Sermons by Brad Mills (Page 23)
An Introduction to Amillennialism
I grew up in a church that didn’t take doctrine very seriously at all. The preaching was topical and filled with far more stories and illustrations than biblical instruction. We did whatever was popular among evangelicals. I grew up with a dispensational view of the end times although I wouldn’t have been able to defend it. Dallas Theological Seminary was training many with the dispensational theology of John Darby and C.I. Scofield. The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey…
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1-3)
The Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1-3) Maybe you think of Revelation much like a horror movie. Seven headed monsters rise out of the sea, destructive earthquakes wipe out entire nations, hail and fire – mixed with blood – rain down from heaven and burn up a third of the earth. The world is darkened with swarms of locusts ascending from the depths of hell with scorpion-like stingers tormenting, but not killing everyone in sight. All of that describes the equivalent…
“Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord” (Psalm 98)
Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord (Psalm 98) If we want to worship God in the way he intends us to worship him, we must come before him with reverence and joy. We rightly recognize God’s holiness as we gather for corporate worship. But how important is joy? How often do you stir up the joy of worship as you prepare your heart? That’s the primary emphasis in this psalm. It teaches us to sing with excitement. This psalm…
“Herod and Jesus” (Luke 9:7-9)
Herod and Jesus (Luke 9:7-9) After sending out the twelve apostles, before recording their return to Jesus, Luke informs us of an important development. God is orchestrating the news about Jesus piquing the interest of the religious leaders and the popularity of his miracles among the people. Those threatened by his popularity will seek to sabotage his ministry, while others are drawn to follow him. The message of the kingdom is driving deeper into the culture so that it might…
“Worship the King” (Psalm 96)
Worship the King (Psalm 96) The best classic novels often draw us in with a thread of unfulfilled longing. We keep reading with an insatiable desire to close the loose end. We feel ourselves longing alongside the characters. More often than not, authors wrap up their stories with satisfying conclusions. The mission is accomplished. The quest is completed. The boy gets the girl. The girl marries the boy and lives happily ever after. The end of the fictional story gives…
“Jesus Sends Out the Twelve” (Luke 9:1-6)
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve (Luke 9:1-6) The call to evangelize is difficult in our antagonistic culture. We fear being mocked. Or maybe we think it’s ineffective. Many assume it’s someone else’s responsibility. All of these arguments applied to Jesus’s twelve apostles to a much greater degree. The one who sends us out ensures the effectiveness of our message. The results will be hardened and softened hearts. Some will welcome us and others will reject us (2 Cor. 2:15-16). The…
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord (Psalm 89:1-2, 19-26)
The Steadfast Love of the Lord (Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26) In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Despite the limited number of certainties Franklin possessed, we ought to strive for more confidence. If we take our cues from Scripture, we find that we can be confident in who God is and what He says. Last…
“A Tale of Two Daughters” (Luke 8:40-56)
A Tale of Two Daughters (Luke 8:40-56) Luke refers to women more than any other gospel (7:36-8:3) > Parables regarding responding to God’s Word (8:4-18) > Responding to miracles (8:19-39). Notice the contrast between 8:39 and 8:56. Read Luke 8:40-56. Two Tales of Desperation (40-43) Jairus would’ve arranged the service and chosen who participated in the Scripture readings and prayer. Seeing this man of high repute bowing before Jesus would have been significant. It’s even more remarkable if he was…
“Shouts of Joy” (Psalm 126)
Shouts of Joy (Psalm 126) In 2014, hundreds of undergrad students were ushered into a plain room at the University of Virginia. They were asked to put away their cellphones, books, and pens in order to engage in “thinking periods” lasting between six and fifteen minutes. Some were given prompts while others were told to think about whatever came to mind. It was intended to be a pleasant experience, but 50% of the participants didn’t think so. They tried “thinking…
“Revive Us Again” (Psalms 85)
Revive Us Again (Psalm 85) Illustration: Twilight Zone “A Nice Place to Visit.” After being gunned down during a burglary, Mr. Valentine, is ushered into eternity. To his surprise he experiences all the things he had been craving in this life (luxurious penthouse, fancy suits, all the alcohol he could want, an endless supply of money and women). But as the episode nears the end, he finds that his eternity is empty. It doesn’t leave him satisfied. He tells his…