Rev. Paul J. Miller

Mutually Encouraged by God’s Righteousness

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.

Love Letter to the Empire - ”Called”

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. 

Transformed

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! 

Pray in the Light

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! 

Be Still

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.

Why Crawl if You Could Fly!?

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

Having Confidence

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!

Establishing New, Life-Changing Patterns

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. 

Battle-ready

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

The Prison of Unforgiveness

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?