God's Greatness: Children uniquely understand God, urging us to reflect on our own early beliefs. Isaiah 40 highlights God's greatness through His power and tenderness, inspiring humility and deeper understanding of His nature.
Children are unique in their understanding of God. The speaker reflects on his son Carl, who was quiet as a child but considered deep questions about God. This encourages us to think about our own early ideas of God. The discussion highlights God’s greatness, as described by theologians, including His power, knowledge, and presence. Although many big theological concepts exist, they only begin to explain God's true nature. The speaker emphasizes Isaiah chapter 40, which portrays God's greatness beautifully. Through this chapter, we learn that God is not just powerful but also tender, showing that He deeply cares for us. This duality of authority and compassion helps us comprehend the greatness of God. Through praising God’s magnificence and recognizing our limitations, we cultivate humility and deepen our understanding of His nature. Ultimately, the call is to ask ourselves, 'How great is our God?'
God's Comfort: Isaiah 40 highlights God’s power and gentleness, showing Him as a comforting presence who smooths our journey through life’s challenges. Both the prophecy of the Messiah and Jesus’ invitation to find rest emphasize His care for our well-being.
Isaiah chapter 40 presents a balanced view of God's character, highlighting both His immense power and His gentle tenderness. He comforts His people, encouraging them not to be overwhelmed by their troubles. God also manifests His gentleness by smoothing out life's difficulties, raising valleys and lowering mountains, making our journey through challenges easier. This theme continues with the message of Jesus, who invites us to find rest and support in Him. Through prophecy, Isaiah points towards the coming Messiah, offering hope and assurance amidst judgment. Ultimately, God desires to comfort and assist us in our struggles, reflecting His deep love and care for humanity.
God's Gentle Nature: God reveals His nature as a gentle shepherd who nurtures and rewards us. Instead of seeking unhealthy escapes during hard times, we can embrace His good news, turning towards Him for comfort and guidance.
God's nature is one of gentleness, care, and compassion. When times are tough, instead of turning to harmful behaviors, we can seek comfort and guidance from Him. He brings good news and wants to reward us positively for embracing His message. God is a shepherd who nurtures and leads us, mirroring the love of Jesus. Rather than viewing God as a distant judge waiting for us to fail, we should recognize Him as a loving figure who desires our repentance and eternal life. Ultimately, our understanding of God should be rooted in His supportive and tender nature, emphasizing His desire for us to flourish through His guidance and care.
God’s Nature: God seeks to reconcile with humanity, showing both tenderness and transcendency. He is infinite and omnipresent, caring for us while controlling all creation, assuring us of His presence and promise of support.
God shows a deep desire for a relationship with humanity, seeking to reconcile after our choices led to separation. While there are consequences for turning away from Him, God’s character is profoundly tender and caring. Additionally, He is transcendent, existing beyond the limits of time and space, controlling all creation effortlessly. Isaiah highlights God’s infinite presence, showing that no part of the universe is beyond His reach. Understanding that God holds the vastness of creation in His hand helps us appreciate His greatness, reminding us of His continual support and oversight in our lives. This dual nature of tenderness and transcendence brings comfort and hope, reinforcing the idea that God is always with us, caring for us, and ultimately longs for our return to Him.
God's Infinite Power: God's infinite presence and knowledge assure us that He understands our lives completely. We can trust His power over all challenges, offering us comfort and confidence to face any situation, as He guides us in fulfilling His mission.
God's infinite presence and knowledge provide comfort and strength in our lives. He knows everything about us, including our successes and failures. No matter what challenges we face, whether it’s global issues or personal struggles, we can trust in God's greater power and wisdom. This understanding helps us lean on Him during tough times. Knowing that God is more powerful than any earthly power, we can live free from fear about our circumstances. If we are dedicated to fulfilling His mission, we can move forward confidently, reassured that He knows our way, gives us support, and has a plan that transcends our understanding. So, in every situation, we can take heart, knowing that God is with us and in control.
God's Greatness: God's love and strength provide comfort and support, especially when we feel weak or overwhelmed. We can trust in His unwavering presence as we navigate life's challenges and recognize that our efforts alone aren’t sufficient without His help.
In our lives, especially in challenging times, we often feel weak and overwhelmed. However, it’s important to remember that God is always there for us, providing strength and support. Just as powerful animals can tire, and record-breaking humans must rest, God’s power never fades. His greatness is not just in His strength but also in His loving presence, which comforts us in our struggles. When we reach our limits, we can trust that God will take care of us and help us grow. As we reflect on God’s qualities, we can find peace in knowing that His love and support never leave us. This assurance reminds us that our efforts alone aren’t enough, but with faith in God, we can achieve great things. We can rely on His limitless strength and wisdom throughout our lives, guiding us in times of need.
God's Strength: God is tireless, offers us strength, and values us immensely. We should turn to Him, submit in faith, and recognize our worth through His love as we face life's challenges.
Life can feel overwhelming and tiring, but we are reminded that God is always present and never weary. He is not distracted and offers us strength when we feel weak. Our worth in His eyes is immense, shown through His love and sacrifice. God wants us to turn to Him, repent, and follow His ways, finding renewal and purpose in submission to His will. By trusting in His omnipotence, we can face challenges confidently, just as heroes of faith like David and Gideon did. God fights for us, and we need to choose to be on His side, embracing His promises and support.
Divine Submission: Submission to God means following Him as our Lord. In times of trouble, He invites us to seek His comfort and rest, reassuring us that He is always there to help us through our burdens and difficulties.
Submission to God is about continuing our journey with Him, recognizing Him as our Lord and ourselves as His faithful servants. Life's challenges can be daunting, but when we stumble, He invites us to return to Him for comfort and rest. God sees our struggles and patiently awaits our call for help. If you feel weighed down by your burdens, don't hesitate to reach out to Him for support. His invitation for us to draw closer stands firm, encouraging us to take that step towards Him, especially during tough times. Remember that turning back to the divine is a source of strength and peace. He is always ready to embrace us with open arms, offering solace and understanding. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by life's pressures, just know that God is ready to help you through your troubles whenever you seek Him. It's a call to trust and submit to His guidance.
"How great is our God" by Neal Pollard
Recent Episodes from Lehman Ave Church of Christ
"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" by Neal Pollard
September 15, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Neal Pollard
Turning on the furnace - more heat, but opening a window - more light.
Hot Button Issues:
- Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage
- The necessity of baptism
- Role of women in the church
- Abortion
- Homosexuality
- Transgenderism
In 2 Timothy 2:24-36, the "servant of the Lord" is one who is sharing the gospel.
The Servant of the Lord:
1. Must have the right mindset. Be positive in your approach to others.
A. Don't be quarrelsome, intensive, or bitter. Some things in life are left to our judgment/conscience. For example: Proverbs 22:6 states to "bring up a child in the way that they should go" but doesn't tell specifically how to do this. Another example is 1 Timothy 2:9-10 on modest; also not specific and left to judgment. And politics.
B. Be kind to all. God loves all people. Acts 10:34-35, James 2:1-5. Look at everyone the same. We are all image-bearers of God.
2. Must have the right message (24). Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23.
A. Be able to teach the right message. Our message must be the truth.
B. Our message must help people come to their senses. Urge a message of repentance. 2 Timothy 2:24-36 and Ephesians 4:17. Speak God's message in love.
C. The message should lead one to know the truth.
3. Must have the right method.
A. It requires patience (24). Matthew 5:39.
B. It requires gentle correction (25)
1. Watch your tone!
2. Excess (not always preaching/teaching the same topic, but round out to other topics).
3. Assumption. Don't assume what someone else things/knows.
4. Choice. Keep the important things first.
5. Heart. Watch your own heart. For example, the Pharisees did not watch their own heart in the pursuit of righteousness. Galatians 6:1. Be gentle.
4. Must have the right motives. Our motive is to help people go to heaven. Philippians 1:15-17and 4:2.
Duration 33:59
"Why Did My Savior Come to Earth?" by Hiram Kemp
September 15, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
Why Did My Savior Come to Earth?
Introduction: 1. There are many ____________ about why ____________ came to __________. 2. The Old ________________ told us he was _____________, but few can properly put together the ______________ why he ____________. 3. Every ____________ wants to __________ Jesus to be the ____________ of their ___________ and _____________ their _____________. 4. The gospels give several ____________ statements as to why _____________ came to ______________. I. ____________ the ___________ (Mark 1:38) II. ____________ & __________ the ___________ (Luke 19:10) III. ____________ Sinners to ______________ (Luke 5:31-32) IV. __________ the ____________ Life (John 10:10) V. ___________ & _____________ (Matthew 20:26-28) VI. ____________ Witness to the _________ (John 18:37) VII. Do __________ Will (John 6:38) Conclusion: 1. We sing the song about why _________ came, but the _________ help us to __________ the ____________. 2. Jesus came to _________ on _________ for a __________.
Duration 37:01
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 3
September 15, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 43:39
"We are Part of a Family" by Neal Pollard
September 8, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
We are Part of a Family
- That has been born again. - Matt. 1:21
- into a special family of God.
- This is a spiritual family, not physical - Titus 3:5; Acts 2:38
- Whose love knows no end. - 1 Peter 1:18-25; 2:1-2
- We have a sincere love for one another.
- That is on its way home. - Heb. 10:32-34.
- The early Christians were suffering for the cause of Christ, but they would ultimately be rewarded. - Heb. 6:19
- God's family - the most important family of all! - Heb. 2:9-11; 13:1
Duration 29:04
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 2
September 8, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 42:34
"How great is our God" by Neal Pollard
September 8, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
"How Great is our God" (Isaiah40) (Psalms 95:3) Neal Pollard
- He is tender (1-11). God is gentle. His glory is visible to all. His word endures forever.
- He comforts (1). God is concerned with his people. - Isiah 40:3; Luke 3:4-6; Matt. 11:28-30.
- He smoothes (4). God can make our way easier. God wants to smooth our path.
- He gives good news (9), through his people.
- He rewards (10). God wants to reward us positively. - 2 Peter 3:9, Matt. 16:27, Rev. 20:12
- What is my view of God? - Gen. 3:8-10, 15.
- He shepherds. God carries, leads, nurtures, and tends us. - John 10:11
- His infinite presence. He is transcendent - (12-27). God exists outside of the realm of time. God has no beginning and no end. God is not bound by time.
- God has infinite presence. His is everywhere, all at once. Omnipresent. There is no place where God is excluded.
- God has an infinite knowledge. Deut 29:29; Matt. 6:8; John 2:25; Luke 16:15; John 6:64.
- God has infinite power - Isaiah 40:15-27; Matt. 10:28
- He is tireless - (28-31). He is never weary, never grows tired. This means that God is always there, waiting for us. God gives strength to the weary. v31 - While we grow weak, God never does. - Matt. 16:26; Eph. 3:20
Duration 33:10
"The Path to Prosperity" by Hiram Kemp
September 1, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
The Path to Prosperity (2 Chronicles 26:5) Hiram Kemp
- Seek the Lord wholeheartedly - (2 Chr. 26:4-5)
- Receive God's Help - (2 Chr. 26:6-7)
- Emotional Healing (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 42:8)
- Personal Growth (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23)
- Relationships (Psalm 111:10; James 1:5)
- Health and Wellness (1 Timothy 4:8)
- Decisions and Growth (Psalm 143:8)
- Find your passion & Flourish (2 Chr. 26:8-10)
- Invest in Others (2 Chr. 26:11-15)
- Humbly accept correction (2 Chr. 26:16-20)
Duration 36:15
"Church Discipline: A Biblical Portrait of Discipline and Our Responsibility" by Hiram Kemp and Neal Pollard
September 1, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
A Biblical Portrait of Discipline Hiram Kemp I. The ________________ for _______________ (1 Cor. 5:4-5; 2 Thess. 3:6) II. Tough ______________ in _______________ (Hebrews 12:5-6; Rev. 3:19) III. The ________________ to _______________ (2 Tim. 1:7, 2:3-7) IV. The ________________ to _______________ (Hebrews 12:7-11)
Our Responsibility In Church Discipline Neal Pollard I. _____________Them And _____________Them II. Cease Christian _____________________ III. Don’t Regard Them As __________, But _________ Them As ____________ IV. Be Ready To _____________ If The ________________ A. ___________ The Person And __________ The Past, If They ____________ B. ________ Them And ________ Your ________ For Them, If They _________ Conclusion: A. Many Have Insufficient _________ For The __________ As God’s _________
Duration 43:27
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 1
September 1, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class
Daniel: Sovereignty of God
Key Verses: 1:8; 2:20-22; 2:44; 2:47; 4:25
Key Chapter: 2 - God reveals Neb. dream to Daniel. Also 9, the vision of the 70 weeks.
Theme of the book: God rules in the kingdoms of men - 4:25
Daniel (God is my judge) wrote this book near the close of his life in 533BC. One of the first group of captives led away in 606BC when he was 18 years old. Daniel displays unswerving loyalty to God in the early chapter of the book. No blemish ins found in his character. Ezekiel speaks of him as "greatly beloved" (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Is Daniel found in Hebrews 11?
Daniel is a book contrasting godless kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, see chapter 2 and 7 where they appear as the image (2) and as 4 vicious beasts (7).
Daniel's prayer - 9:1-19
We are introduced to the 4 great world powers that would lead to the coming Messiah.
- Babylonian - 625-536 BC
- Medo-Persian - 536-330 BC
- Greek - Under Alexander the Great
- Roman
New teachings in Daniel no found in other prophetic books:
- Angels - 3:25; 6:22; 9:21; 10:5; 12:1
- Resurrection of the dead - 12:1-4
Lessons from Daniel:
- His character
- spiritual courage
- miracles
- never ending kingdom
- inspiration
Boanthropy - chapter 4
Duration 33:24
"Things We Must Not Forget" by Hiram Kemp
August 25, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
Things We Must Not Forget - Hiram Kemp
- The Goodness of God - (Deut. 6:12, 8:11-19)
- How to never forget his goodness
- Remember his marvelous works - (Psa. 105:5)
- Tell others of his goodness - (Psa. 107:2, Isa. 63:7)
- Know promises to bless are as true as promises to curse - (Jer. 32:42)
- Give God the credit he is due - (2 Cor. 9:15)
- Observe the Lord's Supper sincerely - (1 Cor. 11:26-29)
- Stand in awe not in entitlement - (2 Sam. 7:18)
- The Word of God - (James 1:25)
- Showing Hospitality - (Hebrews 13:2)
- Those Who Have Helped You - (Genesis 40:23, 41:9)
- Warnings About False Teachers - (Acts 20:29-31)
- The Gospel - (1 Timothy 2:8)
- Life Without Christ - (Ephesians 2:11-13)
- How to never forget his goodness
Duration 42:31