Trusting God is a learned behavior. The teacher is faith in Christ and the text book is the trials of life. What has your pain taught you?

(James 1:12-18)

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 9/22/24

“Consider How to Face Trials” – James 1:1-11

“consider”

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,…” – James 1:2

CONSIDER YOUR FAITH – James 1:3

CONSIDER HOW MUCH HANGING-IN-THERE CAN HELP YOU – James 1:4

• Hebrews 12:1-3

CONSIDER THAT THE PATH TO WISDOM IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY – James 1:5

• Matthew 7:7-8

CONSIDER WHERE DOUBT WILL TAKE YOU - James 1:6-8

• Luke 24:36-38

CONSIDER THE SUPERIORITY OF HUMILITY-James 1:9-10

• 1 Peter 5:6-7

CONSIDER HOW SHORT & FRAGILE LIFE IS - James 1:11

• Isaiah 40:8

Consider – Matthew 6:26-27

Though James, the "Lord's brother", is never mentioned as following Jesus before the crucifixion, he became a very important leader of the early church and wrote the epistle that bore his name. What changed after the resurrection?

Running away from God was not Jonah's biggest problem. Even after surviving the belly of the beast and a very long journey, God still had to work on his heart. If we know that God is loving, merciful, and forgiving, why should we be surprised (let alone angry) when He extends it to people?

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Peter spoke up to the crowd to explain what was happening. He quoted the prophet Joel's words that the Spirit of God was now poured out upon ALL people. That game changing moment is still in play to this day. We don't need to go to a temple, or go through a priest, or obey a list of rules to know God. In Christ, He is with us, for us, and in us right now! Just believe it!

"What does God require of us?" How we respond to this question is most important during difficult days. The prophet Micah lived during very troubling times for Judah and Israel. What did God reveal to him that drove him to ask this question? It's easy to be attracted to the words of Micah 6:8 and frame it on poster. But if acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly does not result in actions it's just empty words.

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 8/4/24

“Habakkuk: Complaints & Compliance”

Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

Habakkuk’s COMPLAINT (1:2)

God’s Answer: BABYLON? (1:6)

Habakkuk’s CONFUSION (1:13)

God’s Reminder: FAITHFULNESS (2:4)

        The Gospel is Accessed by FAITH

        Romans 1:17

God’s Presence: KNOW His GLORY (2:14)

          Isaiah 11:9

          Romans 1:20

          Colossians 1:23

Habakkuk REMEMBERS (3:2)

Habakkuk REJOICES (3:18)

Habakkuk is STRENGTHENED by JOY (3:18)

          Nehemiah 8:10

          Philippians 4:4

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 28, 2024

“Elijah: Getting Quiet So You Can Hear God” – 1 Kings 19:1-9

Elijah’s Story – 1 Kings 16:29-18:40

Elijah’s Gets Blindsided – 1 Kings 19:1-2

Elijah’s Reaction – 1 Kings 19:3-5

• RUN! (v3)

God’s Response to Elijah’s Trauma – 1 Kings 19:5-18

• HE DOESN’T SAY ANYTHING (not at first)

• GO BACK & GET TO WORK

GETTING QUIET SO YOU CAN HEAR GOD

• BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR PAIN

Our connection with the Creator has to be more than just head knowledge. It begins with the cross of Christ, a starting point that is neither wise nor intelligent according to human reasoning.

Many people have difficulty understanding why Jesus has to die such a brutal death. Humanity gave Christ the worst of ourselves and not even that could stop His love. He became one of us in life so that He could set us free in death.