much grace to live crazy for Christ instead of something else. Whatever it is, identify it right now, and together, let’s give it to God in prayer!

We are caught up in a life-and-death battle! Paul tells us so in his letter to the Ephesians. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)

So, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13  (ESV)

And then Paul instructs us to take up what C.H. Spurgeon called “The Master-Weapon: All-Prayer.” Battle readiness requires us to take up weapons, namely, the Shield of Faith, the Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God, and here in Ephesians 6:18, we see that one of our primary weapons is All-Prayer. Paul writes that we are to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication….” 

We have this weapon, prayer, but we must take it up and use it in the fight! Spurgeon added that “we should be greatly wise if we used [this master weapon of All-Prayer] more, and did so with a more specific purpose.” Imagine the enemy’s war machines pouring over the hillside! The enemy’s strength is mighty, and the sound of war is deafening. If we then refused to pick up THE most powerful weapon in our possession, we’d be devastated! So it is in the spiritual battle that rages on right now! We desperately need to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might!” Take up All-Prayer and wield it! All-Prayer, used by the Christian, “has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV) because this weapon is deployed in the power of the Spirit making the Christian all the more “strong in the Lord.” Prayer is powerful because the object of our prayer is All-Powerful!

Finally, we pray for each other and for the advance of our cause, the Good News of Jesus. The battle that is going on rages against our King, Jesus, and those that belong to Him, the saints. It rages against the advance of His Gospel. And all of this is going on while we, his saints, suffer loss, fight temptation, and sin, facing accusation by the enemy, weariness, distractions, desertions, fear, worry, and anxiety. “To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:18-19

Wield this Master-Weapon, and pray “in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 

- Tom

Tucked away in this story, in this drama, in this narrative is The Greater Story, The Grander Drama, The Redemption Narrative! Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Hopeful: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 24:1-27
TITLE: Before The Greater King
PREACHER: Tom Wilkins
BIG IDEA: We can stand before the kings of this world because we are ruled by The Greater King - Jesus!

POINTS:
1. Before a Lesser King
2. Before a Greater King

SERMON EXCERPTS:
”The reality in this sinful kingdom is that the truly guilty (unrighteous) often are not held accountable before the kings of this world. The innocent (righteous) are the ones that are often deemed the guilty ones!”

“Tucked away in this story, in this drama, in this narrative is The Greater Story, The Grander Drama, The Redemptive Narrative! Verse 14-16 begins to reveal how it is possible that we can stand before the kings of this world! It is because we stand in THE Greater King, Christ the Lord!”

“While his cross looms over his head, Paul has his eyes fixed on another Greater Cross! Knowing THIS, his soul is at peace and joy.”

“The tension in the court is high! What is this king going to do? And a smile breaks over Paul’s soul as he remembers again Golgotha! He will not worry what this king might do to him because his soul is anchored in what His King Jesus has already done for him!”

“Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, with God at his right hand, preaches the Gospel to this king and now we see Felix, the lesser king has been brought before the Greater King, and he didn’t even know it… yet!”

“We all stand before the Righteous King of the Universe and His moral claim on our lives cannot be cast aside, dismissed, or suppressed! We ARE able to stand before the kings of this world… BUT we must remember at all times that we are standing before the Holy One of Israel, The Son of God Himself, The Son of Man who is high and lifted up in Majesty.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Luke 12:11-12
Luke 21:12-18

APPLICATION:
Q. Has your heart become dulled and the eyes of your soul become dim? Are you knowingly caught in sin but unwilling to repent? Is the reason now revealed?

Q. Are you putting repentance off?
Hebrews 6:7 “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Don’t put it off any longer! God says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 - “...Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Q. If we are able to stand before even the lesser kings of this world because we can come before The Great King, then who is it that we are afraid of standing before?
Recommended Reading: “The Joy of Fearing God” - Jerry Bridges

Welcome to a new kind of post! Church Life Updates. There are many facets to our life as a church! Our hope is that these posts will enable you to plan, pray, and ultimately rejoice in what the Lord is doing at Sovereign Grace Church. 

Here are a few updates for you to do just that! 

A NEW COMMUNITY GROUP

Community Groups are a crucial part of our life together as a church and we have the joy of announcing the start of a brand-new one! Rick Baker and his wife Andrea will be leading this new group! The Bakers have been faithful servants in our church for years and we are eager to see all the Lord will do in and through their group! For more information about the Baker Community Group, you can contact Rick directly.

A (NOT SO) NEW WORSHIP LEADER

If you’ve ever been with us on a Sunday morning, you know what a gift our worship ministry is. Rick Baker has been the leader of our worship ministry for the last few years, but as he steps into his new role as Community Group Leader, Brett Overstreet will be taking his place as head of the team. Brett has led the worship ministry in the past so we are thankful for him and his eagerness to serve in this role again! Let’s commit to praying for him and the team. For any questions about our worship ministry, please contact Brett Overstreet.

EQUIPPED

Every year we have the opportunity to switch up our usual mid-week routines and come together as a church for teaching on the practical aspects of the Christian life. We call it EQUIPPED. This year’s title: “Nuts and Bolts of the Christian Life”. We’ll meet here at the church every Wednesday in February at 7:00 PM. For further details, please contact your Community Group leader or the church office.

Thank you for pausing to read about what the Lord is doing in your church! Stay tuned for future Church Life Updates!

Charles Spurgeon’s ministry was far-reaching. In his outstanding book, C.H. Spurgeon on Spiritual Leadership, Steve Miller comments:

From 1861 to 1891 he preached to some 6,000 people every Sunday morning….Spurgeon organized and ran several evangelistic, educational, and social ministries, including the Pastors’ College, the Stockwell Orphanage, the Old Ladies Home, the Colportage Ministry, the Pastors’ Aid Society, and the Poor Ministers’ Clothing Society.

Add to the legendary list above traveling to preach and the many books he authored, and a hearty WHEW! is in order. While some may rightly wonder at the gifts and capabilities of Mr. Spurgeon, he knew exactly where the credit belonged:

I stand here to confess frankly that from my inmost heart I attribute the large prosperity which God has given to this church vastly more to the prayers of the people than to anything that God may have given me.

Spurgeon viewed the fruitfulness of His ministry through the power of prayer. And so should we. We can do nothing apart from Jesus (John 15:1-7). Even our prayers depend on the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). We are utterly dependent on God for all things. But praise be to Jesus, who makes it possible for us to receive the free-flowing grace of God abundantly. How? Through prayer.

God truly wants to bless His people. He desires that we bear fruit in life and ministry. But we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2-3). Prayer is the irreplaceable means by which God pours out His grace and power in our lives. And as Hebrews 4:14-16 says, God made prayer possible through Jesus, whose work as our high priest guarantees we can confidently draw near to the mercy seat of God in prayer.  

Do you long to be a more effective parent? Do you want to see greater fruitfulness in your ministry? Do you desire more closeness in your relationships? It’s not rocket science. Pray. Pray because prayer is God’s way of providing all you need for life and godliness.    

As I began considering how I would write this post, I prayed for God’s guidance. Sitting down to write this post, I prayed for God’s help. As I send out this post, I pray God will use it to produce fruit in your life. From beginning to end, I get the joy of praying; God gets all the glory in the prayers.   

-Derek

Peace instead of anxiety. Patience in adversity. Gratitude instead of bitterness. Perseverance through trials. Humility in prosperity. Contentment in poverty. Hopeful in the unknown. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Hopeful: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 23:12-35
TITLE: Living Hopeful In A Hard World
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet

POINTS:
1. Man’s Plan to Kill Paul
2. God’s Plan to Protect Paul

SERMON EXCERPTS:
”Peace instead of anxiety. Patience in adversity. Gratitude instead of bitterness. Perseverance through trials. Humility in prosperity. Contentment in poverty. Hopeful in the unknown. Where do these come from? Ultimately, they are the fruit of the Spirit’s work in us. But the Spirit works through our faith, so we experience these blessings as we trust that our heavenly Father is sovereignly ruling over our lives, in all things, at all times.”

“It's called providence. It’s mysterious and mind-blowing. But believing God is in control and at work in all things to accomplish His redemptive plan, even though we don’t fully understand how that works, is foundational to Living Hopeful In a Hard World.”

“Today’s text is a wonderful illustration of God’s providence that I pray will result in a greater trust in God, no matter your lot in life right now.”

“The Greek word translated oath is anathema. It means curse. These guys want Paul dead so badly that they put themselves under a curse that goes like this—Let God do to us and more if we eat or drink anything before Paul is dead.”

“You want an apologetic for Sunday mornings, CG, and any other opportunity to gather with God’s people—Satan. Is he invincible?—No. Is he formidable—Yes. And our hearts, like sheep, are prone to wander from the flock to the fence line, are vulnerable to his schemes. Satan would like nothing more than to isolate you from God’s people and wreak havoc in your relationship with God.”

“Do a bible study on the 35 one another’s in Scripture. Reorient your personal and family calendar to church life. Find a place to serve. Understand your hospitality as an opportunity for sanctification. As you socialize (hang out) with one another, move into fellowship (Christ-centered conversation) as often as possible. It is a primary means of God’s grace to protect and grow His people. That’s why it always has been and always will be a priority at this church.”

“Psalm 147:5 describes God as being beyond measure. That’s what we mean when we describe Him as an infinite God. In his being and greatness, God has no limitations. And that includes the resources to bring about His sovereign will in your life. We never know HOW God is at work and we never know WHO He may work through.”

“This one young man who has no prior place and no future place in Scripture is at the heart of God’s plan to deliver Paul from his enemies and make sure he continues toward Rome with the gospel.”

“I don’t know if you have caught this yet, there is no mention of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit in our text. Zero. Yet, the Lord was in the midst of it all, causing the events of Paul’s ordeal to fulfill His plans. The Invisible Hand of God faithfully protecting Paul and furthering His divine will.”

“Over and over, God has faithfully directed Paul’s steps, protecting and positioning him. And now, from an obscure nephew to a mighty Roman army, God is orchestrating it all, accomplishing His plan.  Whatever you are facing today—Take courage. The Lord who stood by Paul and said “take courage” is the same Lord who stands by you today.”

“I don’t know what God’s providence looks like in your life today. It may be bitter, sweet, or a little of both. But I know this: Before the Lord stands by you, he stood for you on the cross. He stood in your place at Calvary so you could have a place in his kingdom. Christ took courage in the face of divine wrath so you could receive divine love by faith. There is no greater act of God’s providence than your salvation. He orchestrated it all. And now He stands with you.”

“God’s spoken word to Paul is His written word to us. We may not understand God’s providence. We may not see it in the moment. But we can live mindful of it so that we will be encouraged by it. How? Preaching it to ourselves through his word.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
James 1:22
Psalm 147:5

QUOTES:
Derek Thomas - “A firm faith in the providence of God is the solution for all earthly problems.”

John Flavel - “The providence of God is like a Hebrew word—it can only be read backward.”

APPLICATION:
Memorize three passages that preach providence:
1. Proverbs 16:9
2. Matthew 10:29-31
3. Romans 8:28-39

Muse over them. Memorize them. Meditate on them. BASK in them. Preach them to yourself as often as you can.