Our series for February and March is entitled, "What's In a Name?"

The series title is a question so that we can think about what is found in a name. It identifies a person, place, or object and brings a distinction between it and another.
Today parents more often name a baby for different reasons than how names were given throughout history. Names used to be given to convey a meaning such as a desired character quality, a family legacy, a truth to be remembered, or even a lesson to be learned.
In the Bible we see that names of people were a big deal, and an even bigger deal are the names whereby God made Himself known to humanity.
His names communicate specific attributes that can strengthen and empower us in all of the situations we will face in life.

People like to attach names to things such as inanimate objects (boats, cars, homes or cottages, weapons & toys, sports equipment & musical instruments, etc.).
There are many reasons for doing this. What do you have at home that you have named and why?

This morning we are going to look at the very first name that God used to reveal Himself to us in Scripture.
The name is found throughout Genesis 1 & 2 beginning in Genesis 1:1.
The name in Hebrew is ELOHIM and speaks of the God who is creator.

Genesis 1:1 reveals a lot about the nature and character of God.
In this verse we see the start of what all the scientists say constitute our universe - time, space, and matter.
That origin was by one who transcends or is distinct from His creation - an eternal spiritual being entirely above and outside of all that exists and not constrained by the laws He has put into force.

ELOHIM: The God who is creator is the author, originator, inventor, creator and sustainer of all that we know.

In the beginning - He, an eternal and spiritual person, instituted the clock of "time".
God created - He "carved out", if you will, a location for His creation thus making "space".
The heavens and the earth - He brought into existence "matter" of different kinds and gave it function along with orderly laws to guide and even reproduce itself.

Practically, here is what the name ELOHIM conveys to us:

ELOHIM is Personal
Genesis 1:3-5

God is not some cosmic energy like in Star Wars; He cares for us. The epitome of sin and selfishness is to hear the message of 1 Peter 5:7 and reject all of the love, good will, plans, and resources God wants to make available to you.

ELOHIM is Powerful
Genesis 1:1-2:3
The term "ELOHIM" means "supreme one" or "strong one" and is used more than 30 times through Genesis 2:3.

Hebrews 11:3
The power of ELOHIM is especially seen in how He created...He simply spoke.

Genesis 18:14a
God asks Abraham and Sarah this question when they showed some doubt to God's creative power.

God is able…
1. God can save someone from their sin, to bring life from death
2. God can take a broken life or marriage and restore relationships and make something good out of it
3. God can meet the needs we have
4. God can provide guidance for a person who feels lost, alone, and desperate
5. God can heal a person from disease and walk with us through the darkest moments of our life
6. God can comfort a broken heart, spirit, and mind
7. God can give fresh hope to those who are hopeless
8. God can give joy to a crushed heart
9. God can bring order out of chaos --- personal, cultural, and national

Ephesians 3:20

God wants to be our Personal and all-Powerful Friend, Lord, Guide, Savior, and Provider.
You may trust Him now and experience His best for your life, or you will stand in front of Him someday and try to mumble excuses for why you rejected Him.
Romans 14:11

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Tuesday, February 16 - Tim Reed, Liz Crofoot, Scott Binkowski
Wednesday, February 17 - Larry Miller
Friday, February 19 - Jeff Burpee, Noah Hansen
Saturday, February 20 - Monique Scott