Rev. Paul J. Miller

Words Burn

Words Burn - James 3:1-12

Faith is Productive

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.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

In your relationships with your neighbor, do you extend mercy or cast judgment?

Listening to Jesus

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.

Trials, Tests, Tempations, and Trust

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)

Consider How to Face Trails

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

James - The Brother of Jesus

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?

Jonah: The Depth & Length of Mercy

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?

Open Access to God

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!

Justice, Mercy, Humility - That's 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.