We see that our whole salvation and all its parts are found in Christ [Acts 4:12]. We should therefore take care not to derive it from anywhere else. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is “of him” [1 Cor 1:30]. If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, in his anointing. If we seek strength, in his power; if purity, in his conception; if gentleness, in his birth. If we seek redemption, it lies in his suffering and death; if acquittal, in his condemnation; if remission of the curse, in his cross [Gal 3:13]; if satisfaction, in his sacrifice; if purification, in his blood; if reconciliation, in his death; if killing of sin, in his tomb; if newness of life and immortality, in his resurrection; if inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom, in his entrance into heaven; if protection, if security, if abundant supply of all blessings, in his Kingdom; if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given to him to judge. In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other. (John Calvin, Institutes, 2.16.19)
As we step into a new year, this passage reminds us to walk with both clarity and confidence. Scripture calls us to recognize the enemy by testing what we hear and holding fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. At the same time, we are invited to rejoice in the victory we already have, knowing that the One who lives in us is greater than anything in the world. From that place of assurance, we are sent to remain on mission, listening to God’s truth and living faithfully as His people in the year ahead.
This passage proclaims the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, who has given Him the name above every name. Because of His obedience and work of salvation, all creation—heavenly, earthly, and under the earth—will one day bow before Him. Every tongue will openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, acknowledging His absolute authority and kingship. This universal confession ultimately brings glory to God the Father, revealing that Christ’s exaltation fulfills God’s redemptive plan.
Philippians 2:7 highlights the humanity of Christ in His incarnation. Though fully God, Jesus “emptied Himself” by taking on the form of a servant and becoming truly human. He did not cling to His divine privileges but willingly entered our world, embracing all the limitations, frailties, and experiences of humanity. In doing so, He identified fully with us so that He might redeem us. This verse reminds us that the eternal Son of God drew near by becoming one of us—love made low for our salvation.
Philippians 2:1–11 powerfully affirms the deity of Christ. Though Jesus existed in the very form of God, He did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but willingly humbled Himself by taking on human flesh. He became a servant, obedient even to the point of death on a cross. Because of this, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, declaring that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This passage reveals that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or example—He is God Himself, worthy of all worship and glory.
In this passage, Peter reminds believers that they are being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone—chosen by God but rejected by men. As living stones, Christians are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus. Though some reject Christ and stumble, those who believe in Him are honored and will never be put to shame. Peter emphasizes that believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the goodness of God who brought them from darkness into light. Once far from God, they are now His people, recipients of His mercy.
Peter calls believers to love one another earnestly and sincerely, because they have been born again through the imperishable Word of God. While human life is fleeting like grass, God’s Word stands forever—and it is this enduring Word that brings new life. Therefore, believers are urged to put away sin like malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Instead, they are to crave the pure spiritual nourishment of God’s truth, growing in their salvation. Those who have truly experienced the goodness of the Lord will long for more of Him.
This passage is a powerful call to live a holy life in response to the grace we’ve received through Christ. Peter urges believers to prepare their minds, remain sober-minded, and set their hope fully on the future grace to be revealed at Jesus’ return. As God is holy, we are to reflect His holiness in all areas of our lives, leaving behind the sinful desires of our past. We are reminded that we were ransomed not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was chosen before the foundation of the world. Because of His resurrection and glory, our faith and hope are securely anchored in God.
In John 11, Jesus receives word that His close friend Lazarus is gravely ill, yet He delays going to him, saying the illness is for God’s glory. When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Despite the grief of Martha and Mary, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” affirming that those who believe in Him will never truly die. Moved by compassion, Jesus weeps at Lazarus’s tomb and then raises him from the dead, demonstrating His divine power. Many who witnessed this miracle believe in Him, but others report it to the Pharisees, prompting the religious leaders to plot His death. Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesies that Jesus would die not just for the nation, but to gather God’s scattered children into one people.
Psalm 67 is a joyful call for God’s blessing—not only for His people, but so that His glory and saving power would be known throughout the earth. The psalmist prays that God would be gracious, bless His people, and make His face shine upon them. This blessing has a purpose: that all nations might come to know, worship, and rejoice in the one true God. It celebrates God’s justice, guidance, and generosity, as even the harvest is seen as a sign of His provision. Ultimately, the psalm looks forward to a day when all the peoples of the earth revere and praise Him together.
The prophets of old diligently searched and inquired about the salvation and grace that would come through Christ. They were guided by the Spirit of Christ as they spoke of His sufferings and the glory that would follow. It was revealed to them that their messages were not ultimately for themselves but for future generations—specifically for us. This good news has now been proclaimed by those empowered by the Holy Spirit, and it is so profound that even angels long to understand it.
Peter praises God for His great mercy in giving believers new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope points to an eternal inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and kept in heaven. Even amid trials, believers can rejoice because their faith—though tested—is proven genuine and will result in praise and glory when Christ is revealed. Though they haven’t seen Him, they love and believe in Him, experiencing a deep, inexpressible joy. Ultimately, their faith leads to the salvation of their souls.
In the opening of his letter, Peter addresses believers as “elect exiles”—those chosen by God yet living as outsiders in the world. He reminds them that their identity is rooted in the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Though scattered across different regions, they are unified by a shared calling to live in obedience and hope. Peter’s greeting of multiplied grace and peace sets the tone for a letter filled with encouragement for those navigating life as faithful followers of Christ in a broken world.
Psalm 19 celebrates both God's creation and His Word. The psalm opens by declaring how the heavens continually proclaim God's glory and handiwork without words, yet are universally understood. It then shifts to highlight the perfection of God's law, describing it as pure, true, and more desirable than gold or honey, capable of reviving the soul and bringing wisdom, joy, and clarity. The psalmist acknowledges human weakness, asking God for forgiveness of hidden faults and protection from willful sin. It ends with a heartfelt prayer that both speech and thought would be pleasing to the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer.
In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham responds with remarkable obedience and trust, believing that God would somehow provide. At the moment of sacrifice, God intervenes and provides a ram in Isaac’s place. Abraham names the place “The Lord will provide,” declaring his faith in God’s provision. This powerful story reminds us that true sacrifice flows from deep trust in the Lord—and that God blesses those who hold nothing back from Him.
This is a significant moment in the life of our church. As we gather, we come with hearts prepared to commit generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially to the vision God has placed before us. But we are not only committing our resources, but our very lives for the sake of Christ. Together, we step forward in faith, trusting God to use our generosity to impact generations to come.
You can find the Antioch Initiative Commitment Form here: https://providencefrisco.churchcenter.com/people/forms/980016
In this special message from Providence Church, Afshin Ziafat returns to 2 Corinthians 9 to challenge and encourage our church family toward cheerful, sacrificial giving as we approach Commitment Sunday on September 21.
Afshin reminds us that our generosity flows not from guilt or pressure, but from a clear view of God’s abundant grace and provision. God doesn’t just call us to give—He calls us to give joyfully, trusting in His sufficiency. Through this initiative, we have the opportunity to invest in reaching the next generation, expanding gospel impact, and leaving a legacy of faith.
"Today was supposed to be week 5 of 6 for our series called The Antioch Initiative - an exciting season that we are in as a church - casting vision for our future and where we are headed for the next chapter of the life of our church. But with the tragic week we walked through, we need to shift gears today. We need to spend today lamenting, grieving, and turning to the truth of God's word to guide us."
In 2 Corinthians 8:1–7, Paul highlights the remarkable generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave joyfully and sacrificially even in the midst of great affliction and poverty. Their giving flowed not from abundance, but from an overflow of grace and a deep desire to participate in the work of the gospel. They first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to others—an example of wholehearted, Spirit-led generosity. Paul urges the Corinthian church to excel in this same grace of giving, reminding them that generosity is a reflection of sincere faith and love. As we walk through the Antioch Initiative, this passage challenges us to become generous givers—trusting God, offering ourselves fully, and joyfully investing in His kingdom work.
In Acts 13:1–4, we see the church in Antioch listening to the Holy Spirit, setting apart Paul and Barnabas, and sending them out to proclaim the gospel—marking the beginning of the first missionary journey. This moment reflects a church that doesn’t just gather, but goes, fueled by a vision to see the name of Jesus made known among the nations. In Acts 14:24–28, Paul and Barnabas return and report all that God had done through them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. The sending church became the celebrating church—rejoicing in how God advanced His kingdom through their obedience. This is the heart of the Antioch Initiative: to be a church that listens, sends, and celebrates as God works through us to reach the world.