Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
God is Not the Problem (Isaiah 59) Compelling sermon by Pastor JD Howell
When life feels silent and prayers seem unanswered, it is easy to look toward heaven and wonder if God has somehow failed. In Isaiah 59, the people of Israel were tempted to believe that God’s hand was shortened and His ear was heavy. Yet the truth is made clear in this powerful passage: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear… But your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:1–2). In this sermon, we are confronted with a sobering reality that challenges our natural instincts. Instead of blaming God, we are called to examine our own hearts and recognize that sin is the true barrier between us and Him.
This message walks through the great separator, which is sin, revealing how it defiles, distances, and destroys fellowship with God. From lying lips to sinful thoughts, Isaiah exposes the depth of man’s condition and reminds us that sin is never small or isolated. But the chapter does not end in despair. It moves into a greater confession, where the people acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God. “For our transgressions are multiplied before thee… and as for our iniquities, we know them” (Isaiah 59:12). True restoration begins when we stop excusing sin and start confessing it honestly before the Lord.
The hope of this passage shines brightest in the revelation of the greatest God. When man could not fix the problem, God Himself stepped in. Isaiah prophesies of a Redeemer who would come to bring salvation and restore what sin had broken. Through Jesus Christ, the separation caused by sin can be overcome, and fellowship with God can be renewed. This sermon reminds us that no matter how far we have drifted, God’s grace is greater, and His arm still reaches down to save and restore.
Are there sins in your life that have created distance between you and God, and will you humble yourself today to confess and return to Him?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
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pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
Like our page on Facebook
facebook.com/2firstbaptist
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First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
God is Not the Problem (Isaiah 59) Compelling sermon by Pastor JD Howell
When life feels silent and prayers seem unanswered, it is easy to look toward heaven and wonder if God has somehow failed. In Isaiah 59, the people of Israel were tempted to believe that God’s hand was shortened and His ear was heavy. Yet the truth is made clear in this powerful passage: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear… But your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:1–2). In this sermon, we are confronted with a sobering reality that challenges our natural instincts. Instead of blaming God, we are called to examine our own hearts and recognize that sin is the true barrier between us and Him.
This message walks through the great separator, which is sin, revealing how it defiles, distances, and destroys fellowship with God. From lying lips to sinful thoughts, Isaiah exposes the depth of man’s condition and reminds us that sin is never small or isolated. But the chapter does not end in despair. It moves into a greater confession, where the people acknowledge their guilt and turn back to God. “For our transgressions are multiplied before thee… and as for our iniquities, we know them” (Isaiah 59:12). True restoration begins when we stop excusing sin and start confessing it honestly before the Lord.
The hope of this passage shines brightest in the revelation of the greatest God. When man could not fix the problem, God Himself stepped in. Isaiah prophesies of a Redeemer who would come to bring salvation and restore what sin had broken. Through Jesus Christ, the separation caused by sin can be overcome, and fellowship with God can be renewed. This sermon reminds us that no matter how far we have drifted, God’s grace is greater, and His arm still reaches down to save and restore.
Are there sins in your life that have created distance between you and God, and will you humble yourself today to confess and return to Him?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
Give on PushPay
pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
Like our page on Facebook
facebook.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Instagram
instagram.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/2firstbaptist
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
