• Home
Menu

Renaissance Church | Providence, RI | Non denominational churches in RI, contemporary church

  • Home

Stories of God: The Fight for God's Fullness in Our Lives

August 24, 2025

2 Samuel 23

In this sermon, we explore what it means to “fight the good fight of faith,” not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil, pursuing the fullness of God in our lives. Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:8-12, we see how David’s mighty men exemplified tenacity, perseverance, and loyalty—even in private, unseen moments—and how these qualities are essential for spiritual growth and impact. The message challenges us to remain steadfast in trials, resist distraction, and unite as a community, trusting that God empowers us to overcome and bring revival, influence our generation, and take hold of the abundant promises of His kingdom.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Ezekiel

August 17, 2025

In this message from Ezekiel 24, we’re reminded of the weighty call of the prophets and the surpassing greatness of God’s glory. Ezekiel’s ministry was marked by extraordinary suffering—his very life became a series of signs pointing God’s people back to Him. The most striking moment came when God told Ezekiel that his wife, “the delight of [his] eyes,” would be taken from him, and that he was not to grieve in the usual way. This became a vivid picture for Israel, showing that just as Ezekiel lost what was most precious, the people too would lose the temple—the “delight of their eyes”—because they had loved the gifts of God more than God Himself. Mark Skillin’s sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we treasure God above all else, or do we allow His good gifts to eclipse our worship of Him?


In Stories of God

Stories of God: The Secret to Meekness

August 3, 2025

2 Samuel 16

In this week’s message, Pastor Scott walks us through the painful moment in 2 Samuel 16 when David, broken and weeping, is cursed and attacked by Shimei. Though falsely accused and humiliated, David refuses to retaliate, modeling meekness and trust in God's sovereignty. Instead of lashing out in anger or defending his reputation, David accepts that even unjust suffering can be used by God for redemptive purposes. Pastor Scott challenges us to consider our own “Shimei moments” — those times when we're hurt, misunderstood, or slandered — and to respond not with bitterness, but with forgiveness, humility, and dependence on the Lord. Meekness is not weakness; it is power surrendered in trust to God. Like David, we too can find refreshment in God's presence, even when wounded. As Colossians reminds us, we are called to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: The Kindness of God

July 27, 2025

2 Samuel 9

Pastor Scott’s message illustrates the radical kindness of God through the story of David and Mephibosheth. Though Mephibosheth was a disabled descendant of Saul—the very king who had persecuted David—David sought him out to show “the kindness of God” for the sake of Jonathan, David’s covenant friend. Mephibosheth, living in obscurity and shame in Lo-debar, was completely unworthy and incapable of earning favor, yet David restores his family’s land and seats him permanently at the royal table, treating him like a son. This act of grace mirrors the gospel: we too were broken, spiritually crippled, far from God, and without hope—yet God, in Christ, sought us, forgave us, adopted us, and seated us at His table. Just as Mephibosheth received undeserved favor, we are called to receive the kindness of God and live in the joy and intimacy of His household. The message concluded with a time of response and prayer, inviting everyone to receive God’s lavish grace.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Temptations in the Desert

July 20, 2025

Matthew 4

This sermon from Mark Skillin explores the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, drawing from Matthew 4. Just after His baptism and the declaration of His identity as God's beloved Son, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil. The sermon connects Jesus’ testing with Israel’s wilderness journey and with our own seasons of struggle. Where Israel failed, Jesus is faithful. And where we are tempted to satisfy ourselves, demand signs from God, or take shortcuts to glory, Jesus shows us a better way—one of humility, trust, and obedience. Most importantly, we are reminded that Jesus didn’t just model how to resist temptation; He overcame it for us. In Christ, we are not alone in the wilderness. He is the faithful Son who succeeded where we fall short—and now offers us His strength, His Word, and His Spirit to endure every trial.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: What pleases the LORD?

July 13, 2025

2 Samuel 6

This message from Pastor Scott challenges listeners to reflect on a core spiritual question: Is God pleased with my life? Using the story of David transporting the Ark of the Covenant, he highlights how sincere intentions and emotional worship are not enough if they’re disconnected from obedience. When Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it and is struck dead, it reveals the seriousness of disregarding God’s clear commands. David initially responds with anger and fear but, after time in reflection, repents and brings the Ark to Jerusalem in the proper way. The result is joyful worship rooted in reverence. The sermon challenges believers to examine their lives, align with God’s Word in every area, and depend daily on His grace, emphasizing that obedience—empowered by the Spirit—is the true pathway to God’s pleasure and blessing.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Abigail's Beautiful Roadblock

July 6, 2025

1 Samuel 25

This sermon unpacks the powerful account of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail courageously intervenes in David’s path of rage and revenge after an insult from the foolish Nabal. Drawing from his own testimony, Pastor Scott likens Abigail’s intervention to a spiritual roadblock—much like the people who stepped into his life to rescue him from destruction. The message challenges listeners to recognize when others are on destructive paths and to be willing, like Abigail, to boldly and lovingly intervene. Her humility, wisdom, and bravery not only save lives but also redirect David back toward God’s purposes. We're reminded that while not every intervention succeeds, some do—and they are worth it.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Hearing God's Voice

June 22, 2025

1 Samuel 3

Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths explores the story of young Samuel and how he learned to hear God's voice—a journey that invites all of us, no matter our age, to do the same. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of others, God still speaks today. We discuss how to tune in to His voice amidst the noise, the importance of obedience and positioning our hearts to listen, and the encouragement that hearing God isn’t reserved for prophets—it’s a promise for everyone filled with His Spirit.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: David + Goliath

June 15, 2025

1 Samuel 17

Pastor Scott unpacks the story of David and Goliath as more than a boy-versus-giant tale—it’s a blueprint for faith under pressure, showing how David endured his brothers’ contempt, Saul’s doubts, and Goliath’s mockery by relying on God’s Spirit and the lessons learned in secret battles with lions and bears. We’ll explore how that same Spirit equips us to face our own “giants” (and the enemy behind them), not with our strength but in the name of the Lord, and why walking in obedience and alignment with Christ renders the devil powerless.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: The Sacrifice of Isaac

June 1, 2025

Genesis 22

This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, emphasizing Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises even when asked to sacrifice his son. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and James 2, the message shows that Abraham’s faith was not blind but reasoned and deeply rooted in God’s character—trusting that God could raise the dead if necessary. It also reveals how this story foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, with Isaac as a type of Christ and the ram as a symbol of substitution. Ultimately, Mark Skillin in this sermon challenges listeners to live out the Christian faith that not only believes but acts, trusting God’s goodness even when His ways are mysterious.


In Stories of God
Older Posts →

10 am Sundays

10 Tripps Lane, Riverside, RI 02915

Sign up for our newsletter
Contact Us
GIVE