Life-relevant Bible-based teachings from Rev. Paul Miller, Pastor of Bushkill Community Church and St. John’s E.C. Church.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
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
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
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)
- Barnabas – an encourager, a mediator, a prophet, a teacher
- Saul – a leader, a teacher, a prophet
- Acts 9:15
- Romans 1:16
Confronting Opposition (v4-12)
- John (Mark) “was with them as their helper” (v4)
- “Saul” is now known as “Paul” (v9)
- Bar-Jesus (Elymus) an influential Jewish sorcerer and false prophet
- Through Paul, God inflicted upon Elymas what Paul had received in the road to Damascus – blindness
- 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)
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
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!
- Tell James what happened – James, the brother of Jesus
- Galatians 1:19 – Paul identifies James as the Lord’s brother
- 1 Corinthians 15:7 – Jesus appeared to James
- Peter leaves Jerusalem, James takes charge
- 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:
- Prayer can help ___________________________________
- God can do more __________________________________
- Who the leader is _______________________matters more than who the leader is
- Worship of people, including ourselves, _________________
- God is constantly __________________________ to keep His church moving!
Monday Nov 15, 2021
Monday Nov 15, 2021
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.
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
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
- BE REVERENT, BE HUMBLE (v23-26)
- 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
- YOUR STORY MATTERS (v30-33)
- 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
- BELIEF IS ABOUT SIMPLE FAITH, NOT A SPECIFIC FORMULA (v39-43)
- TONGUES IS A SIGN, NOT AN ESSENTIAL (v44-46)
“speaking in tongues” in the book of Acts
- Acts 2:1-4 – In Jerusalem on Pentecost
- Acts 10:44-46 – Here at Cornelius’s home in Caesarea
- Acts 19:1-7 – In Ephesus
- the word means “other languages” – known languages
- it is NOT a sign of, or requirement for, salvation
- THE CHURCH IS ABOUT EQUALITY, NOT HEIRARCHY (v47-48)
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
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?
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
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…
- The Apostles didn’t trust him
- Barnabas mediated
- He spoke boldly
- Was sent to Tarsus, for his own safety
CARING FOR THE “ONE” – Peter learns compassion
Aeneas - Acts 9:32-35
- Lydda (west of Jerusalem toward the Mediterranean)
- Similar to miracle of Jesus – Luke 5:24
- A whole town “turned to the Lord”
Tabitha - Acts 9:36-43
- Joppa (on the Mediterranean coast)
- “always doing good and helping the poor”
- “please come at once”
- “all the widows stood around him’ crying”
- “Tabitha, get up” – similar miracle - Luke 8:40-42, 49-56
- “He called for the believers, especially the widows”
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
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
- MISSION– Acts 9:15
- 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.
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
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)
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
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
- Go to a new land
- Establish a Covenant
Joseph to Moses – Acts 7:9-19
- Rebellious brothers
- Go to Egypt (earth’s greatest empire)
- Rule Egypt
Moses to Joshua – Acts 7:20-44
- Follow Moses out of Egypt (v35)
- FOLLOW THE ONE GOD WILL SEND (v37)
- Follow the Law (“living words” v38)
- At Mt. Sinai?
- 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
- “However”, you won’t find God in tabernacles or temples (or church buildings)
- Isaiah 66:1-2 (the closing statement to all of Isaiah’s prophecies)
Jesus to Eternity – Acts 7:54-60
- The Sanhedrin was “furious” to once again being accused of killing Jesus
- WHAT DROVE THEM TO KILL STEPHEN WAS THE SAME WORDS THAT DROVE THEM TO KILL JESUS
- 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.