Rev. Paul J. Miller

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 8, 2026 “’Holy’, Who, Me?” – 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 What does “holy” mean? Sacred, hallowed, set apart, wholeness To be “holy” is not moral content, but positional intent. What “holy” means I am intentionally and purposefully setting myself apart from the ways, systems, and patterns of this world and following the way of Jesus. HOLY IS THE PATH TO WHOLENESS 1)WHOLENESS BEGINS BY WAKING UP (v13-16) - Ephesians 5:13-14 2) WHOLENESS RESPECTS THE BLOOD (v17-19) 1 John 1:7 3)WHOLENESS CONNECTS TO GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN (v20-21) Matthew 13:35 - Matthew 25:34 John 17:24 Romans 8:19-22 - Ephesians 1:4-5 Revelation 13:8 Revelation 17:8 4)WHOLENESS PURIFIES THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE RULE OF LOVE (v22) Matthew 22:37-40 5)WHOLENESS BIRTHS US INTO THE ENDURING WORD (v23-25) John 3:3

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – March 1, 2026 “What a Great Salvation!” - 1 Peter 1:1-12 BY HIS GRACE, WE ARE AT PEACE (v1-2) “God’s elect”? – The “elect” is the church worldwide “foreknowledge”? – God “chose” to rescue humanity - Ephesians 1:4-6 “sprinkled with his blood” – Exodus 24:8 “Grace and peace” – Paul uses same greeting BY HIS RESURRECTION, WE INHERIT SALVATION(v3-5) “great mercy” – Psalm 25:6 “new birth” – John 3:3 “living hope” – Romans 5:5 “inheritance” – Colossians 3:23-24 “shielded by God’s power” – Psalm 7:10 BY TRIAL, WE ARE REFINED(v6-7) “grief” and “trials” - James 1:2-3 Trials are our refining fire - 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 BY FAITH, WE ARE SAVED(v8-9) “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” – do you know this joy? - John 15:11,16:24, Acts 13:52, Phil. 2:1-2 BY THE SPIRIT, THE WORD COMES TO LIFE(v10-12) The prophets had “the Spirit of Christ” - Romans 8:9 The OT prophets were serving US! “preached to you by the Holy Spirit” – Romans 10:8-10

Peter is one of the most well-known figures of the New Testament. Leader to the core, his passionate impulses led to both his best and worst moments. Jesus groomed him so he'd be ready to lead the church at Pentecost. His personality traits are not uncommon to all leaders. What's important is that we submit to Christ's rebukes and guidance so we can lead more effectively.

"Love must be sincere." If it's not, is it truly love? Renewal is a desire that we all have. We want to change where change is needed. We want to reclaim the good we have lost or wandered away from. We want to recover and discover how best to live in this world. How to spread hope and to live at peace with others. None of this can happen without "sincere love".

The Magi from the east who came with gifts for the Christ child are mysterious as to their origin and purpose. Apparently, these learned "wise men" from a distant land discerned from the stars what the religious leaders in Jerusalem had no clue about. The long-awaited Messiah has finally come, and they were so moved by this news that they invested no small amount of time and expense to worship the Son of God. The treasures that we cherish should also be laid at the feet of Jesus. Come, let us adore Him!

God could have chosen any person or persons on the planet to announce the coming of Christ into our world. He didn't choose the rich, the powerful, the advantaged, or the best educated. He chose humble shepherds. That night began as just like any another night; outside with the sheep doing what had done for countless generations. By morning, the lives of these shepherds would never be the same; and nor would the lives of all humanity.....

The mother of Jesus didn’t ask for or seek out this incredible blessing. She was chosen by God for this, and she willingly submitted to His will. This surely upended whatever plans and dreams she had for her own life. It also had to be a great burden as she tried to explain her pregnancy to her own family and friends. (even Jospeh didn’t believe her, at first) The call of God in our lives is always good, but it’s never easy. We will always get some level of rejection or trial for carrying Christ within us.

The vision of the judgement seat of God taught by Jesus in Matthew 25 reveals the need of acting upon what we claim to believe in. Faith that fails to transcend from thought to action is not faith at all. But when both are present, we can experience "life", eternal life. Eternity is both now and forever.

Our tech-obsessed world wants everything as quickly and as easily as possible. Make it more convenient and it will sell. But there are no short-cuts to what matters most. The narrow path is the way to life - true life, the best life. That path always includes risk, sacrifice, and time. Convenience itself isn't wrong, but the way to life is not convenient.

Information is more available than ever before. But what do we do with it? What is it doing to us? How do we discern what is good and what is true? Let's look to the scriptures and learn from the measureless God how best to discern our way through endless information.

Distractions surround and attack us daily. Multiple forms of media thrust in our faces and glued to our fingertips. Jesus warned us about a soil condition of the heart where thorns choke out what God is trying to grow through us. His desire is that we thrive like the tree by the water in Psalm 1.

This sermon is a chapter from my upcoming book about fear. How we interpret and explain the mysterious apocalyptic books and chapters of the Bible matters. It especially matters when fear-filled predictions about the return of Christ are thrust upon the masses. Fear and love are opposites. Jesus came to us to demonstrate the greatness and power of love over fear. Do we hear about God's love from the fear-filled "end times" prophetic industry? Let's get focused on being His witnesses, not just standing there with our eyes on the sky.

"Love must be sincere" This vital directive can be easily missed among the multitude of good, sound, practical advice found in the 12th chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Rome. But a case could be made that those 4 words are central to all else that is written in these 21 verses. Romans 12 is about transformation, gifts from the Spirit, unity in the body, how we should be engaging and responding to our world, and leaving vengeance in the hands of God. Loving with sincerity is vital every one of those teachings. Church, how are we doing with that?

Just before Jesus was arrested and went to the cross, He promised His disciples that the "Advocate" (comforter, helper, counselor) would come. A big part of what the Spirit did (and still does) is to "prove the world wrong" about sin, about righteousness, and about judgement. (see John 16:8-11)

Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Notes – October 5, 2025 “Jesus: We can all find renewed life in Him” - Romans 8:1-11 “Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, through his virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death on the Cross, and glorious resurrection and ascension, graciously offers new life to all who receive him by faith.” – Evangelical Congregational Church This statement contains a story. THE story. If we believe the story, what does it mean for us? I AM WRETCHED “What a wretched man I am!” (7:24) I AM DELIVERED “Thanks be to God, who delivers through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (7:25) I AM NOT CONDEMNED “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (8:1) I AM SET FREE “set free from the law of sin and death” (8:2) I HAVE LIFE, I HAVE PEACE “the Spirit is life and peace” (8:6) I AM GOD’S CHILD “…those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (8:14) Believing the story of Jesus means to let His story become your story.

Sin separates us from God. But in what sense are we separated? Is it positional or relational? No matter how far we fall and fail, God's love follows us there, right into the depths of our brokenness. That's what a loving father does.

Walk with me through the numerous scriptures that teach the importance of "image". Creating our own does work out so well. Accepting that we bear the image of the Creator is the key to embracing your true identity.

Waiting on the Lord means trusting in Him like a lamb trusts it's shepherd. Do you trust Jesus to hold you close?

Lamentations 3:1-33 God is faithful to us, he is GREATly faithful. Beleiving that that is true is most challenging during difficult times. Jeremiah witnessed devastating loss and national tragedy. As horrific as those days were for him, somehow, he was still able to declare to God, "great is thy faithfulness".

Jesus - Our King What kind of king is Jesus? How does He lead? What's important to Him? What does he expect of His subjects? The "Sheep and the Goats" gives us a hint.......

To be set free by the truth we need to hold to the teaching of Jesus. (John 8:11-12)

Christ doesn't just gives us light or lead us to the light, He IS the Light.

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – July 13, 2025 “Jesus: Our Life” – John 1:4 Is Life Found by WHAT you KNOW or WHO you KNOW? Genesis 3:4-5 John 17:3 “eternal” 79x in the Bible 73 of them are positive “life” 223x in all of the New Testament 71 of them are in John’s books “eternal life” 43x in New Testament 23 of them are in John’s books Aiōnios -“without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be” What Jesus says about “life” in John’s gospel God’s will is that we have eternal life - John 6:40 Jesus came to give us life - John 10:10 Jesus defines “eternal life” - John 17:3 Life “in Him” brings light - John 1:4-5 Eternal life is both now and yet to come - John 3:16 & 36 This is how we know…. The Command of Christ is Love – 1 John 2:3-11

Romans 8:5-17

Even people we don't know, don't like, or see as an enemy have something to teach us about relating to God.

Of all the human relationships to attach the word "love" to (ie: "brotherly love"), why is this one so common in the scriptures?

The Good Samaritan parable can be applied to any culture or community where there is embedded hatred for the "other". Every person in need is worthy of help, and every person is capable of providing the help.

Relationality - Sisters

Relationality - Husband & Wife

The Spirit of Wisdom is in you. Listen to her.

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes “Relationality” Learning about God through human relationships April 27, 2025 Friendship Proverbs 17:17, 27:6, 27:9 David & Jonathan – 1 Samuel 18:1-4 1 Samuel 20:30-34 1 Samuel 23:15-18 Your friend, Jesus John 15:9-17

Easter Sunday Sermon - (posted late due to family emergency) Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline 4/20/25 “The Authority of the Cross” The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in the history of humanity. The annual celebration we call “Easter” was intended to emphasize the truth and importance of this historical fact. But well intended traditions have distracted us from the authority of Christ revealed to us in His teaching, in His miracles, in His death, and in His resurrection. John 10:17-18 – No one takes Christ’s life, He lays it down Matthew 21:23-27 – Jesus’s authority questioned Matt. 28:18 – ALL authority has been given to Jesus Authority over Nature Earthquakes – Matthew 27:51 & 28:2 Creation “groans” - Romans 8:18-25 Authority over Empire The Cohort in Gethsemane - John 18:2-8 Interrogation by Pilate – John 19:7-12 The Centurion at the cross – Matthew 27:54 (also Mark 15:39 & Luke 23:47) Authority over the Law The Transfiguration - Mark 9:2-13 The curtain in the Temple rips – Matthew 27:51 (also Mark 15:38, Luke 23:44) Authority to Forgive The Paralytic – Matthew 9:6 For those mocking and abusing Him – Luke 23:34 For the criminal next to Him – Luke 23:39-43 Authority over Death Dead raised to Life – Matthew 27:52-53 Preaching to “imprisoned spirits” – 1 Peter 3:19-22

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 4/13/25 Ephesians 6:10-24 - “Weapons for a Different Kind of Battle” If you want to stand strong, put on God’s armor THE BELT OF TRUTH – Surround yourself with the Truth – John 1:14 & 17, Psalm 139:7-10 THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - Doing what is right protects you from injury - Romans 3:21-22 FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE – Be prepared to bring good news to those who need it - Isaiah 52:7 & 1 Peter 3:15-16 THE SHIELD OF FAITH – Faith shields us from evil and leads us to victory - 1 John 5:3-6 THE HELMIT OF SALVATION – Salvation of the mind, right thinking - Romans 12:1-2 & Philippians 4:4-9 SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – The Spirit reveals the word of God through Christ. Jesus did not only teach the word, fulfill the word, live out the word, He is the Word! - Hebrews 4:12-13 PRAYER – The ONE weapon that absolutely everyone has access to 24/7 Pray on all occasions Pray with all kinds of prayers Pray for the Lord’s people (the church) Pray for your spiritual leaders to fearlessly reveal the mystery of the Gospel Ephesians 3:16-21

What kind of husband or wife are you? What kind of mother or father? Do you have supervisory responsibility at work? What kind of boss or manager are you? How do you handle authority in the church? In all areas where authority and submission matter, our greatest example is Jesus. He is the ultimate authority, and yet He laid it aside and submitted to the worst that humanity could afflict upon Him. What does that say to us?

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/30/25 Ephesians 5:3-20 – “One Mountain at a Time” WHAT DO WE NEED FOR THIS JOURNEY? FELLOWSHIP - Don’t go it alone - 1 John 1:5-7 THE RIGHT GUIDE - John 16:13 THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT - Ephesians 4:11-13 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17 THE RIGHT STRIDE - Walk in the steps of Love - 2 John 1:6 THE RIGHT ATTITUDE - Expect difficulty - James 1:2-4 TIMES OF REFRESHING - Acts 3:19 WHERE DOES THE LIGHT LEAD US TO? WE HAVE A MAP! Ephesians 5:8-20 Romans 8:1-17 Romans 12:1-2 1 Corinthians 13 Galatians 5:19-26 Philippians 4:4-9 Colossians 3:5-17 1 Thess. 4:3-8 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Titus 3:3-11 James 4:1-12 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 1 Peter 4:1-11 2 Peter 1:3-10 1 John 1:5-2:2 1 John 2:15-17 1 John 4:7-21

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/23/25 Series Title: “Chosen to be Included!” Today’s Title: “Speaking Truth with Love Brings Growth” Today’s Text: Ephesians 4:17-5:2 “…speaking the truth in love, we will grow…” - Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:17-19 we won’t grow if we’re not thinking right Ephesians 4:20-24 only the truth in Jesus enables us to put off the old self the truth in Jesus helps you discover your true self – Psalm 139:13-14 Ephesians 4:25-28 truth spoken without love builds up anger Ephesians 4:29-31 destructive words grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:32 kindness, compassion, and forgiveness grow community

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – March 9, 2025 Series Title: “Chosen to be Included” Today’s Title: “The Light of Love is Deep within Everyone” - Ephesians 3:14-21 INTRO: Proverbs 20:27 “YOUR INNER BEING” The Father provision, the Spirit’s power, and Son’s presence 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Out of the riches of the Father (v14) Empowered by his Spirit IN YOUR INNER BEING So the Son may dwell in your heart “inner being” Genesis 1:27 – Every human “being” is created in the image of God Psalm 63:1 – The deepest desire of our “being” is to know our creator Psalm 103:1 – True worship comes from my inmost “being” Psalm 130:5 – Truth is worth waiting for Psalm 139:13-14 – I am God’s wonderful work of art (see also Ephesians 2:10) Proverbs 20:27 – WOW! – Light lives within me! Acts 17:26-28 – Even Greek philosophers know this! Romans 7:21-23 – The desire for God is in us all (but so are other desires) “ESTABLISHED IN LOVE” God does not possess love, He is love. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Romans 8:38-39 1 John 4:8 1 John 4:16 “LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE” You can’t think your way to God, but He wants you to know He has already loved His way to you. 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. “love surpasses knowledge”!!! 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 1 Corinthians 13:2 1 Corinthians 13:8 “IMMEASURABLY MORE”! If we place limitations on love, we are placing limits on God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 3/2/25 “Go Ahead, Approach God-You Belong!” - Eph. 3:1-13 PAUL, THE PRISONER - Ephesians 3:1 Acts 21-23 - Paul’s legal battle from Jerusalem to Rome Acts 22:21-22 THE MYSTERY UNDERSTOOD? - Ephesians 3:4 THIS MYSTERY IS... - Ephesians 3:6 In the gospel …. All people can be members All people are one body All people share equally in Christ PAUL’S CALLING - Ephesians 3:9 GOD’S INTENT – Ephesians 3:10 rulers & authorities – Ephesians 6:12 heavenly realms – 1 Peter 1:10-12 FREEDOM & CONFIDENCE! – Ephesians 3:12 “freedom”! “confidence”! Luke 4:18-19 Hebrews 3:6 Romans 8:20-21 Hebrews 4:16 2 Corinthians 3:17 Hebrews 10:19 Galatians 5:1 Hebrews 10:35 Galatians 5:13 Hebrews 11:1 James 1:25 Hebrews 13:6 1 John 3:21 1 John 4:17 1 John 5:14

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 2/23/25 Series Title: “Ephesians: Chosen to be Included” Today’s Title: “Peace is a Person” Today’s Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 Key: Verse: 2:14 “Therefore…” – saved by grace, we are His workmanship (2:8-10) LEFT OUTSIDE (v11-12) – The condition of the Gentile world before Christ WELCOMED IN! (v13) – ALL are included – Romans 5:18 CHRIST “IS” OUR PEACE (v14-15) PEACE IN CHRIST FOR ALL – John 14:27 PEACE IN CHRIST IN ME – Romans 6:14 DEATH OF “INS & OUTS” THINKING (v15-16) PEACE IN CHRIST BETWEEN ALL PEOPLE GROUPS – Galatians 3:26-28 – THE RULES ARE WHAT DIVIDE US IN CHRIST, WE ALL HAVE ACCESS TO TRINITY (v17-18) IN CHRIST, I FOUND MY HOME (v19-20) IN CHRIST, WE ARE HIS DWELLING (v21-22) HOW DID CHRIST DO THIS? BY HIS BLOOD (v13) & IN HIS FLESH (v15) – 1 Cor. 15:50

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – February 2, 2025 Series Title: “Chosen to be Included” Today’s Title: “Grace is Already in Place!” Today’s Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 Key Verse: 2:6 WITHOUT CHRIST, WE’RE AS GOOD AS DEAD – 2:1-2 WE’RE ALL BAD KIDS HEADED FOR TROUBLE – 2:3 ONLY GREAT LOVE CAN CONQUER GREAT SIN – 2:4-5 Motivated by Love Rich in Mercy Saved by Grace WE’LL HANG OUT WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN! – 2:6-7 “Seated” with Christ Do you know your “place”? WHEN DID GOD GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? 2:8-9 NOT from you, by works, & no right to brag If grace is earned or bought, it’s not grace! – Rom. 11:6 You have BEEN saved – So when did this happen? Salvation is past tense Matthew 5:20 & 48 – The standard of the law is perfection John 19:28-30 – Jesus “finished” what the law could not Romans 3:21-24 – apart from the law Galatians 2:19-21 – you WERE crucified with Christ 2 Timothy 1:9-10 – before time began SO, WHAT ARE WE HERE FOR? – 2:10 Created for good – Genesis 1:31 Created to be like God - Ephesians 4:24 Created to be Fruitful - James 1:18

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 1/26/25 Series Title: “Chosen to be Included” Today’s Title: “The Enlightened Heart” Today’s Text: Ephesians 1:15-23 Key Verse: 1:18 IN CHRIST we are Blessed, Chosen, Destined, Adopted, & Included (v3-14) THE ENLIGHTENED HEART BEGINS WITH GRATITUDE FOR OTHERS (v15-16) “thank” in Bible 133x SEEKS THE WISDOM & REVELATION OF CHRIST (v17) Proverbs 2:1:20-23 SEES, HEARS, & KNOWS HOPE (v18) VALUES OTHERS (v18) IS STRONG (v19) THE ENLIGHTENED HEART IS STRONG! STRONG ENOUGH TO CONQUER DEATH (v19-20) Philippians 3:10-11 STRONG ENOUGH TO SIT WITH GOD (v20) Ephesians 2:6 STRONGER THAN ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES (v21) STRONGER THAN ANY NAME YOU CAN NAME (v21) Philippians 2:9-11 STRONGER THAN ANY ERA (v21) STRONG ENOUGH TO BE FILLED BY CHRIST WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED (v22-23)

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – January 19, 2025 Series Title: “Ephesians; Chosen to be Included” Today’s Title: “Blessed, Chosen, Destined, Adopted, & Included” Today’s Text: Ephesians 1:1-14 I BELONG! Because, IN CHRIST…. I am blessed in the heavenly realms (v3) – Ephesians 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12 I am already chosen! (v4) – Colossians 3:12 I am holy (v4) – Matthew 5:48 I am blameless (v4) – Colossians 1:22 I am loved (v5) – Romans 8:38-39 I am predestined for adoption (v5) – Romans 8:15 I am a recipient of His grace (v6) – John 1:14 I am redeemed (v7) – Galatians 3:13-14 I am forgiven (v7) – 1 John 1:5-7 I am lavished with grace (v8) – Romans 5:20-21 I am in the know about the will of God (v8-10) – Romans 12:1-2 God’s good pleasure The purpose of Christ The fulfillment of time The unity of heaven & earth under Christ I am chosen (v11) – 1 Peter 2:9 I am predestined within God’s plan (v11) – Romans 8:28 I am the praise of his glory (v12) – Philippians 1:9-11 I am included (v13) – Romans 11:11-12 I am saved (v13) – 1 Peter 1:8-9 I am marked & sealed by the Holy Spirit (v13) – Ephesians 4:30 I am guaranteed an inheritance (v14) – Colossians 1:9-12 I am God’s possession (v14) – 1 Peter 2:9 I am part of His glory (v14) - Philippians 1:9-11

The Apostle Paul arrived in Ephesus at a very key time for this vast city. The result was a church that possessed the spiritual depth and humility to receive the very deep teachings found in Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. Every church can learn from the elements in place that made this church strong. (Main text: Acts 19)

Time is a beautiful burden. We spend our lives grappling with the extremes of war & peace, love & hate, mourning & dancing, and so on. The key to discovering a balanced life is a healthy fear of God and a humble attitude about who we are, and who we are not. Life is a fragile gift from God. Live this moment well.

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline December 22, 2024 “The Incarnation: Viewed from Heaven”– Rev. 12 CONTEXT OF THE REVELATION - Revelation 4:1-2 John’s vision of heaven & earth from the throne of heaven. HEAVEN IS TIMELESS IMMEDIATE CONTEXT - Revelation 11:15 & 19 THE MESSIAH’S REIGN, THE NEW TEMPLE, THE NEW COVENANT - When and how did all that happen? A GREAT SIGN IN HEAVEN (Rev. 12:1-9) A “Woman” A Male Child A Dragon (Satan) A War NOW HAVE COME…. (Rev. 12:10) Salvation – Acts 4:12 Power – Ephesians 1:18-23 Authority – Colossians 2:9-10 OF HIS MESSIAH THE “ACCUSER” HAS BEEN HURLED DOWN!! (Rev. 12:10-12) NO LONGER CONDEMNED ! - Romans 8:1 CHARGES DISMISSED! - Romans 8:33-34 CONFIDENT BEFORE GOD! - Ephesians 3:10-12 NOW HAS COME! – 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

The eternal God is Father, Son, and Spirit. They have forever been in loving relationship with each other and have welcomed us into that union through Jesus Christ. Through love, He became one of us so we can be forever connected to the triune God. This is deep stuff. This is good stuff. This is the best stuff ever!

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – 12/8/24 “The Incarnation: The View from the Earth” – Luke 1:46-55 Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, & Simeon WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON? THEY STRUGGLE THEY WAIT THEY HOPE WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR? MARY - Waiting to know that God sees her struggle. - Luke 1:46-55 ZECHARIAH - Waiting for salvation to come for his people - Luke 1:67-79 SHEPHERDS - Waiting to be favored - Luke 2:14 SIMEON - Waiting for salvation for all - Luke 2:29-32 THE WAIT IS OVER! God sees our struggles God has brought salvation for all who “struggle with God” God favors the oppressed God has provided salvation for all people Christ Himself is our Peace – Ephesians 2:14-18

James 5:7-12