Can You Please Remind Me?

As we close out our reflections on the series An Invitation to Hope in the Face of a Time of Despair, here are a few thoughts from the sermons we’ve heard.

[If you would like to hear these sermons in their entirety, please view “BronxBethany Church of the Nazarene” on livestream.com, where these archived services can be viewed for a limited time.]

August 3, 2014 (Part One):

v  Our God is incomparable. Though we live in a pluralistic society, there is no one and nothing that can be compared with God.

v  As Christians, we operate on the premise that God is in complete control.

v  We serve God, who has no match or rival in His ability to redeem.

August 10, 2014 (Part Two):

v  When covenant people ignore the covenant, there are consequences.

v  The God of judgement is also the God of salvation.

v  The word of the LORD gives us a hope and a future in the face of despair.

August 17, 2014 (Part Three):

v  God is distinguished by His creative power (ex-nihilo- He made everything out of nothing).

v  God is omnicompetent: nothing is impossible for Him.

v  God’s strategy is that we look not at our circumstances, but at Him.

August 24, 2014 (Part Four):

v  The name of God, “I Am” (Exodus 3:14-15, Revelation 1:8), reveals His permanent existence.

v  There is no problem that is too great for God to bear or address.

v  We, like Paul (Second Corinthians 12:8-9), can be strengthened by God even when our situation does not change.

Lord, our God, how great You are! Though our circumstances seek to derail us, we choose to look to You. We worship You in spirit and in truth. Inhabit our praise; speak to our hearts; reveal Your sovereignty and love to us. Thank You for keeping us anchored in You. In the face of despair, You have given us grace and power to live in hope! Thank You Lord.

All Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

"I Am"... With You.

The name by which God revealed Himself is not a common name like the names of men; rather, it is an indicator of His permanent, eternal existence: “I Am.”

Pastor Sam noted that the character of God is conveyed in this name. The apostle John records the words of our Lord in Revelation 1:8:  “'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'”

We should never feel as if God has abandoned us. God is forever present, and God is all-powerful, and God transcends time. We can be assured that He is always with us, even in the moments where our circumstances are dire.

Lord God, You are the Everlasting God. Cause us to remain conscious of Your eternal Self-existence. Cause us to recognize that You are always present.

Are you in a dire situation? Take heart. God is present! He knows, He cares, and He will be with you. Rest in Him today.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you... The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31, verses 6 and 8)

All Scripture verses taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.