Rev. Paul J. Miller

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.

Complaints or Compliance - God Can Handle Both

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

The Noise of Trials & The Still Small Voice

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

Knowing God?

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.

How Far Does God's Love Go?

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.