Rev. Paul J. Miller

Shine!

Shine! - Philippians 2:12-18

A church should be a NO COMPLAINT ZONE. How we doin' with that?

Incarnation & Relationships

God took on flesh, the incarnation of Christ: it didn't happen just so we can observe from a distance and applaud Jesus. Philippians 2:5 ties it to our relationships. We are challenged to follow Christ's example and humbly let go of position and privilege for the sake of the other. 

It’s All About We

Unity in the church is central to church health, church growth, and was a prayer concern of Jesus before the church even began. And that's why Paul writes about it in all of his letters to the churches. It's all about "WE". 

Ready to Die, but Wanting to Live

In Philippians 1:18-26, Paul seems torn. He has fought long and hard for the gospel. No one would blame him if he said, "Enough! Take me home, Lord." But he was willing to remain and continue leading people toward God, through Christ. Either way, live or die, he knew Christ was with him, and he was with Christ. Thus he say, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." 

Imperfect, But Still Useful

Philippians 1:12-18 - We don't always do the right things for the right reasons, but somehow good things can still emerge from our lives. Paul understood this and didn't take exception to the questionable motives of other teachers and preachers of the gospel. 

I Have You in My Heart

This sermon is from Philippians 1:7-11. The Apostle Paul's deep love and passion for the church in Philippi is evident right from the start of this chapter. The prayer he wrote in verses 9-11 is as beautiful as it is powerful. There are many good things a church or an individual believer can become, but they are all rooted in love. 

Be Confident - God is Present

Philippians is very positive letter, even in the opening introduction. Let's learn together how God's positive presence enables us to become our true and full self. Grace and peace.....

Mercy is the Business of God

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 6/11/23

“Mercy is the Business of God” – Romans 9:1-18

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THE MERCY OF GOD IN THE CHILDREN OF GOD Romans 9:1-5

• Matthew 18:21-35 - The Unmerciful Servant

 

THE MERCY OF GOD IS NOT AN INHERENT RIGHT

Romans 9:6-9

Words that describe how God dispenses His mercy

• ADOPTION - Romans 8:15, 8:23, 9:4
• GRAFTED IN – Romans 11:17-24
• ELECTION – Romans 9:11, 11:28
• CHOSEN – Romans 8:33
• CALLED – Romans 1:6, 8:28, 8:30, 9:24

 

MERCY IS INITIATED BY GOD’S CHOICE, NOT BY OUR ACTIONS - Romans 9:10-13

• “Election” is a more statement about God than about us. He “chose” to bless us with mercy, apart from behavior or inheritance.

 

THE WILL OF GOD IS TO OFFER MERCY TO PEOPLE

Romans 9:14-18

• GOD WON’T HARDEN YOUR HEART (but you can)
  • Hebrews 3:15 Ephesians 4:18
  • Mark 8:17 Proverbs 28:14

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GOD’S WILL IS MERCY

What is you willful response to His mercy?

GOD’S WILL IS COMPASSION

Is Godly compassion evident in your life?

God’s Love Stops at Nothing

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 4, 2023

“Nothing Can Separate of from God’s Love: Nothing!” - Romans 8:31-39

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 4 questions

1. If God is for us, who can be against us? SOVEREIGNTY
2. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?

AUTHORITY

3. Who then is the one who condemns? IDENTITY
4. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ANXIETY

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

trouble? hardship? persecution? famine? nakedness? danger? sword?

The voices of doubt, anxiety, rejection, abandonment, and shame come from people – never from God.

No one, and no thing, can do anything to you that will cause God’s love for you to end.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors… 

Love is not about gaining conquest over those who hurt us, oppress us, or reject us. God’s love is so much more, and so much better!

For I am convinced that …

…neither death nor life THE PHYSICAL

…neither angels nor demons THE SPIRITUAL

…neither the present nor the future TIME

…nor any powers GRAVITY

…neither height nor depth SPACE

…nor anything else in all creation MIND GAMES

will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Groaning Along with Creation

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 28, 2023

“Groaning Along with Creation” – Romans 8:18-30

Our purpose is to love, and our destiny is to find love in all things.

• The lack of love and the rejection of our destiny to love leads to frustration, groaning, bondage, and decay. (Romans 8:18-20)

 

• Our spirit groans because something is not right – love is this world is not fulfilled. (Romans 8:22-25)

 

• So worn out that there are no words left – just groans.(Rom 8:26-27)

Romans 8:28

When our purpose is to love, can find love in “all things”.

This is love - 2 John 1:6 & 1 John 4:7-8

Romans 8:29

The response of God to everyone who chooses to love God is…

• To invite us into ever-deepening love (“called according to his purpose”)
• To encourage us that we are known by Him (“those God foreknew”)
• To reveal to us that we have a destiny (“predestined”)
• To show us how to live into our true image (“conform”)
• To welcome us into His family (“many brothers and sisters”)

Romans 8:30

Living into our true destiny

…we are called (hearing and responding to the call of love)

…we are justified (no matter how great or how often, we can always choose to love)

…we are glorified (In this world we can get a slight taste, a mild scent, a brief glimpse, a quick touch, a still small voice of what is to come)