Sermons from December 2019

“Absorbed in God’s Word” (Psalm 119:9-16)

Absorbed in God’s Word Absorbed in God’s Word Brad Mills / General Bible; Meditate; Purity / Psalm 119:9–16   One of my traditions has been to use the last Sunday of the year to prepare us for the new year. We have considered several psalms which help us to look back with gratitude. But I want to return to Psalm 119 and spend time picking up at vv.9-16. This is the quintessential chapter on God’s word. Almost every verse refers…

“Far As the Curse Is Found” (Matthew 2:13-23)

Far As the Curse Is Found Far As the Curse Is Found Brad Mills / General Advent: Now But Not Yet / Matthew 2:13–23   We opened this Advent series by looking at a passage that is rarely preached (Mt 1:1-17). Now we are closing the series with a passage that is rarely preached (Mt 2:13-23). Many come to church expecting a sermon specifically about the birth of Jesus on the Sunday before Christmas. But I have tried to show…

“Come, Adore on Bended Knee” (Matthew 2:1-12)

Come, Adore on Bended Knee Come, Adore on Bended Knee Brad Mills / General Advent: Now But Not Yet / Matthew 2:1–12   I have a friend who doesn’t celebrate Christmas or Easter or any other Christian holiday because their origins are tied to pagan holidays. Maybe you know people like that. They begin with a well-intentioned desire to remain faithful to the truth. Once they discover the link between Christmas and the Roman festival of Saturnalia, they decide that…

“Offspring of the Virgin’s Womb” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Offspring of the Virgin’s Womb Offspring of the Virgin’s Womb Brad Mills / General Advent: Now But Not Yet / Hope; Fear / Matthew 1:18–25   Last week we emphasized the humanity of Jesus. Matthew began with a genealogy that confirms Jesus’ royal heritage. Although Jesus was born into the line of King David, his immediate parents were actually poor and insignificant. Jesus had a true humanity. And yet, the genealogy was unique in how it explained his relationship to…

“The Hopes and Fears of All the Years” (Matthew 1:1-17)

The Hopes and Fears of All the Years The Hopes and Fears of All the Years Brad Mills / General Advent: Now But Not Yet / Hope; Fear / Matthew 1:1–17   “Advent: Now But Not Yet” points to the reality that Jesus appeared 2,000 years ago, but he will appear again to usher us into the new heavens and new earth. Just as the OT saints waited for Jesus’ first coming, we anticipate his second coming. Christ’s birth marked…