Life-relevant Bible-based teachings from Rev. Paul Miller, Pastor of Bushkill Community Church and St. John’s E.C. Church.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 24, 2018
Tuesday Apr 24, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 22, 2018
Series Title: “What are Roots of our Troubles?”
Today’s Title: “Choked & Immature: The Seeds among the Thorns”
Today’s Text: Mark 4:1-20
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
THE THORNS OF WEALTH
WARNINGS FROM GOD’S WORD ABOUT WEALTH
- MONEY CAN CONSUME YOU - Matthew 6:24
- LOVE FOR MONEY HAS A COMPLEX ROOT SYSTEM - 1 Timothy 6:10
- LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE - Hebrews 13:5
- TREASURE KINGDOM LIFE FIRST – Matthew 6:19-21
THE THORNS OF WORRY
PRACTICES FROM GOD’S WORD THAT CAN EASE YOUR ANXIETY
- CONSIDER HOW GOD CONTROLS CREATION - Matthew 6:25-34
- BEFRIEND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE - Proverbs 12:25
- EXPRESS WORDS OF JOY – Philippians 4:4
- IDENTIFY THE SOURCE – Psalm 139:23
- LIST YOUR WORRIES IN PRAYER – Philippians 4:6
- CAST IT TO GOD - 1 Peter 5:7
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
Monday Apr 16, 2018
Monday Apr 16, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 15, 2018
Series Title: “What are the Roots of Our Troubles?”
Today’s Title: “Rocked & Rootless: The Seeds Among the Rocks”
Today’s Texts: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 & John 6
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” (Matthew 13:20-21)
SHALLOW FAITH… (John 6)
…SEEKS POLITICAL SOLUTIONS TO SPIRITUAL NEEDS – 6:14-15
…WANTS TO WORK TOWARD GOD – 6:25-29
…SEEKS PHYSICAL PROVISION FIRST – 30-40
…WANTS EVERYTHING TO MAKE SENSE – 6:41-59
…DIES UNDER PRESSURE– 6:60-66
- Are looking man’s authority to carry out God’s work? How is that working out?
- Are you trying to prove to God that you are good enough? Can you earn love?
- Do you trust God to provide what you need? Do you trust Him even when it doesn’t come when you want it?
- Do you believe in God even when you don’t understand God? When life makes no sense?
- Are you ready to let shallow faith die and turn to believe in the One who can feed the soul, forever?
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 8, 2018
Series Title: “What are the Roots of our Troubles? – The Parable of the Sower & the Seeds”
Today’s Title: “Trampled & Devoured: The Seeds Along the Path”
Today’s Text: Luke 8:1-15
Jesus in Luke 8
- He called & He set free (8:1-3)
- He taught with common metaphors (8:4-8)
- He left them wondering (8:9-10)
- He spread “the Word” (8:11-15)
THE VARIOUS SOIL CONDITIONS THAT THE SEEDS FALL INTO REPRESENT VARIOUS CONDITION OF THE HEART.
THE HARD PATH IS THE HARD HEART
- What causes a hard heart?
- Quarreling & Testing - Psalm 95:6-11 & Exodus 17:1-7
- Meribah = “quarreling”
- Massah = “testing”
- Philippians 2:14-16
- Quarreling & Testing - Psalm 95:6-11 & Exodus 17:1-7
- What is the result of a hard heart?
- “trouble” - Proverbs 28:14
- blocks healing - Isaiah 6:8-10
- Quoted 5x in N.T. (Matt. 13:15, Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, John 12:40, Acts 28:27)
- Keeps us from seeing, hearing, understanding, turning, and being healed
- What is the remedy for a hard heart?
- “turn” – Isaiah 6:10
- “put off” & “put on” - Ephesians 4:17-24
Is your heart hard? Do you find yourself frequently grumbling, quarreling, or complaining? If so, what is at the root of your frustrations? Follow the questions. They might lead to an unresolved expectation about God.
Monday Apr 02, 2018
Monday Apr 02, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – April 1, 2018
Series Title: “What are the Roots of our Troubles?”
Today’s Title: “A Troubled Witness”
Today’s Text: John 1:1-18
Who is Mary Magdalene?
- from Magdala (Luke 8:2)
- 7 demons cast out (Luke 8:2)
- at the cross & at the tomb
(Matt. 27:55, 28:1, Mark 15:40, 16:1, Luke 24:10, John 19:25, 20:1)
- first to see the risen Lord (John 20:11-16)
Who Mary Magdalene is NOT
- Martha & Lazarus sister (Luke 10 & John 11)
- Woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)
- Woman who anointed Jesus’ feet w/perfume (Luke 7:36-50)
- The wife or lover of Jesus
(nowhere in scripture is this even suggested)
Why did Jesus choose her as the first witness?
- A woman (but why not a different woman?)
- A woman who followed & supported Him
- A woman, with a “reputation”?
- A woman, w/a reputation & formerly possessed by demons
- A woman, with a reputation, formerly possessed by
demons seven demons.
Who sees the risen Christ?
- The Oppressed
- The Labeled
- The Possessed
- The Most Deeply Afflicted
- THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM TO THE GRAVE
Friday Mar 30, 2018
Friday Mar 30, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 25, 2018
Series Title: “The Way of Change”
Today’s Title: “Truth: See it, Know, Build it, Live it”
Today’s Text: Matthew 7:15-29
SEEING, KNOWING, BUILDING, AND LIVING THE TRUTH
WATCH (v15-20)
Be watchful and aware, false prophets are cunning. Be cautious, and patiently wait to see the fruit.
- Galatians 5:22-26
- Hebrews 13:7
WILL (v21-23)
God’s will is not a show, it’s a call to come home.
- John 6:39-40
WISDOM (v24-27)
Practiced words of truth stand up to the storms of trial, persecution and suffering.
- James 1:22-25
WONDER (v28-29)
The Word of Christ has great authority; be amazed by it.
- “amaze” is found 38 times in the Gospels
Do you see the fruit of the Spirit being produced in the people you follow?
Are you drawn to dramatic quick fixes or to a daily walk with God?
Will the life you are building stand up to the storms life will bring?
Do you take and make time to let God’s Word amaze you?
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 18, 2018
Series Title: “This is How Change Will Last”
Today’s Title: “Deal with Your Own Stuff First”
Today’s Text: Matthew 7:1-14
Clear your eyes. See the path ahead. It’s a narrow path; a path of rejection and ridicule; a path will where answers are not always clear; a path that builds confidence; a path (in fact the only path) that leads to life. Let’s go…
CHRIST’S PATH OF CHANGE…..
- REQUIRES CLEAR SIGHT (7:1-5)
- A place for “judging”
- John 7:24
- 1 Corinthians 5:12
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-3
- Don’t put yourself in the place of God
- Romans 2:1-3
- James 5:11-12
- Examine yourself first so you can see clearly to help others
- WILL INCLUDE REJECTION (7:6)
- Some people will reject the truth, even when presented humbly
- Proverbs 9:7-9
- INCLUDES MYSTERY (7:7-8)
- Asking, seeking, and knocking are acts of mystery and of faith.
- The promise of Christ is to receive, to find, and to be welcomed
- BUILDS CONFIDENCE (7:9-12)
- Confident in God’s loving provision
- People who are loved are confident enough to love others
- The Law and the Prophets – Matthew 22:37-40
- BRINGS LIFE! (7:13-14)
- “life” is not just eternal life in heaven
This is the path Christ offers you. Are you coming?...........................
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 25, 2018
Series Title: “This is What Change Looks Like”
Today’s Title: “Humble Trust”
Today’s Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Seek First (want, desire, priority, trust)
- The Kingdom of God…..
- GROWS MYSTERIOUSLY – Mark 4:26-29
- GROWS BEYOND EXPECTATION – Mark 4:30-31
- IS NOW - Luke 17:20-21
- PRODUCES SPIRIT-LED FRUIT– Romans 14:15-20
- The Righteousness of God…..
- IS REVEALED IN THE GOSPEL – Romans 1:16-18
- IS ABOUT FAITH, NOT RULES – Romans 3:21-24
- IS AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO BELIEVE – Romans 10:1-4
- IS WHAT WE BECOME, IN CHRIST – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Questions to consider…..
- If Jesus were speaking directly to YOU about the things that most often produce worry, what issues would he refer to?
- When anxiety occurs, what is your first response?
- What do you want the most? Do you trust God to provide it?
Tuesday Feb 20, 2018
Tuesday Feb 20, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 18, 2018
Series Title: “This is What Change Looks Like”
Today’s Title: “Humble Worship”
Today’s Text: Matthew 6:16-24
Worship is a value statement. Our time, our talent, and our treasure are all ways in which we tangibly reveal what is most valuable to us.
PRAYER IS WORTH MORE THAN FOOD (v16-18)
Fasting provides a physical reminder to fulfill a spiritual need: prayer.
- Prayer is eternal, food temporary
- Prayer feeds the soul, food the body
- Prayer can heal, food can make you sick
- Prayer will always be there, food is not guaranteed
HEAVEN IS WORTH MORE THAN EARTH (v19-21)
- There is no bank in heaven.
- We can “store up” in heaven only what “remains”.
- Faith, Hope, & Love are the currency of heaven (1 Cor. 13)
- Earthly treasure is a heart issue. (v21)
- We cherish what we give to, and we give to what we cherish
THE NEEDS OF THE OTHER ARE WORTH MORE THAN MY SECURITY (v22-23)- “eyes full of light” imply generosity
- “eyes full of darkness” imply stinginess
GOD IS WORTHY OF MY SERVICE; MONEY IS NOT (v24)
- What is your dependence, security, foundation?
- Note the stark contrast:
- “hate the one and love the other”
- “will be devoted to the one and despise the other”
Proverbs 28:11
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 11, 2018
Series Title: “This is What Change Looks Like”
Today’s Title: “Humble Prayers” (Part 2)
Today’s Text: Matthew 6:5-15
What breathing is to the body forgiveness is to the soul.
BREATHE – TAKE IN – LET GO
The breath of life - Genesis 2:7
The breath of the Spirit - John 20:19-23
What forgiveness doesn’t mean - Romans 12:9-21
CONDONING THE ACTION
ELIMINATING THE CONSEQUENCE
RECONCILING THE RELATIONSHIP
FORGETTING
What unforgiveness costs - Proverbs 14:30 & 17:22
YOUR HEALTH
YOUR FREEDOM
YOUR ENERGY
YOUR JOY
Who to forgive - Ephesians 4:29-32
THE ONE YOU WON’T NAME
THE ONE YOU WON’T CELEBRATE
THE ONE ALWAYS ON YOUR MIND (a bad way)
THE ONE YOU ALWAYS BLAME
THE ONE YOU HATE
How to forgive
FROM THE HEART – Matthew 18:21-35
REMEMBER YOUR FAILURES-Col. 3:13, Eph. 4:32
LET GO OF REVENGE – Romans 12:17-21
BE PATIENT - Ephesians 4:2
FORGIVE YOURSELF – Matthew 22:34-40
NO ONE DESERVES IT - Romans 3:23
Tuesday Feb 06, 2018
Tuesday Feb 06, 2018
Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 2/4/18
Series Title: “This is What Change Looks Like”
Today’s Title: “Humble Prayer”
Today’s Text: Matthew 6:5-15
What does “The Lord’s Prayer” teach us about God?
God is accessible in community (“Our”)
God can be known intimately (“Father”)
God exists beyond us, all that we lack and cannot attain (“in heaven”)
God’s Name is Holy, but a name can’t contain Him
(“hallowed be your Name”)
God rules an advancing Kingdom (“your kingdom come”)
God has a will for life here and beyond; a purpose, a plan, a path
(“your will be done”)
God wants us to touch heaven now (“on earth as it is in heaven”)
God provides food each day – He cares about our physical well being
(“give us this day our daily bread”)
God forgives (“and forgive us our sins”)
God wants us to forgive (“as we forgive those who have sinned against us”)
God doesn’t lead us toward evil (“and lead us not into temptation”)
God can protect us from evil (“but deliver us from evil”)