Central Christian Church
God Is . . . Elohim
Names and titles in the Bible are very important.. This is true not only for the names of people and places, but also of God Himself. The Bible uses many names for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, with each revealing another aspect of God’s holy character. http://www.ccclampasas.org/2017/06/god-is/
Locations & Times
Central Christian Church
204 S Broad St, Lampasas, TX 76550, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Series Page
All resources for the series can be found on the series page.
http://www.ccclampasas.org/2017/06/god-is/Announcements for July 16th
<b>Today</b>: Brooks Crossing Concert 3 PM @ First Christian Burnet
One of the words most often used for God in the Hebrew Bible is Elohim. Elohim is found 2602 times in the Hebrew Bible, (Old Testament).
In many English translations Lord is the translation for Elohim and LORD is the translation for Yahweh or Jehovah. In our passage today, we see Elohim used repeatedly for God.
The word Elohim is used for: the true God, false gods, supernatural spirits (angels), and human leaders (kings, judges, the messiah).
So many individuals and nations served false gods. The prophet Balaam seems a bit too eager to go prophesy over Israel to get money from Israel’s enemies, so the angel of the Lord blocks his path. His donkey sees the angel, but Balaam doesn’t, and the donkey sits down in the road. When Balaam beats the donkey, the donkey talks! The donkey says, “What wrong have I ever done to you?” If that isn’t funny enough, it seems even funnier that Balaam replies to the animal! Then God opens Balaam’s eyes and he realizes the donkey saved his life (Numbers 22:27-30). Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead of cursing them. There was only one true divine Elohim.
In many English translations Lord is the translation for Elohim and LORD is the translation for Yahweh or Jehovah. In our passage today, we see Elohim used repeatedly for God.
The word Elohim is used for: the true God, false gods, supernatural spirits (angels), and human leaders (kings, judges, the messiah).
So many individuals and nations served false gods. The prophet Balaam seems a bit too eager to go prophesy over Israel to get money from Israel’s enemies, so the angel of the Lord blocks his path. His donkey sees the angel, but Balaam doesn’t, and the donkey sits down in the road. When Balaam beats the donkey, the donkey talks! The donkey says, “What wrong have I ever done to you?” If that isn’t funny enough, it seems even funnier that Balaam replies to the animal! Then God opens Balaam’s eyes and he realizes the donkey saved his life (Numbers 22:27-30). Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead of cursing them. There was only one true divine Elohim.
The "–im" ending denotes a plural masculine noun. Most of the time, however, when the noun is used for the true God it has singular masculine verbs. This is contrary to rules of Hebrew grammar.
When used of the true God, "Elohim" denotes what is called by linguists a plural of majesty, honor, or fullness. That is, he is GOD in the fullest sense of the word. He is "GOD of gods" or literally, "ELOHIM of elohim" (Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2).
When used of the true God, "Elohim" denotes what is called by linguists a plural of majesty, honor, or fullness. That is, he is GOD in the fullest sense of the word. He is "GOD of gods" or literally, "ELOHIM of elohim" (Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2).
Throughout the Hebrew Bible, God is known as Elohim in relation to non-Israelites. To his covenant people he further revealed himself through his personal name (YHVH). Then, in the New Testament, he expanded the revelation of his covenant name through his Messiah who wore his name in person.
The Canaanites called their chief deity El, the Mighty Bull. In some Canaanite myths, one of El's sons was the notorious Ba'al, the nemesis of the true God throughout much of Israel's history.
In the Bible, El is often combined in proper names: Isra-El; Shmu-El (Samuel); El-ijah; Immanu-El; Jo-El; Dani-El; Beth-El. It's also found in compounds: El Shaddai, El Elyon, El Roi, El Olam.
Psalm 148 is a glorious psalm of praise. It is easy to see that praise is the theme. The command to praise the Lord is repeated nine times in the first five verses and twelve times in the entire psalm. We are commanded throughout the Psalms to worship Elohim. It is an honor, an obligation, and a privilege to honor God through our deeds and words.
Worship extends to our everyday lives. Sunday is not the only day to praise the Lord.
C.S. Lewis: “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." Our worship of God should be joyful. We are privileged to praise the Lord.
A.W. Tozer: “Worship is to feel in the heart and express in an appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe.” We humble ourselves as we praise the King of Kings. We acknowledge who God is and who we are.
To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute devotion. To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (Neh 9:5); therefore we ought reserve it a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His name lightly (Ex 20:7; Lev 22:32), but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning. This one reason why it troubles me that God's name is so often used in vulgar or foolish language.
The Canaanites called their chief deity El, the Mighty Bull. In some Canaanite myths, one of El's sons was the notorious Ba'al, the nemesis of the true God throughout much of Israel's history.
In the Bible, El is often combined in proper names: Isra-El; Shmu-El (Samuel); El-ijah; Immanu-El; Jo-El; Dani-El; Beth-El. It's also found in compounds: El Shaddai, El Elyon, El Roi, El Olam.
Psalm 148 is a glorious psalm of praise. It is easy to see that praise is the theme. The command to praise the Lord is repeated nine times in the first five verses and twelve times in the entire psalm. We are commanded throughout the Psalms to worship Elohim. It is an honor, an obligation, and a privilege to honor God through our deeds and words.
Worship extends to our everyday lives. Sunday is not the only day to praise the Lord.
C.S. Lewis: “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." Our worship of God should be joyful. We are privileged to praise the Lord.
A.W. Tozer: “Worship is to feel in the heart and express in an appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe.” We humble ourselves as we praise the King of Kings. We acknowledge who God is and who we are.
To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute devotion. To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (Neh 9:5); therefore we ought reserve it a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His name lightly (Ex 20:7; Lev 22:32), but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning. This one reason why it troubles me that God's name is so often used in vulgar or foolish language.
God wants praise that is from the heart. We don’t have to use fancy words or a memorized formula. God wants to know us in a close relationship.
Psalm 148:1-10 tells us that all of creation is commanded to give praise to God. When Jesus was entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, great crowds gathered and offered Him their praises. The Pharisees wanted Him to rebuke the people.
Psalm 148:1-10 tells us that all of creation is commanded to give praise to God. When Jesus was entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, great crowds gathered and offered Him their praises. The Pharisees wanted Him to rebuke the people.
Though there are many people who choose not to praise God right now, there is coming a day in which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the praises of God (Philippians 2:10-11). Some will joyfully give those praises because of the salvation they have received, while some will give those praises as conquered enemies.
Praise is a vital part of a life surrendered to God, and it gives credit where credit is due.
“Let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is.” Elizabeth hallowed the Name of God by her actions and words. She had the right attitude about her life and about possessions. Everything I have belongs to God and He has given it to me to use to live my life to the fullness of His glory. As a steward, my role is to care for His possessions." Elisabeth Elliot
God expects us to use our time, talents, and treasures to honor Him and one day I will give an account for how we have managed His blessings.
One of the best ways to remind ourselves that we belong to the Lord is to make sure He is Master over our money. We should not be more committed to cash or possessions than we are to Christ.
No one can serve two masters. He will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Money. (Mt. 6)
Relationship is about COVENANT. It’s about committing and relying on another. It’s about putting your total trust in someone knowing that they’ll never betray you. Jesus is calls us to a closer walk with him. The Holy Spirit aids us in our prayer, our study of Scripture, and our worship.
How is our relationship with our Abba Father?
Take a deep breath and try to clear your mind of all things that trouble you. Then, say aloud, "Hi, Lord. I saved this time for You. Will You please come and talk to me?" This may feel absurd at first but know that God truly listens and cares. Remember, "Ask and you shall receive." There is nothing wrong with asking for God to talk to you.
Then, as you would speak to a friend or someone you really trust, unloosen your tongue and tell God all that bothers you. Or, tell Him something great that's just recently happened to you.
One of the best ways to remind ourselves that we belong to the Lord is to make sure He is Master over our money. We should not be more committed to cash or possessions than we are to Christ.
No one can serve two masters. He will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Money. (Mt. 6)
Relationship is about COVENANT. It’s about committing and relying on another. It’s about putting your total trust in someone knowing that they’ll never betray you. Jesus is calls us to a closer walk with him. The Holy Spirit aids us in our prayer, our study of Scripture, and our worship.
How is our relationship with our Abba Father?
Take a deep breath and try to clear your mind of all things that trouble you. Then, say aloud, "Hi, Lord. I saved this time for You. Will You please come and talk to me?" This may feel absurd at first but know that God truly listens and cares. Remember, "Ask and you shall receive." There is nothing wrong with asking for God to talk to you.
Then, as you would speak to a friend or someone you really trust, unloosen your tongue and tell God all that bothers you. Or, tell Him something great that's just recently happened to you.