Steven Miller

 "Faith That Lives, Faith That Works" A Teaching on James 2:14–26 Introduction James confronts one of the most misunderstood tensions in Scripture: the relationship between faith and works. At first glance, his words seem severe: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14) James is not attacking faith. He is attacking empty profession — faith that is claimed but never demonstrated. The Problem: A Faith That Talks but Does Nothing James begins with a practical scenario: “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15–16) Words without action are useless. Compassion that never moves the hands is counterfeit compassion. “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17) Dea...

  Living the Higher Righteousness Matthew 5:33–48 (NKJV)   In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly contrasts what His listeners had heard with what He now declares. He is not abolishing the Law, but revealing its true depth. In Matthew 5:33–48, Christ calls His followers beyond outward compliance into inward transformation — a righteousness that reflects the very character of God. This passage confronts three deeply rooted human instincts: • The instinct to manipulate truth • The instinct to defend self through retaliation • The instinct to love selectively Jesus addresses each with kingdom clarity. Truth Without Performance (5:33–37) “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (v. 37) In ancient culture, elaborate oaths were used to reinforce credibility. Over time, however, oaths became tools of evasion. People learned how to swear technically without being morally bound. Jesus cuts thro...

  A Solemn Warning and a Call to Perseverance Teaching on Hebrews 10:26–39 (NKJV) Introduction Hebrews 10:26–39 stands as one of the most sobering passages in the New Testament. It contains both a severe warning and a deeply encouraging promise. The writer speaks directly to those who have heard the gospel, tasted its truth, and now face the temptation to turn away under pressure, suffering, or discouragement. This passage does not exist to terrify sincere believers, but to awaken drifting ones. It is both a guardrail and a lifeline. The Passage (Hebrews 10:26–31, NKJV) “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has tra...

  Living in the Open Presence of God A Teaching on Hebrews 10:19–25 (NKJV)   Introduction The book of Hebrews stands as one of the most theologically rich writings in the New Testament. It bridges the Old Covenant with the New, revealing how everything God established through the law, priesthood, sacrifices, and temple ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:19–25 serves as a turning point — moving from doctrine to daily living. It is where deep theology becomes practical faith. This passage answers a vital question: How should believers live in light of Christ’s finished work? The Foundation: Bold Access Through Christ “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God…” (Hebrews 10:19–21) The word therefore is crucial. It signals that what follows is built upon everything previously est...

  The Sin Beneath the Surface,  Reflection on Matthew 5:27–32   In Matthew 5:27–32, Jesus dismantles one of humanity’s most persistent illusions: the belief that sin is defined only by visible behavior. While the law declared, “You shall not commit adultery,” Jesus penetrates deeper into the unseen realm of desire. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27–28) With these words, Jesus shifts the battleground of righteousness from the body to the heart. He reveals that sin is not merely an event; it is a condition. Adultery is not born in a moment of passion but in patterns of thought. The act is simply the visible manifestation of an internal reality that has long been forming. This teaching unsettles us because it removes our most common defense: “I didn’t actually do anything.” Jesus refuses...

 Why was the Apocrypha removed from Bible? The short answer is: the Apocrypha was not “removed” from all Bibles , but its status differs between Christian traditions. What happened is more about canon recognition than deletion. Here’s the historical picture: 1. The Jewish Background (Before Christianity) By the time of Jesus: The Jewish Scriptures (what Christians call the Old Testament) were largely aligned with the Hebrew canon . Several other religious writings existed (Tobit, Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, etc.). Many of these were included in the Septuagint (LXX) — the Greek translation of Jewish Scriptures widely used in the ancient world. Key point: 👉 Greek-speaking Jews often read these books. 👉 Hebrew-speaking Jewish leaders generally did not treat them as Scripture. 2. The Early Church’s Use Early Christians: Frequently used the Septuagint . Quoted from it extensively. Inherited its broader collection of books. Because of this: 👉 Ma...

  No One Looking Back A Teaching on Luke 9:57–62 Introduction Luke 9:57–62 stands as one of the most searching passages in the Gospels. These are not soft words. They are clarifying words. Jesus is not discouraging followers — He is defining discipleship. At this moment in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has set His face toward Jerusalem. The cross is ahead. The tone of His teaching reflects the gravity of that journey. Discipleship is now viewed through the lens of surrender, sacrifice, and finality. Three Would-Be Followers 1. The Comfort-Seeking Follower “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” The declaration sounds bold, even heroic. Yet Jesus immediately dismantles any illusion of comfort-driven faith: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Following Christ is not a promise of ease. It is surrender to the will of God regardless of personal comfort. The question beneath the text becomes unavoidable: Are we followin...