Rev. Paul J. Miller

The Face of Angel Among Angry Faces

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)

Law and Grace in Action

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.

The Courage of Peter

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!

What I Have I Give to You

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

All the Believers Were Together

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

- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

- The Parables (30+)

- 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

God has Raised This Jesus to Life

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?

Let me explain thisto you, listen carefully

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

• THERE WAS VIOLENT WIND – It was only a SOUND LIKE a violent wind (v2)

 

• ACTUAL TONGUES OF FIRE – It only SEEMED like tongues of fire (v3)

 

• ONLY THE 12 APOSTLES RECEIVED THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – It just says ALL OF THEM (v4)

 

• THIS EVENT WAS A REVERSAL OF THE TOWER OF BABEL (Genesis 11:1-9) – Peter didn’t say that

 

• THE SPEAKING IN TONGUES (IN ACTS 2) WAS A SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE
  1. OTHER (known) languages (v4)
  2. The crowd that gathered heard THEIR OWN language (v6)
  3. OUR NATIVE language (v7)
  4. This is NOT the same as what Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 12-14

 

• A PERSON CAN BE “DRUNK WITH THE SPIRIT” – there is no so such thing in the Bible
  1. Some in the crowd were making fun of them (v13)
  2. Peter made light of that accusation (v15)
  3. Ephesians 5:18 does NOT say “drunk in/with the Spirit”

 

• 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

• 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
  1. The crowd asks; “What does this mean?” (v12)
  2. Peter replies; (let me explain this to you, listen carefully”

 

• PETER USES THE SCRIPTURES TO EXPLAIN THIS EVENT - Joel 2:28-32
  1. The “last days” began on that day (v17)
  2. The Spirit of God is available to all people (v17)
  3. Dreams, visions, and prophesying are some of the ways the Spirit works (v17-18)
     1. Dreams and visions – be open, but be careful
     2. “prophesy” brings strength, courage, and comfort to others. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
  4. Wonders in heaven and earth (v19) how literal?
  5. AN OPEN INVITATION FOR SALVATION TO “EVERYONE”

THIS IS THE GREATEST MEANING OF PENTECOST!

And you will be my witnesses

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)

Who is Luke?

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)

Yearning for Healthy Conversation

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”!