Holy Encounter: Approaching God, like meeting the most important person, requires reverence, preparation, and openness. Moses’ encounter with the burning bush reminds us of God's holiness and transforms our perspective on life and service.
Preparing for an important meeting, whether with a CEO or the God of heaven, involves more than just speaking. It's essential to research, find common ground, and maintain a confident posture. Encounters with God often leave us speechless, showing us His holiness and majesty, reminding us to approach with reverence. Like Moses at the burning bush, we must pause, turn, and acknowledge God's presence, allowing it to transform our lives. God reveals Himself as holy, teaching us about His nature and our relationship with Him. Rather than worrying about what to say, we should be open to what God wants to communicate with us, leading to a renewed conviction and desire to serve Him faithfully. Embracing this holy encounter can significantly impact our lives and deepen our relationship with the divine.
Holiness Required: To serve God, we must first accept His invitation to come as we are, then strive to cleanse ourselves and live holy lives, reflecting His purity and presence.
God is referred to as a holy and consuming fire, which is shown through the burning bush that doesn’t burn up. When Moses approaches, he is instructed to take off his sandals because he is in the presence of a holy God. God desires everyone to come to Him as they are, but emphasizes the importance of cleansing oneself to maintain holiness. Just as employees must stay clean in a workplace, serving God requires a commitment to holiness and righteousness. While everyone is encouraged to seek God's presence, those who work for Him must recognize the need to be purified through faith and continual growth in holiness, starting with belief in Jesus. This sets the stage for significant acts, like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, reminding us to treat God’s presence with reverence and care.
God's constancy: God’s unchanging nature assures us that we can trust Him through life's changes, as He fulfills His promises and offers mercy and strength.
God introduces Himself to Moses as the unchanging God of his ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This indicates that He remains dependable and constant throughout time. Regardless of life's turbulence, we can rely on His promises and mercy, as He relentlessly pursues us. Just as we trust that some things remain steady, like the Snickers candy bar, we can trust that God is the same today as He was long ago. His nature assures us that we can approach Him in prayer and find comfort, knowing He fulfills His promises and provides strength during hardships. In a world full of change, the consistent character of God allows us to have hope and confidence that He is always present and will never abandon us, guiding us through every challenge we face.
God's Everlasting Care: God is everlasting and always attentive to our needs. Even in silence, He hears our prayers and is working for our good. Trust that His timing is perfect as He cares deeply about our struggles and will act when the moment is right.
God is portrayed as an everlasting, observant, and attentive figure who cares deeply for humanity. He has always known us, seen our struggles, and listened to our cries for help. Even in times of silence, God is actively aware and working on our behalf. Just as He watched over the Israelites in bondage for centuries, He continues to be present and is invested in our lives. Our prayers are never ignored; God hears us from the very first moment we call out. Moses learned this profound truth at the burning bush, where God reassured him of His everlasting nature and readiness to deliver His people. Trusting God means understanding that His timing is perfect and His actions are intentional, even when we cannot see Him working. We should never interpret divine silence as absence but rather trust in His constant awareness and care for our situations.
God's Deliverance: God's presence is essential for deliverance and success. Trusting Him ensures we can face any challenge with confidence. Remembering His past interventions builds our faith for the future.
God is a deliverer, always present to rescue His people from their struggles. As seen in the stories of Moses and others in the Bible, God actively intervenes to bring us out of difficult situations. Just like He promised Moses, God's presence is crucial for success and peace. We should remember that it's not our strengths or numbers that matter but God's companionship that ensures our victory, whether against Pharaoh or life's challenges. When we feel lost, we can draw strength from knowing that God is always with us, empowering us to face opposition. Each deliverance strengthens our faith, reminding us that God is capable of saving us from sin, temptation, and hardship. Overall, believing and trusting in God's unwavering presence is key to overcoming our fears and challenges, allowing us to move forward with assurance and hope.
God's Presence: God is always with us, just as He was with Moses. His presence ensures we are never alone in our tasks, no matter how challenging they may be.
In life, we often struggle with challenges and hardships, feeling that we are alone in our struggles. However, just as God assured Moses that He would always be present with him while performing his great task, we too can find comfort in knowing that God is always beside us. God, identified as 'I Am' in Exodus, signifies an eternal presence with us, ready to support us through difficult times. This assurance highlights God's unchanging nature and His involvement in our lives, promising that we are never alone. Whether we face success or adversity, God’s presence reinforces that He is actively working alongside us. Thus, realizing that no matter the circumstances, God's support is guaranteed provides us strength and peace.
Eternal Connection: God reveals His eternal nature through the burning bush and fulfills this in Jesus, offering us salvation and a personal relationship with Him.
God reveals Himself to humanity as the eternal, true God in Exodus through the burning bush. This event marks a significant moment where Moses first encounters God, who emphasizes His desire to rescue His people. Jesus, in the New Testament, connects back to this event, claiming to be the same God, inviting us to rely on Him for salvation. Jesus embodies God’s love, willing to die for our sins and raise us to eternal life. Knowing God means understanding His commitment to us, and Jesus offers not just a connection but a personal relationship, urging us to trust and believe in Him. This call is open to everyone, allowing for new encounters with God or reintroductions for those who already know Him. Ultimately, meeting God transforms lives, leading to a deeper understanding of holiness and eternal presence with Him.
"The God of the Burning Bush" by Hiram Kemp
Lehman Ave Church of Christ
100 Episodes
Recent Episodes from Lehman Ave Church of Christ
"The Christian and Death" by Neal Pollard
October 6, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
The Christian and Death
- Paul and Death in Philippians
- Death as limits - (Romans 8)
- The first half of Romans 8 is a Study in Contrasts
- The life of Deliverance is full of blessings
- No Condemnation - (v1-4)
- The indwelling Spirit - (v5-16)
- We're children of God - (v15-21)
- Hope - (v22-25)
- Help in prayer - (v26-27)
- Providence - (v28-31)
- He spared not his on Son - (v32)
- Intercession - (v33-34)
- His love - (v35-39)
- Death is swallowed up in victory - (1 Cor. 15:54)
- Implications of Resurrection - (v29-34)
- Nature of Resurrection - (v35-49)
- Results of Resurrection - (v50-58)
- Death can't keep us from magnifying Christ - (Phil. 1:20)
- Death can be misunderstood - (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
- The death of a Christian is influential - (v12)
- The death of a Christian is informative - (v13)
- The death of a Christian is inviting - (v14-15)
- The death of a Christian is incredible - (v16-17)
- The death of a Christian is inspiring (v18)
Duration 38:45
"The Centurion at the Cross..." by Hiram Kemp
October 6, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
The Centurion at the Cross...
Mark 15:39 Introduction: 1. At the _______________ of the _____________ many things were _______________. 2. One of the ___________ present at the __________ of Jesus was the Roman ______. 3. The day Jesus was _____________ would be a day he would never ______________. I. In the ___________________ Position (Luke 23:47) II. Saw ________________ in ___________________ (Luke 23:46-47) III. Saw the _______________ of _________________ (Mark 15:29-32) IV. Saw and _____________ Us ______________ can _____________ (Matthew 27:54) V. _________________ the Cross ___________________ (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39) VI. _______________ an Unpopular _______________ (Mark 15:39) Conclusion: 1. The _____________ saw what God wants ______________ to see. 2. We need to see the ______________ and then ____________ the _______________. 3. He ________ Jesus was the ________ of God and we must _______ the __________.
Duration 38:27
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 6
October 6, 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 44:23
"Behold The Kneeling Man" by Neal Pollard
September 29, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
"Behold The Kneeling Man"
- When He Prayed
- Preparation for Preaching
- Picking the Apostles
- Performing Miracles
- Personally Trying Times
- Protection for Others
- Pattern for Others
- How He Prayed
- Deliberately
- Passionately
- Trustingly
- Frequently
- Reverently
- Who He Prayed for
- His Disciples
- His Enemies
- Himself
Duration 37:58
"The Seed That Saves the Soul" by Neal Pollard
September 29, 2024 - Sunday AM Sermon
"THE SEED THAT SAVES THE SOUL" (James. 1:18-27) Neal Pollard Introduction A. James Illustrates The ___________ As A __________ I. THIS SEE HAS IMPORTANT ____________________ A. It Is The ____________ of _________________ (18) B. It Is The _____________ (_____ Times From 18-23) C. It Is The _____________ Law Of ____________ (25) II. THIS SEED HAS SIGNIFICANT __________________ A. _____________ Poisons The ____________ (19-20) B. __________________ Chokes The ______________ C. ___________ Without ____________ Yields No ______________ D. An ____________ ______________ Tramples the Crop III. THIS SEED HAS INCREDIBLE _____________________ A. It Brings __________________ (21) B. It Brings __________________ (25) C. It Brings __________ and _______________ _____________ (27) Conclusion A. We Have Everything We Need at Our ______________________!
Duration 35:39
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 5
September 29, 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 42:35
"Daniel: Sovereignty of God" by Phil Hartnady Part 4
September 22, 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 42:20
"Learning to Pray Like Nehemiah" by Hiram Kemp
September 22, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon
Learning to Pray Like Nehemiah
- Plea to be Heard - (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
- Remember my Good - (Nehemiah 5:19, 13:14, 13:22, 13:31)
- Punishment for the Wicked - (Nehemiah 6:14, 13:39)
- Direction - (Nehemiah 2:4)
- Protection from Enemies - (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 4:9)
- Strength - (Nehemiah 6:9)
Duration 32:13
"The God of the Burning Bush" by Hiram Kemp
"The God of the Burning Bush"
Exodus 3
Introduction:
1. First __________ are important with __________, but especially with __________.
2. __________ would be known as someone who had a __________ relationship with __________.
3. Moses' __________ to __________ occurs at the __________ bush, and it is there that we learn several __________ lessons about the __________ of the __________.
I. A __________ God (Exodus 3:5).
II. __________ (Exodus 3:6).
III. __________ & __________ (Exodus 3:7, 3:9)
IV. __________ (Exodus 3:8)
V. __________ (Exodus 3:10-12).
VI. The __________ I __________ (Exodus 3:3-15).
Conclusion:
1. The God of the burning __________ is the God who __________ zealously in his __________ for us and wants us on __________ for Him.
2. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies as the __________ God who met __________ at the bush, and He laid down divine __________ so we could come __________.
Duration 34:33
"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