Scripture Reference

Exodus 3: 14-15

Sermon Audio

Sermon Notes

All About Names

  • My name: Neil:
    • from the Gaelic name Niall. In the early Middle Ages the name was adopted by Viking raiders and settlers in Ireland in the form of Njal. (source: Behind the Name, the etymology and history of first names)
    • Equivalents: (English) Neal, Neil, Nigel, Nigellus
    • Shared with others including musicians (Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Neil Sedaka), fictional characters (Neil MacNeill from “Christy” by Catherine Marshall), brother of a US President (Neil Bush), actors (Neil Oliver – a Scottish actor on a British TV show), and athletes (Neil Smith – former NFL defensive end).
  • There are many names for our God including Abba, Father, Light of the World, Elohim, Yahweh, and more
  • There are many names for Christ including Bread of Life, Holy One, Lamb of God, Immanuel, Lion of Judah, Messiah, and more
  • Other Names of God
    • Psalm 19: 14 – Rock and my Redeemer
    • Isaiah 9:6 – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
    • Daniel 7:9 – Ancient of Days
    • 1 Timothy 6: 15 – blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords
    • Revelation 22: 13 – Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End
  • Elohim = God or (Elohay)
    • First name used in the Bible
    • Plural form of EL
    • Used 2300 times
    • Means “Strength or Power”
    • Is combined at times with other words to describe certain characteristics of God
      • Elohay Kedem – God of the Beginning (Deuteronomy 33: 27)
      • Elohay Mishpat – God of Justice (Isaiah 30: 18)
      • Elohay Selichot – God of Forgiveness (Nehemiah 9: 17)
      • Elohay Marom – God of Heights (Micah 6: 6)
      • Elohay Mikarov – God Who Is Near (Jeremiah 23: 23)
  • “YHVH” – Yahweh JEHOVAH = LORD
    • Told Moses “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3: 14-15)
    • Same word from Old Testament to New Testament when Jesus claims “I AM” (John 8: 56-59)
    • Hebrew verb “to be” may be translated “I am” or “I will become”
    • Found more often in the Old Testament (approximately 7,000 times)
    • Translated in English Bibles as “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord”
      • YHVH Elohim – LORD God (Genesis 2: 4)
      • YHVH M’kadesk – The LORD Who Makes Holy (Ezekiel 37: 28)
      • YHVH Yireh – The LORD Who Sees/Provides (Genesis 22: 14)
      • YHVH Nissi – The LORD My Banner (Exodus 17: 15)
      • YHVH Shalom – The LORD Of Peace (Judges 6: 24)
  • ADONAI = Lord or Master
    • ADONAI – used in place of YHWH
    • tends to emphasize the authority of God over that which He possesses (Genesis 15: 2; Judges 6: 15)
    • ultimate authority figure in your life
    • We owe our complete allegiance to
    • “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.'” (Psalm 16: 2)
  • ABBA = Father
    • Word is found 3 times in the New Testament
    • Greek translation “Father.” A term expressing warm affection and confidence.
    • Romans 8: 15 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
    • 1 John 3: 1 – We are called His children.

This sermon also references a chart “30 Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God” which can be found at www.navigators.org