We all have a name, but there are many other titles that describe our different roles in life. We might be named Sue or Joe, but we can also be called mom or dad, wife, husband, boss, daughter, or son.
In the Bible, God has one name, Yahweh, but many different words are used to describe God's roles and work in the world. In this sermon series, we'll explore 8 of these names of God, learn what they mean, and how they help us understand how God works in our lives.
Knowing and praying to God using these namesare a great way to grow our faith and trust in him. When we know these names we can say confidently, "This is our God."
You can listen to the podcasts of these sermons, they are posted each week on the podcasts page of our website. You can also download a bookmark that has a Bible passage for each day related to the prior Sunday's sermon.
June 6 • Elohim - God, the Mighty Creator
(Genesis 1:1-3, 26-31, Psalm 139:1-18)
In the Bible, the name Elohim is found more than 2,500 times. We learn in Genesis chapter 1 that God — Elohim — is not only the creator of the universe, he has also made us in his image. What unique skills and traits has God, your mighty creator, blessed you with?
June 13 • El Shadday - God Almighty (Psalm 91)
“That’s impossible!” When faced with trying to figure a way out of a difficult situation, have you ever uttered these words?
Sometimes our human conceptions of solutions to problems are inadequate. In the Bible, God is called El Shadday. This name of God is a reminder that, for God, all things are possible and that he extends those possibilities to us.
June 20 • Yahweh Yireh - The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:1-18)
Having a scarcity mentality can cause us to think and act in strange ways. Whether it’s money, cookies, or parking spots — when we believe there isn’t enough of something we over-focus on it, act rudely to get it, and fail to see other options.
Our God is Yahweh Yireh, the one who has provided for his people for centuries, and will provide for you today.
June 27 • Yahweh Shalom - The Lord is Peace (Judges 6:1-24)
When life is hectic and our surroundings are stressful, we would probably give anything for a little peace. The name Yahweh Shalom is found only one place in the Bible, but the man who uses this name for God needs a lot of peace. What areas of your life do you need God’s shalom or peace?
July 4 • Yahweh Nissi - The Lord My Banner (Exodus 17:8-16)
One of the most poignant and well known war photographs is “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima”. This historic photograph was taken on February 23, 1945 and shows 6 soldiers raising the United States flag on top of Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. No doubt that flag gave the soldiers hope and encouragement that they could win the fight. In the Bible, God is called “the Lord is my banner,” and this is what God can be to us — a source of hope and encouragement.
July 11 • Yahweh Rophe - The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:22-26)
We live in an era of modern medical science. Doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals have the latests tools and technologies to help cure what ails us. God is also our healer, and God works through medical science, and also in more ‘supernatural’ ways, to heal us physically and emotionally.
July 18 • Yahwey Roi - The Lord, My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
In the ancient world, shepherds were responsible for the care, feeding, and protection of their sheep 24 hours a day. In Psalm 23, David refers to God as his shepherd — as one who watches over him and cares for him at all times. When we call the Lord our Shepherd we are also recognizing God as the one who is our companion each moment of the day and night.
July 25 • Yahweh Tsuri - The Lord My Rock (2 Samuel 22:1-4, 31-37, 47-51)
There are certain people in our lives that we can truly count on. They give us a sense of stability and peace when our worlds feel like they are crumbling. They are a “rock” to us. King David also calls God his rock. As David does this, he reminds us that God is one that can always be counted on to be the source of stability in our lives.