Woodland Presbyterian Church Memphis

ANCIENT GRACE: The Promised Hope

Rev. Matt Miller (Daniel 7:13-14) When we think of Daniel we often remember the lion’s den. But within this narrative are some important prophecies including today’s passage which reminds God’s people that Jesus is our peace. Take a listen for the ‘rest of the story’. 

ANCIENT GRACE: The Promised Peace

Rev. Matt Miller (Micah 5:1-7) In a world of broken promises, God never fails. The season of Advent is a reminder that God fulfilled his promises to rescue a wayward people and bring them peace through his son, born in a tiny, forgotten town. Pastor Matt reminds us that the promise of peace is fulfilled in beautiful ways through Jesus.

ANCIENT GRACE: Esther-Hope in Trial

Rev. Matt and Brandy Miller (Esther 4:14) This week Pastor Matt and his wife Brandy reflect on the story of Esther. After God's chosen have been scattered all over following their period of exile, one woman is called upon to save her people. She is young and beautiful but taken from her family to be part of the king’s harem. A plot unfolds to kill all the Jews and Esther must consider how she will respond. From this text we learn again that God is always working behind the scenes to establish his people.

 

ANCIENT GRACE: What's in a Name?

Rev. Matt Miller (2 Kings 11:1-3) Most of us don’t remember the story of Jehosheba from the Bible and we certainly don’t know anyone with that name. But her courage in saving the last son of King David was a heroic act that kept God’s promise alive. Her cleverness, courage and commitment remind us that anyone can be used by God and the he always fulfills his promises. 

ANCIENT GRACE: Poured Out, Hannah’s Story

Rev. Matt Miller (1 Samuel 1:1-20) In a time when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes, Hannah and her family faithfully participated in worship. Despite her trust in God, her life was challenging. The text tells us the that the Lord had closed her womb, meaning she was without children. This reality brought her shame and what compounded her pain was that her husband’s other wife constantly ridiculed her. But Hannah was undeterred. She demonstrates a woman who pours out her heart to the only one who can deliver. She points us to the One who can help us in our own pain and struggle.

ANCIENT GRACE: Who Will You Love?

Russell Jung (Ruth 1:6-18) We face tough circumstances in life such as the death of a spouse, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, how to care for dependent family members, etc., which require tough decisions and make us question God’s pressence. In this sermon we are reminded that God is with us in every circumstance and choosing to honor God, especially in tough circumstances, is the right choice.

ANCIENT GRACE/Stewardship: Celebrating Generosity

Rev. Matt Miller (1 Chronicles 29:9-20) The people of God celebrated when they gave because they knew all they had had come from the Lord. God calls us to joyfully offer to the Lord some of what he has so graciously given to us. 

 

 

ANCIENT GRACE/Stewardship: His Tithes...

Rev. Matt Miller (Malachi 3:6-12) The prophet Malachi reminds us of our call to give all of what we have to the Lord. In this message, Pastor Matt considers the call to tithe and how each of us are to be part of what God is doing to accomplish his purposes.

ANCIENT GRACE/Women of Faith: Deborah

Rev. Matt Miller (Judges 4: 1-5) God’s story of grace cannot be told without highlighting many women who serve God and others throughout history. In spite of those doing what was right in their own eyes, Deborah’s example points us to another and more righteous judge, Jesus. 

ANCIENT GRACE: The Journey of a Lifetime

Rev. Matt Miller (Joshua 1:1-9) Pastor Matt revisits his first sermon at Woodland Presbyterian from 10 years ago on the occasion of a 10th anniversary celebration. Joshua has been called to lead the people of God into the Promised Land. God is calling us as his people to go as well, into faith, into hope and into the world.