The God of All Comfort

The World’s Hopelessness and the Need for Comfort

• Many people, especially young individuals, feel hopeless and see no reason to live, leading to tragic events like suicide.
  • Example: A recent suicide of a freshman in the community.
• The enemy (evil forces) plays on these feelings, suggesting that ending life is the only solution.
• The world is full of darkness, and people are oppressed by evil forces.
• Divine help is necessary to combat these forces, as individuals cannot fight them alone.
• Many seek comfort in worldly things like relationships, alcohol, or drugs, which only provide temporary relief.

God as the God of All Comfort

• God is the God of all comfort, offering peace and hope that surpasses worldly solutions.
• Experiencing God’s comfort involves a transformation, where darkness is replaced by the light of Jesus Christ.
• Even in the midst of suffering and pain, believers have access to God’s comfort.
• Pastor Tommy emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the source of comfort.
• The Apostle Paul attributed all comfort to God, even amidst his own tribulations.
  • Paul’s hardships: stonings, beatings, hunger, and cold.
• Pastor Tommy shares a personal testimony of finding comfort in God at a young age.
  • At nine years old, feeling lost and scared, Pastor Tommy turned to God and found salvation and comfort.

The Nature of Comfort

• Comfort is both a noun (something received) and a verb (something actively done).
• God’s comfort empowers, encourages, strengthens, aids, and helps.
• It is not just a passive experience but an active working of God in one’s life.
• True comfort comes from God, not from the things of this world.

God’s Comfort in Tribulation

• God comforts in all tribulations, and there is nothing that He cannot help with.
• He offers peace and hope, even in the face of loss and sorrow.
• The Apostle Paul’s life demonstrates that tribulations can lead to patience, experience, and hope.
• The comfort of God can step into dark and bleak situations, offering deliverance.
• Worldly solutions only numb the senses, while God offers real and lasting comfort.

Means of Receiving God’s Comfort

• Jesus Christ:
  • Jesus is the conduit of God’s comfort.
  • The story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment illustrates how faith in Jesus can bring healing and comfort.
    • The woman had spent all her money on doctors and was desperate for healing.
    • She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ garment, she would be healed.
    • Jesus acknowledged her faith and declared her whole.
  • The story of the blind man who cried out to Jesus for mercy demonstrates the importance of persistence in seeking God’s help.
    • The blind man kept calling on Jesus despite others telling him to be quiet.
    • Jesus heard his cry and healed him, telling him that his faith had made him whole.
• The Holy Spirit:
  • Jesus promised not to leave His disciples comfortless but to send the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and brings to remembrance the teachings of Jesus.
  • The Holy Spirit indwells believers and provides constant comfort.
  • Even when feeling down or discouraged, believers should remember that the Holy Spirit is within them, offering comfort.
  • Acts 9:31 mentions that the Holy Spirit comforted the churches.
• The Scriptures:
  • The Bible is a source of comfort, offering hope and encouragement through its teachings.
  • Isaiah 41:10 is cited as an example of a comforting scripture.
    • “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
  • Pastor Tommy shares a personal experience of receiving comfort from Isaiah 41:10 during a difficult time.
    • While feeling discouraged in a hotel room, Pastor Tommy prayed for help.
    • Pastor Tommy received a text message with Isaiah 41:10, which brought immediate comfort and reassurance.
• The People of God:
  • Believers can comfort one another through their presence, words, and actions.
  • The example of people gathering to comfort Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus is given.
  • Simply being in the house of God and among fellow believers can provide comfort.

Conclusion

• The message concludes with an invitation to seek comfort in Jesus Christ.
• True comfort is found in Christ, not in the things of this world.
• Rejecting Christ means missing out on the comfort and hope that He offers.
• Pastor Tommy encourages listeners to call on the Lord and experience His saving and comforting power.