A GLORIOUS MORNING
Isaiah 8:22-9:7
Rev. Bruce Brown
December 11, 2016
I. The Gathering Gloom (verse 8:22)
II. The Coming of the Dawn (verses 9:1, 2)
III. The Light of Life (verses 9:2-7)
“My dear friends, we live to-day upon the verge of that bright spot. The world has been passing through these clouds of darkness, and the light is gleaming on us now, like the glinting’s of the first rays of morning. We are coming to a brighter day, and "at evening time it shall be light." The clouds and darkness shall be rolled up as a mantle that God needs no longer, and he shall appear in his glory, and his people shall rejoice with him.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon
Rejoice in the Joy of the Lord
December 4, 2016, Sunday Message
Zephaniah 3:14-17
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. A Call to Joy (verse 14)
II. The Cause of Joy (Verses 15-16
III. The Joy of the Lord (verse 17)
“The Lord is a God near at hand, and ready to deliver his people. Is it not delightful to think that we cry not to God across the ocean, for he is here? Our God is “The LORD in the midst of thee.” Since that bright night in which a babe was born at Bethlehem, and unto us a Son was given, we know God as “Immanuel, God with us.” God in our nature, and therefore very near unto us. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon
The Shepherd King of Lowly Bethlehem
November 27, 2016
Micah 5:1-6
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. God Promises His Ruler When His People Are Powerless (verse 1)
II. God Promises His Ruler to come from a Pitiful Place (verse 2)
III. God Promises His Ruler in the Midst of a Painful Providence. (verses 3, 5-6)
“O, holy child of Bethlehem! Descend to us we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel.”
~ Phillips Brooks ~
Here I Raise My Ebenezar
November 20, 2016
Rev. Bruce Brown
I Samuel 7:2-17
I. Returning at Mizpah (verses 2-6)
II. Remembering at Ebenezer (verses 7-12
III. Recovery for Israel (verses 13-17)
The dearest idol I have known,
whate'er that idol be,
help me to tear it from thy throne
and worship only thee.
William Cowper
Holy Is the Lord!
I Samuel 6:1-21
Rev. Bruce Brown
November 13, 2016
I. How do we escape God's holy anger? (verses 1-6)
II. How should we understand God's holy ways? (verses 7-12)
III. How can we stand in God's holy presence? (verses 13-21)
"When we understand the character of God, when we grasp something of His holiness, then we begin to understand the radical character of our sin and hopelessness. Helpless sinners can survive only by grace."
RC Sproul
See the Idols Fall
I Samuel 5:1-12
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. God's People in Crisis (verse 1)
2. God's Control Over Humiliation (verses 2-5)
3 God's Glory Through Shame (verses 6-12)
“… God does care. He cares enough to break into the world and offer himself to the Philistines of our day… He cares enough to become vulnerable, even to be captured by the enemy and to be treated as a trophy. But in the end, God will be victorious.”
Bill T. Arnold
Where Is the Glory?
August 30, 2016
I Samuel 4:1-22
I. The Glory In a Box? (verses 1-10)
II. The Weight of God's Judgment (verses 11-18)
III. The God Who Departs and Draws Near (verses 19-22)
“The promise of glory is the promise, almost incredible and only possible by the work of Christ, that some of us, that any of us who really chooses, shall actually survive that examination [of standing before God], shall find approval, shall please God. To please God . . . to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness . . . to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is.” C.S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory
"Speak, O Lord"
I Samuel 3;1-21
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. The Shortage of God's Word (verses 1-3)
II. The success of god's Word with His Prophet (verses 4-18)
III. The Stability of God's Word to His People (verses 19-21
“Revival and reformation in the church, and in our individual lives, can only come in the same manner as it came to the Israel of Samuel’s day: by the restoring of the divine Word in the hearts and minds of God’s people.”
Richard D. Phillips
Shame and Honor in the Sanctuary
October 16, 2016
I Samuel 2:12-36 - Emphasis on 2:12 and 30
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. God's Preparation in a Priestly Presence.
(verses 12-21)
II. God's Provision Through Fatherly disapproval.
(verses 22-26)
III. God's Pronouncement of Judgment and Grace.
(verses 27-36)
“Samuel’s obedience reminds us to look behind the scenes to where God is working with grace. Regardless of fleshly appearances, the real action is always taking place wherever God is honored, where his Word is revered, and where humble commitment to the LORD is sincerely lived out.” (Phillips)
Singing Salvation's Song
I Samuel 2:1-11
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. Why Did Hannah Sing? (verses 1-3)
II. What is the Theme of Hannah's Song? (verses 4-8)
III. How Does Hannah Complete the Music? (verses (9-11)
“What though my joys and comforts die?
The LORD my Savior liveth;
What tho’ the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth;
No storm can shake that inmost calm
While to that Rock I’m clinging;
Since Christ is LORD of Heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?”
~ Robert Wadsworth Lowry
Christian Fulfillment
Colossians 4:7-18
Rev. Bruce Brown
October 2, 2016
1. A Fulfilling Christian Life Grows in Concern for People (vv 7-9)
II. A Fulfilling Christian Life Flows Out of Shared Ministry. (vv 10-14)
III. A Fulfilling Christian Life Shows a Single Focus. (vv 5-18)
“So, as Paul says farewell to us, we need remember his chains no more, for they have long since rusted away. But we do remember his encouragement to us, that in Christ Jesus we may enjoy fullness of life and freedom, and his exhortation to us to fulfil any ministry that we may have received while there is time.”
~ R.C. Lucas
Salty Living
September 25, 2016
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. A Salty Life Begins With Devotion to God. (verse 2)
II. A Salty Life Prays for Successful Opportunities. (verses 3-4)
III. A Salty Life Walks in Wisdom Toward Unbelievers. (verses 5-6)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
The Christian Home
September 18, 2016
Colossians 3:18-4:1
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. Instructions to Wives and Husbands (verses 18-19)
II. Instructions to Children and Parents. (verses 20-21
III. Instructions to Bondservants and Masters. (verses 22:4:1)
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
4 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Choice Selections
September 11, 2016
Rev. Richard Altork
Choice Selections
Matthew 6:19-21; 31-33
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:31-33
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)
Saintly Attire
September 4, 2016
Rev. Bruce Brown
Colossians 3:12-17
1. Christ's Graces Adorning Our character. (verses 12-14)
11. Christ's Peace Ruling Our Hearts. (verse 15)
111. Christ's Word Dwelling in Our Lives. Verses 16-17)
"There is no event, activity, endeavor, or goal that is exempt from the kingship of Jesus. there is no ides, desire, dream, or belief that does not come under His lordship. There is no achievement, accomplishment, work or word that does not exist for the glory of the Son of God." Sam Storms The Hope of Glory
Ruthless Removal
Colossians 3:5-11
Rev. Bruce Brown
August 28, 2016
I. Facing Some Realities About Our Sin. (verses 5, 8, 11)
II. Our Challenge in Removing Sin (5, 8, 9)
III. The Reasons for Removal (verses 6, 9, 10)
“The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify (put to death) the indwelling power of sin. Do you mortify? Do you make it your daily work? Be always at it while you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you.
~ John Owen from Sin and Temptation
"Raised With Christ"
Colossians 3:1-4
August 21, 2016
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. A Raised Life Stands in Things that Are. (verses 1, 3)
II. A Raised Life Seeks Things Above . (verses 1, 2)
III A Raised Life Savors Things to Come. (verse 4)
"Holiness comes from a mind captivated and controlled by the beauty and majesty of the risen Lord and all that we are in Him...the heart that is entranced by the risen Christ is not easily seduced by 'the things that are on earth'."
Sam storms The Hope of Glory
Guarding Christian Liberty
August 14, 2016
Colossians 2:16-23
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. Celebrate the Substance Not Shadows (vv 16-17)
II. Cling to the Reward Not Ritualistic Pride (vv 18-19)
III. Consider His Death Not the Demands of Men. (vv 20-23)
We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead,
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.
Our restless spirits yearn for Thee,
Wherever our changeful lot is cast;
Glad when Thy gracious smile we see,
Blessed when our faith can hold Thee fast.
Bernard of Clairvaux ~ Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
Traditional Hymns and Worship Message
Worship is at 10:00 AM each Sunday
Rev. Bruce Brown is our Pastor
5533 PPC Drice, Charlotte, NC 28269
704-875-1182
Prosperity's Pastor
June 5, 2016 Rev. Bruce Brown became the 22 pastor of Prosperity Presbyterian church. He is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.
He is married to Lily Brown and will celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary in November. They have two boys, Lucas 8, and caleb 2. Lily's aunt, Chavela, lives with them taking care of the family.
July 17, 2016
"SO Great a Salvation"
Colossians 1:21-23
Rev. Bruce Brown
II. Our Situation Before Christ (verse 21)
II. Our Position After Christ (verse 22)
III. Our Continuation With Christ (verse 23)
July 10, 2016
“Christ is LORD of All”
Colossians 1:15-20
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. Christ is LORD in Eternity (verse 15)
2. Christ is LORD of Creation (verses 15-17)
3. Christ is LORD by Redemption(verses 18-20)
“A Prayer for Fullness”
July 3, 2016
Colossians 1:9-14
Rev. Bruce Brown
1. A Prayer for Fullness Recognizes Spiritual Priorities (verses 9, 12)
2. A Prayer for Fullness Requests Knowledge and Power (verses 9-11)
3. A Prayer for Fullness Rejoices In the Fullness of Christ (verses 12-14)
"We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for the love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before Him, who has given me the grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up a straw from the ground for the love of God."
~ Brother Lawrence ~ The Practice of the Presence of God
“A Church for Which to Praise God”
June 12, 2016
Colossians 1:1-8
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. A Praiseworthy Church is Known for Her Faith and Love. (vs. 3-4)
II. A Praiseworthy Church is Motivated by the Hope of Heaven. (vs. 5)
III. A Praiseworthy Church is the Product of the Gospel. (vs. 6-8)
“I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death (or the LORD’s return); I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.”
C.S. Lewis. This quote is taken from Mere Christianity.
“Conducting Christian Community”
June 5, 2016
I Thessalonians 5:12-22
Rev. Bruce Brown
I. Respectable Leadership (verses 12, 13)
II. Responsible Fellowship (verses 14, 15)
III. Remarkable Worship (verses 16, 22)
"It was the continuing emphasis for believers in the New Testament that we must live to gear ourselves into things eternal and to live the life of heaven here on earth. We must yield our first obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ, at any cost! Anything we try to offer God that is less than that really is a degradation of the Christian Church. Frankly, I would rather be a member of a group that meets in a little room on a side street than to be part of a great activity that is not New Testament in its doctrine, in its spirit, in its living, in its holiness, in all of its texture and tenor. The Spirit-filled and Spirit-led congregation will be a joyful people. Beyond that, it will be useful and caring and compassionate! I do believe that the Christian Church ought to be a helpful influence to the whole community!"
This quote was taken from "Renewed Day by Day, Vol. II" - A.W. Toze