Rev. Paul J. Miller

NOT Found in the Bible

"God helps those who help themselves." Did that come from the Bible? This sermon looks at four commonly used phrases that might sound like they come from the scriptures, but don't. Are they still true though?

Conflicted

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Scriptures – 4/21/24

“Do you love me more than these?”

Conflicted – Peter by the fire in the high priest’s courtyard – John 18:15-27

The miracle of the fish catch – Luke 5:1-11

Jesus walks on water – Matthew 14:22-33

Who is Jesus? – Mark 8:22-33

The Transfiguration – Mark 9:2-13

Jesus predicts Peter’s denial – Matthew 26:31-35

Jesus rebukes Peter for using a sword in Gethsemane – John 18:1-14

Jesus makes breakfast along the shore – John 21:15-19

“Come, follow me…” – Mark 1:17 – into life

“Follow me.” – John 21:19 – into death

Do you love me more than “these”?

What are you conflicted by?

What are your “these”?

Why do doubts rise in your minds?

The resurrection of Jesus is more than the rational mind can accept. Even as he stood among his disciples in the evening after He arose, they were "troubled" and had "doubts". The rational mind can only take us so far. Faith is not irrational either; it is "trans-rational".  (NOTE: I apologize for the audio quality. I've had trouble in recent weeks with my recording device, which is why I haven't published a sermon since March 23. I'll keep at it. Thanks for listening!)

Will You Give Me a Drink?

Jesus began a life-transforming conversation with a simple, everyday kind of question. Having a spiritual conversation doesn't need to be frightening or intimidating. Everyone is thirsty for truth. 

What is written in the Law? How do you read it?

What led to Jesus first telling the Good Samaritan parable? It was a law "expert" who needed to be reminded that knowing the rules in the mind is not the same as living them out from the heart. Love for the "other" is not a side point to the law, it is the point. 

Do You See This Woman

Do we really "see" people, or just see people as a problem? A Pharisee invited Jesus over for dinner and an unwanted guest showed up. The host saw her as a problem to be avoided, Jesus saw her as a person who was both loved and forgiven. 

Why are you so afraid?

Our fears can block our faith and hamper our ability to see that God is ready to help quiet the storms in our lives. Two stormy adventures on the Sea of Galilee reveal how the faith of The 12 was growing, though quickly lost when they focused on the storm instead of the One who can calm the storm. 

Who do YOU say Jesus is ?

Who is Jesus? Who do you say that He is? Even though Peter boldly answered that very question on behalf of the 12, their idea of what the Messiah's purpose would be was not what Jesus had in mind. It's not about gaining power, but about denying self. It's about winning, but about losing life to find it. 

Changing the Mess Handed to You

Sometimes we have to clean up from our own failures, and sometimes we have clean up the mess created by others. A young king named Josiah had to lead his nation to reform after the deep damage done by his own father and grandfather, who reigned before him. Like Hezekiah, he acted acted decisively, humbly, prayerfully, and led his people back to their God. 

Leading with the heart of God - Hezekiah

With the very survival of his nation and his people at risk, Hezekiah turned first to God. He restored worship, he welcomed the lost, he put the heart ahead of the rules, he instilled courage, and he prayed for and with others when it mattered most.