Rev. Paul J. Miller

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 is beautiful verse that reminds us to slow down, get quiet, and listen for God's calming presence. Easier said than done. A closer look at this entire Psalm can help us understand what the Psalmist my have been facing in his day, and how these words can apply to us now.

Why Crawl if You Could Fly!?

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline November 13, 2022

“Being Transformed” – Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2

Meeting God on the Mountain

• Exodus 34:29-35
• 1 Kings 19:1-18
• Mark 9:2-13

Transfiguration/Transformation = Methamorphoo-oo

Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2, Luke 9:29

• 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
• Romans 12:1-2

ROMANS 12:1-2

• See God’s mercy (how great is that?!)

 

• Be a living sacrifice (the best way to worship)

 

• Don’t conform to this world (the broken pattern)

 

• BE TRANSFORMED (why crawl if you can fly?)

 

• The Process - Renew your mind. 

 

• The Promise - Understanding God’s will

Having Confidence

Leadership is hard, at any level. Attaining the confidence to lead does not happen quickly, and must include strength and courage. The story of Joshua reveals that God wants leaders (even commands them) to be "strong and courageous". Thankfully, God is always with us as we learn!

Establishing New, Life-Changing Patterns

Do you know what you are doing? A fair, and sometimes insulting, question. If one is to follow the way of Christ, "knowledge" is vital. Not just the kind knowing limited to your mind, but a knowing that grows hands and feet, has a voice, and a heart. It's the knowing that infiltrates decision making, attitudes, and relationships. This is the kind of "knowledge" Peter wrote about in 2 Peter 1:3-9. 

Battle-ready

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – October 9, 2022

“Battle Ready”

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

Be Strong from the Right Power Source (Ephesians 6:10)

Be Ready for Battle (Ephesians 6:11)

Beware of the Real Enemy  (Ephesians 6:12)

Worldly Rulers - Leaders

Worldly Authorities - Structures

Worldly Powers - The Thing in the Air

Spiritual Forces of Evil – HINT: they don’t always look evil.

Be Dressed for Battle (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Surround Yourself with TRUTH (belt)

Walk in PEACE (shoes)

Hold up FAITH (shield)

Think about SALVATION (helmet)

Know THE WORD (sword)

Be a Person Who Prays… (Ephesians 6:18)

…AT ALL TIMES

…ON EVERY OCCASION

….STAY ALERT ABOUT PRAYER NEEDS

…PERSISTENTLY

…FOR ALL BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE

The Prison of Unforgiveness

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 2, 2022

Being set Free from Your own Prison – Matthew 6:9-15

The prison of unforgiveness is the only prison that the inmate holds the key but refuses to leave.

 

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor - Matthew 18:21-35

 

-“Therefore”? – (v23) – Peter’s question

 

- 10,000 bags of gold? (v24)

 

- wife & children sold? (v25)

 

- “I will pay back everything”? (v26)

 

- “canceled the debt”? (v27)

 

- lack of mercy (v33)

 

- sent to jail to be “tortured”? (v34)

 

- How the father treats you “unless you forgive”? (v35)

 

- “from your heart” (v35)

 

What keeps us from forgiving?

 

Ephesians 4:31-32

 

Galatians 5:13

 

What keeps you from forgiving others?

How has withholding forgiveness affected you?

Your Field of Influence

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline - September 25, 2022

“Your Field of Influence” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

• 1 Corinthians 13:13
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Help others on their journey and let them help you.

This is faith, hope, and love in action.

 

Your Field of Influence

 

your work produced by faith

 

your labor prompted by love

 

your endurance inspired by hope

 

The journey of faith, hope, and love is both an end and a means.

- Your Walk has an Influence

- Stay on the Path

- Don’t Walk Alone

Faith, Mystery, and Openness to Open Questions

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline

September 18, 2022

“Faith, Mystery, & Openness to Open Questions”

Colossians 1:21-29

John 1:14 - The Creator entered into His creation full of both grace and truth

 

The Truth is, that Truth ALWAYS leads to pain.

 

Grace can only exist inside of brokenness, failure, inadequacy, and pain.

 

Do you have an open, unanswered question for God?

 

Has the lack of a clear answer kept you from trusting God with your struggle?

 

Colossians 1:23

The Roots of Struggle

Doubt, fear, and hate effect us all. Maybe in more ways than are evident at the surface. Look deeper, look back, and trust God reveal to you what's at the roots of your struggles. 

Your Imperfect & Vital First Step

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 4, 2022

“Your Imperfect and Vital First Steps”

First Steps

AN “OUTSIDER” CAPTIVATED BY THE SCRIPTURES

Acts 8:26-40 – Ethiopian eunuch (see v34-38)

 

AN OUTSIDER CALLED BY GOD

Acts 10 – Cornelius (see verses 44-46)                                                                     

AN “SINNER” WITH RECKLESS ABANDON

Luke 7:36-50 – A woman anoints Jesus’ feet (see verses 47-48)       

 

AN “ENEMY” WITH DRAMATIC DISRUPTION

Acts 9:1-19 – Saul’s conversion (see verses 5-6)

 

AN “OUTCAST” CARRIED BY OTHERS

Matthew 9:1-8 - Paralyzed man carried to Jesus (see verse 2)          

 

A “SINNER” CONDEMNED AT JESUS’ FEET

John 8:1-11 – Woman caught in adultery

 

How you began matters, but where you are headed matters even more.