Millbrook Presbyterian Church

Jonah 4 - When Prayers Collide

WHEN PRAYERS COLLIDE--JONAH 2-1-10 AND 4-1-4--I. JONAH'S GRATEFUL PRAYER -2-1-10--A. Jonah's Distress -vv2-6a--1. Thrown overboard -v3--2. Banished from God's presence -v4--3. Entangled in the weeds -v5--4. Descended --went down-- into Sheol -v6a--B. Jonah's Deliverance -vv6b-7--1. By God -v6b--2. By the fish-3. By prayer -v7--C. Jonah's Devotion -vv8-9--1. Loyalty-2. Worship--II. JONAH'S ANGRY PRAYER -4-1-4--A. Jonah's Predicament -v1--1. Ninevites had gotten rid of their ra-ah-2. God had go...

Jonah 2 - Fear of the Lord, Fact or Fiction?

THE FEAR OF THE LORD--FACT OR FICTION----JONAH 1-4-16---INTRODUCTION -1- The structure of 1-4-16-Storm starts-sailors fear-Sailors pray and throw-On whose account-What-the LORD-I fear-Sailors fear a great fear-What-On my account-Sailors pray and throw-Storm stops-sailors fear a great fear-the LORD-2- The -fear of the Lord--a- Affective- Awe coupled with trust-b- Cognitive- --knowledge of God -Proverbs 2-5--c- Volitional- --turning away from evil--I. TALK IS CHEAP-A. An Orthodox Confession -v9...

Jonah 3 - Divine Responsiveness to Human Action

DIVINE RESPONSIVENESS TO HUMAN ACTION--JONAH 3-10---INTRODUCTION-1- Some either ors-2- Westminster standards -a- WCF Chapter III - Of God's Eternal Decree-i- God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass- yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures- nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established. -b- WSC ...

Jonah 1 - What's In a Name?

WHAT'S IN A NAME---JONAH'S STORY AS OUR STORY--I. JONAH- SILLY AND SENSELESS-- Hosea 7-11 -o Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense-. -ESV- -o So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense-. -NASB---A. Seen in Jonah's Response to God's Call-1. Go to Nineveh-2. Went to Tarshish-B. Seen throughout the book-1. Jonah's Response to God's Storm-2. Jonah's Response to God's Grace-II. JONAH- SON OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS-A. Seen in the Storm-1. The Lord throws the wind onto the sea -1-4...

Life and Death in the Garden

The atonement is not a dry theological topic for the dusty halls of the university and seminary. It is a vibrant picture of the love of God.--I John 4-10 - In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.--Salvation requires atonement - paying for our sins - earning eternal righteousness - precisely what we could not do for ourselves.--Romans 5-6-8 - For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodl...

The Psalms and a Grateful Life

Session 5 of 2019 Millbrook Bible Conference at Millbrook Presbyterian Church -PCA- with Dr. Mark D. Futato as our guest speaker.

The Psalms and an Honest Life

Session 4 of 2019 Millbrook Bible Conference at Millbrook Presbyterian Church -PCA- with Dr. Mark D. Futato as our guest speaker.

The Psalms and a Happy and Holy Life

Session 2 of 2019 Millbrook Bible Conference at Millbrook Presbyterian Church -PCA- with Dr. Mark D. Futato as our guest speaker.

The Psalms and a Majestic Life

Session 3 of 2019 Millbrook Bible Conference at Millbrook Presbyterian Church -PCA- with Dr. Mark D. Futato as our guest speaker.

The Psalms and a Doxological Life

Session 1 of 2019 Millbrook Bible Conference at Millbrook Presbyterian Church -PCA- with Dr. Mark D. Futato as our guest speaker.

When the Time Was Right

Did you ever wonder why Jesus came exactly when He did-- Though He had been promised throughout human existence, why did it take -so long- for Him to come after sin entered the world------Paul tells the Galatians that Jesus came when the time was right. Just what made the time right-- Listen in and find out.

The Heart of a King

How do you select a king-- Samuel is tasked by God to anoint the next king of Israel. God teaches Samuel -and us- that the Lord's priority is the heart and not the external.--This sermon is the first in a series about the life of David

Hearts United

We are not to forsake gathering together. Worship involves community and gathering. In doing so, we-----1. Stimulate one another to love and good deeds.--2. Are encouraged in the presence of God's people.--3. Are motivated by an eternal -heavenly- perspective.

A Visible Sermon

Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace. They were directly instituted by God to represent Christ and his benefits and to confirm our relationship to him. There are only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel- baptism and the Lord's supper.

A Contrite Heart

A Contrite Heart is...----1. God-focused - sin is a rebellion against God and forgiveness is found only in God.----2. Broken - we praise God for the pain of sin's consequences - it brings us to Him for healing.----3. Pleading - we cry out to God for He is our only refuge----4. Changing - joy replaces guilt and praise replaces sin

O Come Let Us Sing

My question to you this morning - what makes you sing-- But, you say, -I don-t sing.- Really-- How about at a party with friends-- Karaoke-- Songs you grew up with-- Don McLean-s American Pie-- How about Sweet Caroline-- Or, your favorite football fight song-- War Eagle-- Yeah Alabama-- Hail Dear Ol- State-- Or perhaps your Armed Service Anthem, Happy Birthday, God Bless America, Christmas carols--- Do you sing Rock-a-Bye-Baby to your grandchild-- Do you sing in the care-- In the shower-----...

A Heart for Worship

If worship is entertainment then worshipers become an audience - they become the focus. Our consideration of our corporate worship sounds more like a movie review or restaurant critique.----A.W. Tozer believed this to be true back in the 1950s and 60s. Church members -want to be entertained while they are edified.- He said that in 1962. Tozer grieved, even then, that it was -scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction was God.-

Crossing the Finish Line

Review - In the five points- we see our sin and our extreme need of God-s grace- we experience the complete grace of God which brings us to faith- we trust in the sufficient and complete work of Christ -not making salvation possible but making it real and actual-- we see the Holy Spirit acting to effect our salvation, not merely encouraging it- we trust that, by His strength, that we will persevere to the end.----The Fifth Point - Perseverance of the Saints - endurance, assurance, faithfulnes...

An Offer You Can't Refuse

How does a rebellious people come to follow the Lord-- Stubborn. Stiff-necked. Totally depraved. God must change us. In a real and effective way.----The Fourth Point - Irresistible Grace - Better- Effective, Invincible, Uncommon, Real, Amazing Grace----Effective grace - but what is grace------Unmerited favor. God-s free action for the benefit of his people. God-s Riches at Christ-s Expense.----The heart of flesh is superior to the heart of stone. The stoney heart is rebellious. Nasty inhospit...

God's Deliberate Love

The Third Point in the Doctrines of Grace- Limited Atonement - Better- Particular Atonement, Definite Atonement----- The atonement is the work of God in Christ, by his obedience and death, by which he cancelled the debt of our sin, appeased his holy wrath against us, and won for us all the benefits of salvation.----New Testament scholar J. Gresham Machen -1881-1937- said of the Atonement, -This Bible doctrine is not intricate or subtle. On the contrary, though it involves mysteries, it is its...

The Best Gift Ever

We study, preach and teach what the Bible actually says, not what we want it to say.----As we study the Doctrines of Grace, we come to the second point...----The Second Point - Unconditional Election - unearned, undeserved, unconditional----The words we choose - unconditional election - will cause many to cry out, -Wait a minute- But what about unconditional love-------In the moments of pain and tears, in loneliness and despair - is there a greater need than a love that will not let us go-- A...

The Bad News First

The -Doctrines of Grace- is a five part sermon looking at five particular points of theology which push us to embrace the grace of God as the source of our salvation, our hope, and our eternal life.----In these five points- we see our sin and our extreme need of God-s grace- we experience the complete grace of God which brings us to faith- we trust in the sufficient and complete work of Christ -not making salvation possible but making it real and actual-- we see the Holy Spirit acting to effe...

Fakery and Faithfulness

A Far Greater King

Hear the Lord Jesus deal with the question of how David, His ancestor, would refer to Him as 'My Lord.-

The Greatest Commandment

Love, as the Father has shown to us, is the faithful summary of the duty of man and the whole of the moral-spiritual law.--Heart, soul, mind, and strength all have their role in loving God. God is not content to be just part of your life. One vivid way our love for God is shown is the love we have for others.

One Bride for Seven Brothers

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, yet they posed a hypothetical situation to Jesus about the status of marriages in the resurrection. Their desire was to trap Jesus - to undermine His impact and authority among the crowds. His reply to them pointed out that they were -badly mistaken.- How sad it is to see people wrapped up in hypotheticals and rabbit trails, when the truth of eternity is right there in their face.

My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation

Simeon sings a song of praise and contentment when he gazes upon the face of Jesus. Through millennia, men and women have awaited the coming Messiah. When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, Simeon sees the fulfillment of God's promises-

Now Show Me Your Glory

An interesting season of the year - the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas - Advent. Historically a time in which the church reflected on the millenia of anticipation from creation until Christ.----But what is it we reflect most on-- What do I want for Christmas-- What does my wife want for Christmas-- What do my children want for Christmas------What do you want for Christmas-- Not what is on your Amazon wish list. Not the letter you mailed to Santa care of the north pole. Let me suggest...

Worship & Prayer, Not Robbery & Greed

This passage is often reduced to an essay about righteous indignation, the fact that Jesus was no wimp, and that anger is no sin when it is prompted by an offence to the glory of God.--But, what was the greatest concern of the Savior-- The way priests washed their hands-- The number of steps allowable on the Sabbath-- No, His concern was the heart. Particularly the hearts of the people and their leaders in what was set apart as the house of God.--But here's what I want to concentrate on and i...

Fig Trees and Faith

What does Jesus find when He looks upon His church today-- Across the country and around the world-- Sure. But how about right here-- Will he find a tree that is full of leaves but devoid of fruit-- A church that esteems entertainment and personal satisfaction higher than worship and sacrifice-- A spiritual massage and a pious spa for a few moments------Francis Schaeffer said were the two great values that shape our culture - still valid today. And they are personal peace - -Don't bother me. ...

What Do You Want Me to Do?

The cry and the request of Bartimaeus to Jesus. -Have mercy on me, Son of David------He makes his request known to Jesus. This requests is-----1. From a point of helplessness--2. Made with Persistence--3. Is Clarified to his pressing need--4. Is timely - for Jesus would never pass his way again.

To Serve and to Give

This is a passage of great contrast - a picture of servanthood and a picture of what it is not. If our Savior was a servant - then how do we dare seek a different path------We begin with the amazement of followers - Jesus was resolute - something in the eyes, the walk, the steadfast way Jesus advanced to Jerusalem. He had spoken about His purpose in going there.----Jesus is teaching them - and teaching us - the true nature of love. Sure the disciples had great fondness for Jesus. They had som...

Suffer the Little Children

This is more than just a cute interlude in the life of Jesus. A vital moment of instruction to His disciples. Remember, His time with them is drawing short. Every moment, He teaches, corrects, instructs- why-- They will carry on this ministry after He is gone.----This passage teaches us about the special love of God for our children.----Jesus also teaches His disciples -and us- the necessity of humility.

The Greatness of Nobodies

Two lessons - a follower of Christ is a servant. A Christian embraces the call of service. To be a nobody. To wash feet when others avoid making eye contact lest the job fall to them. To bear patiently with others, to love with selflessness, to give sacrificially to others. To be unremembered and uncelebrated in this world. It is enough that our Father in heaven smiles. He sees. ----Secondly, we Christian nobodies pay attention to nobodies. We must love as Jesus loved. Who did He give His ti...

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan

As Jesus teaches His disciples that He is the Messiah, it becomes apparent to them that He is not the type of Messiah they were expecting. When Jesus explains that He will be falsely accused and put to death, Peter pulls Him aside to rebuke Him. To this, Jesus responds, -Get thee behind Me, Satan.-----In His love for us, Jesus would not be detoured from His appointment with the cross. He would accomplish, perfectly, the Father's work for our salvation.

Hear Him, Ye Deaf

This moment with Jesus and this deaf man - it was a ...--1. Private Moment--2. Peculiar Moment--3. Prayerful Moment--4. Pathetic Moment--5. Passionate Moment--6. Powerful Moment--6.

The Crumbs Are Enough

When Jesus encounters the woman with a demon possessed daughter, He speaks to her of Israel and the Gentiles.----John Calvin speaks of this encounter, -It was not the intent of the Savior to extinguish her faith but, rather, to whet her zeal and inflame her ardour.-----She does not rebel against God-s election of Israel. She does not scream - it-s not fair- She pursues Jesus. She repeats her plea and presses her case.----And, Jesus heals her daughter-

To See Jesus As He Is

Jesus engages His disciples in conversation and instruction. During the course of this discussion, He asks two key questions.----1. Who do people say that I am------2. Who do YOU say that I am------To answer the first, you have to know people - you have to involve yourselves in their lives and talk to them about Jesus.----To answer the second, you have to know Jesus - you have to wrestle with the truth of God's grace incarnate. ----Both questions are important. But, the second truly carries t...

What They Saw at Sea

What question comes to mind when we encounter this trouble-- What did I do wrong-- What did I do to deserve this trial-- Romans 3 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We think about the storm on the sea that threatened to destroy the boat and crew that was transporting Jonah to Tarshish. His sin - his disobedience - the reason for the storm. But, all trials are not the consequence of particular sins. In this case, the disciples find themselves in trouble as they obey Jesus. H...

The Enemy Within

Several problems arise from legalism and the elevation of traditions to the level of scripture. Fatal problems. There are several causes of such an approach to God---1. We think too little of God's Word.--2. We think too little of true worship.--3. We think too little of sin.--4. Bottom line, we think too little of God.

Rest for the Weary and Food for the Hungry

One of the most familiar stories from the life of Jesus. One of 2 miracles recorded in all four Gospels - the feeding of the 5000-the resurrection is the other miracle recorded in all four-.----The thousands come to Jesus, He doesn-t scold them or send them away. Literally, v34, His heart went out to them - He was moved in His inner being. As Isaiah wrote in chapter 53, verse 4 - Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.----Jesus teaches them. Then He feeds them. He is the Good ...

Sent with Authority

There would come a day when Jesus would not physically be with His disciples. They needed to be ready. Jesus was building His church. These ordinary men would be the means by which He did so. Much about these young men was immature and imperfect. They were untried men with a limited grasp of who Christ was. They had a poor understanding of themselves. They-d never preached a sermon.----Praise God, the spread of the gospel doesn-t depend on our perfection or our merit but on the call of Christ...

New Life and Healing

Our Savior encounters two significant events in this passage. One event is chronic. It has been going on 12 years. How easy would it have been to lose hope-- This woman had no contact with other people. She could not go to the synagogue. We was unclean. But, she comes to Jesus and He -not His clothes- makes her clean.----The other event - the illness and death of Jairus's daughter is quite acute. How easy would it have been to get overwhelmed in the thrashing and panic of that moment-- Can yo...

This Jesus

The undeniable Christ-focus of this sermon. It is all about Jesus. Our words, our life, our messages, our lessons, - Without Christ, we have nothing to offer. Without Christ, we are pitiful. Without Christ, we are wasting our time. -This Jesus-- This, specific Jesus. Not the politically correct, redefined, neutralized Jesus which is culturally palatable. The Jesus of God-s Word. Jesus, as He is, not as we might like to imagine.----We are told about Christ-s posture, that in fact he is sittin...

Demons, Destruction, and Deliverance

Jesus loves and He is Able. He heals the broken and miserable man - bound and bloody - the man crying out in abandon and wrath. This poor soul was bound in the place of the dead. How does Jesus heal this man-- How does Jesus heal us-- By becoming this man. By being broken. By being abandoned. He became bound and bloody and was left in the place of the dead. He breaks the power of sin, of death, of misery, of the devil - for us.----And, to us He says - v19 - -Go home to your friends and tell ...

Listen Carefully to the Word

Imagine the scene that day. The teaming masses of men and women crowding Jesus. They have heard about His teaching. The stories of His healing are all anyone is talking about these days. Hundreds, probably thousands, have come to see Jesus. It wasn-t in a concert hall, a sanctuary, or an auditorium. This assembly was out the open. The crowds are closing in around Jesus. So, He steps onto a boat and has it pushed a bit away from the shore. This builds some buffer. It also provided a bit of amp...

The Seed is Sown the Harvest is Great

Imagine the scene that day. The teaming masses of men and women crowding Jesus. They have heard about His teaching. The stories of His healing are all anyone is talking about these days. Hundreds, probably thousands, have come to see Jesus. It wasn-t in a concert hall, a sanctuary, or an auditorium. This assembly was out the open. The crowds are closing in around Jesus. So, He steps onto a boat and has it pushed a bit away from the shore. This builds some buffer. It also provided a bit of amp...

The Family of Jesus

Jesus says here - my family - my true and eternal family will bear the family resemblance - they will look like their heavenly Father and their brother, Jesus. It-s not a nose, or body shape, or hair color - Verse 35 - -Whoever does God-s will is my brother and sister and mother.- Obedience in repentance. Obedient in faith. Coming to the Father through the Son and Him alone. We prayed it earlier - -Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.- Thy will be done in my life-----Do you know tha...

What Can and Cannot Be Forgiven

A text Martyn Lloyd Jones calls the most fearful text in all of the Bible. A pastoral warning to all who sit week in and week out in church - who have tasted of heavenly things- and then walk away to chase the desires of this world and then grievously resist and deny the Holy Spirit. A warning to all who would hear today. Daily, draw close to God through Christ. Do not seek how far you can roam. Do not seek how wide you can stray and then still return.

Twelve Unlikely Men

Discipleship works most essentially through instruction and imitation. Discipleship works best through love. As we lovingly instruct younger believers in the way of godliness and live commendable lives, they grow in Christlikeness by imitating our life and doctrine. The Bible teaches us that discipleship is to be our pattern - -Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ- -1 Cor. 11-1-- -Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and im...