“The Names of God” Series
Part 11 – “Immanuel”
Text: Matthew 1:18-23
Date: 12-23-16
Intro: The Prophet Isaiah recorded some dramatic events and prophecy
- Saw an awesome glimpse of heaven
- Delivered bold words of judgement
- Spoke powerful words of promise to those faithful
- Ministered during the rise and fall of empires
- Spoke of far-reaching prophecy
At one specific point, there was a king (Ahaz, King of Judah) who the Prophet gave a choice to trust God for his future or not. The political and military situation was very pressing, and the balance of power very fragile in the region. Here’s the set-up:
Read Isaiah 7:10-14
- The Northern tribe of Israel was allied with Syria against him
- He had made a secret deal with Assyria for protection
- He saw no value in trusting God
- His fear had craven him to deal-making
And it was within that context when God (through Isaiah) spoke precious words of promise, that He would one day come Himself and be the sign; “Immanuel”.
Three things about “Immanuel”
First,
I. The Promise of Immanuel
A. Originally, it was during turmoil
- Old Testament kings, empires, and war
- God promised to be with those who trusted Him
- Ahaz’s son Hezekiah proved it to be true (trusting the Lord and being miraculously protected)
B. For Mary and Joseph it was during turmoil
Read Matthew 1:18-23
We see a picture of progression:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Unanswered questions
- But “God will be with you”
- He did as the angel said
Second,
II. The Reception of Immanuel
A. The Willing
Read Luke 2:25-32
- Simeon was looking and worshipping every day
- God knew his faithfulness
- God rewarded him and he held Jesus
B. The Seeking
- Nicodemus
- Came by night (John 3)
- Continued to ask questions (John 7)
- Ultimately chose to follow (John 19)
However, there’s also,
C. The Unwilling
In John 7, where the Pharisees are discussing Jesus we see this:
Read John 7:45-52
So, what it came down to was, they thought the “dumb crowds” weren’t are smart as them.
Lastly,
III. The Reality of Immanuel
A. Immanuel is peace
When one’s faith is in Christ, there’s a “settled-ness”.
- When there’s fear- Immanuel!
- When there’s intimidation – Immanuel!
- When there’s insecurity – Immanuel!
- When there’s sorrow – Immanuel!
- When there’s failure – Immanuel!
- When there’s loneliness – Immanuel!
B. Without Him there’s no lasting hope – There is the mindset of Ahaz to attempt “working it out”, or “making a deal”, but we don’t have to!
Question: Can you say He is Immanuel to you?
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:14 that “Jesus is our peace”.
Question: Do you know Him that way? You can…
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“The Names of God” – Part 10 – “The Word”
Text: John 1:1-2
Date: 12-18-16
Intro: In the city of Ephesus around the year 500 BC a Greek philosopher named Heraclitus started teaching an idea about a “unified ordering principle”. The concept was that all things related to physics, mathematics, reason, morality etc. were tied back and rooted in this cosmic “unified ordering principle”. Later the Stoic philosophers picked up the idea, added their thoughts and referred to the “unified ordering principle” as a “divine animating”.
Interestingly, John the Apostle was exiled for a period of years on a nearby island called Patmos, where he received the Revelation. He’s also credited with 3 epistles bearing his name and ultimately a gospel. After the exile on Patmos, John ministered in the city of Ephesus where a church founded by Paul thrived. It’s in that historical context, that John wrote his personal account of the Christ.
By the way, Heraclitus used a name for which he referred to his idea of a “unified ordering principle”, he called it “Logos” or “The Word”. For centuries, philosophers and seekers had contemplated the depth and meaning of what Heraclitus called “Logos”. Then John, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit took pen in hand and boldly wrote the real, true meaning”:
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – John 1:1-5 NKJV
For our time today, there are three things about the Word I would like to look at:
First,
I. Jesus is the Word
A. He is eternal – (John 1:1)
- Pre-existent to all we know
- He had no beginning (unlike what Mormonism and others falsely teach)
B. He is co-equal with God the Father and Holy Spirit
Read John 1:1, 18, and Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
He’s not a lesser part of the trinity or a more “friendly” part, He is in every way, historically God.
C. He is the authoritative Word (Revelation 19:13)
(John had previously seen this dramatic picture when he received the Revelation)
When Jesus comes in on the white horse, He’s in a position of great power and the scripture says in 19:13, “His name is called The Word of God”.
Second,
II. The Word Changes Us
“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” – Romans 10:17
A. Through faith – in Romans 10, Paul is talking about faith being ignited by the specific preaching of the Word of God.
- Not clever stories
- Not cheap sales tricks
- Not emotional heart string pulling
Preaching the precious Word!
Also, along with it:
B. There is growth because of the Word
Read Psalm 119:1-5 (Your Word hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you…)
The life of a disciple is not an exercise in abstract, artistic, free-expression, it’s about:
- His statutes
- His precepts
- His ways
(and we are to delight in those truths)
C. As we’re changed, we’re then moved to action
“But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:9
(our lives should reflect growth and we should be more like Jesus as we go)
Lastly,
III. We Carry the Word
A. The Approach
The mindset of 2 Corinthians 2:17 & 4:7
- We’re not salespeople or actors
- We’re disciples carrying precious treasure as “breakable vessels”
- We’re only eternally effective if it’s in His power
B. The conversation
Read Hebrews 4:12-13
- The Word of God is living
- The Word of God addresses heart issues
- When you bring the actual text of scripture into the conversation, be prepared for “what may come next” (good and bad)
Lastly,
C. He is Truth
Read 1 Peter 1:22-25
- The Word of God is “forever words”
- The Word of God is incorruptible
- The Word (Jesus) will have the last word
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“The Names of God” – Part 9 – “The God of Shadrach-Meshach-Abed-nego”
Text: Daniel 3:1-30 (Emphasis on 19-30)
Date: 12-11-16
Intro: In the scriptures, Babylon is significant in several ways. First, God used them (Babylonians) to judge the southern kingdom of Israel (Judah). Second, it represents the rebellious, sinful world system in the Revelation, and third, it’s the backdrop for Daniel’s ministry.
For today, we’re looking at one of the dramatic stories within the context of the Babylonian captivity. The set-up to the story is this:
- King Nebuchadnezzar set up a 90ft. idol covered in gold.
- It was on a plain called “Dura” (very visible)
- Babylonian government was well-organized, with many levels of officials
- All officials (kingdom-wide) were ordered to gather at the idol
- All officials were ordered to bow at the idol together when the music played, or be immediately thrown into a burning furnace
- Three Hebrews (who were part of the government) chose not to bow
- Fellow officials turned them in to the King
- The King challenged them and gave them a second chance (to reconsider)
- They still said no
Read verses 19-30
Nebuchadnezzar pronounced God as “God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego”
Here are three ways they proved it:
I. They chose to trust Him regardless of the outcome
A. Not their first conflict – in chapter 1 there was the dietary crisis over the “king’s food”
B. They had made up their minds already (the decree was widely known)
C. At minimum – they risked their prominent positions
(Often the threat of losing what we’ve worked so hard for is enough to give in to compromise)
II. They chose not to value the King’s words over God’s
(They were loyal and respectful, but mindful of Who they ultimately served)
A. Conformity is a strong pressure
- Fear of others
- Fear of embarrassment
- Fear of isolation
B. There is a temptation to “go along” to “get along” and “keep the peace”
(just do whatever they want, you don’t have to “mean it”)
III. They chose to accept the consequences
(There was no guarantee – v. 18)
- With the heat on their face, they considered their options
- (“even if He doesn’t deliver us, we still say no”)
- There was no previous precedent of God delivering from a furnace of fire
Lastly,
IV. God honored their faith
A. They may have been thrown in bound, but they walked out.
B. The fire only burned what bound them (the ropes)
QUESTION: Have you thought about the possibility that the trial may be meant to burn away what binds you and not to harm you?
There are two ways God honored their faith:
C. Others were blessed (verse 29, now everyone can worship openly)
D. They were personally blessed (verse 30, they all were promoted)
Closing Questions:
Do your choices and decisions reflect Him as “God of your life” (or is there small compromises along the way)?
There is no other God like Him!
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“The Names of God” – Part 8 – “JEHOVAH-ROHI” “The LORD is My Shepherd”
Text: Psalm 23 & John 10
Date: 12-4-16
Intro: Have you ever watched a shepherd?
-Personal story of watching shepherds-shepherding is amazing and very “earthy”.
-Read Psalm 23
- Old Testament imagery of Israel being led by God with Moses, Prophets, Priests, and Kings (all under-shepherds)
- New Testament-Jesus used the word to describe Himself (John 10-The Good Shepherd)
Today, we’re going to consider 5 descriptions of this beautiful picture:
I. There is a Hands-on Relationship
A. It’s personal (Psalm 23:1) He knows exactly which “sheep” needs what
B. I must embrace being a “sheep” (John 10:4)
Question: Are you content with being a “sheep”?
- Perhaps you prefer to be considered a little stronger?
- Smarter?
- Self-sufficient?
II. There is Abundant Provision
A. His pasture is well-prepared (Psalm 23:2)
- His preparations are for true nourishment and clean water
- It may take a little longer to get there
B. I must be willing to let go of the world’s leading and embrace His (John 10:9-10)
Question: Are you “leadable” or still hanging on to some of the world’s leading?
III. There is Consistent Care
Read Psalm 23:3 & 5b
A. He is compassionate (picking up “cast” (fallen) ones)
B. He knows our real needs (John 10:14)
Hope and sense of well-being are a natural part of His care.
IV. There is Total Security
Read Psalm 23:4
A. Think of the Scripture as the “rod”
It is the solid truth against the enemy’s lies, threats, deceptions, and bullying.
B. Think of the Holy Spirit as the “staff” (John 10:28-30)
- The Holy Spirit secures us eternally
- The Holy Spirit guides us daily
Question: What do you fear today?
- Look to Him (and gain confidence)
- He knows you (like a shepherd knows a sheep)
V. There is Eternal Goodness
Read Psalm 23:6
A. An atmosphere of goodness that’s beyond us
B. A deep satisfaction and no desire for any other (soul contentment)
Closing Question: Is your soul truly content with the LORD’s leading?
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“The Names of God” – Part 7 – “JEHOVAH-Shalom” “The LORD our Peace”
Text: Judges 6:24
Date: 11-27-16
Intro: When I say the word “peace”, what do you think of?
- No war?
- Hippies?
- A quiet back porch?
- Early morning/late evening hours?
I. Picture of Peace in the Old Testament
A. Not just the absence of conflict
B. The first mention
“Shalom” is first mentioned in Gen. 15:15 where Abraham is going to eventually “go to his fathers in peace [shalom]”
C. There are over 400 references in the Old Testament of various shalom uses
- Wholeness
- Completed obligations
- Good health
- “All is well”
Summary of Shalom: “A harmony of relationship or reconciliation passed upon the completion of a transaction, the payment of a debt, the giving of satisfaction.” – Lockyer
It’s the picture of “complete contentment”
D. No “Shalom”
The picture in Gideon’s day was not one of “shalom”, it was oppression and severe famine – Read Judges 6:1-6
- Description of Gideon’s calling
- His altar “JEHOVAH-SHALOM”
- God is our peace – transcending the chaos in or around us
II. The Consistency of Shalom
A. “Shalom” existed before the world did with the harmony and wholeness of the Godhead
B. The Patriarchs lived in a world of conflict and chaos, but walked in “shalom” with God
C. Israel experienced cycles of sin, punishment, repentance and “shalom”
- “The land rested”
- Any times Israel left serving God, they walked away from “shalom” and into chaos
III. The Embodiment of Shalom
Read Isaiah 9:6
A. Jesus is Peace
“Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.”
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:14 “For He himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
- All of the tension with the Law
- The question of “Do I measure up?”
He is our peace!
B. Peace (shalom) for living
Read Phil. 4:4-7
- Rejoice!
- Anxious for nothing!
- Peace!
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 NKJV
Is He your JEHOVAH-SHALOM today?
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“The Names of God” – Part 6 – “JEHOVAH-Nissi” “The LORD our Banner”
Text: Exodus 17:8-16
Date: 11-20-16
Intro: History (bad blood) between Jacob & Esau, then Esau’s lineage of Eliphaz, then Amalek (and attitude toward Jacob’s lineage)
Read text: Exodus 17:8-16
In the context of the Old Testament, a “banner” wasn’t a cloth flag, it was a shiny, conspicuous object on a pole. It was a “standard” for soldiers to follow behind or rally around.
I. Our Banner is Eternal
A. The staff of Moses represented a connection to the real God
- Beyond miscellaneous daily happenings (whether dramatic or not)
- Like a military guidon connecting to troop history
B. God’s Purposes are simultaneously big and small
- “Write these things as a memorial” (v.14)
- Israel – “big”, Joshua – “small”
- His purposes are uniquely orchestrated
II. Our Banner Disrupts
Evil is going to strive against God’s work and His people (it’s never neutral).
A. The spirit of the Amalekites (Malachi 1:2-3)
B. Simply carrying the Banner “draws fire”, you don’t have to “do” anything
C. We must frame it according to God’s word
- John 3:17-21
- We can’t be afraid to identify evil
III. Our Banner Saves
The Good News!
A. Joshua
The name means “JEHOAVAH delivered” or “delivers”.
B. Jesus
The name was a first century version of Joshua and meant “JEHOVAH-Saves”, “for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)
C. When we come to Christ we commit to follow Him as our Nissi
- We’re to be unashamed of His name
- He saves us in every way
- When we hold up His cross He draws people to Himself “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself”. – John 12:32
IV. Close
Can you honestly say He is your “JEHOVAH-Nissi today!
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“The Names of God” – Part 5
“JEHOVAH-Rophe” – “I am the LORD who heals you”
Text: Exodus 15:22-27
Date: 11-13-16
Intro: “Doctor” The mention of the profession brings about many visual images, emotions and opinions.
Personal Story of an “unconventional” doctor whose goal was healing and wellness
Historically, physician work was earthy and very hands-on
- It included natural remedies
- For example, one of the common medicinal products in Palestine was the “Balm of Gilead”-a preparation that included an aromatic oil derived from shrubs in Gilead
Today, we’re going to look at the description God revealed about Himself through the name JEHOVAH-Rophe”, “The LORD Who Heals You”
Read text: Exodus 15:22-27
With God as our Healer, there are three reminders to keep in mind:
I. Trust His Work
A. The Examination (v.25 -the test)
Sometimes there is a process or series of events that are meant to reveal certain things. We must trust His approach to the problem.
B. His Method
- It may ease the pain right away (which we’re glad for)
- It may cause more pain before getting better (setting a bone, lancing a wound)
- Spiritually, it can be either situation. For the Hebrews, there was a pressing need for removal of “Egypt” and the unhealthiness related to it. It was a condition that needed some surgery, but unfortunately the Hebrews were unwilling to undergo the procedure.
II. Trust His Counsel
The word-picture is a “I AM the God who maintains your health”. He not only knows how to make us healthy, He offers counsel to keep us healthy; especially spiritually speaking:
A. A change of lifestyle
- “Add to” – like added a missing vitamin, mineral, or substance for improved health, adding needed spiritual things brings “wellness” (time in the Word, prayer, or sharing faith)
- “Take away” in the same way, some things are better not consumed or done. Spiritually there may be things best left alone or reduced
- “More/Less” Balance is the key (what would the Dr. say?)
B. Learn about your condition
Like the Hebrews, we must learn and re-learn what a healthy lifestyle looks like. It starts with a dependence on God and realistic view of sin danger.
C. His care reveals much about Him and us
In the New Testament, Jesus touched people, wept with people, and He let them touch Him back. From the beginning, God made us to know Him, have fellowship with Him, love Him and to live in “wellness”. That’s why He came…for our ultimate healing!
III. Trust His Judgment
A. Perhaps the need is physical – He still heals physically. It’s absolutely appropriate to ask for physical healing. We are instructed to come together, anoint and pray.
B. We must trust His answer – Paul saw numerous, miraculous healings through his prayers for others, but for him personally, there came a time when physical healing was not to be. Jesus answered his deep, heart-felt request this way, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Cor. 12:9
When it comes to receiving a “no” or “not now”, we don’t get a lot of answers for the “why?” questions. However, we do know that we can trust Him. It can be a very difficult time and even a moment of crisis, but it involves a cognitive decision as much or more than feelings.
C. Perhaps the need is emotional/spiritual – As the Great Physician, He sees into our heart. Jesus spent many hour and days healing physical infirmities, but He also moved on to preaching that the heart was the greater problem. Physical problems are temporary, spiritual problems are eternal. Trust Him and be healed!
IV. Close
What need do you have today? He is “JEHOVAH-Rophe” today!
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“The Names of God” – Part 4 – “YAHWEH, JEHOVAH” “I AM WHO I AM”
Text: Exodus 3:13-15
Date: 11-6-16
Intro: “Change is a part of life”
- The ancients had no concept of an automobile, jet, space ship, etc.
- In my lifetime, gasoline crossed the $1.00 per gallon threshold, microwaves changed kitchens, typewriters became obsolete, cell phones became common (then smart phones!), and the internet became an expectation
- Physically, we age…and change!
- Culturally, we’ve changed…wow…have we changed as a culture!
GOD DOESN’T CHANGE!
In Exodus 3:13-15 we find the story of God telling Moses His personal, eternal, covenantal, name – “YAHWEH”
Read text:
There are three things for us to consider today:
He’s Unique
A. His name
What we know:
- The NAME was written by the scribes without vowels to avoid mistakenly writing it wrong, so YHWH was the letters
- The NAME was not spoken to avoid possible blasphemy
- The NAME was usually replaced in the text and speech with the more generic “Adonai” (which we see rendered Lord-one capital letter, 3 lower case letters)
- When LORD (all caps) appears, it stands in the place of YHWH
- 10th Century A.D. Jewish scholars (Masoretes) added vowels from the word “Adonai” to make the word “YAHWEH”
- The German translation of the original letters is JHVH which becomes “JEHOVAH” when vowels were added
What ‘s special is that there were generic words for deities (not unlike our modern word for “god”), but when you say YAHWEH or JEHOVAH you’re talking about the real, one, true God that spoke to Moses. For example:
– Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 The Hebrew Shema´ uses “YAHWEH – Elohim” to clearly identify WHO is truly God (still part of Jewish life today).
B. His Existence
- He is the “uncaused cause”. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (Elohim) then Genesis 2:4 Moses wrote LORD God “YAHWEH Elohim”
- He is the originator or everything. He is unique and has no equal!
The second thing to consider is:
II. He is Unchanging
- He’s not just unchanging, He’s unchangeable (Immutable)
- There is nothing that can alter His Person…absolutely nothing
Consider this quote:
“He always was what He is, He is what He was; He will ever be what He was and is, with Him there is no variableness.” – Dr. Herbert Lockyer
A. He’s unchanging in standards (righteousness)
- Malachi 3:6 “I am the LORD, I do not change.”
- As part of the larger indictment for their refusal to abide by God-given protocol
- Hebrews – the entire book is a presentation about satisfying God’s unchanging standards (which Jesus accomplished to the letter)
B. He’s unchanging in gracious kindness
From the beginning, mercy and forgiveness is present and given by God. Listen to what the Psalmist said:
“For the LORD is good (YAHWEH is good), His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” – Psalm 100:5
III. He is Active
Whatever time-period you look at, He’s there:
A. In the beginning – Adam (Gen. 2;7 & 3:8 – “LORD God”-“YAHWEH-Elohim”)
B. Throughout the Old Testament – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, etc.
C. In the New Testament – Jesus in John chapter 8. Along with many other “I am” statements, He declared in John 8:58, “…before Abraham was, I AM.” (which was an incredible declaration of the eternal reality of GOD ALMIGHTY standing in their midst and they knew it not!) The moment was so intense, they tried to kill Him on the spot but He slipped out without their notice – YAHWEH!
D. Today – Do you know Him as the Constant Presence in your life? In other words, as the rest of the world spins and changes, do you have the real presence of the unchanging, Almighty God, YAHWEH in your life? Jesus is the great I AM! Do you know Him in a real way…today?
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“The Names of God” – Part 3 – “El Shaddai” – “God Almighty” Text: Genesis 17:1 Date: 10-30-16 Intro: Read Genesis 17:1 (first occurrence of the name) -story- Personal story of waiting and being “in the meantime” He is:
- All-capable
- All-resourceful
- All-aware
He actually can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think according to the power that works in us! (Ephesians 3:20) As we look at God’s name “El Shaddai” – God Almighty, there are two points in life we can find ourselves that the name brings comfort: I. The Wait Abraham’s story includes a lot of “waiting”. As a matter of fact, it includes many years of waiting. For example:
- Abram 75 years old – initial vision/calling/promise in Ur
- Abram in his 80s – second vision/promise (he mentions Eliezer, but God says no, it would be his physical son)
- Abram 86 – the Ishmael episode
- Abram 99 – third vision/visit and name changed to Abraham
- Abraham 100 – Isaac born
- Abraham 140 – Isaac still not married (no grandchildren yet)
- Abraham 160 – Isaac’s sons were born (finally grandchildren)
- Abraham 175 – dies
The whole narrative of Abraham is 100 years long! God knew that would be the case when He called him! Two things about the wait: A. Time challenges us not the Lord
- God didn’t make a promise and then finally remember to fulfill it
- Anxiety can affect our judgment (it isn’t of the Lord)
B. Hindsight should be the anchor that holds the bridge supports for going forward – like the ones in the ground holding the ends of the cables spanning the Golden Gate Bridge
- Abraham knew the Lord to be faithful (Gen. 14 battle)
- Again, anxiety can affect judgment (Ishmael in the meantime)
The second place we can find ourselves is: II. The Storm Based on Mark chapter 6 (feeding the 5,000) Imagine a modern prayer gathering of 10,000 people at a local arena and you’re the assistant leader. The main leader of the event looks at you and says “Feed all these people.” Immediately, you’re thinking, uh…10,000 x $5 = $50,000 and we didn’t charge for the event, so how are we going to come up with that kind of money? The comment in Mark of “shall we go and buy 200 denarii worth of bread?” is equivalent to same thing. 200 denarii represented 200 days’ wages (which was a lot of cash in the first century) They were basically at a loss of what to do. Jesus then asked them what food was available and they said 5 loaves and 2 fish. In our modern setting, it would be the same as finding a boy in the crowd with a sub sandwich and a bag of chips, taking the lunch to the leader, and him continuously handing out sections of sandwich and handfuls of chips until they all had enough-an unexplainable miracle-El Shaddai! Now at the end of the meal, they picked up 12 basket of left-overs and Jesus gave them instructions to sail across the sea: Read verse 45-52 Once out on the water:
- A terrible storm hits
- The baskets were probably bouncing around at their feet (in the way as they struggled)
- They were there because of Jesus sending them
A. The storm challenges us, but not the Lord
- They were rowing and fighting with everything they had, but the Lord was walking along
- He knew where they were the whole time (“He saw them” Mark 6:48)
B. “Left-overs” in our life are a reminder of future provisions
- The baskets represented All-Mighty provisions
- Based on v.52 they had not understood the significance of the loaves. Let the “loaves and fish” in your life bring the “good cheer” to your heart. Jesus said, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
In the meantime…El Shaddai! God Almighty! _____________________________________ “The Names of God” – Part 2 – “Adonai” – Lord Text: Genesis 15:2 Date: 10-23-16 Primary Significance: Ownership – “Master of the estate” Intro: We tend to look at ownership like the old farmer who had two cows: -story- Let’s begin with a common question among Christianity; “Is Jesus Lord of your life?” Generally, we ask that question and discuss it regarding salvation, but today let’s look at the full scope of “Lord” in the biblical context. The first time the word appears is in Genesis 15:2. For clarification, we need to understand a couple of things in the English translation:
- “LORD” with all capital letters represents YAHWEH in the Hebrew
- “Lord” with one capital letter represents “Adonai”
- “Lord God” represents “Adonai YAHWEH” in the Hebrew
In Genesis 15:2, Abram is basically saying, “Owner God” how are you going to do this? Abram has already demonstrated a heart that sees God as “God Most High” – “El Elyon” (14:19), now he mentions ownership. Three things for today: I. We must acknowledge His ownership God’s ownership of everything is a timeless, eternal reality (whether we stop and acknowledge it or not). A. We were created – we didn’t make ourselves
- Potter and clay, made in His image
- Life is precious – ALL life is precious (including the unborn). No one has the right to say “It’s my right to choose”
B. We are dependent on Him It goes against my pride to think about being dependent, but:
- We’re dependent for physical health
- We’re dependent for provision of all kinds
C. We are limited in our own power Matthew 6:27 – we can’t “will” things to happen. Now in the greater context of the passage: – Read Matthew 6:25-34 II. We are to surrender (Submission; release of pride and control) Based on John 20:24-29, if I submit to His Lordship, then: A. He owns me personally – I’m a bondservant as Paul was fond of writing B. He owns my family – Which can be tough at times
- I must release them to His hand
- There is liberty in the release
C. He owns my stuff – In regards to the farmer/cow story, God actually owns both cows! III. We are empowered by His Lordship (I Cor. 1:4-7) A. He gives us the tools
- The Word
- The Holy Spirit
Truth! & Power! B. He gives us the ability
- The skillset to do what He created us to do
- Not someone else’s role but ours
C. He provides opportunity – He not only equips and empowers, He provides opportunities for success Is He Lord of your life today?
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“The Names of God” – Part 1 – “Elohim” – God Text: Genesis 1:1 Date: 10-16-16 Intro: Names in the ancient near east carried much meaning. They had meaning within themselves, described events, emotions, prophetic hopes, and physical lineage. I. Names and Descriptions A. Old Testament example-Abram (read Genesis 17:1-6)
- “Abram” meant “Exalted Father”. He was a prince of sorts and already a man of means.
- God changed his name to “Abraham” meaning “Father of many nations”.
(read Genesis 18:1, 10-15, 21:1-7) Names had meaning!! B. New Testament example (read Matthew 16:13-20)
- Simon bar Jonah (son of Jonah) to Peter (rock)
- “Church” introduced by Jesus Himself (ekklesia – called out assembly)
- Jesus the Christ (Jesus was a common name among Hebrew boys. It was a version of Joshua, and was pronounced Yeshua. However, Yeshua with “the Christ” isn’t common. It distinguishes our Savior which is the meaning of the name Jesus – “Jehovah saves”)
C. Biblical context of God’s name
- Exodus 20:7 – The use of it regarding speech, and also the way we “wear” His name as His people.
- Jesus said God’s name is “hallowed”. Even though He could have said something more casual and informal, He modeled for us to have a high view of God and revere His name.
(read Genesis 1:1) II. Three things God reveals to us that’s anchored to Genesis 1:1 The word translated God in 1:1 is the plural Hebrew word “Elohim” meaning “Powerful God” First, A. He’s Timeless
- Self-Sufficient – He has no need to anything
- He was in Perfect Fellowship
- Father, Son, and Spirit (Elohim is plural)
- Fellowship is something of the Lord
- He is still timeless and unchanging
- His attitude has never changed
- His values have never changed
- He’s always acted in righteousness
B. He’s Creative
- Genesis 1:1 – from nothing, “ex-nihilo” means He didn’t just gather atoms together into a new form (as incredible as that would be), He literally created from absolutely nothing…absolutely nothing.
- Man made in His image – we’re different because He made us different.
- He’s still creative – unchanging (he still makes beautiful things from nothing)
Elohim – Powerful God! Lastly, C. He’s Sovereign
- Over nature – Flood, Red Sea, other nature-related miracles, death itself – He’s sovereign over the material world
- He’s in Authority
- Examples in Job
- Resistance to acknowledge Him as creator God is pride
- He is not prone to our weaknesses
- Worry
- Doubt
- Anxiety
So what difference does all this make? Powerful God made man to know Him and have a relationship with Him. That one fact alone answers life’s biggest questions:
- Why am I here?
- Where did we come from?
- What’s the future?
- What’s my purpose?
- How can I be fulfilled in life?
cchrisholland 