Rev. Paul J. Miller: Recent Episodes
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Life-relevant Bible-based teachings from Rev. Paul Miller, Pastor of Bushkill Community Church and St. John's E.C. Church.
Even people we don't know, don't like, or see as an enemy have something to teach us about relating to God.
Of all the human relationships to attach the word "love" to (ie: "brotherly love"), why is this one so common in the scriptures?
The Good Samaritan parable can be applied to any culture or community where there is embedded hatred for the "other". Every person in need is worthy of help, and every person is capable of providing the help.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes
“Relationality”
Learning about God through human relationships
April 27, 2025
Friendship
Proverbs 17:17, 27:6, 27:9
David & Jonathan –
1 Samuel 18:1-4
1 Samuel 20:30-34
1 Samuel 23:15-18
Your friend, Jesus
John 15:9-17
Easter Sunday Sermon - (posted late due to family emergency)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline 4/20/25
“The Authority of the Cross”
The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in the history of humanity. The annual celebration we call “Easter” was intended to emphasize the truth and importance of this historical fact. But well intended traditions have distracted us from the authority of Christ revealed to us in His teaching, in His miracles, in His death, and in His resurrection.
John 10:17-18 – No one takes Christ’s life,
He lays it down
Matthew 21:23-27 – Jesus’s authority questioned
Matt. 28:18 – ALL authority has been given to Jesus
Authority over Nature
- Earthquakes – Matthew 27:51 & 28:2
- Creation “groans” - Romans 8:18-25
Authority over Empire
- The Cohort in Gethsemane - John 18:2-8
- Interrogation by Pilate – John 19:7-12
- The Centurion at the cross – Matthew 27:54 (also Mark 15:39 & Luke 23:47)
Authority over the Law
- The Transfiguration - Mark 9:2-13
- The curtain in the Temple rips – Matthew 27:51
(also Mark 15:38, Luke 23:44)
Authority to Forgive
- The Paralytic – Matthew 9:6
- For those mocking and abusing Him – Luke 23:34
- For the criminal next to Him – Luke 23:39-43
Authority over Death
- Dead raised to Life – Matthew 27:52-53
- Preaching to “imprisoned spirits” – 1 Peter 3:19-22
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 4/13/25
Ephesians 6:10-24 - “Weapons for a Different Kind of Battle”
If you want to stand strong, put on God’s armor
THE BELT OF TRUTH – Surround yourself with the Truth
– John 1:14 & 17, Psalm 139:7-10
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - Doing what is right protects you from injury - Romans 3:21-22
FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE – Be prepared to bring good news to those who need it - Isaiah 52:7 & 1 Peter 3:15-16
THE SHIELD OF FAITH – Faith shields us from evil and leads us to victory - 1 John 5:3-6
THE HELMIT OF SALVATION – Salvation of the mind, right thinking - Romans 12:1-2 & Philippians 4:4-9
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – The Spirit reveals the word of God through Christ. Jesus did not only teach the word, fulfill the word, live out the word, He is the Word! - Hebrews 4:12-13
PRAYER – The ONE weapon that absolutely everyone has access to 24/7
Pray on all occasions
Pray with all kinds of prayers
Pray for the Lord’s people (the church)
Pray for your spiritual leaders to fearlessly reveal the mystery of the Gospel
Ephesians 3:16-21
What kind of husband or wife are you? What kind of mother or father? Do you have supervisory responsibility at work? What kind of boss or manager are you? How do you handle authority in the church? In all areas where authority and submission matter, our greatest example is Jesus. He is the ultimate authority, and yet He laid it aside and submitted to the worst that humanity could afflict upon Him. What does that say to us?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/30/25
Ephesians 5:3-20 – “One Mountain at a Time”
WHAT DO WE NEED FOR THIS JOURNEY?
FELLOWSHIP - Don’t go it alone
- 1 John 1:5-7
THE RIGHT GUIDE
- John 16:13
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
- Ephesians 4:11-13 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17
THE RIGHT STRIDE - Walk in the steps of Love
- 2 John 1:6
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE - Expect difficulty
- James 1:2-4
TIMES OF REFRESHING
- Acts 3:19
WHERE DOES THE LIGHT LEAD US TO?
WE HAVE A MAP!
Ephesians 5:8-20 Romans 8:1-17 Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 13 Galatians 5:19-26 Philippians 4:4-9
Colossians 3:5-17 1 Thess. 4:3-8 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Titus 3:3-11 James 4:1-12 1 Peter 1:13-2:3
1 Peter 4:1-11 2 Peter 1:3-10 1 John 1:5-2:2
1 John 2:15-17 1 John 4:7-21
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/23/25
Series Title: “Chosen to be Included!”
Today’s Title: “Speaking Truth with Love Brings Growth”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
“…speaking the truth in love, we will grow…” - Ephesians 4:15
Ephesians 4:17-19
we won’t grow if we’re not thinking right
Ephesians 4:20-24
only the truth in Jesus enables us to put off the old self
the truth in Jesus helps you discover your true self
– Psalm 139:13-14
Ephesians 4:25-28
truth spoken without love builds up anger
Ephesians 4:29-31
destructive words grieve the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:32
kindness, compassion, and forgiveness grow community
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 9, 2025
Series Title: “Chosen to be Included”
Today’s Title: “The Light of Love is Deep within Everyone” - Ephesians 3:14-21
INTRO: Proverbs 20:27
“YOUR INNER BEING”
The Father provision, the Spirit’s power, and Son’s presence
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
- Out of the riches of the Father (v14)
- Empowered by his Spirit IN YOUR INNER BEING
- So the Son may dwell in your heart
- “inner being”
- Genesis 1:27 – Every human “being” is created in the image of God
- Psalm 63:1 – The deepest desire of our “being” is to know our creator
- Psalm 103:1 – True worship comes from my inmost “being”
- Psalm 130:5 – Truth is worth waiting for
- Psalm 139:13-14 – I am God’s wonderful work of art (see also Ephesians 2:10)
- Proverbs 20:27 – WOW! – Light lives within me!
- Acts 17:26-28 – Even Greek philosophers know this!
- Romans 7:21-23 – The desire for God is in us all (but so are other desires)
“ESTABLISHED IN LOVE”
God does not possess love, He is love.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
- Romans 8:38-39
- 1 John 4:8
- 1 John 4:16
“LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE”
You can’t think your way to God, but He wants you to know He has already loved His way to you.
19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
- “love surpasses knowledge”!!!
- 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
- 1 Corinthians 13:8
“IMMEASURABLY MORE”!
If we place limitations on love, we are placing limits on God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/2/25
“Go Ahead, Approach God-You Belong!” - Eph. 3:1-13
PAUL, THE PRISONER - Ephesians 3:1
Acts 21-23 - Paul’s legal battle from Jerusalem to Rome
Acts 22:21-22
THE MYSTERY UNDERSTOOD? - Ephesians 3:4
THIS MYSTERY IS... - Ephesians 3:6
In the gospel ….
- All people can be members
- All people are one body
- All people share equally in Christ
PAUL’S CALLING - Ephesians 3:9
GOD’S INTENT – Ephesians 3:10
- rulers & authorities – Ephesians 6:12
- heavenly realms – 1 Peter 1:10-12
FREEDOM & CONFIDENCE! – Ephesians 3:12
“freedom”! “confidence”!
Luke 4:18-19 Hebrews 3:6
Romans 8:20-21 Hebrews 4:16
2 Corinthians 3:17 Hebrews 10:19
Galatians 5:1 Hebrews 10:35
Galatians 5:13 Hebrews 11:1
James 1:25 Hebrews 13:6
1 John 3:21
1 John 4:17
1 John 5:14
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 2/23/25
Series Title: “Ephesians: Chosen to be Included”
Today’s Title: “Peace is a Person”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Key: Verse: 2:14
“Therefore…” – saved by grace, we are His workmanship (2:8-10)
LEFT OUTSIDE (v11-12)
– The condition of the Gentile world before Christ
WELCOMED IN! (v13) – ALL are included – Romans 5:18
CHRIST “IS” OUR PEACE (v14-15)
PEACE IN CHRIST FOR ALL – John 14:27
PEACE IN CHRIST IN ME – Romans 6:14
DEATH OF “INS & OUTS” THINKING (v15-16)
PEACE IN CHRIST BETWEEN ALL PEOPLE GROUPS
– Galatians 3:26-28 – THE RULES ARE WHAT DIVIDE US
IN CHRIST, WE ALL HAVE ACCESS TO TRINITY (v17-18)
IN CHRIST, I FOUND MY HOME (v19-20)
IN CHRIST, WE ARE HIS DWELLING (v21-22)
HOW DID CHRIST DO THIS?
BY HIS BLOOD (v13) & IN HIS FLESH (v15) – 1 Cor. 15:50
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 2, 2025
Series Title: “Chosen to be Included”
Today’s Title: “Grace is Already in Place!”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Key Verse: 2:6
WITHOUT CHRIST, WE’RE AS GOOD AS DEAD – 2:1-2
WE’RE ALL BAD KIDS HEADED FOR TROUBLE – 2:3
ONLY GREAT LOVE CAN CONQUER GREAT SIN – 2:4-5
Motivated by Love
Rich in Mercy
Saved by Grace
WE’LL HANG OUT WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN! – 2:6-7
“Seated” with Christ
Do you know your “place”?
WHEN DID GOD GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? 2:8-9
NOT from you, by works, & no right to brag
If grace is earned or bought, it’s not grace! – Rom. 11:6
You have BEEN saved – So when did this happen?
Salvation is past tense
Matthew 5:20 & 48 – The standard of the law is perfection
John 19:28-30 – Jesus “finished” what the law could not
Romans 3:21-24 – apart from the law
Galatians 2:19-21 – you WERE crucified with Christ
2 Timothy 1:9-10 – before time began
SO, WHAT ARE WE HERE FOR? – 2:10
Created for good – Genesis 1:31
Created to be like God - Ephesians 4:24
Created to be Fruitful - James 1:18
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 1/26/25
Series Title: “Chosen to be Included”
Today’s Title: “The Enlightened Heart”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 1:15-23
Key Verse: 1:18
IN CHRIST we are Blessed, Chosen, Destined, Adopted, & Included (v3-14)
THE ENLIGHTENED HEART
BEGINS WITH GRATITUDE FOR OTHERS (v15-16)
“thank” in Bible 133x
SEEKS THE WISDOM & REVELATION OF CHRIST (v17)
Proverbs 2:1:20-23
SEES, HEARS, & KNOWS HOPE (v18)
VALUES OTHERS (v18)
IS STRONG (v19)
THE ENLIGHTENED HEART IS STRONG!
STRONG ENOUGH TO CONQUER DEATH (v19-20)
Philippians 3:10-11
STRONG ENOUGH TO SIT WITH GOD (v20)
Ephesians 2:6
STRONGER THAN ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES (v21)
STRONGER THAN ANY NAME YOU CAN NAME (v21)
Philippians 2:9-11
STRONGER THAN ANY ERA (v21)
STRONG ENOUGH TO BE FILLED BY CHRIST WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED (v22-23)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 19, 2025
Series Title: “Ephesians; Chosen to be Included”
Today’s Title: “Blessed, Chosen, Destined, Adopted, & Included”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 1:1-14
I BELONG! Because, IN CHRIST….
I am blessed in the heavenly realms (v3) – Ephesians 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12
I am already chosen! (v4) – Colossians 3:12
I am holy (v4) – Matthew 5:48
I am blameless (v4) – Colossians 1:22
I am loved (v5) – Romans 8:38-39
I am predestined for adoption (v5) – Romans 8:15
I am a recipient of His grace (v6) – John 1:14
I am redeemed (v7) – Galatians 3:13-14
I am forgiven (v7) – 1 John 1:5-7
I am lavished with grace (v8) – Romans 5:20-21
I am in the know about the will of God (v8-10) – Romans 12:1-2
- God’s good pleasure
- The purpose of Christ
- The fulfillment of time
- The unity of heaven & earth under Christ
I am chosen (v11) – 1 Peter 2:9
I am predestined within God’s plan (v11) – Romans 8:28
I am the praise of his glory (v12) – Philippians 1:9-11
I am included (v13) – Romans 11:11-12
I am saved (v13) – 1 Peter 1:8-9
I am marked & sealed by the Holy Spirit (v13) – Ephesians 4:30
I am guaranteed an inheritance (v14) – Colossians 1:9-12
I am God’s possession (v14) – 1 Peter 2:9
I am part of His glory (v14) - Philippians 1:9-11
The Apostle Paul arrived in Ephesus at a very key time for this vast city. The result was a church that possessed the spiritual depth and humility to receive the very deep teachings found in Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. Every church can learn from the elements in place that made this church strong. (Main text: Acts 19)
Time is a beautiful burden. We spend our lives grappling with the extremes of war & peace, love & hate, mourning & dancing, and so on. The key to discovering a balanced life is a healthy fear of God and a humble attitude about who we are, and who we are not. Life is a fragile gift from God. Live this moment well.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline December 22, 2024
“The Incarnation: Viewed from Heaven”– Rev. 12
CONTEXT OF THE REVELATION - Revelation 4:1-2
John’s vision of heaven & earth from the throne of heaven.
HEAVEN IS TIMELESS
IMMEDIATE CONTEXT - Revelation 11:15 & 19
THE MESSIAH’S REIGN, THE NEW TEMPLE, THE NEW COVENANT - When and how did all that happen?
A GREAT SIGN IN HEAVEN (Rev. 12:1-9)
A “Woman”
A Male Child
A Dragon (Satan)
A War
NOW HAVE COME…. (Rev. 12:10)
Salvation – Acts 4:12
Power – Ephesians 1:18-23
Authority – Colossians 2:9-10
OF HIS MESSIAH
THE “ACCUSER” HAS BEEN HURLED DOWN!! (Rev. 12:10-12)
NO LONGER CONDEMNED ! - Romans 8:1
CHARGES DISMISSED! - Romans 8:33-34
CONFIDENT BEFORE GOD! - Ephesians 3:10-12
NOW HAS COME! – 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
The eternal God is Father, Son, and Spirit. They have forever been in loving relationship with each other and have welcomed us into that union through Jesus Christ. Through love, He became one of us so we can be forever connected to the triune God. This is deep stuff. This is good stuff. This is the best stuff ever!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 12/8/24
“The Incarnation: The View from the Earth” – Luke 1:46-55
Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, & Simeon
WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?
THEY STRUGGLE
THEY WAIT
THEY HOPE
WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR?
MARY - Waiting to know that God sees her struggle. - Luke 1:46-55
ZECHARIAH - Waiting for salvation to come for his people - Luke 1:67-79
SHEPHERDS - Waiting to be favored - Luke 2:14
SIMEON - Waiting for salvation for all - Luke 2:29-32
THE WAIT IS OVER!
God sees our struggles
God has brought salvation for all who “struggle with God”
God favors the oppressed
God has provided salvation for all people
Christ Himself is our Peace – Ephesians 2:14-18
We spend time. We try to save both time and money. Some say that time is money. The tie-ins and crossovers between these two most valuable of all commodities are endless. In the end of James chapter 4 into the first part of chapter 5, we are given advice, cautions, and warnings about how best to manage time and money. We can't stop time, and if we don't don't control money it can take over our heart.
Rev. Paul J. Miller- Sermon Outline – November 10, 2024
“Building Unity with Wisdom and Humility”
James 3:13-18 & 4:1-12
____________________________________________________________________
HOW CAN “I” HELP THE CHURCH HEAL FROM DIVISION?
SEE THE DANGERS OF SELFISH AMBITION – 3:13-16
LOVE PEACE – 3:17-18
DEAL WITH YOUR INNER BATTLES – 4:1-3
DON’T USE THE WORLD’S TOOLS FOR GOD’S WORK – 4:4-5
FOLLOW GRACE TOWARD HUMILITY – 4:6
UNDERSTAND THAT GETTING CLOSE TO GOD INVOLVES PAIN - 4:7-10
STOP JUDGING – 4:11-12
Faith is more than an intellectual position or a heart-felt emotion. In James 2:20-24, Abraham is identified as a person of active faith. Look with me at the highs and lows of Abraham's life. He faced numerous challenges, but his faith was a constant. It produced what God promised: a blessing that still lingers today in Christ.
Listening to "the word" (James 1:22) is more than a matter of reading the scriptures. It's about who we listen to; that is, Jesus the Christ. In other words, the writings in the Bible reveal the Word of God, who is Jesus, the Son of God. (John 1:1) When we learn from Him we need then to act upon what we have learned.
Trusting God is a learned behavior. The teacher is faith in Christ and the text book is the trials of life. What has your pain taught you?
(James 1:12-18)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 9/22/24
“Consider How to Face Trials” – James 1:1-11
“consider”
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,…” – James 1:2
CONSIDER YOUR FAITH – James 1:3
CONSIDER HOW MUCH HANGING-IN-THERE CAN HELP YOU– James 1:4
- Hebrews 12:1-3
CONSIDER THAT THE PATH TO WISDOM IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY – James 1:5
- Matthew 7:7-8
CONSIDER WHERE DOUBT WILL TAKE YOU - James 1:6-8
- Luke 24:36-38
CONSIDER THE SUPERIORITY OF HUMILITY-James 1:9-10
- 1 Peter 5:6-7
CONSIDER HOW SHORT & FRAGILE LIFE IS - James 1:11
- Isaiah 40:8
Consider – Matthew 6:26-27
Though James, the "Lord's brother", is never mentioned as following Jesus before the crucifixion, he became a very important leader of the early church and wrote the epistle that bore his name. What changed after the resurrection?
Running away from God was not Jonah's biggest problem. Even after surviving the belly of the beast and a very long journey, God still had to work on his heart. If we know that God is loving, merciful, and forgiving, why should we be surprised (let alone angry) when He extends it to people?
When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Peter spoke up to the crowd to explain what was happening. He quoted the prophet Joel's words that the Spirit of God was now poured out upon ALL people. That game changing moment is still in play to this day. We don't need to go to a temple, or go through a priest, or obey a list of rules to know God. In Christ, He is with us, for us, and in us right now! Just believe it!
"What does God require of us?" How we respond to this question is most important during difficult days. The prophet Micah lived during very troubling times for Judah and Israel. What did God reveal to him that drove him to ask this question? It's easy to be attracted to the words of Micah 6:8 and frame it on poster. But if acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly does not result in actions it's just empty words.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 8/4/24
“Habakkuk: Complaints & Compliance”
Habakkuk 1:12-2:1
Habakkuk’s COMPLAINT (1:2)
God’s Answer: BABYLON? (1:6)
Habakkuk’s CONFUSION (1:13)
God’s Reminder: FAITHFULNESS (2:4)
The Gospel is Accessed by FAITH
Romans 1:17
God’s Presence: KNOW His GLORY (2:14)
Isaiah 11:9
Romans 1:20
Colossians 1:23
Habakkuk REMEMBERS (3:2)
Habakkuk REJOICES (3:18)
Habakkuk is STRENGTHENED by JOY (3:18)
Nehemiah 8:10
Philippians 4:4
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 28, 2024
“Elijah: Getting Quiet So You Can Hear God” – 1 Kings 19:1-9
Elijah’s Story – 1 Kings 16:29-18:40
Elijah’s Gets Blindsided – 1 Kings 19:1-2
Elijah’s Reaction – 1 Kings 19:3-5
- RUN! (v3)
- ISOLATE (v3)
- COMPLAIN (v4)
- SELF-PITY (v4)
- SLEEP (v5)
God’s Response to Elijah’s Trauma – 1 Kings 19:5-18
- HE DOESN’T SAY ANYTHING (not at first)
- HE SENDS A HELPER (v5)
- HE PROVIDES FOOD & REST (v6-8)
- HE LETS ELIJAH WANDER WHERE HIS “ANCESTORS” WANDERED (v4 & v8)
- HE MEETS ELIJAH WHERE HE MET MOSES (v8)
- HE FINALLY SPEAKS TO ELIJAH (v9)
- HE PROMPTS ELIJAH TO PUT WORDS TO HIS PAIN (v10)
- HE REVEALS HIMSELF AS TRINITY? (v11)
- HE SHOWS ELIJAH HIS TRUE NATURE (v11-13)
- AGAIN, HE PROMPTS ELIJAH TO VOICE HIS PAIN (v13-14)
- HE HEARS ELIJAH AND RESPONDS (v15-18)
- GO BACK & GET TO WORK
- AHAB’S DAYS AND YOUR DAYS ENDING
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE
GETTING QUIET SO YOU CAN HEAR GOD
- BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR PAIN
- LET AN “ANGEL” HELP YOU
- WANDER WITH A PURPOSE
- TAKE THE TIME YOU NEED
- LOOK GOD IN THE DRAMATIC (hint: you won’t find Him there)
- LISTEN FOR GOD IN THE QUIET
Our connection with the Creator has to be more than just head knowledge. It begins with the cross of Christ, a starting point that is neither wise nor intelligent according to human reasoning.
Many people have difficulty understanding why Jesus has to die such a brutal death. Humanity gave Christ the worst of ourselves and not even that could stop His love. He became one of us in life so that He could set us free in death.
The Word of Truth is Christ. He has enabled us to overcome evil where it matters most, within. There's only so much we can do to effect the overwhelming presence of evil on the global scale. But if we look within first, we can listen for the voice of truth to direct us toward a better path, one person at a time.
Psalm 77 is an honest and powerful expression of the pain of suffering in the form of a prayer. Every human being knows what it is to suffer. How do we approach God when nothing makes sense and there seems to be no hope in sight? Asaph felt that too. The prayer he wrote gives us permission to speak directly to God what we are really feeling deep within.
Doubt works against faith, but questions can deepen it. There's infinitely more that we don't know about God than what we do. It's a quest that every human being needs embark on. Questions will keep you on that quest!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 19, 2024
Trinity & Relationality
The impossible “ity’s”
Nativity
Deity
Eternity
Trinity
Who is God and what is Trinity?
“Relationality”?
Trinity in the Scriptures
- Genesis 1:1-3 & 26a
- John 1:1-5
- 1 John 1:1-4 & 5-7
- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 & 13:14
Relationality & The Impossible “ity’s”
Nativity – Mother & Child
Deity – Father & Son
Eternity – The desire to see loved ones
Trinity – The eternal dance with Father, Son, & Spirit
1 John 4:7
Resources about the Trinity:
“The Divine Dance” – by Richard Rohr
“The Shack” – by William Paul Young (also a motion picture)
https://perichoresis.org/
The Holy Spirit is not that mysterious or complicated. The goal of the Spirit is for our lives to produce what is joyful, peaceful, patient, and kind. If God is love, then so is the Spirit...
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 5, 2024
Found in the Bible…(well, sort of…)
Isaiah 40:31-41
“God said it, I believe it, that settles it”
It’s just not that simple….
- Mark 9:40 & Matthew 12:30
- John 1:12-13 & 1 John 4:7
“The Lord works in mysterious ways”
Creation is mysterious, but knowable. So too is Christ. “mystery” in the NT is about who Jesus is and what He has done for us
- 1 Timothy 3:16
- Ephesians 3:2-12
“God is in control”
“control” in the NT has to do with our lack of it
- Philippians 3:20-21
“Let Go and Let God”
Letting go doesn’t mean that I have nothing left to do
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Ephesians 4:23-24 & 6:11-13
- Colossians 3:9-10 & 3:14
“Everything happens for a reason”
The happenings in our lives are not always the will of God
- Romans 12:2
Are you being transformed………by the renewing of your mind?
"God helps those who help themselves." Did that come from the Bible? This sermon looks at four commonly used phrases that might sound like they come from the scriptures, but don't. Are they still true though?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Scriptures – 4/21/24
“Do you love me more than these?”
Conflicted – Peter by the fire in the high priest’s courtyard – John 18:15-27
The miracle of the fish catch – Luke 5:1-11
Jesus walks on water – Matthew 14:22-33
Who is Jesus? – Mark 8:22-33
The Transfiguration – Mark 9:2-13
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial – Matthew 26:31-35
Jesus rebukes Peter for using a sword in Gethsemane – John 18:1-14
Jesus makes breakfast along the shore – John 21:15-19
“Come, follow me…” – Mark 1:17 – into life
“Follow me.” – John 21:19 – into death
Do you love me more than “these”?
What are you conflicted by?
What are your “these”?
The resurrection of Jesus is more than the rational mind can accept. Even as he stood among his disciples in the evening after He arose, they were "troubled" and had "doubts". The rational mind can only take us so far. Faith is not irrational either; it is "trans-rational". (NOTE: I apologize for the audio quality. I've had trouble in recent weeks with my recording device, which is why I haven't published a sermon since March 23. I'll keep at it. Thanks for listening!)
Jesus began a life-transforming conversation with a simple, everyday kind of question. Having a spiritual conversation doesn't need to be frightening or intimidating. Everyone is thirsty for truth.
What led to Jesus first telling the Good Samaritan parable? It was a law "expert" who needed to be reminded that knowing the rules in the mind is not the same as living them out from the heart. Love for the "other" is not a side point to the law, it is the point.
Do we really "see" people, or just see people as a problem? A Pharisee invited Jesus over for dinner and an unwanted guest showed up. The host saw her as a problem to be avoided, Jesus saw her as a person who was both loved and forgiven.
Our fears can block our faith and hamper our ability to see that God is ready to help quiet the storms in our lives. Two stormy adventures on the Sea of Galilee reveal how the faith of The 12 was growing, though quickly lost when they focused on the storm instead of the One who can calm the storm.
Who is Jesus? Who do you say that He is? Even though Peter boldly answered that very question on behalf of the 12, their idea of what the Messiah's purpose would be was not what Jesus had in mind. It's not about gaining power, but about denying self. It's about winning, but about losing life to find it.
Sometimes we have to clean up from our own failures, and sometimes we have clean up the mess created by others. A young king named Josiah had to lead his nation to reform after the deep damage done by his own father and grandfather, who reigned before him. Like Hezekiah, he acted acted decisively, humbly, prayerfully, and led his people back to their God.
With the very survival of his nation and his people at risk, Hezekiah turned first to God. He restored worship, he welcomed the lost, he put the heart ahead of the rules, he instilled courage, and he prayed for and with others when it mattered most.
Godly leaders believe in educating people, but are also ready to listen & learn more; they pray when trouble comes, but they don't wait for trouble to start praying; they delegate responsibilities, but still personally carry out what's most important in a responsible manner; they use their authority to encourage worship, but humble themselves before the greatest authority. This is all true of a king named Jehoshaphat. (1 Chronicles 17-20)
Keeping the peace is one of the main tasks of a king, a teacher, a boss, a parent, and anyone else who holds a position of leadership. In 2 Chronicles there is a king named Asa who gave us a good example of how to manage and keep the peace.
Contentment can be allusive and hard to maintain. What gets in the way? It could be subtle things like comforts, conveniences, competition, or collections. Do you trust God to provide what you really need?
It takes a lot of strength to find, and to maintain, contentment. Thankfully, this is the promise of Philippians 4:13. The Apostle Paul lived through circumstances and situations that no one wants, but still maintained peace with God. We can too.
When stress builds up, anxiety quickly follows. It doesn't have to. This battle is hard, but choosing joy in the midst of the stressors can lead us to the peace of God.
Everyone's life journey includes mountainous trails and unavoidable trials. You can either wait for the mountain to move or get moving on the mountain. Press on!
Confidence before God is not based on what we do or don't do, it comes from the grace-filled presence of Christ.
Shine! - Philippians 2:12-18
A church should be a NO COMPLAINT ZONE. How we doin' with that?
God took on flesh, the incarnation of Christ: it didn't happen just so we can observe from a distance and applaud Jesus. Philippians 2:5 ties it to our relationships. We are challenged to follow Christ's example and humbly let go of position and privilege for the sake of the other.
Unity in the church is central to church health, church growth, and was a prayer concern of Jesus before the church even began. And that's why Paul writes about it in all of his letters to the churches. It's all about "WE".
In Philippians 1:18-26, Paul seems torn. He has fought long and hard for the gospel. No one would blame him if he said, "Enough! Take me home, Lord." But he was willing to remain and continue leading people toward God, through Christ. Either way, live or die, he knew Christ was with him, and he was with Christ. Thus he say, "To live is Christ, to die is gain."
Philippians 1:12-18 - We don't always do the right things for the right reasons, but somehow good things can still emerge from our lives. Paul understood this and didn't take exception to the questionable motives of other teachers and preachers of the gospel.
This sermon is from Philippians 1:7-11. The Apostle Paul's deep love and passion for the church in Philippi is evident right from the start of this chapter. The prayer he wrote in verses 9-11 is as beautiful as it is powerful. There are many good things a church or an individual believer can become, but they are all rooted in love.
Philippians is very positive letter, even in the opening introduction. Let's learn together how God's positive presence enables us to become our true and full self. Grace and peace.....
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 6/11/23
“Mercy is the Business of God” – Romans 9:1-18
____________________________________________
THE MERCY OF GOD IN THE CHILDREN OF GOD Romans 9:1-5
- Matthew 18:21-35 - The Unmerciful Servant
THE MERCY OF GOD IS NOT AN INHERENT RIGHT
Romans 9:6-9
Words that describe how God dispenses His mercy
- ADOPTION - Romans 8:15, 8:23, 9:4
- GRAFTED IN – Romans 11:17-24
- ELECTION – Romans 9:11, 11:28
- CHOSEN – Romans 8:33
- CALLED – Romans 1:6, 8:28, 8:30, 9:24
MERCY IS INITIATED BY GOD’S CHOICE, NOT BY OUR ACTIONS - Romans 9:10-13
- “Election” is a more statement about God than about us. He “chose” to bless us with mercy, apart from behavior or inheritance.
THE WILL OF GOD IS TO OFFER MERCY TO PEOPLE
Romans 9:14-18
- GOD WON’T HARDEN YOUR HEART (but you can)
- Hebrews 3:15 Ephesians 4:18
- Mark 8:17 Proverbs 28:14
________________________________________________________________
GOD’S WILL IS MERCY
What is you willful response to His mercy?
GOD’S WILL IS COMPASSION
Is Godly compassion evident in your life?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 4, 2023
“Nothing Can Separate of from God’s Love: Nothing!” - Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 4 questions
- If God is for us, who can be against us? SOVEREIGNTY
- Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
AUTHORITY
- Who then is the one who condemns? IDENTITY
- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ANXIETY
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
trouble? hardship? persecution? famine? nakedness? danger? sword?
The voices of doubt, anxiety, rejection, abandonment, and shame come from people – never from God.
No one, and no thing, can do anything to you that will cause God’s love for you to end.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors…
Love is not about gaining conquest over those who hurt us, oppress us, or reject us. God’s love is so much more, and so much better!
For I am convinced that …
…neither death nor life THE PHYSICAL
…neither angels nor demons THE SPIRITUAL
…neither the present nor the future TIME
…nor any powers GRAVITY
…neither height nor depth SPACE
…nor anything else in all creation MIND GAMES
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 28, 2023
“Groaning Along with Creation” – Romans 8:18-30
Our purpose is to love, and our destiny is to find love in all things.
- The lack of love and the rejection of our destiny to love leads to frustration, groaning, bondage, and decay. (Romans 8:18-20)
- Our spirit groans because something is not right – love is this world is not fulfilled. (Romans 8:22-25)
- So worn out that there are no words left – just groans.(Rom 8:26-27)
Romans 8:28
When our purpose is to love, can find love in “all things”.
This is love - 2 John 1:6 & 1 John 4:7-8
Romans 8:29
The response of God to everyone who chooses to love God is…
- To invite us into ever-deepening love (“called according to his purpose”)
- To encourage us that we are known by Him (“those God foreknew”)
- To reveal to us that we have a destiny (“predestined”)
- To show us how to live into our true image (“conform”)
- To welcome us into His family (“many brothers and sisters”)
Romans 8:30
Living into our true destiny
…we are called (hearing and responding to the call of love)
…we are justified (no matter how great or how often, we can always choose to love)
…we are glorified (In this world we can get a slight taste, a mild scent, a brief glimpse, a quick touch, a still small voice of what is to come)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 21, 2023
“Condemned No More!” – Romans 8:1-17
The voice of condemnation and shame is a liar. It lies to you through other people and from within your false self. This voice is never from God. Do you desire that which is truly good, life-giving and transforming? Follow the voice of Truth, the voice of the Father. He calls you away from condemnation and fear. He leads you into your true self, in fulfilled relationship with Him.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN YOU…
…SETS YOU FREE FROM CONDEMNATION (V1-4)
- John 3:17
- John 8:10-11
…PROVIDES A NEW MINDSET (V5-7)
- Is your life at peace?
…REMINDS YOU THAT YOU BELONG (V9-11)
- AFFIRMING, REASSURING, “IF’S”
- THE FACT THAT YOU EVEN CARE IS A SIGN OF HIS SPIRIT!
YOU ARE GOD’S CHILD…
…FOLLOW HIS LEAD (V12-14)
…YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AFRAID (V15)
…YOU ARE GOD’S CHILD, DEEP INSIDE YOU KNOW THIS (V16-17)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 14, 2023
“Set Free from Human Struggle” – Romans 7:14-25
The ten Commandments:
How do feel about yourself when you hear them?
Which ones make you feel uneasy, uncomfortable, (dare we say it), guilty?
“the greatest Command”
Do you love God with all that you are?
Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself?
do you love yourself?
(Be honest with “you”!)
Can you live up to your own standards, your own expectations?
How consistent are you at obeying God?
Are you frustrated with yourself? Why? What about?
What do you need Jesus to rescue you from?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 7, 2023
Law: Matters of Life and Death – Romans 7:1-13
The Law reveals what we are not, what we lack, where the problem is, how broken we are; it reveals our false self. It is not capable of making us better, much less of revealing our true self.
Law is Not Life-giving (v1-3)
- Paul did not write this to create marriage and divorce law.
- He’s simply using an every day “example” that his listeners can readily understand in order to reinforce the larger point.
Christ’s Death is My Death (v4)
- Romans & Galatians: similar themes
- Galatians 2:19:21
Live a Life-Giving Life (v4-6)
- What is the fruit of your life?
- Galatians 5:22-25
The Law is a Diagnostic Tool for the Spirit (v7-12)
- In the spiritual sense, the Law is like a doctor who can give an accurate diagnosis, but is incapable of bringing you any healing. (or the car test, the computer test, the water test, etc.)
It's Worse than You Think (v13)
Romans 7:13 - Phillips Translation:
It can scarcely be doubted that in reality the Law itself is holy, and the commandment is holy, fair and good. Can it be that something that is intrinsically good could mean death to me? No, what happened was this. Sin, at the touch of the Law, was forced to express itself as sin, and that meant death for me. The contact of the Law showed the sinful nature of sin.
Rev. Paul J. Miller Sermon Outline – April 30, 2023
“Only Grace Can Dismantle the Sin System” – Romans 6:15-23
Romans 6:1-2 – Calling out false teaching among the Jewish believers
Romans 6:15 – Calling out false teaching among the Gentile believers
Set free from the “Sin System”
Ten Lies of the Sin System
- The lie of control – My destiny is influenced by no one but me
- The lie of identity - I am not enough
- The lie of isolation – I am the only one who’s gone through this
- The lie of shame – I am the problem
- The lie of blame – “They” are the problem
- The lie of entitlement – My pain matters more than anyone else’s pain
- The lie of independence – I don’t need help from anyone
- The lie of power – My world would be better if I were in charge
- The lie of riches – All I need to be happy more ___________
- The lie of addiction – I know this isn’t good for me, except for right now
These lies are all present in the temptation and fall of Adam & Eve (Genesis 3) and in the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11)
Under Law, You Remain Enslaved to the Sin System - Romans 6:15-16
- My attempts to obey from the position of fear are destined to fail and produce no lasting change.
Under Grace, You have been Set Free! - Romans 6:17-18
- Free to obey from your heart
- Free to learn a new teaching, a new way of thinking, a new system to live by
- Free to subject your life under the Grace System, “that has now claimed your allegiance”
- “to which you were committed”
- “to which you were delivered”
The Sin System is a path to death. Why go back? – Romans 6:19-23
- Baptism – Don’t go back to Egypt - Romans 6:3-4
- Death is what the Sin System produces
- Romans 6:17, 6:21, 6:23
The Grace System
- Galatians 5:22-23
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Philippians 4:8
The Grace System is the path to Freedom
- Galatians 5:1
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 16, 2023
“Life Under the Reign of Grace” – Romans 6:1-14
BAPTISED INTO THE REIGN OF GRACE – YOUR NEW IDENTITY – Romans 6:1-4
YOUR OLD IDENTITY UNDER THE REIGN OF SIN & DEATH IS OVER – Romans 5:5-11
YOUR NEW IDENTITY UNDER THE REIGN OF GRACE - Romans 6:12-14
YOUR IDENTITY REIGNED BY SIN VS. YOUR IDENTITY REIGNED BY GRACE – Colossians 3:1-17 (See also Ephesians 4:17-32 and Galatians 5:13-26)
EXPERIENCING THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE UNDER THE REIGN OF GRACE - Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)
The impact of the resurrection is that it ushered in the reign of grace, which overpowered the reign of both sin and death. Best of all, this reign is open to everyone!
The basis of hope is not receiving our desired positive outcomes, but in facing our suffering and discovering that Christ is right there with us, in the midst of the pain. "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Grace comes to us when we have nothing left. When life seems like it's going nowhere, grace dares to tell us that God is now here. Grace is the greatest promise; a promise first revealed through one man's faith, Abraham, and still connects today with all who share in that same faith. God created "out of nothing", and Jesus arose from death, the ultimate place of nothing. All of this comes from the grace of Christ.
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – March 19, 2023
“Believe is an Action Word" - Romans 4:1-12
What does your life reveal about your beliefs?
Abraham
God’s New Identity for Abram (Abraham) - Genesis 12:1-3
Leave……your country
…your people
…your father’s household
Become…A great Nation
…A Great Name
…A Blessing to All
The Evidence that Abraham Believed God
- God said “go”, and he went - Genesis 12:4-9
- He gave Lot first choice of land – Genesis 13:8-9
- He rescued Lot – Genesis 14:1-16
- He refused worldly alliance & honor – Genesis 14:21-24
God’s Response to Abram’s ACTIVE Belief - Genesis 15:1-6
“Don’t be afraid, I am your shield, I am your very great reward”
THIS is when it says…“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6 & Romans 4:3
- Do you believe in God enough to let go of your country, your people, and your family?
- Do your alliances (support & security systems) reveal reliance on the ways of God?
- Do you seek reward, recognition, and honor from people?
Don’t be afraid, I am your shield, I am your very great reward
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 5, 2023
Romans 3:21-31 – “The Faith of Jesus”
“I am not _______________ enough”
3:21
3:22a
3:22b-24
3:25a
3:25b-26
3:27-31
This is grace, that Christ’s forgiving love always is faithful to you, even when you’re not faithful to Him. Believe it!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – February 26, 2023
Romans 3:1-20
Hopeless – Our Prognosis Without Christ
3 applications of Romans 1:18-3:20
- The church in Rome (1st Century)
- All of humanity (in every century)
3) You (right now)
Romans 3:10-18 – PROGNOSIS
Romans 1:18 through 3:20 – DIAGNOSIS
Romans 3:21-22 – THE GOSPEL (The Good News!!!)
The "written code", the "Law", does not entitle anyone to look down upon others. False perceptions of ourselves can too easily rest upon our own adherence to the rules or to a sense of inherited superiority. In Romans 2 Paul calls out his own people in the Roman church for being arrogant and hypocritical. That same harmful attitude is a danger that all church leaders need to humbly reject.
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – February 12, 2023
“Judgement from God: Do we have a good case?”
Romans 2:1-16
The Judgmental Heart
DENIES THE TRUTH IN THE MIRROR (v1-3)
IGNORS GOD’S KINDNESS (v4)
IS STUBBORN & UNREPENTANT (v5-6)
REJECTS THE TRUTH (v7)
CAN ONLY LEAD TO TROUBLE (v9-11)
WILL NEVER MAKE YOU RIGHT (v12-14)
KNOWS THAT IT SHOULDN’T BE (v15-16)
The HUMBLE heart lets the light of truth reveal the many flaws and faults of the person in the mirror, and let’s the love of Jesus be your judge.
John 5:24-27
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline 2/5/23
“God’s Wrath: Who Deserves That?” – Romans 1:18-32
“The Wrath of God is Being Revealed” (v18)
Who deserves that? “THEY” do….
Look at what “THEY” did….(v21-23)
lack of worship, futile thinking, darkened hearts, image worship
What did God do about “THEM”?
THEREFORE He “gave them over” to…
sexual impurity (v24), shameful lusts (v26) a depraved mind (v28)
Look what “THEY” did with their depraved minds…. (v29-32)
THEY have become filled w/ every kind of wickedness…
evil, greed, depravity, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice
AND, THEY are…
gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, boastful
Wait, there’s even more about THEM; THEY…
invent ways of doing evil, disobey their parents
THEY have no…
understanding, fidelity, love, mercy
Romans 1:32 – They know better, but keep doing it and promote doing it.
So, who on earth are “THEY”?
“PEOPLE” (v 18 & v 20) ALL people (yes, that includes YOU) Romans 2:1
It’s not that you did all that stuff, but WE did.
HUMANITY IS BROKEN
It takes a lot of courage to admit and confront your own prejudices. The church in Rome grew during a 5 year period when Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from their city. When Nero became Emperor the Jews were allowed to return. Some of those Jews were followers of Jesus who wanted to connect with the other believers in Rome. It was not a smooth transition.
Called. The Apostle Paul understood clearly the purpose that God chose him to fulfill. His many years of successfully starting churches across the Roman Empire would eventually lead him to the city of Rome itself. Before he got there he wrote the church in that city a letter. This writing was very personal, deeply theological, and encapsulated all that he believes about Christ. As a devout Jew and a well educated Roman citizen, Paul was perfectly positioned to bring the Gospel message reach into the "empires" of Rome, of his own people the Jews, and into each human's personal empire. The Book of Romans: Love Letter to the Empire.
Today's message is a testimony from my very good friend, Paul Burke. God has done great work in his heart and life, with so much more to come!
Stepping into the light, (the light of truth), is frightening and intimidating. It's also liberating and life-giving. This is the gospel; to believe that God knows all about us and loves us none the less. We are not condemned, we are loved. If only we'd believe!
Psalm 46:10 is beautiful verse that reminds us to slow down, get quiet, and listen for God's calming presence. Easier said than done. A closer look at this entire Psalm can help us understand what the Psalmist my have been facing in his day, and how these words can apply to us now.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline November 13, 2022
“Being Transformed” – Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2
Meeting God on the Mountain
- Exodus 34:29-35
- 1 Kings 19:1-18
- Mark 9:2-13
Transfiguration/Transformation = Methamorphoo-oo
Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2, Luke 9:29
- 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
- Romans 12:1-2
ROMANS 12:1-2
- See God’s mercy (how great is that?!)
- Be a living sacrifice (the best way to worship)
- Don’t conform to this world (the broken pattern)
- BE TRANSFORMED (why crawl if you can fly?)
- The Process - Renew your mind.
- The Promise - Understanding God’s will
Leadership is hard, at any level. Attaining the confidence to lead does not happen quickly, and must include strength and courage. The story of Joshua reveals that God wants leaders (even commands them) to be "strong and courageous". Thankfully, God is always with us as we learn!
Do you know what you are doing? A fair, and sometimes insulting, question. If one is to follow the way of Christ, "knowledge" is vital. Not just the kind knowing limited to your mind, but a knowing that grows hands and feet, has a voice, and a heart. It's the knowing that infiltrates decision making, attitudes, and relationships. This is the kind of "knowledge" Peter wrote about in 2 Peter 1:3-9.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – October 9, 2022
“Battle Ready”
Ephesians 6:10-18
Be Strong from the Right Power Source (Ephesians 6:10)
Be Ready for Battle (Ephesians 6:11)
Beware of the Real Enemy (Ephesians 6:12)
Worldly Rulers - Leaders
Worldly Authorities - Structures
Worldly Powers - The Thing in the Air
Spiritual Forces of Evil – HINT: they don’t always look evil.
Be Dressed for Battle (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Surround Yourself with TRUTH (belt)
Walk in PEACE (shoes)
Hold up FAITH (shield)
Think about SALVATION (helmet)
Know THE WORD (sword)
Be a Person Who Prays… (Ephesians 6:18)
…AT ALL TIMES
…ON EVERY OCCASION
….STAY ALERT ABOUT PRAYER NEEDS
…PERSISTENTLY
…FOR ALL BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 2, 2022
Being set Free from Your own Prison – Matthew 6:9-15
The prison of unforgiveness is the only prison that the inmate holds the key but refuses to leave.
Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor - Matthew 18:21-35
-“Therefore”? – (v23) – Peter’s question
- 10,000 bags of gold? (v24)
- wife & children sold? (v25)
- “I will pay back everything”? (v26)
- “canceled the debt”? (v27)
- lack of mercy (v33)
- sent to jail to be “tortured”? (v34)
- How the father treats you “unless you forgive”? (v35)
- “from your heart” (v35)
What keeps us from forgiving?
Ephesians 4:31-32
Galatians 5:13
What keeps you from forgiving others?
How has withholding forgiveness affected you?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline - September 25, 2022
“Your Field of Influence” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Help others on their journey and let them help you.
This is faith, hope, and love in action.
Your Field of Influence
your work produced by faith
your labor prompted by love
your endurance inspired by hope
The journey of faith, hope, and love is both an end and a means.
-
Your Walk has an Influence
-
Stay on the Path
-
Don’t Walk Alone
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline
September 18, 2022
“Faith, Mystery, & Openness to Open Questions”
Colossians 1:21-29
John 1:14 - The Creator entered into His creation full of both grace and truth
The Truth is, that Truth ALWAYS leads to pain.
Grace can only exist inside of brokenness, failure, inadequacy, and pain.
Do you have an open, unanswered question for God?
Has the lack of a clear answer kept you from trusting God with your struggle?
Colossians 1:23
Doubt, fear, and hate effect us all. Maybe in more ways than are evident at the surface. Look deeper, look back, and trust God reveal to you what's at the roots of your struggles.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 4, 2022
“Your Imperfect and Vital First Steps”
First Steps
AN “OUTSIDER” CAPTIVATED BY THE SCRIPTURES
Acts 8:26-40 – Ethiopian eunuch (see v34-38)
AN OUTSIDER CALLED BY GOD
Acts 10 – Cornelius (see verses 44-46)
AN “SINNER” WITH RECKLESS ABANDON
Luke 7:36-50 – A woman anoints Jesus’ feet (see verses 47-48)
AN “ENEMY” WITH DRAMATIC DISRUPTION
Acts 9:1-19 – Saul’s conversion (see verses 5-6)
AN “OUTCAST” CARRIED BY OTHERS
Matthew 9:1-8 - Paralyzed man carried to Jesus (see verse 2)
A “SINNER” CONDEMNED AT JESUS’ FEET
John 8:1-11 – Woman caught in adultery
How you began matters, but where you are headed matters even more.
Growth and change going forward often begin by first looking back. By telling and hearing our stories we can learn about ourselves as we openly remember the moments and events that have shaped us and see how they intersect with the scriptures. This sermon is about how fear and wonder played out in my story. God has placed both of them within us, but allowing fear to become central is not the way of love or the path to positive change.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 24, 2022
Esther – Risking All to Save Others
The Story of Esther
Esther’s Faith and Courage
-
Esther 4:12-17
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One young woman, standing up before empire on behalf of her people – at the risk of her own life.
Why this book was disputed as part of the Bible:
- Esther never mentioned elsewhere in the Bible
- “God” is never named
- The word “prayer” is never used
- The Law of Moses never mentioned
Why this book is in the Bible
-
Sackcloth & ashes, and fasting – are forms of prayer.
- Esther 4:1-3
- Esther 4:15-16
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The law of Moses is implied
- Esther 3:8
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Faith needs action
- James 1:22-25
- James 2:14-17
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True faith is an act of love
- Galatians 5:6
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Esther is like Jesus
- John 15:13
- Philippians 2:5-11
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – July 17, 2022
Women of Great Faith - Ruth
Ruth’s Story
Genealogy to Jesus – Matthew 1
Tamar
Rahab
Ruth
Inclusion
Rev. Paul J. Miller – June 12, 2022
“Dealing with Family”
Jacob’s VERY troubled family
Rachel Bilhah Leah Zilpah
Genesis 37 to Genesis 45 - _____ years
The Extraordinary Forgiveness of Joseph
Joseph maintained a God-centered attitude
Joseph held the power
Joseph had options
Joseph chose to see God in his pain
Joseph chose to forgive
Dealing with Family
Put God in the center
Use authority with humility
Avoid knee-jerk, impulsive responses
Look for God in your pain
CHOOSE FORGIVENESS - Colossians 3:12-14
Dealing with Other People’s Stuff
Your Identity is Formed in Relation to Others
June 5, 2022 - Rev. Paul J. Miller
Matthew 5:17-48
What is your SHAPE?
S piritual Gifts
H eart
A bilities
P ersonality
E xperiences
(Rick Warren – “The Purpose Driven Life”)
Jesus & The Law - Matthew 5:17, 20, & 48
WHO HAS SHAPED YOU?
How have hate & anger shaped you? Matthew 5:21-26
How has sexual sin shaped you? - Matthew 5:27-30
How has divorce shaped you? - Matthew 5:31-32
How have broken promises shaped you? - Matthew 5:33-37
How has revenge shaped you? - Matthew 5:38-42
How have your enemies shaped you? - Matthew 5:43-47
Who has shaped you & how are you shaping those around you?
– Colossians 3:12-14
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 29, 2022
“Dealing with Pain & Suffering”
The way you deal with your pain either reveals your relationship with God or exposes what your true god is.
When troubles come, God feels far away - Psalm 10
It’s not enough to just seek God when we struggle. We need to find God in and through the struggle.
Genesis 32:28 – “he struggles with God”
Ephesians 3:6
Isaiah knew the kind of Messiah the world needed. One who would enter into our suffering.
Isaiah 53
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V3
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V4
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V5
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V7
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V12
The way you deal with your pain either reveals your relationship with God or exposes what your true god is.
Great suffering and pain requires and even greater love.
God is Love
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 22, 2022
“Dealing with Grief” - John 11:17-37
Jesus in this story is a friend, a teacher, and the Son of God.
GRIEF SHOULD BE A COMMUNITY EVENT (v17-20)
TEMPER EMOTION WITH FAITH (v21-24)
BELIEVE IN RESURRECTION BECAUSE JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD (v25-27)
ANGRY AT GOD? IT’S OKAY, HE CAN HANDLE IT. (v28-32)
HOW DOES JESUS RESPOND TO OUR GRIEF? WITH TEARS (v33-36)
THERE ARE DOUBTERS IN LIFE, AND DOUBTERS IN DEATH (v37)
TAKE AWAY THE STONE (v38-44)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 15, 2022
“Dealing with Fear” – 1 John 4:7-21
1 John issues:
- Written to refute Gnosticism – secret knowledge, the humanity of Christ
- Written to give believers confidence: “this is how we know…” (2:5, 2:18, 3:10, 3:16, 3:19, 3:24, 4;13, 5:2)
- Written to give believers assurance of eternal life – 5:13
- Written to remind us the God is Love
GOD IS LOVE!
The source of love is God – 4:7
The evidence of knowing God is the presence of love – 4:8
If you don’t love, you don’t know God – 4:8
God’s love was shown to us in Jesus – 4:9
God initiated our loving relationship with Him by removing our sin problem – 4:10
Our response to God love is a call to love people – 4:11
The presence of my love for people is evidence that God exists – 4:12
My acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God gives me the assurance to rely on His love – 4:15-16
My connection with God is based entirely upon love – 4:16
My confidence before God is based upon how much I am like Jesus – 4:17
There is no fear is love – 4:18
Perfect (mature, complete, grown-up) love drives fear away – 4:18
If I am afraid, love is still incomplete in me – 4:18
Love was initiated by God, it’s already there! – 4:19
If I hate people I am lying about loving God – 4:20
The only command that matters is the command to love people – 4:21
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Matthew 22:37-40
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Galatians 5:4-6
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 8, 2022
Dealing with Your Broken Image of You – Psalm 139:1-14
THE APOSTLE PAUL’S REFINING “THORN” – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
- God said: “my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- Paul said: “I delight in weaknesses”
PASTOR PAUL’S REFINING THORN – 2013-2016
- Weaknesses, Insults, Hardships, Persecutions, Difficulties
YOUR BROKEN CONDITION Weaknesses, Insults, Hardships, Persecutions, Difficulties
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YOU CAN DENY IT
- Attempting to deceive yourself & others indefinitely
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YOU CAN BE DEFINED BY IT
- A BADGE FOR THE EGO- Seeking attention & pity
- LIVE IN SHAME - Feeling that you are “less than”, “not enough”
- FIND SOMEONE TO BLAME – using anger, find a scapegoat
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OR YOU CAN BE REFINED BY IT
- 1 PETER 1:3-9 (note v7)
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INVITE YOUR LOVING FATHER GOD TO SEARCH YOU PSALM 139
- Lord, I know that you know me (v1-12)
- I am filled with fear balanced with wonder (v13-18)
- I still get frustrated, angry, and even want to hate (v19-22)
- Search me again and show why I am anxious, and what is offensive about me (v23-24)
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – May 1, 2022
Series Title: “Dealing with Your Stuff”
Today’s Title: “Dealing with Your False or Incomplete Images of God”
Today’s Main Text: John 5:16-30
Hearing & Seeing God - Matthew 13:16-17
WHAT WAS GOD LIKE TO…
Adam – God Creates & Curses
Noah – God Punishes & Protects
Abraham – God Promises
Jacob – God Blesses
Moses – God Liberates & Establishes Law
Joshua & The Judges – God is a Commanding Officer
David –God is to be Praised & God Forgives
The Kings – God is a Power Broker
The Prophets – God Warns & Follows up
PEOPLE NEED A MORE COMPLETE, MORE FULFILLED IMAGE OF GOD
Jesus – God is my Father and I am just like Him. If you want to know what God is like, look at me. – John 5:19-20
JESUS CHRIST IS THE COMPLETELY FULFILLED IMAGE OF GOD IN HUMAN FORM – Colossians 1:15-20
HOW CAN WE KNOW GOD? - John 14:6-9
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? - John 14:15-17
THE FULFILLED IMAGE OF GOD IN JESUS - God is our loving Father
If your primary image of God is anything less than a loving Father, you will filter His love through your incomplete lens.
1 John 3:1 & Romans 8:15
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 24, 2022
“Dealing with Sin, Guilt, and Shame” – Genesis 3:1-13
SIN - Knowing the right choice, path, principle, direction, and willingly choosing the wrong one.
GUILT - The realization and acceptance that what I did was wrong. What I did, that was bad.
SHAME - The natural impulse to attach your guilt to your identity. Shame tells me that “I” am bad.
Sin, Guilt, & Shame In the Garden
Temptation Involves
- Doubt what God said – v1-3
- Denial of consequence – v4
- Desire for Knowledge – v5
- Desire to Appease Appetites – v6
Guilt moves quickly into shame
- Vulnerability v7 - Fear v10
- Cover-up v7 - Blame v11-12
- Isolation v8 - Denial v13
Why did Adam & Eve hide from God? What did God ever do to them that they should be afraid of Him?
The Impact of Shame
Fear of Exposure - When the story of shame has taken hold in your heart and mind it will protect its position through isolation and retaliation.
False Identity - Shame can become the author and publisher of your story. It defines you by failure, insufficiency, regret mistakes, and sin. You don’t just believe shame’s story, you become that story.
TWO WAYS DEAL WITH GUILT – Matthew 7:13-14
The wide, easy way toward destruction or the narrow, difficult way toward life
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GUILT - What is your first instinct when you fail? Don’t let shame tell your story.
Philippians 4:8
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 17, 2022
“Yes, this really happened!”
The sequence of events in Jesus’ resurrection story:
- The moment of the resurrection (Matthew 28:2-4).(the only eye witnesses were the guards)
- Mary Magdalene & another Mary arrive at the tomb (John 20:1-2; Matthew 28:1).(they both leave the tomb to find the disciples before any one else arrives)
- Another group of women were coming to meet the two Marys’ at the tomb. (Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8, Matthew 28:5-8).(they leave the tomb to look for the disciples, & Mary M.)
- Peter & John arrive at the tomb(Luke 24:12, John 20:3-10).(Peter & John leave, Mary M. lingers, the other women are not far away)
- Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-17, Mark 16:9).(Mary hurries away to tell the disciples that she saw Jesus)
- Jesus then appears to the other women (Matthew 28:9-10).(the women resume their search for the disciples)
- The women, including Mary Magdalene, report their meeting with Jesus to the disciples, (Mark 16:10-11, Luke 24:9-11, John 20:18).(at this point, it was only the women had actually seen Jesus)
- The Roman guards report what they had witnessed to the chief priests. (Matthew 28:11-15).(the chiefs priests knew what really happened, but denied it and tried to cover it up)
Are you focused on the surface facts of the story or on the truthful meaning the story holds for you?
The words of an eye witness to the risen Jesus – 1 Peter 1:3-9
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – April 10, 2022
“Palms of Joy & Sorrow”
Luke 19:28-44
THE PREPARATION – Luke 19:28-34
- “After Jesus said this…” – Luke 19:11 & 27
- MOUNT OF OLIVES – Luke 21:37
- Two Disciples – Luke 10:1
- Colt – Matthew 21:4-5, Zechariah 9:9
- A king riding a beast of burden
THE JOY!
- THE CLOAKS
- Valuable – Luke 23:34
- Palms? - Matthew 21:8, Mark 11:8, John 12:13
- THE CROWD (v37)
- “disciples”
- Eye witnesses to Jesus’ miracles
- THE KING – Psalm 118:26
- “GLORY IN THE HIGHEST!”– Luke 2:14
- THE STONES WILL SING!
THE SORROW
- HE WEPT – John 11:35
- WHAT WOULD BRING YOU PEACE
- Luke 19:11 & 27
- “YOU DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE TIME OF GOD’S COMING TO YOU”
- The siege of Jerusalem by Rome in AD 70
The people were looking for the wrong kind of savior
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 3, 2022
“Endure Hardship as Discipline”
Hebrews 12:4-13
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 20, 2022
“Seek Peace & Pursue It” – John 6:25-29
“The Work of God is this…”
TO BELIEVE IN THE ONE HE HAS SENT
Just the day before, Jesus fed 5000 people with a little bit of fish and bread. He and the 12 disciples then crossed the Sea of Galilee. While at sea, Jesus rescued them from a storm. When arrived safely near Capernaum, many of the people who were fed realized that was Jesus there and went looking for Him.
They went looking for Jesus, but did they truly believe?
THE WORK OF GOD IS TO BELIEVE IN JESUS - John 6:29
BELIEF THAT REQUIRES EVIDENCE IS NOT BELIEF - John 6:30
BELIEVE THAT JESUS WILL PROVIDE WHAT WE NEED- Jn. 6:35
BELIEF IS MORE THAN SEEING - John 6:36
BELIEVE THAT ETERNAL LIFE STARTS NOW - John 6:40 & 47
NOT EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS TRULY BELIEVES - John 6:64
BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS IN THE HOLY ONE OF GOD - John 6:69
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 20, 2022
“Seek Peace & Pursue It” - 1 Peter 3:8-17
Have you found peace?
Jesus came to give us peace
Luke 1:79
John 14:27
John 16:33
The Resurrected Jesus
“Peace be with you”- Luke 24:36, John 20:19, 21, 26
Have you found peace through Jesus?
The Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:14-15 -“feet”
Have your steps (choices) led you toward peace?
Peace between us and God has already been accomplished
Romans 5:1-2
Are experiencing peace with God through Christ?
Peace with others depends on our words.
1 Peter 3 & Psalm 34
Ephesians 4:29-32
Joyful, thankful prayer gives you peace & guard your heart
Philippians 4:4-7
Are your prayers filled with joy and thanksgiving?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 13, 2022
“fear is big – LOVE IS BIGGER”
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE - Mark 12:28-31
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
THE ENEMY OF LOVE - 1 John 4:13-21
THE VASTNESS OF LOVE - Romans 8:35-39
Romans 8:35 – Afraid of what people do?
-Trouble, Hardship, Persecution, Famine,
Nakedness, Danger, Sword
Romans 8:38-39 – Afraid of what is bigger than all of us?
-death nor life
-angels nor demons
-the present nor the future
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nor any powers
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height nor depth
-anything else in all creation
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 6, 2022
“Are your fears larger than your love?”
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE - Mark 12:28-31
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
THE ENEMY OF LOVE - 1 John 4:13-21
THE VASTNESS OF LOVE - Romans 8:35-39
“IS THE LOVE OF GOD LARGER MY FEAR OF…”
Romans 8:35 – “Who” am I afraid of?
-Trouble
-Hardship
-Persecution
-Famine
-Nakedness
-Danger
-Sword
The troubles of our world today are very distressing, but the pandemic, the political strife, and even the war in Europe are nothing new. In fact on each of those fronts the world has endured far worse than what is before us now. Too much attention is payed to the book of Revelation and trying to make it fit the world stage today. When will it all end? Jesus clearly stated: "It is not for you to know..."
Living on high alert for months or years will take a toll on anyone. When we are finally able to let go and say "it's over" is a great release, but it can also be a very vulnerable position. Elijah found that out as more stress-filled news sent him into deep fear and depression. How did God help him?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 13, 2022
“What is the Will of God for us during a pandemic?” - Romans 12:1-8
The will of God the Father is the same as the will of a good earthly father:
He wants His children to choose the way of love.
THE WILL OF GOD IS…
OUR CHOICE – John 7:17
FOR US TO BECOME WHOLE – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
FOR OUR GOOD ACTIONS TO OVERCOME FOOLISH WORDS – 1 Peter 2:15
TO LIVE IN THE NOW – James 4:13-16
DISCOVERABLE THROUGH TRANFORMATION – Romans 12:2
ETERNAL LIFE FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE – John 6:40
The Lord's Prayer is below.
Write down your thoughts about what each line means to you.
How can you implement these important aspects to prayer in your prayer life?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 6, 2022
“Prayer 101” – Matthew 6:5-15
Prayer is like the horizon; it connects Heaven & Earth.
Christ made this connection available. Prayer activates it.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline January 30, 2022
“What’s on Your Mind?” – Philippians 4:4-9
Scriptures about the mind…
- Isaiah 26:3 - Matthew 22:37
- Romans 8:5-7 - Romans 12:2
- Colossians 3:1-2
Philippians 4:4-9
If you want to have peace pay attention to your thoughts.
5 Steps to a Mind at Peace
- Rejoice in the Lord (always!)
- Be gentle
- Fight anxiety with prayer
- Pray about everything
- Pray with thanksgiving
The Well-Guarded heart thinks about whatever is….
- TRUE
- NOBLE
- RIGHT - Monday
- PURE - Tuesday
- LOVELY - Wednesday
- ADMIRABLE - Thursday
- EXCELLENT - Friday
- PRAISEWORTHY - Saturday
Sermon Notes - January 23, 2022
“Pandemic Joy?” – Pastor Paul
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
– James 1:2-4
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 16, 2022
Series Title: The Church Needs Leaders
Today’s Title: Athens – The Nonsense of the Gospel
Today’s Text: Acts 17:16-34
The best of man-made religion, philosophy, and institutions share a common goal: to live as well we can for as long as we can, delaying the unavoidable sting of death as long as possible. What Christ did for us was to take death head on. By overcoming death’s sting, He built a path for us to follow that worldly wisdom thinks foolish. Godly wisdom reveals that path; it’s a path that teaches us to lose to find, to go last to be first, to serve to be great, and to die to live.
GODLY WISDOM REVEALS THAT….
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GOD DOESN’T NEED ANYTHING, HE GAVE US EVERYTHING (v24-25)
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THE ONE GOD BEGAN LIFE WITH THE ONE MAN (v26-28)
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WE DIDN’T DESIGN GOD, GOD DESIGNED US (v29)
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THE WAY TO CHANGE YOUR VIEW OF GOD IS TO CHANGE YOUR VIEW OF DEATH (v30-31)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 2, 2022
Series Title: The Church Needs Good Leaders
Today’s Title: “they… examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true”
Today’s Text: Acts 17:1-15
What God in Christ has done for all humanity is good news, great news, the best news! This news transcends time, culture, and all man made barriers because Jesus came to us “full of grace and truth”. (John 1:14)
Full grace overcomes every obstacle because it’s based upon full truth. Not everyone is ready to believe that a death on a cross can produce good news. The unbelieving heart does not give up without a fight. But in the end, grace and truth win because the Gospel of Christ lives!
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS REASONABLE & SCRIPTURAL (v1-3)
O.T. Scriptures predicting the death & resurrection of the Messiah
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Psalm 16
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Psalm 22
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Isaiah 53
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS APPEALING TO ALL PEOPLE GROUPS (v4 & 12)
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Jews
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God-fearing Greeks
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Prominent women
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Greek men
OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST CAN ONLY DEPEND ON LIES AND DECEPTION, NOT ON TRUTH (v5-9)
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHSTANDS NOBLE EXAMINATION (v10-15)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 26, 2021
Series Title: “The Church Needs Leaders”
Today’s Title: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved”
Today’s Text: Acts 16:16-40
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
WHO WAS SET FREE IN THIS STORY?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 19, 2021
Series Title: The Church Needs Leaders
Today’s Title: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily”
Today’s Text: Acts 15: 36-16:15
“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” - John Stott
GOOD LEADERS OVERCOME DIVISION (15:36-41)
“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”
Barnabas - 1 Corinthians 9:6
Mark - Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11, 1 Peter 5:13
Silas - Acts 15:22, Acts 15:32
GOOD LEADERS TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS (16:1-5)
Timothy - 1 Corinthians 4:17,16:10, Philippians 2:19-22
GOOD LEADERS LET GOD LEAD THEM (16:6-10)
Prompting from the Spirit
Visions from the Spirit
Luke is now with Paul (“we” 16:10)
GOOD LEADERS BREAK BOUNDARIES (16:11-16)
- women gathered a at “place of prayer”
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Lydia:
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a dealer in purple cloth.
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a worshiper of God.
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The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
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And she persuaded us.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 12, 2021
Series Title: The Church Needs Leaders
Today’s Title: “The apostles and elders met to consider this question.”
Today’s Text: Acts 15
GUARDING THE GOOD NEWS IN THE GOSPEL
- BEWARE OF GOSPEL ADDITIVES (v1)
Galatians 1:6-9
- BEWARE OF THE BAIT & SWITCH OF LEGALISM (v5)
Romans 3:19-20
- GOD LOVES “THEM” JUST AS MUCH AS “US” (v8-11)
Romans 3:21-24
- PEREFECTIONISTS ARE FAR FROM PERFECT (v10)
Romans 8:1-4
- THE PROBLEM WAS THE VENUE, NOT THE MENU (v19-21)
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 5, 2021
Series Title: Acts Part 5 – Breaking Boundaries and Overcoming Resistance
Todays’ Title: “Effectively Communicating the Gospel"
Today’s Text: Acts 14
EFFECTIVE PREACHING LEADS TO BELIEF (v1-4)
(but not without resistance)
EVEN WHEN THREATENED, THEY KEPT ON PREACHING (v5-8)
HEALING REQUIRES FAITH (v8-13)
(but can be easily misunderstood)
THE DIFFICULTY OF CORRECTING MISPLACED FAITH (v14-18)
MISPLACED FAITH IS EASILY TURNED AGAINST TRUTH (v19-20)
EVEN WHEN PHYICALLY BEATEN, THEY KEPT ON PREACHING (v20-21)
RETURNING TO THE PLACE OF PAIN (v21-23)
RESUMING, REPORTING, AND RESTING (v24-28)
1 Peter 3:15-16
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – November 28, 2021
Series Title: “Breaking Boundaries and Overcoming Resistance” – Acts Pt. 5
Today’s Title: “the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord”
Today’s Text: Acts 13
Christ provided “us” with bridge to overcome the gap between us and God. Much to our surprise, He built a bridge to “them” as well.
What in the World is God Doing?
Calling & Sending (v1-3)
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Barnabas – an encourager, a mediator, a prophet, a teacher
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Saul – a leader, a teacher, a prophet
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Acts 9:15
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Romans 1:16
Confronting Opposition (v4-12)
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John (Mark) “was with them as their helper” (v4)
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“Saul” is now known as “Paul” (v9)
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Bar-Jesus (Elymus) an influential Jewish sorcerer and false prophet
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Through Paul, God inflicted upon Elymas what Paul had received in the road to Damascus – blindness
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John 9:39
Reaching People through His Story with Us (v13-43)
“Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!”
SLAVERY, FREEDOM, LAND (v17-20)
FROM JUDGES TO DAVID (v20-22)
FROM DAVID TO JOHN THE BAPTIST (v23-25)
A RESURRECTED MESSIAH FOR EVERYONE! (v26-31)
WHAT GOD PROMISED HAS COME TRUE! (v32-37)
WHAT THE LAW CAN’T DO, JESUS DID! – BELIEVE IT!! (v38-41)
PEOPLE WERE REACHED! BOTH JEW & GENTILE (v42-43)
Enabling Us to Endure Rejection (v44-51)
Filling the Hearts of the Faithful with Joy (v52)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – November 21, 2021
Series Title: The Gospel for Everyone
Today’s Title: “The church was earnestly praying to God for him”
Today’s Text: Acts 12
Acts 12:1-19 – Peter’s Prison Escape
- Herod Agrippa reigned in Judea 41-44 AD
- James, the brother of John put to death
- Peter put in jail a week before Passover
- The church was “earnestly” praying for him
- An angel appeared in the cell and leads Peter out
- The house of Mary, the mother of Mark
- Many people had gathered and where praying
- Rhoda, the servant girl, leaves him at the door!
- Those praying for Peter, can’t believe that it is Peter!
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Tell James what happened – James, the brother of Jesus
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Galatians 1:19 – Paul identifies James as the Lord’s brother
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1 Corinthians 15:7 – Jesus appeared to James
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Peter leaves Jerusalem, James takes charge
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Peter is not mentioned again in Acts 15, 7-8 years later
Acts 12:20-23 – Herod Agrippa’s Death
- The Herod’s were Jews, but they knew how to work their way into power and stay in the good graces of several Caesars
- A Herodian theatre called Caesarea Maritima, a place where emperor worship was common, even expected.
- Agrippa dies a horrible death (Josephus said it took days)
Acts 12:24-25 - The Church Moves On!
- The word of God continued to spread and flourish.
- Mark joins Barnabas & Saul
Acts 12 Applications:
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Prayer can help ___________________________________
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God can do more __________________________________
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Who the leader is _______________________matters more than who the leader is
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Worship of people, including ourselves, _________________
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God is constantly __________________________ to keep His church moving!
Acts 11 - Change & Growth
As the church carries the message of Christ into this ever changing world, we should not view change itself as an enemy. Our God does not change, but our view of God must remain open to change. Otherwise, we’ll never personally develop or transform; and the church won’t grow.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 7, 2021
Series Title: The Gospel for Everyone
Today’s Title: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.”
Today’s Text: Acts 10:23-48
THE MEANING OF THESE VISIONS: THEN & NOW
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BE REVERENT, BE HUMBLE (v23-26)
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NO ONE IS IMPURE, NO ONE IS UNCLEAN (v27-29)
The burden of becoming pure and clean is gone!
In Christ, everyone is welcome into the community of faith
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YOUR STORY MATTERS (v30-33)
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THE GOSPEL IS PEACE FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST FOR THOSE WHO MEET OUR STANDARDS (v34-38)
“Good news of peace” (for everybody!) - Luke 2:14 & 29-32
“the one who fears him and does what is right” - Mat. 22:34-40
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BELIEF IS ABOUT SIMPLE FAITH, NOT A SPECIFIC FORMULA (v39-43)
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TONGUES IS A SIGN, NOT AN ESSENTIAL (v44-46)
“speaking in tongues” in the book of Acts
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Acts 2:1-4 – In Jerusalem on Pentecost
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Acts 10:44-46 – Here at Cornelius’s home in Caesarea
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Acts 19:1-7 – In Ephesus
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the word means “other languages” – known languages
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it is NOT a sign of, or requirement for, salvation
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THE CHURCH IS ABOUT EQUALITY, NOT HEIRARCHY (v47-48)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 31, 2021
Series Title: The Church for Everyone
Today’s Title: “Our Inclusive God”
Today’s Text: Acts 10:1-23
Some of the most difficult aspects of life to change are what we eat, who we spend time with, and what we believe about God. When food and friends are important elements in a cherished but inadequate belief system, change is extremely challenging. (but not impossible)
CORNELIUS
The God-fearing, praying, Gentile, leader of Romans soldiers (v1-2)
God hears the prayer of this Gentile leader of Romans soldiers (v3-7)
- Luke 7:1-10
PETER
The Spirit-filled, law-abiding, praying, Jewish leader of the apostles (v9-13)
HOW GOD LEADS PETER TO CHANGE
FOOD RULES SHOULD NOT OVERRULE GOD’S VOICE (v14)
“I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” – Peter
“unclean” 108x in Leviticus (chapter 11 contains food laws)
GOD BREAKS GOD’S OWN RULES TO GET TO US (v15)
Jesus changed the rules about food – Mark 7:14-23
God is teaching Peter WHAT He requires and WHO can come to Him
THE POWER OF THREE (v16-19)
The same vision three times
“Three men are looking for you. Do not hesitate to go with them”
Peter’s three denials of Jesus – Luke 22:54-62
Jesus to Peter three times: “Do you love me?” – John 20:15-19
COME TO HIS HOME AND SPEAK (v21-23)
Peter preached to large crowds, spoke boldly before the Sanhedrin, called out deception in the church, spoke words of healing, and spoke words that brought a woman back to life
Was he ready to speak in the home of a Gentile Roman soldier?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 24, 2021
Series Title: The Church for Everyone
Today’s Title: “Then he called for the believers, especially the widows”
Today’s Text: Acts 9:19-43
God’s big picture plan to reach the world never loses sight of the one.
THE BIG PICTURE – Saul learns how to temper his passion
Saul: eager to start, ready to learn
It was 3 YEARS from Saul’s conversion until he went to Jerusalem
Acts 9:19-26 & Galatians 1:17-18
When Saul came to Jerusalem…
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The Apostles didn’t trust him
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Barnabas mediated
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He spoke boldly
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Was sent to Tarsus, for his own safety
CARING FOR THE “ONE” – Peter learns compassion
Aeneas - Acts 9:32-35
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Lydda (west of Jerusalem toward the Mediterranean)
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Similar to miracle of Jesus – Luke 5:24
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A whole town “turned to the Lord”
Tabitha - Acts 9:36-43
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Joppa (on the Mediterranean coast)
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“always doing good and helping the poor”
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“please come at once”
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“all the widows stood around him’ crying”
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“Tabitha, get up” – similar miracle - Luke 8:40-42, 49-56
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“He called for the believers, especially the widows”
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 17, 2021
Series Title: “The Gospel for Everyone”
Today’s Title: “…my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles”
Today’s Text: Acts 9:1-19
WHO did God call to keep the church moving?
HOW did God intervene to keep the church moving?
Saul Before the Light
Approved of a violent murder (Acts 7:58 & 8:1)
Began to destroy the church (Acts 8:3)
Murderous threats w/the high priest’s authority (Acts 9:1-2)
In his own words (Philippians 3:4-7)
Saul: The Light & The Voice
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 8:4 & 1 Cor. 12:27)
“Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5)
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5)
“…you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:6)
Saul: Darkness & Waiting
“three days” – Acts 9:9
Saul & Ananias – Acts 9:10-19
- Ananias needed to TRUST
- In God’s vision
- That Saul won’t turn on him
- SAUL needs to TRUST
- A stranger
- A follower of Jesus
- That this was all real
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MISSION– Acts 9:15
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SIGHT – Acts 9:17
God intervened by calling Saul to take the Gospel to the Gentile world because he was the right man for the job, and because Peter and the other Apostles were reluctant to accept that their Jesus belonged to everyone.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 10, 2021
Series Title: Acts Part 3: The Church is Persecuted & Scattered
Today’s Title: “…all except the apostles scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”
Today’s Text: Acts 8:1-40 (reading v1-8)
Acts 1:8 - “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 8:1 - “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.”
PHILIP GOES TO SAMARIA – Acts 8:1-25
- SAMARIA: Great animosity toward Jews, especially those in Jerusalem
- Philip proclaims the message, performs miracles, joy in the city (v4-8)
- Simon the “sorcerer” is intrigued by the power of the Holy Spirit (v9-13)
- The apostles (still in Jerusalem) hear what’s going on in Samaria (v14)
- Peter & John go there, and the Spirit comes on the Samaritans who believe (v15-17)
- Simon wants the power to bestow the Spirit on others for selfish motives (v18-25)
- NOTE: Peter & John “returned to Jerusalem” (v25)
PHILIP & THE ETHIOPIAN – Acts 8:26-40
- God works through an angel (first time in Acts an angel intervenes to a non-apostle) (v26)
- Ethiopian “eunich” (not uncommon for someone who works for a queen) (v27)
- Traveled to Jerusalem to worship, had a copy of Isaiah – this man has “means” (v28)
- Philip obeys the prompting of the Spirit (v29-30)
- Philip is able to help the man understand Isaiah’s prophecy (v31-34)
- All scripture can lead someone to Jesus (v35)
- Philip baptizes the man (v36-39)
- A man with influence to the queen of a nation takes the gospel to Africa (v39)
- Having obeyed God, the Spirit whisks Philip away to take the gospel to other places (v40)
HOW DID THE STONING OF STEPHEN CHANGE THE CHURCH?
BEFORE AFTER
THE CHURCH GREW RAPIDLY (2:41 & 47, 4:6, 5:14, 6:1 & 7) THE CHURCH IS SCATTERED (8:1)
“ALL THE PEOPLE” WERE ON THEIR SIDE (2:47, 3:9-10, 5:26) THE PEOPLE WERE STIRRED UP AGAINST THE CHURCH (6:11-12)
THE APOSTLES WERE PERSECUTED (4:3, 5:18, 5:40) THE WHOLE CHURCH IS PERSECUTED (8:1-3)
THE CHURCH WAS PRIMARILY IN JERUSALEM (6:7) THE CHURCH SPREADS OUT (8:4)
DID GOD WANT THE APOSTLES REMAIN IN JERUSALEM? (8:1)
THE PLAN JESUS GAVE THEM
“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
DO THESE WORDS REFLECT JESUS?
“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” - Acts 6:2
- Matthew 20:28 – “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Look at the context (20:20-28)
GOD USES STEPHEN’S DEATH AS A CATALYST (HAD THE PLAN STALLED?)
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” – Acts 8:1
WHO DID GOD USE TO KEEP THE CHURCH MOVING?
- Stephen - Acts 6:5 – His martyr was the catalyst for the church to get moving (8:1 & 4)
- Philip – Acts 6:5 – took the gospel the Samaria & Ethiopia (8:5)
- Barnabas – Acts 4:36 – He convinced the apostles to trust Saul
- Saul – Acts 7:58 – took the gospel Gentiles (18:6)
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline - October 3, 2021
"Where do we find God?" - Acts 7
STEPHEN'S SPEECH
Abraham to Jacob – Acts 7:2-8
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Go to a new land
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Establish a Covenant
Joseph to Moses – Acts 7:9-19
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Rebellious brothers
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Go to Egypt (earth’s greatest empire)
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Rule Egypt
Moses to Joshua – Acts 7:20-44
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Follow Moses out of Egypt (v35)
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FOLLOW THE ONE GOD WILL SEND (v37)
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Follow the Law (“living words” v38)
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At Mt. Sinai?
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Rebellion leads to exile
Joshua to David – Acts 7:45-46
- In the Tabernacle?
David to Solomon – Acts 7:46-47
- In the Temple?
Solomon to Isaiah – Acts 7:48-50
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“However”, you won’t find God in tabernacles or temples (or church buildings)
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Isaiah 66:1-2 (the closing statement to all of Isaiah’s prophecies)
Jesus to Eternity – Acts 7:54-60
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The Sanhedrin was “furious” to once again being accused of killing Jesus
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WHAT DROVE THEM TO KILL STEPHEN WAS THE SAME WORDS THAT DROVE THEM TO KILL JESUS
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Jesus, “son of Man” at the right hand of God (Luke 22:66-71)
You cannot find God in land, in nations, in empires, in obeying rules, in a tabernacle, in a temple, in a sacrificial system, in a theological system, or in a church building.
You can only find God in the new and eternal temple, Jesus the Christ.
He is One God sent to us.
Only when you seek Him in faith will you find Him in your heart.
That’s where God lives.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 26, 2021
Series Title: “The Church is Persecuted & Scattered”
Today’s Title: “The face of an angel”
Today’s Text: Acts 6:1-15
The Choosing of the Seven - Acts 6:1-6
- “Hellenistic Jews” (v1) – Jews who spoke Greek
- “complained” (v1) - First sign of possible division in the church
- “wait on tables” (v2) – Feeding people is important, it’s just not what the Twelve were called to do. (See Romans 12:3-8)
- “choose seven men” (v3) – Note that this was a group decision (v5)
- Of the seven men listed, (v5) only Stephen and Philip are mentioned again in Acts
- “a large number of priests” (v6) – The gospel is being accepted even among some Jewish leaders
Stephen – Acts 6:7-15
- “great wonders and signs” (v8) – although important, what gets him killed is not the works but his words
- “opposition arose” (v9) – various groups, some who were likely part of the Sanhedrin
- “they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him” (v10) – The greatest power of the Spirit is the Word, not signs and wonders
- “secretly persuaded some men” (v11) – Where truth is rejected, lies will emerge
- “they stirred up the people” (v12) – Up until now, the crowd was mostly with the church. The lies worked
- “brought him before the Sanhedrin” (v12) – third time in Acts this happened (Acts 4 & 5)
- “they produced false witnesses” (v13) – truth was not on the side of the Sanhedrin, so they accused Stephen of something that would raise up anger among the people
- The lie: Jesus will destroy the Temple and change our customs (v14)
- “the face of an angel” (v15) – In a room filled will lies, deception, and anger,
TRUTH STILL SHINES
10 Ways that Stephen Reflects Jesus
- Trial before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53, Acts 6:12)
- False witnesses (Mark 14:56-57, Acts 6:14)
- Distorted meaning about destruction of the Temple (Mark 14:58, Acts 6:14)
- Temple “made with hands” (Mark 14:58, Acts 7:48)
- “Son of Man” saying (Mark 14:62, Acts 7:56)
- Charged with blasphemy (Mark 14:64, Acts 6:11)
- The High Priest’s question (Mark 14:61, Acts 7:1)
- Committal of spirit, just before death (Luke 23:46, Acts 7:59)
- Cry out with a loud voice (Mark 15:34, Acts 7:60)
- Forgiveness of the persecutors (Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 19, 2021
Series Title: “The Church is Persecuted”
Today’s Title: “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men”
Today’s Text: Acts 5:17-42
Acts 5:17-42
Factors and aspects about this story:
LAW IMPRISONS US AND LEADS TO DEATH
Peter lays responsibility for Jesus’ death on the people of Jerusalem
- Acts 2:23 and you, … put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
- Acts 2:36 …this Jesus, whom you crucified,
- Acts 3:13-15 …You handed him over to be killed,… 15 You killed the author of life,
- Acts 4:10 …whom you crucified
- Acts 5:30 …whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.
THE GRACE OF CHRIST SETS US FREE AND LEADS TO LIFE!
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” – Acts 5:19
Angelic appearances and messages are rare. Just 6x in Acts
What the angel didn’t say…
- Attack the Sanhedrin, they are the problem
- Outwit them, outsmart them, say clever things to discredit them
- Get the people on your side thru political means, show them your wounds to raise anger & fear
The angel DID say to TELL THEM ALL ABOUT THIS NEW LIFE!
- John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
No full outline today. Just open up a Bible to Acts 4:1-22 and 1 Peter 3:13-17 to follow along. It's amazing how these two scriptures align with each other!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 25, 2021
Series Title: The Apostles Take Action
Today’s Title: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you”
Today’s Text: Acts 3:1-26
BEGINNING YOUR JOURNEY WITH CHRIST AND LEADING OTHERS TO THEIR JOURNEY INCLUDES……
RELIGIOUS ROUTINE
– No matter where you begin, Christ will meet you there. (v1)
REFLECTION
–Share with others what God has given to you, so they see Jesus in you.(v2-8)
REACTION
– The Way of Christ is the Way of Wonder (v9-11)
RESPONSIBILITY
– In our hearts, we have all disowned Christ by choosing death over life. (v11b-15a)
RESURRECTION
– The source of our power is the Resurrection of Christ (v15b-16)
REPENTANCE & REFRESHMENT
– To be Refreshed you have to walk toward the Living Water (v17-20)
RESTORATION
– God’s plan to restore humanity went first to the Jews and then to all peoples (v18-26)
Colossians 3:21-23
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 18, 2021
Series Title: The Church Begins
Today’s Title: All the Believers Were Together
Today’s Text: Acts 2:37-47
THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO…
THE APOSTLES TEACHING
TEACH WHAT JESUS COMMANDED - Matthew 28:19-20
WHAT JESUS COMMANDED - John 15:9-17
WHAT JESUS TAUGHT
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The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
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The Parables (30+)
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The Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven) 85x
FELLOWSHIP - “Koinonia”
Communion - 1 Corinthians 10:16
Common need - 2 Corinthians 9:13
Fellowship of the Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 13:14
Fellowship of believers - 1 John 1:1-7
THE BREAKING OF BREAD
Fellowship (Koinonia) doesn’t happen just because we eat together. Only as the body and blood of Christ is remembered (both ritually and foundationally) will we be living in true fellowship with God and with one another. (see 1 Corinthians 11:20-22)
PRAYER
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” - Ephesians 6:18
LOOK WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CHURCH LEARNS, COMMUNES, AND PRAYS TOGETHER… (v43-47)
AWESOME STUFF! EVERYTHING IN COMMON
READINESS TO MEET NEEDS MEETING TOGETHER DAILY
EATING TOGETHER GLADLY PRASING GOD TOGETHER
ENJOYING FAVOR GROWTH
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 11, 2021
Series Title: The Church Begins
Today’s Title: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses if it”
Today’s Text: Acts 2:22-36
“Son of David” in Matthew
- “Son of David” (17x in Gospels, 10 in Matthew)
- 2 blind man in Nazareth - (Matthew 9:27)
- 2 blind men in Jericho – (Matthew 20:30)
- “Palm Sunday” (Matthew 21:9)
- Jesus goes on the offensive (Matthew 22:41-45)
“THIS” JESUS
From Nazareth (v22)
The Miracle Worker (v22)
Given to you by God (v22-23)
Nailed to a Cross by both Jews & Gentiles (v23)
Was resurrected (v24)
The Son of David (Messiah) (v25-31)
God Raised Him to Life & We Saw it! (v32)
Exalted to the Right Hand of God (v33)
Whom YOU Crucified is Lord and Messiah (v36)
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart” (v37)
As a people, the Israelites waited 1000 years for God to take on flesh and become one of them, and when He came they killed Him.
What have YOU done (in your heart) to THIS JESUS?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 4, 2021
Series Title: The Church Begins
Today’s Title: “Let me explain this to you; listen carefully”
Today’s Text: Acts 2:1-21
WHAT ACTS 2 DOESN’T SAY ABOUT THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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THERE WAS VIOLENT WIND – It was only a SOUND LIKE a violent wind (v2)
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ACTUAL TONGUES OF FIRE – It only SEEMED like tongues of fire (v3)
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ONLY THE 12 APOSTLES RECEIVED THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – It just says ALL OF THEM (v4)
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THIS EVENT WAS A REVERSAL OF THE TOWER OF BABEL (Genesis 11:1-9) – Peter didn’t say that
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THE SPEAKING IN TONGUES (IN ACTS 2) WAS A SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE
- OTHER (known) languages (v4)
- The crowd that gathered heard THEIR OWN language (v6)
- OUR NATIVE language (v7)
- This is NOT the same as what Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 12-14
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A PERSON CAN BE “DRUNK WITH THE SPIRIT” – there is no so such thing in the Bible
- Some in the crowd were making fun of them (v13)
- Peter made light of that accusation (v15)
- Ephesians 5:18 does NOT say “drunk in/with the Spirit”
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EVERYONE WHO RECEIVES THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SPEAK IN TONGUES – 3000 people were saved that day, no mention of them “speaking in tongues” either when they believed (v38-39)
WHAT ACTS 2 DOES SAY ABOUT THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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THE SUDDEN ABILITY TO SPEAK IN OTHER (KNOWN) LANGUAGES WAS A MIRACULOUS WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (v4) – “as the Spirit enabled them”
-
PETER CAREFULLY DESCRIBES WHAT IS GOING ON
- The crowd asks; “What does this mean?” (v12)
- Peter replies; (let me explain this to you, listen carefully”
-
PETER USES THE SCRIPTURES TO EXPLAIN THIS EVENT - Joel 2:28-32
- The “last days” began on that day (v17)
- The Spirit of God is available to all people (v17)
- Dreams, visions, and prophesying are some of the ways the Spirit works (v17-18)
- Dreams and visions – be open, but be careful
- “prophesy” brings strength, courage, and comfort to others. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
- Wonders in heaven and earth (v19) how literal?
- AN OPEN INVITATION FOR SALVATION TO “EVERYONE”
THIS IS THE GREATEST MEANING OF PENTECOST!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 27, 2021
Series Title: “The Church Begins”
Today’s Title: “And you will be my witnesses”
Today’s Text: Acts 1:4-26
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE - Acts 1:4-5
WAIT FOR THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
- John 14:15-27
WHAT YOU WON’T RECEIVE - Acts 1:6-7
RESTORATION OF THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL?
- “Kingdom of God” or “Kingdom of Heaven” 86x in 4 Gospels.
- Jesus NEVER said “Kingdom of Israel”
- Disciples were still thinking politically – Luke 24:20
SECRET INFORMATION ABOUT “THE END”?
- It’s NOT for you to know – Matthew 24:36
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE – Acts 1:8
- SPIRITUAL POWER
WHY YOU’LL RECEIVE THE POWER – Acts 1:8
- TO BE A WITNESS
WHERE YOU’LL GO WITH THE POWER – Acts 1:8
- Jerusalem – where Jesus died & rose again
- Judea – beyond the walls of the city
- Samaria – where you are not comfortable going
(see Acts 8, especially Philip)
- The ends of the earth – the Gentile world
HURRY UP AND WAIT – Acts 1:9-11
- Captivated by the moment (who wouldn’t be?)
- Two men dressed in white – Luke 24:4
WHILE THEY WAITED – Acts 1:12-26
- They prayed (v14)
- They replaced Judas (Revelation 21:14)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 20, 2021
Series Title: Acts part 1: The Church Begins
Today’s Title: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor”
Today’s Texts: Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-3, Colossians 4:14
WHO WAS LUKE?
A DETAILED HISTORIAN - Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1-3
A DEDICATED SERVANT OF CHRIST - Acts 16:6-10, 17:1, 20:5-6
A DOCTOR TO PAUL – Col. 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:23-24
A MAN DRIVEN BY THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
“many convincing proofs that he was alive.” (Acts 1:3)
Appearances of Christ between the resurrection and the ascension
THE DAY JESUS AROSE
- The Women - Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Salome, Johanna (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:10)
- The road to Emmaus - “two of them” (Luke 24:13)
- The Eleven disciples except Thomas (the evening of the first day) (Luke 24:33-36 & John 20:19-20, 1 Cor. 15:5)
A WEEK LATER - Thomas & the rest of the disciples (John 21:26-28)
SOME TIME AFTER THAT
- Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John & two other disciples (while fishing) (John 21:1-9)
- more than 500 of the brothers & sisters (1 Cor. 15:6)
- James (brother of Jesus?) (1 Corinthians 15:7)
ASCENSION DAY - the eleven disciples (Mat. 28:16-20 & Lk. 24:50-51)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 23, 2021
Series Title: Understand,(be) Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: Yearning for Healthy Conversation
Today’s Text: John 3:1-15
Nicodemus (John 3) Samaritan (John 4)
Why was this a hard conversation?
Religious/Theological Historical/Political
What were the obstacles to the conversation?
Reputation/Access Social Norms
Who initiated the conversation?
Nicodemus Jesus
With what tone did the conversation begin?
Respect Request
What was the first response?
Engagement Polarity
How was the conversation kept alive?
Nicodemus was teachable Diverted to a common need
How did the conversation get to the heart?
Jesus focused on belief Jesus got to her real need
What was the result of the conversation?
belief put to action “they urged him to stay with them”
John 7:50-51 & 19:38-42 John 4:40
Conversations that Heal
BEGIN: Who holds the authority?
What are the obstacles?
Make a plan to begin (but just begin)
PROCEED: Acknowledge the surface problem, but don’t stay there
Seek to get to the heart
Never condemn
If you both leave the conversation willing to speak again you have both “won”!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 16, 2021
Series Title: UNIFY Understand, (be) Non-dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: Yearning for Integrity
Today’s Text: Psalm 15
BE ALIGNED WITH THE PRESENCE OF GOD (v1)
WALK WITH INTEGRITY (blameless, upright)(v2)
-
Doing what’s right
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Speaking truth from the heart
CONTROL YOUR WORDS (v3)
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No slander
-
No wrong to your neighbor
-
No slurs
KEEP GOOD COMPANY (v4)
-
Despise those who are vile
-
Honor those who fear god
KEEP YOUR WORD (v4)
-A promise holds little value until tested by trial
HAVE FINANCIAL INTEGRITY (v5)
-
generosity seeks no gain
-
don’t let money corrupt justice
“Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
- Psalm 15:6
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 9, 2021
Series Title: UNIFY: Understand, (be) Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: Forgiveness and the Path to Peace
Today’s Text: Colossians 3:1-17
Are you at peace?
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” – Colossians 3:15
THE PATH TO PEACE
-
A HEART-SET & MIND-SET FROM ABOVE (v1-4)
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STOMP OUT WHAT IS BENEATH YOU (v5-8)
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RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE, INCLUDE EVERYONE (v9-11)
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PUT ON YOUR GOOD-WORKS CLOTHES (v12)
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FORGIVE YOUR CO-WORKERS (v13)
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PUT ON LOVE (v14)
- Compassionate Love
- Kind Love
- Humble Love
- Gentle Love
- Patient Love
- Forgiving Love
-
HERE THERE IS PEACE
- The Rule of Peace
- The Call of Peace
- The Response to Peace
- Gratitude
- Worship
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 2, 2021
Series Title: Forgiveness
Today’s Title: Paralyzed by Unforgiveness
Today’s Text: Luke 5:17-26
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
TWO WAYS THAT UNFORGIVENESS CAN PARALYZE
-
PARALYZED BY NOT FORGIVING THE ONE WHO HURT YOU
-
BITTERNESS
-
PARALYZED BY NOT ASKING TO BE FORGIVEN BY THE ONE YOU HURT
-
PRIDE
Seven Words that can change your life…..
GET UP
TAKE YOUR MAT
GO HOME
Forgiveness has the power to heal. It brings healing to relationships, it eases stress, it sharpens focus, it turns our attention away from self and on to the other. Forgiveness is our greatest need and Christ’s greatest work.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 25, 2021
Series Title: Forgive
Today’s Title: “The Depth of Forgiveness”
Today’s Text: Luke 7:36-50
“All great spirituality is about what we do with our pain. If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it to those around us.” – Richard Rohr
CONFORMING FORGIVENESS
(law)
Closed System
Condemning
Outwardly Superficial
Fearfully Concealing
Measured & Limited
TRANSFORMING FORGIVENESS
(grace)
Open
Welcoming
Inwardly Honest
Beautifully Messy
Immeasurably Loving
Where are YOU in this story? Quick to judge and condemn, like the Pharisees? Humbled by your brokenness at the feet of Jesus, like the woman? Forgiving to even the “worst of sinners”, like Jesus?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 11, 2021
Series Title: Forgive
Today’s Title: “Forgiveness & Prayer”
Today’s Text: Matthew 6:5-15
Prayer and forgiveness are tied together. You can’t be effective in one without the other.
PRAYERS THAT ATTEMPT TO IMPRESS OTHERS ARE A SIGN OF INSECURITY (v5)
YOUR PRAYER IS GOD’S BUSINESS, NO ONE ELSE’S (v6)
GOD WILL NEVER BE IMPRESSED BY YOUR WORDS (v7)
GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU NEED, BUT MAYBE YOU DON’T (v8)
SAYING WHO GOD IS, IN PRAYER, ISN’T FOR GOD’S SAKE, IT’S FOR YOURS. (v9)
SUBMITTING TO GOD’S BOUNDARIES & PURPOSES REVEALS WHERE & WHY WE MAY HAVE WANDERED (v10)
MY BODY’S MOST BASIC DAILY NEED IS FOOD. (v11)
MY HEART’S MOST BASIC DAILY NEED IS FORGIVENESS
TO LIVE IN UNFORGIVENSS TOWARD OTHERS STARVES YOUR HEART (v12)
EVEN AS I FOLLOW GOD’S LEAD, TEMPTATION WILL BE CLOSE BY (v13)
DON’T CONFUSE SUFFERING & DANGER WITH TEMPTATION & EVIL (v13)
GOD’S OFFER TO FORGIVE YOU IS DEPENDENT UPON YOUR WILLINGESS TO FORIGVE OTHERS (v14-15)
Are you receiving God’s forgiveness?
Are you withholding forgiveness from someone?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 11, 2021
Series Title: Included in the Kingdom of God
Today’s Title: “Include the Outsider”
Today’s Text: Acts 10:1-23
OUTSIDERS INCLUDED BY JESUS
-
EXCLUDED BY PREJUDICE - Samaritans
- Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
- The 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
- Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4:1-42)
-
EXCLUDED BY DISEASE - Lepers
- Jesus touched a leper to heal him (Matthew 8:1-4)
- The 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
-
EXCLUDED BY REPUTATION - Tax Collectors
- Matthew becomes a disciple (Matthew 9:9-12)
- Gathered to hear Jesus (Luke 15:1-2)
- Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
-
EXCLUDED AS AGENTS OF OPPRESION - Centurions
- Commended for great faith when Christ healed a servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
- Declared Christ to eb the Son of God at the cross (Luke 23:47)
-
EXCLUDED BY BIRTH - Greeks
- Greek woman – Jesus casts out a demon from her daughter (Mark 7:24-30)
- Greeks ask to see Jesus on Palm Sunday (John 12:20-22)
-
EXLCUDED BY PATRIARCHY - Women
- Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4:1-42)
- Greek woman – Jesus casts out a demon from her daughter (Mark 7:24-30)
- Woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11)
-
EXCLUDED FROM PUBLIC DISCOURSE - Children
- Jesus angry at disciples for keeping children away – Luke 18:15-17
- Jesus enjoyed the company of children and spoke about their faith (Matthew 18 1-5)
- Praise for God from the lips of children on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:14-16)
-
EXCLUDED BY THE INCLUDED - Jewish religious leaders
- Jesus eats at the home of a “prominent Pharisee” (Luke 14:1-24)
- A Pharisee named Nicodemus – (John 3:1-21)
- Jesus heals the daughter of a synagogue leader (Matthew 9:18-26)
OUTSIDERS INCLUDED IN THE CHURCH
-
THE GREAT (INCLUSIVE) COMMISSION
- Matthew 28:16-20 – make disciple of all nations
- Acts 1:6-9 – don’t exclude Samaria (Philip, Acts 8:4-8)
-
PETER’S STRUGGLE TO INCLUDE GENTILES
- Vision in Acts 10 – make disciples from all nations, not just Jews in every nation
- Church Council in Acts 15 – Paul & Barnabas stand up for Gentile believers
- Peter still struggled - Galatians 2:11-14 (Paul had to call him out)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 4, 2021
Series Title: Included in the Gospel
Today’s Title: Include the Sick
Today’s Text: Luke 17:11-19
The impact of sickness and why Jesus healed people…
11 the border between Samaria and Galilee
RACISM, OPPRESSION
12 a village, ten men who had leprosy
A COMMUNITY OF OUTCASTS
They stood at a distance
HEALTH LAW & SOCIAL EXPECTATION
13 called out in a loud voice,
DESPARATION
“Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
RESPECT
14 “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”
NOT YET HEALED, HOW COULD THEY?
as they went,
GOING WAS AN ACT OF FAITH
they were cleansed.
GOD HONORED THAT FAITH
15 One of them,…….came back, praising God in a loud voice.
STILL SHOUTING, BUT NOW WITH JOY!
16 threw himself at Jesus’ feet
NO LONGER AT A DISTANCE, BUT RIGHT AT HIS FEET
thanked him
NEVER DISCOUNT THE POWER OF GRATITUDE
he was a Samaritan.
A LESSON ABOUT PREJUDICE
17 Where are the other nine?
LACK OF GRATITUDE STANDS OUT
18 this foreigner?”
THE JEWS AROUND JESUS SAW THIS MAN THAT WAY, NOT CHRIST
19“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
THE GOAL OF ALL HEALING IS TO BE “WELL”
- WELL IN BODY, IN MIND, IN HEART, AND IN COMMUNITY
The inclusive message of the Gospel does not leave out people that are all too quickly ignored, forgotten, and condemned. Such is the life of the prisoner. Only persons who have actually lived inside of a prison have the right to describe it. This sermon includes words from several men who are currently "incarcerated", a word reserved only for those who have been tried, convicted, and sentenced to "time served" away from family, friends, and society. Are we as a nation, the church, and as individual followers of Jesus paying any attention to "the least of these" in prison?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 21, 2021
Series Title: Understand, (be)Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: Include part 1: Include the Hungry
Today’s Text: John 6:1-15
GOD, PEOPLE, & FOOD
- Trees in the garden – Genesis 2
- Temptation & Knowledge - Genesis 3
- Cain & Abel – Genesis 4
- The Passover – Exodus 12
- Manna – Exodus 16
- Feasts & Food Laws – Exodus 1-7, 11, 23-24 (among others)
- The Temptation of Jesus – Matthew 4
- The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6
- Feeding 5000 – John 6
- “I am the Bread of Life” – John 6
- The Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26
FOOD - GOD’S INCLUSIVE PROVISION – God gave us enough to go around
- Genesis 2:8-17 – God provided for us from the start
- Matthew 6:11 & 26 – Ask God for it & trust Him to provide it
FOOD CAN BE SHARED OR HOARDED – it’s the responsibility of those who have food to feed those who don’t
- Acts 2:42-47 – The church in Jerusalem
- Luke 12:13-21 – the rich fool
FOOD CAN BRING US TOGETHER OR REINFORCE OUR DIFFERENCES – None should be left out
- 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
FOOD CAN BE TEMPTATION OR THANKSGIVING
- Temptations of Adam & Eve and of Jesus
- John 6:11 – Jesus gave thanks for the bread and the fish
FOOD CAN BECOME A god OR REMIND US OF GOD IN CHRIST
- Philippians 3:18-20
FEEDING THE HUNGRY – THE WORK OF GOD
- Psalm 146:6-9 – God’s desire
- Isaiah 58:6-9 – true fasting
- Ezekiel 18:15-17 – description of a righteous person
- Proverbs 25:21 – feed your enemy
- Ezekiel 16:49-50 – the sin of Sodom
FEED THE HUNGRY….
Internationally: Compassion International - www.compassion.com
World Vision - www.worldvision.org
Heifer International - www.heifer.org
Hunger in America: Dare to Care - donate.daretocare.org
Feeding America - www.feedingamerica.org
Hunger in the Poconos: Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network - www.pven.net
Bushkill Outreach – www.bushkilloutreach.org
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 14, 2021
Series Title: “UNIFY: Understand, (be)Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn”
Today’s Title: “Being Non-Dual: Changing Views of the Unchanging God"
Today’s Text: Psalm 139
JONAH’S MIND & HEART – Jonah 3:10
DAVID’S MIND & HEART – Psalm 139
KNOW THAT GOD KNOWS YOU (v1-6)
EMBRACE THE MYSTERY OF GOD (v7-12)
GOD’S FEARFUL & WONDERFUL PRESENCE (v13-16)
THE INFINITE THOUGHTS OF GOD (v17-18)
OKAY GOD, THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS (v19-22)
SEARCH, TEST, KNOW, SEE, & LEAD MY HEART (v23-24)
Knowing in your mind how deeply God knows you is overwhelming, but inviting God to reveal what He sees in your heart is transforming.
GROWTH CHALLENGE: Read Psalm 139:23-24 every day this week as a prayer. At the end of the week, write down what God has revealed to you about you.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 7, 2021
Series Title: “UNIFY: Understand, (be)Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn”
Today’s Title: (be) Non-Dual - “Does God Breaks God’s Own Rules?”
Today’s Text: Romans 3:21-31
Unusual Rules
Punishable by Death?
Rebellious son?
What did Jesus have to say? - Luke 15:11-32
Caught in Adultery?
What did Jesus do about it? - John 8:2-11
Guilty of Murder?
What did God do about it?
Cain – Genesis 4:10-12
Moses – Exodus 2:11-12
David - 2 Samuel 12:13
Paul (?)
Romans 3:21-31
“apart from the law” (v21)
“given through faith in Jesus Christ” (v22)
“all have sinned” (v23)
“all are justified freely by his grace” (v24)
“a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (v28)
1 Timothy 1:12-16
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 28, 2021
Series Title: UNIFY – Understand, (be) Non-dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: “Is God Fair?”
Today’s Text: Matthew 5:43-48, Ecclesiastes 9:1-2, 11-12
time and chance happen to everyone - Ecclesiastes 9:11
rain & sun come to the good and the bad - Matthew 5:45
“the last will be first, and the first will be last”
– Matthew 19:30 & 20:16
THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD WORKERS – Matthew 20:1-15
Has God treated you fairly? – Psalm 103:8-12
WHAT ARE THE ROOTS OF YOUR FRUSTRATION?
Frustrated by how God has treated you?
Frustrated with how God treats others?
“bitter roots” – Hebrews 12:15
envy
“painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage” (Webster)
This is where envy takes us – James 3:13-16
This is the fruit of true wisdom – James 3:17-18
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 21, 2021
Series Title: “Understand, (be) Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: “Be Non-Dual; Full of Grace & Truth"
Today’s Text: John 1:1-18
The overwhelming, incomprehendable vastness of space & time
- Psalm 8:3, John 1:1, John 1:14
“dualistic” is to see morality, ethics, politics, and religious beliefs through exclusive either/or options. It is to see the world through an overly simplistic right/wrong, black/white, good/bad lens that never allows for gray areas, let alone grace.
“non-dual” still sees how basic moral structures and belief systems are necessary for order, but also sees how they are insufficient when it comes to the deepest truths of the universe, of human life, of suffering, of love, and of mystery. Not everything is explainable or understandable; and that’s okay.
DUALISTIC LIFE NON-DUAL LIFE
-NO COMPROMISE - FINDS COMMON GROUND
-WHO’S “IN” & “OUT” - UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
-
NOT W/US YOU’RE AGAINST US - IF YOU’RE NOT AGAINST US, YOU’RE FOR US
-
CREATES ENEMIES - CREATES FRIENDSHIPS
-
PRODUCES FEAR - PRODUCES HOPE
-
DIVIDES - UNITES
Where is “non-dual” in the Bible?
People are created both in God’s image & sinners from birth Genesis 1:27 & Psalm 51:5)
Jacob’s family (Genesis 25-50) God forgives David’s scandalous sin (2 Samuel 11 & 12, Psalm 51)
Ecclesiastes (the whole book) Mary is both virgin and mother (Luke 1:26-38)
Jesus’ Sermon of the Mount – (Matt. 5-7) Jesus is both God & man - (John 1:1-8)
FULL OF GRACE (non-dual) & TRUTH (dualistic)
Truth Grace
LAW FORGIVENESS
ORDER OPENNESS
STRUCTURE INCLUSION
ANSWERS MYSTERY
BASED UPON OBEDIENCE BASED UPON LOVE
Truth is where we all need to begin, but it’s also where we all need to fail. TRUTH SHOWS ME I’M BROKEN
Grace is Unconditional, Unearned, Undeserved, Unexplainable, but still Understandable GRACE IS A GIFT
The Creator came into His creation full of both grace and truth
- Romans 8:19-21 & 8:38-39
The depths of Space & Time, Life & Death, Joy & Suffering, Hope & Fear, Light & Darkness, Grace & Truth: are all well beyond what our minds can conceive. Don’t stress because you cannot understand; just stand in awe of the One who does…
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 14, 2021
“Understand Your Enemy’s Life” - John 4
Animosity toward Samaritans in the Gospels
“Samaritan” was an insult – John 8:48
The disciples shared in the hatred - Luke 9:51-56
A History of Animosity – 1011 BC to Jesus time
The Samaritans thought of themselves as Jews, and still part of God’s covenant with Abraham. But the Jews viewed Samaritans as rejected by God, even as traitors, half-breeds - THEY ARE BOTH RIGHT, AND THEY ARE BOTH WRONG
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
As you hear the details of this familiar story, keep in mind the 1000 years of bad blood between Jews and Samaritans.
What stands out to you about how this woman responds to Jesus?
What stand out to you about how Jesus treats this woman?
Who are the enemies in your life?
How can you apply the pattern of this conversation toward your enemies?
Can you look past the “big” issues and find the heart of the “other”?
Are you willing to worship God with that person, in the Spirit and in truth?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 31, 2021
Series Title: UNFIFY – Understand, (be) Non-Dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: Your Story of Grace
Today’s Text: Galatians 1:11-2:21
The strife and division within the body of Christ today is not rooted in political, moral, or theological differences. If we are willing to humbly dig beneath those surface issues, we may discover that our troubles began when grace was set aside.
What is “grace”?
Our God-given opportunity and responsibility to forgive as much as we have been forgiven and to love as deeply as we have been loved.
PAUL’S STORY OF GRACE
-
Open with Grace – Galatians 1:3
-
To live w/o grace is to w/o Christ - Galatians 1:6
-
Embraced by Grace – Galatians 1:15
-
Grace is Our Base – Galatians 2:9
-
Always Keep Space for Grace – Galatians 2:21
-
Misplaced Grace – Galatians 5:4
-
Close with Grace – Galatians 6:18
When did you first encounter the grace of Christ?
How deeply has that grace touched you, so far?
Who have you extended grace to?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 24, 2021
Series Title: UNIFY: Understand, (be) Non-dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: “Understand How Your Own Family Influences Unity & Division”
Today’s Opening Text: Genesis 25:19-34
“…when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
- Titus 3:4
As you hear the familiar stories of Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob & Rachel, Joseph, and the many other people in these stories…
What do you admire about them?
What surprises you?
What did you learn for the first time?
What were you reminded of that you had forgotten?
As you consider you own upbringing….
What are you most thankful for?
What was hardest for you?
What good patterns are you passing on to your children? (or hope to pass on if/when you become a parent)
What aspects of your upbringing do you want to avoid passing on to the next generation?
God is with us in our struggles, including the ones of our own making. What difficult experiences have you lived through where can look back now and see that God was with you?
In what way has God been merciful to you?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 17, 2021
Series Title: UNIFY: Understand, (be) Non-dual, Include, Forgive, Yearn
Today’s Title: “Understand Who We Are In Christ”
Today’s Opening Text: Romans 6:5-14
WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST
IN CHRIST WE CAN DISCOVER…..
OUR FULFILLED IMAGE - Colossians 2:9-10
GRACE - 1 Corinthians 1:4
INSEPARABLE LOVE - Romans 8:38-39
PEACE OF HEART & MIND - Philippians 4:7
PROVISION - Philippians 4:19
IN CHRIST WE FIND LIFE!
DEAD TO SIN, BUT ALIVE TO GOD - Romans 6:11
ETERNAL LIFE - Romans 6:23
HOLY LIFE - 2 Timothy 1:9-10
IN CHRIST, THIS IS HOW GOD SEES US…..
NO CONDEMNATION - Romans 8:1
RECONCILED - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
AS HIS CHILDREN - Galatians 3:26-28
IN CHRIST, THIS IS HOW WE CAN SEE OURSELVES….
JUSTIFIED - Galatians 2:16
A NEW CREATION - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
IN CHRIST, THIS WHAT COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE…
WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER - Romans 12:5
INCLUSION - Ephesians 1:13
FAITH EXPRESSED THROUGH LOVE - Galatians 5:6
GOOD WORKS - Ephesians 2:10
REJOICE, PRAY, GIVE THANKS - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
KINDNESS, COMPASSION, FORGIVENESS- Ephesians 4:32
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – January 10, 2021
Series Title: “UNIFY”
Today’s Title: “Understand that we are ALL Image Bearers”
Today’s Main Text: Genesis 1:26-30
“Image” in the ancient world
kings & gods, coins & statues
-
Mark 12:13-17
-
Acts 19:35-41
The True Image of God
A living, breathing image
-
Genesis 1:26 & 2:7
-
Jeremiah 10:14 & 51:17
The Purpose of the Image of God
Authority & Responsibility
-
Genesis 1:26
-
Exodus 20:4
-
Psalm 8:4-6
Mankind’s Rejection of God’s Image
Exchanging the Image of the Creator for the images of created things
- Psalm 106:19-21 (Exodus 32)
-Romans 1:22-23
The Fulfillment of God’s Image in Christ
Jesus showed us what bearing God’s image means and enabled us to follow His pattern
-
Colossians 1:15-20
-
Hebrews 2:8-9
Restored & Renewed into God’s Image
-
1 Corinthians 3:17-18
-
Colossians 3:9-11
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 20, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “Surely, this Man was the Son of God”
Today’s Text: Mark 15:33-47
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 27:45-56, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:29-30
COIN
– Caesar Augustus began emperor worship – “son of god”
- Mark 1:1 is, in part, a political statement
CENTURION
-
“Surely this man was the Son of God” centurion – Mk. 15:39
-
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
– chief priest – Mark 14:61
“Son of God” in Mark
- Mark 1:1 – Mark’s opening statement
JESUS, NOT CAESAR
- Mark 1:11 – the voice of God at Jesus’ baptism
THE ONE GOD
- Mark 3:11 & 5:7 – demons in Galilee and the Decapolis
THE UNDERWORLD
- Mark 9:7 – the transfiguration on Mt. Hermon
THE HOLY MOUNTAIN
- Mark 15:39 – the centurion at the cross
THE AGENT OF THE EMPIRE
CHURCH
-
Philippians 4:22 – “Caesar’s household
-
Philippians 2:8-10 - every knee, every tongue
-
Romans 8:38-39 - who is “us”?
CURTAIN
-
Mark 15:37-38 – access to God & to forgiveness
-
Mark 15:39 – The first words in scripture after Jesus died
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 13, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: Simon of Cyrene - Cross Carrier
Today’s Text: Mark 15:16-32
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 27:27-44, Luke 23:33-43, John 19:17-24
-
JESUS IS ABUSED BY THE AUTHORITY OF EMPIRE- V16-26
-
JESUS IS ABSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF RELIGION – V27-32
3) JESUS IS GETS HELP CARRYING THE CROSS - V21
- Weakened already, Jesus couldn’t carry the cross alone
Simon of Cyrene (Africa) – also in Matthew 27:32 & Luke 23:26
THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH -Acts 11:19-30
-
Men from Cyprus and Cyrene (11:20)
-
First place the gospel is preached to Gentiles (11:20)
-
First place that followers of Jesus called “Christians” (11:26)
-
Paul (Saul) spent a year there (11:25-26)
-
they sent a love offering to Judea during a famine (11:27-30)
A PROPHET CALLED “SIMEON OF NIGER” – Acts 12:25-13:3
-
Simeon is the same name as Simon
-
“niger” means black, in Latin (African?)
-
listed along with another man from Cyrene (13:1)
MARK’S CONNECTIONS
-
traveled with Paul & Barnabas - Acts 12:25 (40s AD)
-
Timothy told to bring Mark to Rome – 2 Tim 4:11 (63AD)
-
With Peter in Rome – “my son Mark” – 1 Peter 5:13 (64AD)
RUFUS AND HIS MOTHER – Romans 16:13
-
Mark’s gospel was written for the church in Rome
-
Same “Rufus”? – why else would Mark make the effort to ID him?
-
Paul calls Rufus’s mother, “a mother to me” –Paul’s year in Antioch
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 6, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: They shouted all the louder, ‘crucify him!’
Today’s Text: Mark 15:1-15
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 27:11-26, Luke 23:2-3, 18-25, John 18:29-19:16
Mark 15:1
Mark 15:2-5
Mark 15:6-8
Mark 15:9-11
Mark 15:12-14
Mark 15:15
Jesus willingly faced insults and injustice
The innocent one was condemned and the guilty one was set free
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 29, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “And He Broke Down and Wept”
Today’s Text: Mark 14:
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 26:69-75, Luke 22:56-62, John 18:16-18, 25-27
God is not looking for loyal leaders, just loving ones. Loyalty is measured and self-based, while love is always giving, focused on what’s best for the “other”.
Peter: The Making & the Breaking of a Christ-like Leader
- Left his life behind and followed Jesus – Mark 1:18
- First disciple mentioned in list of “the twelve” – Mark 3:16
- Sees healing of a little girl, along w/James & John – Mark 5:37
- the first to the declare Jesus as Messiah – Mark 8:29
- “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah”.
-
rebuked by Jesus - Mark 8:33
-
“You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
- Only one to speak up at the transfiguration of Jesus – Mark 9:5-6
- Peter says; “We have left everything to follow you!” – Mark 10:28
Peter puts his loyalty on the line, no matter what Jesus said
– Mark 14:27-31
Peter’s moment to prove his loyalty to Jesus
– Mark 14:47 (John 18:10)
Peter’s loyalty crumbles – three times – Mark 14:66-72
- “And he broke down and wept.” – Mark 14:72
Jesus rebuilds Peter’s position as leader on a new foundation – Love
– John 21:15-19
Proverbs 19:22
What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 22, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Own Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
Today’s Text: Mark 14:53-65
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 26:57-68, Luke 22:67-71, John 18:12-13, 19-24
The goal of the accuser is not to discover the truth but to bring condemnation.
Without Christ, the voice of condemnation shapes our identity and defines us by what we are not… I AM NOT ENOUGH
Mark 14:53-54
Mark 14:55-56
LIES ARE SELF- DEFEATING
Mark 14:57-58
THE TEMPLE MEANT EVERYTHING TO THESE MEN
Mark 14:60-61
RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT
Mark 14:61-62
SAYING “I AM” WAS ENOUGH TO CONDEMN HIM
Mark 14:63-64
BOTH THE PERSON & THE PLACE OF FORGIVENESS WERE TORN APART BY THE CONDEMNATION AND DEATH OF JESUS, THE CHRIST
OUR TRUE IDENTITY IS ACCESSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST - Hebrews 9:24-28
WHO ARE YOU? BECAUSE GOD IS ACCESSIBLE, MY TRUE IDENTITY IS KNOWABLE - John 1:11-13
I AM a Child of God!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – November 15, 2021
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Prayer & Betrayal”
Today’s Text: Mark 14:32-52
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:40-50, John 18:3-11
PRAYER DOES NOT ALWAYS CHANGE THE CIRCUMSTANCE WE ARE IN, BUT IT CAN ALWAYS CHANGE OUR ACCEPTANCE OF IT AND ATTITUDE TOWARD IT.
JESUS IS BETRAYED
-
The “crowd” of thugs expecting a fight
-
Jesus predicted this - Mark 8:31
-
a “kiss” - a sign of respect and of friendship
-
Peter fights and is rebuked
-
the disciples fled into the darkness
-
the “young man wearing a linen garment”
-
Mark?
-
“linen cloth” for Jesus’ body Mark 15:46
-
“young man” in the tomb Mark 16:5
-
THE ISOLATION OF JESUS IS COMPLETE
JESUS PRAYED
PRAY IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS (v33-34)
Psalm 55:5-8
PRAY WITH YOUR FACE IN THE DIRT (v35)
PRAY INTIMATELY (v36)
“Abba” – Romans 8:15 & Galatians 4:6
PRAY ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT, EVEN IF YOU ALREADY KNOW IT’S NOT IN HIS WILL (v35-36)
PRAY “IN THE SPIRIT” (v38)
- The Spirit is willing – Ephesians 6:18
PRAY THREE TIMES (at least)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 8, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “So They Prepared the Passover”
Today’s Text: Mark 14:12-31
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 26:17-35, Luke 22:7:23 (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
A Celebration of Death
PREPARATION (v12-16)
- Mark 11:1-2
DISRUPTION (v17-21)
-
Psalm 49:9
-
Psalm 23:5
COMMEMORATION (v22-25)
- John 6:53-60
ADORATION (v26)
ADMONITION (v27)
- Zechariah 13:7
RESURRECTION (v28)
EXCEPTION (v29-31)
ISOLATION
- Crowds on Palm Sunday (Mark 11:1-11)
- Overturning tables in the Temple courts (Mark 11:15-18)
- Publicly calling out the religious leaders (Mark 12:38-40)
- Only spending time with His disciples (Mark 12:41 forward….)
- Only eating with the 12 at Passover (Mark 14:17)
- Announcing the betrayal (Mark 14:18)
- Foretelling the denial of all of them, including Peter (Mark 14:27-31)
- Just 3 disciples go with Him to pray in Gethsemane (Mk. 14:32-34)
- Peter rebuked for defending Jesus with a sword (Mark 14:47-49)
- Arrested alone….. (Mark 14:50)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 1, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
Today’s Text: Mark 14:1-11
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 26:2-16, John 12:1-8
DID JESUS PROVIDE AN EXCUSE FOR APATHY?
“The poor you will always have with you.” - Mark 14:7
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Matthew 25 – the sheep and the goats
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“poor” & “poverty” 197x in the Bible – help them
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“rich” & “wealthy” 165x in the Bible – warnings & rebukes
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who is responsible to help? nations or individuals?
Individual Responsibility - Proverbs 14:31 & 17:5
National Responsibility - Ezekiel 16:49-50
WHAT CHANGED THE MINDS OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS? – Mark 14:1-2
WHO IS IN THE ROOM? John 12:1-8 & Mark 14:3-11
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A TRULY GREAT MAN, ABOUT TO DIE - JESUS
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THE MEN WHO FOLLOW HIM – THE TWELVE
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A MAN W/A HEART OF GRATITUDE– SIMON THE LEPER
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A RISEN MAN - LAZARUS - John 11
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A WOMAN WITH THE HEART OF A SERVANT - MARTHA
– Luke 10:38-42
- A WOMAN WITH A HEART OF WORSHIP - MARY
MARY is always found at THE FEET OF JESUS
Luke 10:39, John 11:32, John 12:3, Matthew 28:9
- A MAN WITH A HEART OF BETRAYAL - JUDAS
THIS EVENT TRIGGERED JUDAS,
WHICH IN TURN, TRIGGERED THE SANHEDRIN
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 25, 2020
Series Title: “But About that Day & Hour No One Knows”
Today’s Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Text: Mark 13:24-37
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 24:1-51 & Luke 21:5-36
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”(Mark 13:26)
TRANSITONAL KEY WORDS:
Note v 24 - “…but in those days, following…”
SHIFTING AWAY FROM EVENTS ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Note v28 - “…when you see these things…”
C0MING BACK TO EVENTS ABOUT THE TEMPLE
THE END OF THE WORLD OF THE TEMPLE
Mark 13:1-23 (see notes from October 18)
Mark 13:28-31
v29 - “when you see these things”
v30 - “this generation will certainly not pass away”
v31 - “heaven & earth will pass away”
The temple was the connecting point between heaven & earth
THE END OF THE WORLD ON EARTH
Mark 13:24-27
v24-25 - Quoting Isaiah 13:9-10 & 34:4
v26 “at that time”
“Son of Man” – Daniel 7:13
v27 - Gathering the elect from “the four winds” – Zechariah 2:6
Mark 13:32-37
v32 - “no one knows” (Acts 1:7 & 1 Thess. 5:1-2)
v33-35 - “be on guard”, “be alert”, “keep watch”
How to be ready for the end… - Matthew 25:31-46
“the least of these”
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 18, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “The Temple, the Disciples, and What Jesus said is Coming Soon”
Today’s Text: Mark 13:1-37
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 24:1-51, Luke 21:5-36
THE TEMPLE, THE DISICPLES, AND WHAT JESUS SAID IS COMING SOON….
BIG IMPRESSION! (13:1)
DESTRUCTION (13:2)
DECEPTION (13:3)
FALSE INSTRUCTION (13:5-8)
INSTITUTIONAL PERSECUTION (13:9-11)
RELATIONAL PERSECUTION (13:12-13)
ABOMINATION/DESOLATION (13:14)
URGENT ACTION (13:15-19)
CAREFUL ATTENTION (13:20-22)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 11, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: The Large Crowd Listened to Him with Delight
Today’s Text: Mark 12:35-44
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 22:41-46, 23:1-7, Luke 20:41-47, 21:1-4
Romans 13:1 – How do YOU handle your God-given authority?
CONTEXT: Religious establishment attempts to trap Jesus (11:27-12:34)
Mark 12:35-36
Mark 12:36-37
- Psalm 110:1
Mark 12:37
Mark 12:38-39
Mark 12:40
- Matthew 6:5-8
Mark 12:41-44
- Matthew 6:2-4
USING GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY AS GOD INTENDED….
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POWER
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POSITION
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PROVISION
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PIETY
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 4, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: You are not Far from the Kingdom of God
Today’s Text: Mark 12:28-34
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 22:34-40
PRODUCTIVE ALIGNMENT
LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART
Emotions Passions Feelings
Impulses Reactions Inspiration
1 John 3:19-23
LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR SOUL
Individual self Your eternal self
The deepest “you” God’s image bearer
Psalm 62:1-2
LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR MIND
Memories Decisions Thought patterns
Problem solving Planning Assessing
Implementation
Philippians 4:8
LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR STRENGTH
Body Health Physical Abilities
Physical Limitations Aging
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
LOVE OTHERS
Relationships Family Friends
Neighbors Strangers Enemies
1 John 3:16
LOVE YOURSELF
Self image (internal mirror) Inheritance
Experiences (success & failure)
What I am What I am not
Psalm 139:13-14
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 27, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title:
Today’s Text: Mark 12:13-27
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 22:15-33, Luke 20:20-38
Mark 12:13-27 - death & taxes and politics & religion
Mark 12:13
Mark 12:14-15
Mark 12:15
Mark 12:15-16
Mark 12:17
Mark 12:18
Mark 12:19-23
Mark 12:24-25
Mark 12:26-17
APPLICATIONS FROM THIS TEXT:
1.How to handle political discussion
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You don’t have to “win”
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You don’t have to take sides
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Not taking sides feels incomplete, but leaves the door open
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Jesus did not invest Himself in challenging or changing a corrupt empire.
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Jesus did not invest Himself in challenging and changing a corrupt religion. (Matthew 23:1-39)
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Jesus came us to give us “life” (John 1:4) , from the “Living God” Life NOW and FOVEVER
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 20, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “who gave you authority to do this?”
Today’s Text: Mark 11:27-12:12
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 21:23-27 & 33-46, Luke 20:1-19
“who gave you authority to do this?”
Mark 11-16 - Jesus, the Christ - The New Temple
The Power Struggle for the Temple
“while Jesus was walking in the temple courts” (11:27)
11:27 – chief priests, teachers of the law & elders” – authority
12:13 – Pharisees and Herodians” – taxes
12:18 – Sadducees – the afterlife
12:28 – One of the teachers of the law – the greatest command
Mark 11:28
“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked.
“And who gave you authority to do this?”
WHO’S TEMPLE IS THIS?
Mark 11:29-33 - John’s Baptism?
IS REPENTANCE A GOD THING?
Mark 12:1-12 - Parable of the Tenants
VINEYARD = ISRAEL
WATCHTOWER = TEMPLE?
WINEPRESS = THE ALTAR?
(Isaiah 5:1-7)
DOES GOD BELONG TO US, OR DO WE BELONG TO GOD?
DOES GOD BELONG TO ME, OR DO I BELONG TO GOD?
AM I AN AUTHORITY ON GOD, OR IS GOD IN AUTHORITY OVER ME?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
When the Master returns, what has your life produced that will honor Him?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 13, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Have Faith in God”
Today’s Text: Mark 11:12-25
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 21:12-26, Luke 19:45-47, John 2:13-16
PAY ATTENTION TO JESUS & THE TEMPLE
HEROD’S TEMPLE & TEMPLES IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
THE FIG TREE – Mark 11:12-14
- A FRUITLESS TREE WAS A SIGN OF A FRUITLESS TEMPLE
JESUS CLEARS THE TEMPLE – Mark 11:15-17
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THE COURT OF THE GENTILES & INCLUSION
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Genesis 12:2-3 - Isaiah 49:6
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Rahab & Ruth – (Matthew 1:5)
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Simeon’s words – Luke 2:29-32
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Jesus’ actions & attitude toward outsiders – including Gentiles
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WHAT WAS JESUS MOST ANGRY ABOUT? - EXCLUSION
Isaiah 56:7
“house of prayer”
- “for all nations”
PLOT TO KILL JESUS – Mark 11:18
- Not the first time - Mark 3:6
BACK TO THE FIG TREE – Mark 11:19-21
- Peter notices that the tree has withered “from the roots”
HAVE FAITH IN GOD – Mark 11:22-25
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WHERE CAN YOU PRAY?
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WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER?
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FAITH IN GOD
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FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – August 23, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: Blessed is the One Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!
Today’s Text: Mark 11:1-11 – Blessed is the One Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 21:1-9, Luke 19:29-38, John 12:12-15
Life’s best Celebrations are centered upon Expectation
Celebrating the Presence of God – God is For Us - 1 Chronicles 15:25-29
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Location – Jerusalem – 1 Chronicles 15:29
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Preparation – sacrifice, music, coordination - 1 Chronicles 15:1-24
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Congregation – “units of thousands” - 1 Chronicles 15:25
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Adoration – musicians, singing, shouting, dancing - 1 Chronicles 15:27-29
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Opposition – Michal - 1 Chronicles 15:29
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Expectation - God is for us – so we can live in freedom and defeat our enemies
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Duration - 400 years (approx.) – 1 Chronicles 15 to Ezekiel 10
(1030 years later….)
Celebrating the Promise of God – God is With Us - Mark 11:1-11
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Location – Jerusalem – Mark 11:1
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Preparation – where to find the donkey - Mark 11:1-7
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Congregation – crowds - Matthew 21:9
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Adoration – “Hosanna!” Mark 11:9-10
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Opposition – Pharisees - Luke 19:39-40
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Expectation - God is with us – so we can again be set free and restore our past glory
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Duration – 6 days – Mark 11 thru Mark 16
(50 days later…..)
Celebrating the Purpose of God – God is In Us - Acts 2:1-13
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Location – Jerusalem – Acts 2:5
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Preparation – “wait for the gift my Father promised” - Acts 2:4-5
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Crowds – “God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” – Acts 2:6-11
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Adoration – “declaring the wonders of God” – Acts 2:11
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Opposition – some thought they were drunk - Acts 2:13
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Expectation – God is in us, so we can see God in others and grow into our true selves
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Duration – 2000 years in this world, for eternity in heaven
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – August 16, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Jesus, Son of David, Have Mercy on Me”
Today’s Text: Mark 10:46-52
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 20:29-34, Luke 18:35-43
CONTEXT: Mark 10:46-52
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What just happened? (Mark 9 & 10)
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What was about to happen? (Mark 11-16)
46 Then they came to Jericho.
- Joshua 5:13-6:27, Luke 10:25-37, 2 Chronicles 28:15
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As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
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47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
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he began to shout,
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“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
- Mark 8:29-30, 2 Samuel 5:6-10
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49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
- Mark 11:8
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51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
- Mark 10:36
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The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
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WHAT DID I LEARN? WHAT CAN I APPLY TO MY LIFE?
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Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – August 9, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “He Took the 12 Aside & Told Them What was Going to Happen”
Today’s Text: Mark 10:32-45
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 20:17-28, Luke 18:31-33
Jesus Predicts His Own Death
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First Time - Mark 8:31
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Second Time - Mark 9:31
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Third Time – Mark 10:33-35
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Jesus leads; astonishment & fear; Gentiles
The Request of James and John – Mark 10:35-45
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power grab based on Matthew 18:19-20?
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James & John would both suffer
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the true nature of the kingdom of God
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don’t act like Gentiles
JESUS DECONSTRUCTS THE KINDGOMS OF THIS WORLD
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DEMONIC POWER (Mark 9:14-29)
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MOSIAC POWER (Mark 10:1-12)
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ECONOMIC POWER (Mark 10:17-31)
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POLITIC POWER (Mark 10:33 & 42)
HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD, IN CHRIST, IS CONSTRUCTED
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LOSE LIFE TO SAVE IT (Mark 8:35)
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WELCOMING A CHILD WELCOMES CHRIST (Mark 9:37)
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ENTER THE KINGDOM LIKE A CHILD (Mark 10:15)
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THE LAST WILL BE FIRST, & THE FIRST LAST (Mark 10:31)
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TO BE GREAT, SERVE (Mark 10:44-45)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – August2, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: With God, All Things are Possible!
Today’s Text: Mark 10:17-31 –
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30
Mark 9 & 10 from the disciples point of view:
The Transfiguration – WOW!
Death Prediction (2nd time) – WHAT?
Who is the Greatest? – POSITION
Child-like Faith – IS HE SERIOUS?
Divorce Loopholes – THAT’S HARD
Let Children Come – HE IS SERIOUS
THE RICH YOUNG MAN – Mark 10:17-31
Mark 9 & 10 from Christ’s Point of View
The Transfiguration – CHRIST OVER LAW & PROPHETS
Death Prediction (2nd time) – I WILL DIE, I MUST DIE
Who is the Greatest? – THE LEAST, THE LOST, THE LAST
Child-like Faith – SIMPLE BELIEF
Divorce & Law Loopholes – NO ONE WINS
Let Children Come – SEE GOD THROUGH THEIR EYES
Rich Young Man – WHAT DO YOU TREASURE MOST?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 26, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “And He Took the Children in His Arms”
Today’s Text: Mark 10:1-16
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 19:1-15, Luke 18:15-17
Jesus turns a trap question into a challenge against using rules as a means of oppression.
RULES ARE NECESSARY, BUT THEY CANNOT SAVE YOU
- Matthew 5:21-48
“RULE GUARDIANS” ARE HIDING SOMETHING
- Matthew 23:27-28
ARE YOU MORE INTERESTED IN THE RULES OR IN THE GOD BEHIND THE RULES?
- Romans 3:19-24
THE ONLY LAW WE NEED TO OBEY
- Matthew 22:34-40
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
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unconditional acceptance
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unconditional value
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unconditional love
Power hungry faith is not really faith at all. Jesus expressed in this passage what truly great faith is. It has nothing to do with personal advancement, power, or position. In fact, it's quite the opposite....
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 12, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Today’s Text: Mark 9:14-29
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 17:14-19. Luke 9:37-45
A desperate father struggles to believe.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.”– Mark 9:23
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24
“This kind can come out only by prayer.”– Mark 9:29
WHEN YOU PRAY…….BELIEVE
Posture of Prayer – HUMBLING – Ecclesiastes 5:2
Private Prayer - REWARDING– Matthew 6:5-8
Public Prayer - POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE– James 5:13-16
Pattern for Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
GOD’S HOLINESS
GOD’S PURPOSE
GOD’S PROVISION
GOD’S FORGIVENESS
GOD’S HELP
Priority in Prayer – RELATIONAL FORGIVENESS– Matthew 6:14-15
Promised from Prayer - PEACE– Philippians 4:6-7
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 21, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: This is My Son, Whom I Love, Listen to Him
Today’s Main Text: Mark 9:2-13
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 17:1-13, Luke 9:28-36
ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH GOD
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MOSES
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the burning bush - Exodus 3 & 4
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the plagues & the Red Sea - Exodus 7-14
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given the Law, Moses “shines” – Exodus 34:1-7, 29-35
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Moses dies, God buries him - Deuteronomy 34:5-7
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ELIJAH
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3 ½ year drought due to Ahab & Jezebel – 1 Kings 17
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The “contest” at Mt. Carmel, the rain returns – 1 Kings 18
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threatened by Jezebel, to a mountain, God comes in a gentle whisper – 1 Kings 19:1-18
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taken to heaven in chariot of fire, among a company of prophets - 2 Kings 2:7-12
MOSES & ELIJAH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
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Moses 85 times, Elijah 29 times
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John the Baptist & Elijah – Mark 8:28
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“The Law & the Prophets” - Matthew 7:12, 22:40, Luke 16:16, Acts 13:15, Romans 3:21
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Michael “disputes” the body of Moses with the devil – Jude 1:8-9
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The “Two Witnesses” – Revelation 11:1-6
TRANSFIGURATION/TRANSFORMATION
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1 Corinthians 3:7-18
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Romans 12:1-2
IMPACT UPON PETER & JAMES, & JOHN
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Was Jesus really going to suffer & die? – Mark 8:31
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2 Peter 1:16-18
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“This is my Son, whom I love, listen to him.”
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an affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God
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God is relational, motivated by love
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO LEARN FROM THIS VERY “BIG PICTURE” STORY?
-
“listen” – don’t just watch and be amazed by the miracles what He says matters even more
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“listen” – the teaching of Jesus surpasses “The Law and the Prophets” - Romans 3:21-24
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“listen” - about how loving God and loving people fulfills what the Law intended – Matthew 22:40
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“listen” – to what He taught us about the kingdom of God in the parables
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“listen” – to how He challenged conventional thinking and teaching about what God expects of us
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“listen” - to how He spoke to Samaritans, Gentiles, and “sinners” (the outsiders)
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“listen” - listen to how He challenges corrupt religious authority
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“listen” – to the sermon on the mount – Matthew 5-7
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 14, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Whoever Wants to be My Disciple Must Deny Themselves”
Today’s Text: Mark 8:34-9:1
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 16:24-28, Luke 9:22-27
INTRO: sneakers & water bottles on 9/11
CONTEXT:
After informing the disciples that He is indeed the Messiah, and then that the Messiah will suffer and die is when Jesus gives them these words. NOTE THAT THIS WAS SAID TO THE “CROWD” NOT JUST TO THE 12
1) deny yourself (v34)
- Colossians 3:1-11
2) take up your cross (v34)
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a journey of suffering, humiliation, shame, pain, and death
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1 Corinthians 1:18-25
3) follow the Christ
- Philippians 2:5-8
4) lose your life to save it
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Jesus uses this term frequently, written in all 4 gospels, but in 4 different contexts
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Matthew 10:39 - (instructions before sending out the 12 two by two)
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Luke 17:33 - (Jesus speaks of the coming kingdom of God)
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John 12:25 - (on Palm Sunday, just after the crowd hailed Him as “king”)
5) lose the world, gain the soul (V36-37)
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don’t jump too quickly to heaven/hell when applying this
-
the context is not about eternal destiny, but about how you live NOW
-
BUT it also applies to eternity
-
“soul” here is the SAME Greek word for “life” in v35
6) “ashamed of me and my words” (v38)
- Romans 1:16
7) Jesus didn’t just use metaphors, He showed them who He really is (9:1)
- What happens next in Mark 9 will be a fulfillment of this verse
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 7, 2020
Series Title: The Gospel of Mark – Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “Who Do You Say That I Am?”
Today’s Text: Mark 8:22-9:1
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 16:13-16, 21-28 & Luke 9:18-27
CONTEXT:
- They have now returned to the region of Galilee (Bethsaida) and then north…
ARE YOU STILL BLIND TO WHO HE REALLY IS? - Mark 8:21-26
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
IS HE BIGGER THAN YOUR HOLY MOUNTAIN? - Mark 8:27
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi.
IS HE MORE THAN WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE THINKS? - Mark 8:27-28
IS HE THE SUM OF YOUR GREATEST EXPECTATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT GOD? - Mark 8:29-30
ARE YOU READY TO SEE THAT YOUR EXPECTIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CHRIST NEED TO DIE? - Mark 8:31-33
- Mark 1:9-12
WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 31, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Why are you talking about having no bread?”
Today’s Text: Mark 8:1-21
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 15:32-39 & 6:1-12
THE BATTLE FOR INCLUSION
ISN’T THIS GENTILE CROWD TODAY JUST AS HUNGRY AS THE JEWISH CROWD WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO?
“another large crowd” (v1)
“remote place” (v4)
“told the disciples to distribute them.” (v7)
“the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over” (v8)
EXCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP ONLY CREATES MORE EXCLUSION
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“To test him” (v11) – see Mark 1:12-13
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“a sign from heaven.” (v11) – see Matthew 4:4-6
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“Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (v15)
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The Pharisees – Corrupt religion
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Herod – Corrupt politics
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“Do you still not see or understand?”(v17) – you need a change of mind
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“Are your hearts hardened?” (v17) – why is this a “heart” issue?
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“twelve” (v19) – tribes of Israel, apostles
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“seven” (v20) – number of completion, healing, perfection, fullness
DO I HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT GOD AND HIS PEOPLE?
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An exclusive gospel where I determine who’s “in” and who’s “out”? Who’s worthy and who’s unworthy?
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Who am I willing to feed? To help?
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Is there any political leaven influencing my mind and my heart?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 24, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: He Has Done Everything Well
Today’s Text: 7:24-37
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 15:21-31
CONTEXT:
Just after declaring “all foods clean” in 7:19, Jesus has an encounter with a very desperate GREEK mother….
JESUS HAS A PLAN, A PATTERN – PREPARATION, CONFRONTATION, PROCLAMATION
A DESPERATE MOTHER IN TYRE
PREPARATION – Mark 3:8 – The stories preceded Jesus
CONFRONTATION – Matthew 15:21-28 – The disciples needed to see how Jesus treated a Gentile
woman in need
PROCLAMATION – A sign that Gospel is for all people
A DEAF MAN IN THE DECAPOLIS
PREPARATION – Mark 5:16-20 – Competing community stories in the Decapolis
CONFRONTATION – Mark 7:32-35 – Giving “ears to hear” to an entire community
PROCLAMATION – Mark 7:36-37 – The man told his story, they were amazed
For personal thought and reflection:
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Whose story prepared you to believe in God?
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What experiences have brought you into a confrontation with God?
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Do you believe that God can use YOUR story can prepare someone else to believe?
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Can you tell your story of faith in Christ in three minutes or less?
“…in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” – 1 Peter 3:15-16
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 17, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: You Nullify the Word of God by Your Tradition
Today’s Text: Mark 7:1-23
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 15:1-20
“The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus” (v1)
- a journey of more than 100 miles . Why did they come all this way?
“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” (v5)
- Their standard is “the tradition of the elders”, not the Law itself Using it to discredit Jesus
He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites;
- He leads with the Word of God from Isaiah
“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’” (v7)
- Words of worship are empty without the heart
“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (v8)
- screening the Word for the people
“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” (v9)
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The 10 Commandments “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 21:17)
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“Corban” – a pledge or an oath to give something of value to God
“And you do many things like that” (v13)
- this is just exhibit #1 - no wonder Jesus reacted so sternly
“Nothing outside a person can defile them” (v15)
“In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.” (v19)
- This is one of the main themes of the entire New Testament
Peter – Acts 10 & 11 , Paul - Romans 14, Colossians 2:16-23, 1 Timothy 4:3-5
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come” (v21)
- This is the heart of the matter
NO ONE CAN OBEY THEIR WAY TO GOD
- Romans 3:19-24, Galatians 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:13-18
WHICH COURSE WILL YOU FOLLOW?
ACCUSING ACCEPTING
BLAMING BELIEVING
CRITISIZING CHANGING
DENYING DECIDING
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 3, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life I the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: They had not understood about the loaves
Today’s Text: Mark 6:45-56
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 14:22-36, John 6:15-21
Genesis 1:1-3
DARKNESS (night - evil, sin, lack of understanding, ignorance, shame)
DEEP WATERS (oceans - mystery, fear, monsters, the unknown, that which we cannot control)
VESSELS (ships - our attempts to stay afloat, to control the uncontrollable, life styles, philosophies, etc.)
STORMS (wind & waves - the testing of our vessels, the sinking of what we thought we had control of)
LIGHT (truth, understanding, life)
Noah (Genesis 6-9)
Jonah (Jonah 1-4)
Jesus calms a storm - Mark 4:35-41
- “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v41)
JESUS WALKS ON WATER – Mark 6:45-56 (& Matthew 14:22-36)
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DARKNESS – it was early morning, before dawn
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DEEP WATERS – the Sea of Galilee
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VESSEL – boat, seasoned fishermen who knew these waters
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STORM – “the wind was against them”, the fear of a “ghost”
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LIGHT – by this time the sun had likely risen
From the beginning, God was in the darkness, over the deep waters, and in the storm before the light came.
John 1:1-4
Questions to ponder:
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What are you “in the dark” about?
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What are the deep waters you have to navigate?
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What vessel have you trusted in to get you through?
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What storms have raised up the deep waters and tested the strength of your vessel?
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Has the light of truth come to you? Do you see clearly that God was, is and will always be with you?
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DO YOU TRUST GOD IN THIS STORM?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 26, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “They Did Not Even Have the Chance to Eat”
Today’s Text: Mark 6:30-44
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 14:13-21, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:5-13
Where is God when the needs before me and my need to rest are on a collision course?
CONTEXT:
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The disciples had just returned from going out two by two to share the gospel from town to town
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Jesus had just received word of the tragic and unjust death of John the Baptist
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The disciples needed to debrief and to rest
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Jesus needed to grieve
FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN MY NEEDS & THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
WE NEED TO DEBRIEF FROM OUR WORK (v30)
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After a long “campaign”, training event, seminar – you need to “debrief”, to have a transition
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“How was your day?” is a powerful and important question….
THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WILL NEVER STOP (v31)
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it’s very important to accept this as reality
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feeding people requires a lot of work
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caring for the sick requires a lot of work
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education, (not just children) requires a lot of work
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listening to people’s struggles requires a lot of work
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basic shelter requires a lot of work
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clothing people requires a lot of work
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a good responsible parent is aware that these every day realities do not stop
WE NEED QUIET REST (v31)
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Sabbath
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Retreats
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rest for the heart, mind, soul, & body
WHEN YOU CARE FOR OTHERS, THEIR NEEDS WILL FOLLOW YOU (v32-33)
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think about the effort of the developing crowd
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think about the disciples seeing this from the boat
COMPASSION IS STRONGER THAN FATIGUE (v34)
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THIS HAS TO BE TRUE FOR US TO SURVIVE! (parenting)
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Jesus didn’t see the crowd as an obstacle, an annoyance, or a problem
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He saw their need of direction
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How did the disciples feel about Jesus “teaching them many things”?
WHEN THE NEEDS ARE BIGGER THAN YOU AND BIGGER THAN “US”…. (v35-38)
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The 12 have a legitimate concern that can also serve as an appropriate exit
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The crowd did not ask to be fed, nor expected it
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Jesus was testing the faith of the 12 (“You give them something to eat”)
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“How many loaves do you have?” GO AND SEE
…..GOD MULTIPLIES THE LITTLE WE OFFER TO MEET NEEDS BEYOND WHAT WE IMAGINE! (v39-44)
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Imagine the disciples working thru the crowd and having them sit in groups
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5000? 10000? 20000?
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What did they tell the crowd? Did they expect food?
Where is God when the needs before me and my need to rest are on a collision course?
He is ready to use what you have and will work with you, finding rest along the way.
Matthew 11:28-30
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 19, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Our Own Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: The Undivided Heart & the Tale of Two Kingdoms
Today’s Text: 6:14-29
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 14:1-12, Luke 9:7-9
The Undivided Heart
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. – Psalm 86:11
The Tale of Two Kingdoms
THE KINGDOM OF THE HERODS
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Herod the Great
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Herod Antipas
THE KINGDOM OF JESUS
Jesus & John the Baptist
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“cousins” – Luke 1:26-38
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grew up together? - Luke 1:39-56
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John’s preaching prepares the way for Jesus – John 1:6-8 & 19-28
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John identifies Jesus as the One God has sent – John 1:29-31
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John’s disciples who became Jesus’ disciples – John 1:35-42
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Jesus begins preaching when John is put into prison – Mark 1:14-15
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Jesus encourages & compliments John – Matthew 11:1-19
The death of John the Baptist - Mark 6:14-29
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This is the same Herod that Jesus was taken before on the night he was arrested
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Herod respected John, but John called him out for his adulterous relationship with Herodias
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Herod tried to play every side but clearly had a divided heart
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he tried to keep his wife happy, whom he never should have married in the first place
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he tried to keep the Jewish leaders happy, but they could not get past his marital infidelity
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he respected John the Baptist, and seems to fear God, but not as much as he feared losing his power
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A foolish moment of drunken lust he forces him to choose
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his relationship with his wife & daughter (step-daughter?) was on the line
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his standing with Rome was on the line
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his standing with the Jewish religious leaders was on the line
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his word was on the line
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John the Baptist’s life was on the line
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His faith in God was on the line
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If he refuses her barbaric request he could lose everything
The news of John’s death comes to Jesus - Matthew 11:13-23
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Jesus feels the pain of death deeply, especially this one
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We see this also in the death of another friend, Lazarus - John 11:35 (“Jesus wept”)
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Though deeply hurt, “he had compassion” on the crowds who followed Him to this “solitary place”
– Matthew 11:13-14
The Undivided Heart
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. – Psalm 86:11
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THE DIVIDED HEART CREATES GRIEF FOR OTHERS
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THE UNDIVIDED HEART SUSPENDS GRIEF FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 12, 2020
Series Title: “Find Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “He was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith”
Today’s Text: Mark 6:1-13
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 10:1,9-4, 13:54-58 Luke 9:1, 3-5
INTRO: – FAMILY - WE ALL HAVE SO MUCH MORE TIME WITH THEM THESE DAYS…..
Jesus Goes Home
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Extraordinary people begin life in ordinary ways – even Jesus (Mark 6:1-3)
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A prophet can’t be a favorite son and still be a prophet (Mark 6:4-5)
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When He first arrived, they were “amazed” with his teaching (Mark 6:2)
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When He left, He was “amazed” at their lack of faith (Mark 6:6)
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
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Jesus did not back down from His own authority. In fact, he passed it on to the 12 (Mark 6:7)
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He gave clear instruction to depend on God to provide THROUGH PEOPLE (Mark 6:8-9)
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Stay with those who welcome you (Mark 6:10)
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Let go of those who don’t (Mark 6:11)
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They did what Jesus did (Mark 6:12-13)
The truth of God and the authority of Christ will not always be welcomed, even at home.
The attitude we hold and the way we present ourselves always matters.
1 Peter 3:13-16
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 5, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe”
Today’s Text: Mark 5:21-43
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:41-56
The Story of Jairus – A Desperate Father
What does this story teach us about Christ?
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Christ is Always Ready to Help the Humble
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native or foreigner
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man or woman
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old or young
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rich or poor
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privileged or oppressed
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Galatians 3:26-28
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Jesus Touched the “Unclean”, and the “Unclean” Touched Jesus
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Mark 1:40-42
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Some day we will “touch” again – we really need to
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The Word of Christ is Trustworthy
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who do we believe?
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do we believe God, that hope still lives?
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or do we believe the world, that hope is gone?
- Romans 15:13
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Faith in Christ Requires Believing in What you Cannot See
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Will we live in fear of a life-taking force that we cannot see?
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OR will we live in faith of the life-giver whom we cannot see?
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2 Corinthians 4:8-17
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 29, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Go home to your own people and tell them”
Today’s Text: Mark 5:1-20
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 8:28-34, Luke 8:26-39
THE CONTEXT: The “people” in the Decapolis
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“Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” – Mark 5:17
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“People were overwhelmed with amazement. ‘He has done everything well’,…” – Mark 7:37
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What changed their minds?
THE STORY: “This man lived in the tombs,…”
This story is about…
The Authority of Christ
- Authority over nature (in the boat) – Mark 4:35-41
- Authority into a new region – Mark 5:1
- Authority over forces of darkness – Mark 5:2-13
- Authority over empire – Mark 5:14-17
The Power of Fear
- Afraid of the uncontrollable – Mark 5:3-5
- Afraid of change (even good change) – Mark 5:15
- Afraid to hope – Mark 5:17
How to spread Hope
- Hope to your own people -
- Hope found in your story because of what God has done in you
- Hope based on God’s mercy
What changed their minds?
- “So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And
all the people were amazed.” – Mark 7:37
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline - March 22 – 4:35-41
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: Who is This?
Today’s Main Text: Mark 4:35-41
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 8:18, 23-27, Luke 8:22-25
TRUSTING GOD DURING THE STORM
BELIEVE THAT GOD _______________ - Matthew 6:25-34
BE ________________ - Psalm 46
PRACTICE ________-________________ PRESENCE – Philippians 4:4-7
MAKE THE ____________ TO _____________, REPEAT, AND REPEAT….
Philippians 4:4
LEAD WITH _______________________ - Philippians 4:5
REMEMBER THAT GOD IS _____________ - Philippians 4:5
IN ______________ SITUATION, PRAY - Philippians 4:6
_________________ THE PEACE OF GOD - Philippians 4:7
- A peace that is beyond your understanding - Proverbs 3:3-6
- A peace that guards your heart - Proverbs 4:20-23
WHO IS THIS? - Mark 4:41
- The God you don’t yet _________________is far bigger than the one you ________________ now.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 15
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “He Did not Say Anything to Them without Using a Parable”
Today’s Text: Mark 4:21-34
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 13:18-19
Do you REALLY want to grow?
Growth includes
exposure
openness
vulnerability
humility
Growth requires listening
“If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,…”
IS YOUR “MEASURE” ABLE TO…
ACCEPT CHANGE
ADMIT FAILURE
CONSIDER THE “OTHER”
Growth is not what you do, it’s what God does in you
The Kingdom of God is LIKE
Embrace mystery
Live with unanswered questions
Let go of outcomes
Accept lack of closure
Growth is not just for your own sake
“Birds can perch in its shade”
Is the space your life provides so big that others find safety, comfort, and provision just by being with you?
Everything good begins with light.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 8, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “The Secret of the Kingdom of God”
Today’s Text: Mark 4:1-20
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 13:1-15, 18-23, Luke 8:4-15
THE SOWER IS CHRIST, AND SEED IS “THE WORD” (v14)
– Matthew 13:10-19 – Matthew version of same parable
- Matthew 5-7 – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount
The “seed” represents the opportunity to experience love and life through humble service to God. – THIS IS KINGDOM LIFE
THE SOIL IS THE HEART
THE HARD HEART – along the path (v15)
- Hebrews 3:13-15
THE UNGUARDED HEART – rocky places (v16-17)
- Proverbs 4:23
- Philippians 4:4-7
THE DIVIDED HEART – among the thorns (v18-19)
- Psalm 86:11
THE CULTIVATED HEART – the good soil (v20)
- Hebrews 4:12-13
How can I assess the “soil condition” of my heart?
What is my life producing? - Galatians 5:13-26
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 1, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: He is Out of His Mind
Today’s Text: Mark 3:20-35
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 10:2-4, 12:25-29, 46-50, Luke 6:14-16, 8:19-21, 11:17-22
“He is out of his mind!”, “He is possessed by Beelzebul!”
BLASPHEMY? (unforgivable sin?)
“whoever blasphemes against the HOLY SPIRIT will never be forgiven”
This word is used 15x in New Testament.
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Luke 12:10 – speaking against Jesus, forgivable
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1 Timothy 1:13 – Paul was a blasphemer
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This specific warning is given only in this story.
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT IT, YOU DIDN’T DO IT
ACCUSATIONS FROM “CLERGY”
(religious authority, church leaders, pastors, legalistic know-it-alls)
Jesus used LOGIC, REASON
- A House Divided (v23-26)
- A Strong man’s House (27)
LIES CANNOT STAND ON THEIR OWN, THEY NEED A “STRONGMAN” TO PROP THEM UP.
ACCUSATIONS FROM FAMILY
(parents, siblings, extended family)
“Who are my mother and my brothers?”
“Here are my mother and my brothers!”
“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Whoever does God’s WILL is your true FAMILY.
Whoever does God’s will is your true family, your true CHURCH
Romans 12:2 – Trust people who live THIS pattern….
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline - February 23, 2020
Series Title: Finding Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: He Appointed Twelve that They Might be with Him
Today’s Text: Mark – 3:7-19
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 10:2-4, 12:15-16, Luke 6:14-19
Jesus prayer all night before appointed “The 12”
Could God really change the world with these guys?
Bartholomew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot
- Nothing more in the New Testament about them
Andrew - Peter’s brother, fisherman, led Peter to Jesus (John 1:41)
Matthew (Levi) - Accountant (tax collector) – wrote “Matthew”
- known for his parties (Matthew 9:9-10)
Thomas – pessimistic (John 11:16)
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wants clear answers (John 14:5)
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has to see to believe (John 20:24-29)
Judas - Took care of the money and helped himself to it (John 12:4-6)
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Opportunist who betrayed Jesus for money (Matthew 26:14-16)
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Committed suicide (Matthew 27:1-5)
Philip - fisherman? Has a heart for the outsider
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Led Greeks to see Jesus (John 12:20-22)
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Took the Gospel to Samaria (Acts 8:5-8)
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Baptized an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)
James - Johns’ brother, fellow “son of thunder” & fisherman
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quiet?- inner circle w/Peter & John
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executed by Herod (Acts 12:1-2)
John -fisherman, brother “son of thunder” with James
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inner circle, closest to Jesus, co-leader with Peter in Acts
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fiery (Luke 9:54)
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ambitious, power hungry (Mark 10:35-45)
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First man to the tomb (John 20:1-4)
Peter – Fisherman, Andrew’s brother, inner Circle, Co-Leader w/John
PASSIONATE & IMPULSIVE
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Declared Jesus as Messiah, then Jesus calls him “Satan” (Mk 8:27-33)
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Jumps out to walk on the water and almost drowns (Matthew 14:22-35)
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Won’t let Jesus wash feet, then wants head & hands washed (Jn 13:1-17)
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Swears he’d never deny Jesus, but does so 3x (Mark 14:27-31 & 66-72)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 16, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “He Looked at Them in Anger”
Today’s Text: Mark 2:23-3:6
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 12:1-14, Luke 6:1-11
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Where do you place your Hope?
Gold?
Generations?
Government?
Goodness?
Jesus was criticized and threatened by two groups of people;
The Pharisees – Who hoped in Goodness
The Herodians – Who Hoped in Government
Mark 2:23-24 – picking grain on the Sabbath
Mark 3:1-2 – healing a hand on the Sabbath
Sabbath
Hands
Rules
Godly Priorities
THIS is what made Jesus angry. He came to bring a message of Hope from God, but the people who hoped in goodness and in government rejected His teaching and His acts compassion. - Mark 3:5-6
Is your HOPE in Christ, or in something less?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 9, 2020
Series Title: Seeing your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: Why Does He Eat with Tax Collectors and Sinners?
Today’s Text: Mark 2:13-22
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 9:9-13-17, Luke 5:27-38
You are Invited into…
Participation
Following implies doing, not just thinking
Connection
Meeting people where they are at, without judgment
Affirmation
YOU matter, YOU have value, YOU are worth giving time to
Celebration
Life has come to us
Initiation
It’s time to change how you see God, and how you see yourself
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 2, 2020
Series Title: Finding Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “Get Up, Take Up Your Mat, and Go Home”
Today’s Text: Mark 2:1-12
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 9:2-8, Luke 5:18-26
THE STORY
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“Jesus again entered Capernaum” (2:1-2)
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“Jesus saw their faith” (2:3-5)
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“Your sins are forgiven” (2:5)
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“He’s blaspheming!” (2:6-7)
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“Which is easier to say?” (2:8-10)
EIGHT WORDS THAT CHANGED A LIFE (2:11-12)
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“GET UP” – he had to believe that he was both forgiven and healed
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“TAKE YOUR MAT” – the symbol of his old life
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“AND GO HOME” – to the people who know him best
THE APPLICATION
EVERY ACT OF FORGIVENESS INCLUDES AN ELEMENT OF HEALING
GET UP! – Rise up and live!
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BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE FORGIVEN
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Guilt & shame will not paralyze me
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BELIEVE THAT NEW LIFE IS POSSIBLE
TAKE YOUR MAT
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You don’t need your “mat” any longer
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But don’t forget where you were
GO HOME
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Begin living out the new you where you can’t pretend
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Expect resistance to change
FORGIVENESS IS DESIGNED TO BE SHARED
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 26, 2020
Series Title: Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus
Today’s Title: “The Whole Town Gathered at the Door”
Today’s Text: Mark 1:29-45
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 8:2-4, 14-17, Luke 4:38-43, 5:12-14
FOLLOW JESUS’ MISSION PATH BY…
BEFRIENDING SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE (v29-31)
BEING CAREFUL OF “THE CROWD” (v32-34)
STAYING CENTERED THROUGH PRAYER (v35)
PRIVATE PRAYER ENABLES US TO…
BE REALISTIC ABOUT CHANGE (v36-37)
KEEP MOVING FORWARD (v38)
KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING (v38-39)
TAKE RISKS ON BEHALF OF OTHERS (v40-42)
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENCE AND CONTROL (v43-45)
Jesus did not demand that the crowds that gathered around Him change.
Nor did He allow the demands of the crowd to change Him.
He understood that God’s mission is not a demand to be followed, but an invitation to be accepted.
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 19, 2020
Series Title: “Seeing Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “The Time Has Come”
Today’s Text: Mark 1:14-28
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 4:12-22, Luke 4:31-37, 5:2-11, John 1:35-42
THE TIME HAS COME
TO TURN & BELIEVE THAT GOD IS NEAR
- “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good
news!” - Mark 1:15
TO LEAVE YOUR IDENTITY BEHIND
-
“at once” - Peter & Andrew “left their nets” – Mark 1:18
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“without delay” - James & John “left their father” – Mark 1:20
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These men were “prepared” to leave by John the Baptist
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John 1:35-42
TO BE AMAZED BY JESUS’ AUTHORITY TO TEACH
- “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them
as one who had authority…” - Mark 1:22
TO RESPOND TO EVIL WITH THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS
- Jesus does not debate the voice of evil. He just says “Be quiet!” and
“Come out…” - Mark 1:25
TO BE AMAZED BY THE POWER OF JESUS’ TEACHING
- “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority!” – Mark 1:27
THE TIME IS NOW
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline - January 12, 2020
Series Title: “Find Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “The Beginning of the Good News”
Today’s Text: Mark 1:1-13
Gospel Parallels: Matthew 3:1-17, 4:1-11 Luke 3:2-16, 21-22, 4:1-13
Historical/Cultural Contrasts
-
The Gospel of Caesar & The Gospel of Jesus
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The High Priest & John the Baptist
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The Temple & the Wilderness
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Israel & Jesus
-
both went to Egypt, were “baptized” and were tested
BEGIN BY FOLLOWING THE WAY THAT JESUS BEGAN
Begin with what life has handed you and see God in it….. ALL of it….
- Jesus birth and Growth - Matthew 2 & Luke 2 (Luke 2:52)
Begin by setting yourself apart for God’s purpose
- Jesus is baptized – Mark 1:2-9
Begin by accepting that you are accepted.
-
God loves you and likes you!
-
Jesus hears his Father’s approval - Mark 1:10-11
Begin by stepping into the wild
- Jesus is in the wilderness among the wild animals - Mark 1:12-13
Begin by refining your focus
- Jesus is tempted - Mark 1:12-13
Begin…and begin again….and again…..
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 5, 2020
Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”
Today’s Title: “Remarkable Mark”
Today’s Text: Acts 15:36-41
Mark’s Story
- Witness to Jesus arrest? 30 AD - Mark 14:51-52
- Peter’s miraculous escape: 42 AD – Acts 12:12
- Journeyed with Barnabas & Paul: 42-48 AD – Acts 12:25 & 13:5
- Left Barnabas & Paul at Pamphylia: 48 AD – Acts 13:13
Mark’s Recovery & Connections
- With Paul when he wrote Colossians & Philemon: 62 AD
Colossians 4:10 & Philemon 1:23-24
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Paul instructs Timothy to bring Mark w/him: 63 AD – 2 Tim 4:11
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With Peter in Rome – “my son Mark”: 64 AD – 1 Peter 5:13
We All Need Good Leaders
To Mark…
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Paul provided: ACCOUNTABILITY
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Barnabas provided: RENEWED OPPORTUNITY
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Peter provided: FATHERLY GUIDANCE
Who do you look to?
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FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
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FOR RENEWED OPPORTUNITY
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FOR FATHERLY GUIDANCE
Who’s looking to you?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 29, 2019
Series Title: Views of the Birth of Christ
Today’s Title: Herod; Even a Baby Can Topple a Kingdom
Today’s Text: Matthew 2:13-20
Warning about the power of kings from Samuel: 1 Samuel 8:10-18
Warnings from Solomon about corrupt rulers:
Proverbs 17:7, 28:3, 28:15, 28:16, 29:12
AUTHORITY IS GOD’S IDEA
Colossians 2:9-10
AUTHORITY IN MARRIAGE
Ephesians 5:21-25
AUTHORITY IN FAMILY
Ephesians 6:1-4
AUTHORITY AT WORK
Ephesians 6:5-9
AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH
Hebrews 13:17
AUTHORITY IN COMMUNITY
Romans 13:1-2 & 1 Peter 2:13-14
How will you handle authority in 2020?
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – December 22, 2019
Series Title: Views of the Birth of Christ
Today’s Title: Why Tell Shepherds?
Today’s Text: Luke 2:8-20
Shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night
Why Did the Angel Come to Shepherds?
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Because God sent the King of Kings to reach the lowest of the low
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Shepherds were looked down upon
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GOD’S PRIORITY FOR THE POOR
- The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-12
- The Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25:31-46
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Because Jesus would become the Lamb of God
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Called the “Lamb of God” by John the Baptist - John 1:29, 36
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31 times in Revelation, Jesus referred to as the “Lamb”
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Because Jesus is the Good Shepherd
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Isaiah 53:6 – we’ve all gone astray
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John 10:11-17
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The Good Shepherd is self-less
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The Good Shepherd is inclusive
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Because the church needs shepherds
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John 21:15-17 – Jesus to Peter; “do you love me?”
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1 Peter 5:1-5 – Peter instructs leaders
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Acts 20:28-29 – Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 15, 2019
Series Title: “Views of the Birth of the Christ”
Today’s Title: “The Father’s View - The Best I Can Give”
Today’s Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
“The Invitation” – a story by Pastor Paul
THE GIFT OF GOD…..
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NONE OF US DESERVE IT
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Ephesians 2:1-3
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“…we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (3)
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COMES WHEN WE NEED IT THE MOST
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Ephesians 2:4-5
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“…even when we were dead in transgressions—"(5)
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IS KINDLY GIVEN
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Ephesians 2:6-7
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“…his grace, expressed in his kindness…” (7)
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CAN’T BE BOUGHT OR EARNED
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Ephesians 2:8-9
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“…not from yourselves…..not by works,…” (8-9)
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SETS US FREE TO DO GOOD WORKS FOR GOOD REASONS
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Ephesians 2:10
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“…created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” (10)
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – December 8, 2019
Series Title: Views of the Birth of the Christ
Today’s Title: Joseph’s view; Believing, and Living with, the Impossible
Today’s Text: Matthew 1:18-25
JOSEPH AND THE CULTURE OF HIS DAY
THREE PATHS THAT JOSEPH COULD HAVE TAKEN
1) TO DIVORCE MARY PUBLICLY WOULD
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BRING FINANCIAL COMPENSATION
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INVOLVE A PUBLIC HEARING
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INCREASE PUBLIC SHAME TO MARY
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MAKE HER GUILTY OF A CAPITAL OFFENSE
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SET HIM FREE TO MARRY ANOTHER WOMAN
2) TO DIVORCE MARY PRIVATELY WOULD
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STILL BE HARD FOR MARY
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LESS BRING SHAME ON MARY
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SET HIM FREE TO MARRY ANOTHER WOMAN
3) TO GO ON WITH THE MARRIAGE WOULD
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BRING PERSONAL SHAME
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BRING A SHARED SHAME WITH MARY
LEARNING FROM HOW JOSEPH HANDLED AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION
HE RESPONDS TO SIN WITH COMPASSION
HE INTERVENES WITH GRACE
HE TAKES ON MARY’S SHAME AND BEARS IT HIMSELF
HOW JESUS HANDLED OUR IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION
Romans 5:1-5 & Hebrews 12:1-2
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 24, 2019
Series Title: “Being Thankful in a Thankless World”
Today’s Title: “Thank God for Food”
Today’s Text: Mark 8:1-10
God is great and God is good, And we thank him for our food; By his hand we must be fed, Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.
JESUS FEEDS THOUSANDS
- 5000 – Mark 6:39-44
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. (v41)
- 4000 – Mark 8:1-10
- When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks(v6)- They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them (v7)
THE LAST SUPPER – Mark 14:22-25
- “…Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and
gave it to his disciples,” (v22)
- “Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to
them, and they all drank from it.” (v23)
FOOD AND TEMPATATION
THE TEMPTATION OF ADAM & EVE - Genesis 3:1-7
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food…(v6)
THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST - Matthew 4:1-11
tell these stones to become bread. (v3)
FOOD, FORGIVENESS, AND TEMPATATION
THE LORD’S PRAYER – Matthew 6:9-13
That’s why we call it “grace”!
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – November 17, 2019
Series Title: “Living Thankfully in a Thankless World”
Today’s Title: “Thank God by Giving”
Today’s Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Thanksgiving without giving is words without actions.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
“eager” (v2)
“enthusiastic” (v2)
“heart-felt” (v7)
“cheerful” (v7)
“thanksgiving” (v11)
“heartitude”
What is your “heartitude” about giving?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Matthew 6:21
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
- James 2:15-16
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – November 10, 2019
Series Title: “Being Thankful People in a Thankless World”
Today’s Title: “Thank God for Friends”
Today’s Texts: Acts 18 & Romans 16
Where does friendship begin?
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rooted in a common identity
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fellow Jewish converts
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fellow Christians,“dear friends” (35 in Rom. 16)
Why does friendship grow?
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working toward a common purpose (Romans 16)
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friends acknowledged for their “hard work”
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“outstanding” (Andronicus, Junia)
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“stood the test” (Apelles)
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“chosen in the Lord” (Rufus)
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“like a mother to me” (mother of Rufus)
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hosting the church (Gaius)
When does friendship deepen?
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strengthened through a common struggle
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Jason (v21 & Acts 17:1-9)
How does friendship become a life-long bond?
- willing to give an uncommon sacrifice
Priscilla & Aquila
- lived in Rome, but had to leave their home & business
because Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome
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like Paul, tentmakers (leather workers)
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hosted a church in their home (1 Cor. 16:19)
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went to Ephesus with Paul
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trained Apollos about the faith
- risked their life for Paul during a riot
(Acts 19:23-41, 2 Cor. 1:8-9)
Friday, November 8, 2019 – Scriptural Mediation
1 Corinthians 10:14-33 & 11:17-34
“Thank God for the Body of Christ!”
COMMUNITY IN COMMUNION
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Is there anything in your life that you are giving yourself over to, or participating in, that dishonors or denies Christ?
Are you careful, sensitive, and considerate, of others in how you live your life? (both among believers and non-believers?)
Are you welcoming to others? (both believers and non-believers?)
Do you openly share with those in need?
Can you set aside whatever social barriers might exist for the sake of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
When you consider the gift of salvation from Christ, what are you most thankful for?
As you look around this room this morning, who are you thankful for?