In a society that frequently feels like a runaway train, full of noise and confusion, where news cycles spiral with uncertainty and questions about control and direction flood our minds, there is one fundamental issue that has troubled human hearts for generations: who is in charge? Are we at the mercy of fate, or does a hand guide the trajectory of our lives and the planet itself? Dr. David Jeremiah’s riveting lecture offers a profound and consoling answer: God is sovereign, all-powerful, and ever-present. This is the force you must hear about, not as a theological concept, but as a live reality that may change the way you walk, work, and worship every day.
Anyone, regardless of background or narrative, can get to know this God. Anyone can become a Church of Sermons member and join a community of believers who believe that the universe is not accidental or hopeless, but is held together by the One who controls over all.
The Nature of Divine Sovereignty
The term “sovereign” appears in headlines, financial news, and international affairs—a country’s sovereign wealth fund, fights over sovereign borders, or a ruler’s sovereign power. However, sovereignty has a much broader meaning in the Bible. It is not restricted to the intrigues of monarchs and presidents, or to national liberty. God is the only true sovereign.
God is absolutely, eternally, and completely sovereign. He is raised above the highest authority, endowed with not only limitless power, but also endless rights and reign. He accomplishes everything on purpose, and nothing happens against His intelligent will. If God removed His hand from the universe for even a moment, everything would fall into chaos. He is the glue that holds it all together. If He can hold the universe, He can definitely hold you as well.
To affirm that God is sovereign is to proclaim that He is the ruler of all countries, the commander of all history, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. He controls the course of history, the seasons of our lives, and the fate of our souls.
The Question of Control
This question—”Who’s in charge?”—is not purely philosophical. It is profoundly personal. It shapes our homes, jobs, schools, and communities. Winston Churchill famously posed this question in the midst of enormous global crisis, seeking an answer as Europe shuddered at the prospect of war. We, too, echo this cry in our daily fears and age-related difficulties. When the world feels out of control, we want to know that someone is in charge.
Dr. Jeremiah assures us that the answer is obvious: God is in control. He is not affected by the whims of humanity or the chaos of history. He is the Most High, doing whatever He wants with the purposes of existence, unhindered, uncontested, and unaffected by any force in heaven or earth.
The Comfort of Divine Sovereignty
There may be no greater consolation in the world than knowing that God is in control. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the famous preacher, thought this notion to be the most consoling aspect of God. In the face of adversity, in times of trouble or anguish, he wrote that God’s sovereignty provided calm and hope. Sovereignty determines, overrules, and glorifies our suffering. We adore and trust God, who sits on the Throne.
However, God’s sovereignty can cause discussion and even fury. The idea that God is in charge, rather than man, calls into question our age’s dominant ethos of humanism and individualism. We are told to believe in ourselves, pursue our own objectives, and trust that humanity will finally overcome its issues. However, Dr. Jeremiah asks with piercing clarity, “How is sovereign man doing?” Is the world genuinely thriving under our supposed supervision, or is it devolving into chaos and instability with each passing year?
History and Scripture both teach us that whenever humanity strives to assert sovereignty over itself, the results are confusion, frustration, and failure. From the Tower of Babel in Genesis, where human ambition resulted in divine intervention and the scattering of languages, to the rise and fall of empires, to the personal stories of individuals such as Joseph and Moses, God’s hand is visible, triumphing over human pride and working everything for His greater purpose.
Biblical portraits of sovereignty
The Bible is full of stories demonstrating God’s sovereignty. When Joseph was deceived by his brothers and sold into slavery, it appeared to be the end. Years later, during a famine, Joseph rose to power in Egypt, saving not only his own family but countless others. He said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” What appeared to be defeat was actually part of God’s plan to offer new life and hope.
When Pharaoh intended to annihilate the Hebrew people by drowning their sons, God preserved Moses in the river of death, raising him as Israel’s liberator. The Exodus from Egypt, the Red Sea deliverance, and the preservation of God’s people were all accomplished “somehow” through sovereignty.
God repeatedly turned the tables at instances when evil appeared to triumph—when Haman conspired to annihilate the Jews, or when the world’s empires threatened to wipe out God’s people. It was not luck. It was the Lord. God dominates and reigns throughout history, molding the destinies of both nations and individuals.
Responding To God’s Sovereignty
If God is genuinely sovereign, our answer matters. Dr. Jeremiah identifies three critical ways we must respond: reverence, obedience, and worship.
Reverence
First, sovereignty necessitates reverence. Just as we revere a national leader, we should be in awe of the King of Kings. The Bible states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This is not a crippling fear, but rather a deep, worshipful respect—an acknowledgement that God is God and we are not. In our day, where God is frequently reduced to our level and handled casually, it is critical to reclaim a sense of sacred awe.
Obedience
Second, sovereignty necessitates obedience. Pharaoh’s disobedience of God led to his downfall, whereas people who respect God’s authority are brought into greater trust and submission. Reading the Bible not as a student, but as a servant, changes our life. The sovereign God who oversees the universe invites us to collaborate, asking us to say, “Yes, Lord,” even if we don’t entirely comprehend. The prophet Samuel once replied, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
Worship
Third, sovereignty requires worship. When David was told he couldn’t build the temple, he may have been bitter. Instead, he gathered resources, led the people in generous giving, and said, “Yours, O Lord, is greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty.” Even when he was disappointed, David worshipped, realizing that God is responsible for both blessings and trials.
God’s might is unlimited and unmatched
To say God is sovereign implies that God is all-powerful—omnipotent. This is more than just a term; it is a reality that affects every aspect of creation and our existence.
Energy of the Universe
Consider the sun: a blazing furnace capable of fuelling human civilization for half a million years each second, yet being only one among billions of stars. The energy generated by the universe, as well as the sheer size of existence, testify to an unlimited source of power: God Himself. Psalm 147 states, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding is infinite.”
The Meaning of Omnipotence
“Omnipotent” signifies all-powerful. God is capable of doing everything. Nothing is too hard for Him. He never tires, endures difficulties, or fights to carry out His will. The query, “Can God make a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it?” misses the point. God’s actions must be consistent with His nature. He cannot lie, deny himself, or be lured by evil. His power perfectly complements His holiness, knowledge, and love.
Evidence of God’s Power in Creation
The first evidence is creation itself. God spoke, and the universe came into being. The heavens, the earth, the galaxies, and the complexity of life—from the enormity of Saturn’s rings to the delicate delicacy of a hummingbird’s feather—all demonstrate God’s creative might. The book of Genesis repeatedly states, “And God said…and it was so.”
Preservation
However, God’s power does not end with creation; He also preserves the world He created. He supports every atom, ecology, and heartbeat. Isaiah promises to support us even as we get older and grayer. I will carry and rescue you.” The God who keeps the universe together can hold you together, no matter how shattered or weary you are.
Resurrection
God’s might is most visibly demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death was overturned, decay was reversed, and new, indestructible life emerged from the tomb. This resurrection power is available not only to Jesus, but to everyone who believes. It is a guarantee of our hope and a pledge that no darkness is permanent.
Transformation
The transformation of human lives is perhaps the most awe-inspiring example of God’s power. The gospel is described as “the power of God to salvation.” It requires God’s powerful power to change a heart, break addictions, and restore hope. Every believer is a witness to God’s changing power, from the most spectacular instances, such as “Jimmy the Rat” being redeemed from a life of addiction, to the quiet wonder of faith in an everyday home.
The Power of God in Our Daily Lives
What does all of this mean for you and me? How do we survive in the face of such power?
Energising Our Worship
The better we understand God, the more we will adore and glorify Him. When we realize that the God who powers the sun and stars also loves us and invites us to know Him, worship becomes an automatic response. Hymns, both old and contemporary, express awe and gratitude for God’s power. Worship is the overflow of a heart that recognizes God’s greatness.
Encourage Our Walk
God’s power is not limited to cosmic occurrences; it also applies to everyday life. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is with us now, inspiring us to live with hope, joy, and strength. When life’s power outages occur—sickness, loss, disappointment—we are asked to “switch on” God’s power, recognizing that His strength is perfected in our weaknesses.
Empowering Our Work
Serving God quickly exhausts our own strength. Ministry, relationships, and even routine tasks can weary us. But God never intended for us to rely entirely on ourselves. God’s task must be done in His might. When we surrender and invite God to fill us and utilize us as channels of His energy and grace, we transition from burnout to fruitful life.
The Invitation: Join the Church of Sermons
Perhaps you’ve questioned where you fit into this story. Perhaps your life feels out of control, or you believe your mistakes have put you beyond God’s reach. The good news is that God’s invitation applies to everyone. Anyone can join the Church of Sermons. Anyone is welcome to join this fellowship of faith, hope, and transformation.
Being a member isn’t about perfection or background. It is about realizing your own need and placing your trust in the sovereign God’s strength and love. The Church of Sermons welcomes those who seek God’s presence, teaches the truth of His Word, and encourages one another in their faith.
No Accidents with God
You are not an accident. God can use everything in your life, including your family, story, flaws and strengths, and even your failures. He brings everything together in His sovereign plan, weaving the good and evil into something beautiful. Even when life takes unforeseen turns, and regrets weigh heavily, you are not beyond His grace.
Switching Power Sources: The Difference God Makes
Many of us live our lives like a car with a dead battery: trapped and unable to move forward. Human effort can only go us so far. But when we shift our focus from our own limited ability to God’s superlative power, everything changes. We, like A.B. Simpson, who found new life and energy after years of hardship, can become channels of God’s strength.
It’s not about willpower or optimistic thinking. It is about surrendering and inviting God to assume His due place in the wheelhouse of our hearts. When we do, we find serenity in knowing the captain is in command, delight in worshiping a glorious God, and strength in relying on His Spirit.
Hope for the Hopeless
If you are tired, despondent, or broken, remember this: nothing is impossible for God. No life is beyond His reach. No issue is beyond His control. If you have never committed your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. Tap into the force that is ready to transform your life, make you new, and instill hope.
For those who have already believed, remember that God’s power extends beyond salvation to every stage of the path. His power is present in worship, work, and through every challenge. Turn off your own electricity. Turn on His.
Conclusion: Trust the captain
In the end, life is like a huge ship at sea. We may not always grasp the course or the storms that we face. The passengers below may be lost in their own activities, but the captain is on the bridge, directing the vessel to its destination. The world may feel like a clattering train at times, but God has the controls.
Rest tonight, knowing that God is not taking the night off. He’s in command. He is sovereign. He is all-powerful. He is good.
Join the journey. Join the Church of Sermons. Allow God, the sovereign King, to reign in your heart, and learn what it means to live in the authority of the One who rules over all. The door is always open, and this invitation is for you.
