Rev. Paul J. Miller

The god of Distraction

Distractions surround and attack us daily. Multiple forms of media thrust in our faces and glued to our fingertips. Jesus warned us about a soil condition of the heart where thorns choke out what God is trying to grow through us. His desire is that we thrive like the tree by the water in Psalm 1. 

Afraid of How Jesus Will Come Back?

This sermon is a chapter from my upcoming book about fear. How we interpret and explain the mysterious apocalyptic books and chapters of the Bible matters. It especially matters when fear-filled predictions about the return of Christ are thrust upon the masses. Fear and love are opposites. Jesus came to us to demonstrate the greatness and power of love over fear. Do we hear about God's love from the fear-filled "end times" prophetic industry? Let's get focused on being His witnesses, not just standing there with our eyes on the sky.

The Church - A People of Sincere Love

"Love must be sincere" This vital directive can be easily missed among the multitude of good, sound, practical advice found in the 12th chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Rome. But a case could be made that those 4 words are central to all else that is written in these 21 verses. Romans 12 is about transformation, gifts from the Spirit, unity in the body, how we should be engaging and responding to our world, and leaving vengeance in the hands of God. Loving with sincerity is vital every one of those teachings. Church, how are we doing with that?

The Holy Spirit Proves the World to be Wrong

Just before Jesus was arrested and went to the cross, He promised His disciples that the "Advocate" (comforter, helper, counselor) would come. A big part of what the Spirit did (and still does) is to "prove the world wrong" about sin, about righteousness, and about judgement. (see John 16:8-11)

Jesus - Our Source of REnewed Life!

Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Notes – October 5, 2025

“Jesus: We can all find renewed life in Him” - Romans 8:1-11

• “Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, through his virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death on the Cross, and glorious resurrection and ascension, graciously offers new life to all who receive him by faith.” – Evangelical Congregational Church

This statement contains a story. THE story. If we believe the story, what does it mean for us?

I AM WRETCHED

“What a wretched man I am!” (7:24)

I AM DELIVERED

“Thanks be to God, who delivers through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (7:25)

I AM NOT CONDEMNED

“…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (8:1)

I AM SET FREE

“set free from the law of sin and death” (8:2)

I HAVE LIFE, I HAVE PEACE

“the Spirit is life and peace” (8:6)

I AM GOD’S CHILD

“…those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (8:14)

Believing the story of Jesus means to let His story become your story.

Our Shared Faith - Sin - We Share Our Broken Condition

Sin separates us from God. But in what sense are we separated? Is it positional or relational? No matter how far we fall and fail, God's love follows us there, right into the depths of our brokenness. That's what a loving father does.

Image of God - Our True Identity

Walk with me through the numerous scriptures that teach the importance of "image". Creating our own does work out so well. Accepting that we bear the image of the Creator is the key to embracing your true identity. 

Waiting on the Lord - Isaiah 40

Waiting on the Lord means trusting in Him like a lamb trusts it's shepherd. Do you trust Jesus to hold you close? 

Growing While You Wait

Lamentations 3:1-33

God is faithful to us, he is GREATly faithful. Beleiving that that is true is most challenging during difficult times. Jeremiah witnessed devastating loss and national tragedy. As horrific as those days were for him, somehow, he was still able to declare to God, "great is thy faithfulness". 

Jesus - Our King

Jesus - Our King

What kind of king is Jesus? How does He lead? What's important to Him? What does he expect of His subjects? The "Sheep and the Goats" gives us a hint.......