God: Our Counselor and Provider in Life's Journey

In today's message, I shared a deeply personal story about the birth of my great-nephew, Oliver James Hooper, and how his name was chosen to honor me. This touching moment led me to reflect on the significance of names and the impact we have on others' lives. It also served as a segue into our ongoing series, "Baby Names," where we explore the profound meanings behind the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. This week, we focused on the name "Counselor."

The term "Counselor" in the original language implies both consulting and providing. God, as our Counselor, welcomes our questions and is not intimidated by them. He desires to guide us through our doubts and uncertainties, much like a consultant who offers wisdom and insight. I shared my personal journey of questioning my beliefs at the age of 40, which led me to a deeper understanding and firmer conviction in my faith. This process of questioning is not only acceptable but necessary for spiritual growth.

We also discussed the importance of seeking counsel from multiple sources, as Proverbs 11:14 suggests, to gain a well-rounded perspective. God provides us with a divine committee—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—to consult with in our decision-making processes. The Holy Spirit, our Helper, resides within us, offering guidance and wisdom.

Furthermore, we explored the concept of God as our Provider, illustrated through the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. Abraham's faith in God's provision, even in the face of a seemingly impossible situation, serves as a powerful reminder that God will see to our needs. The name "Jehovah-Jireh" signifies that the Lord will provide, and this promise extends to us today.

In conclusion, God is both our Counselor and Provider. He is intimately involved in our lives, ready to guide us through our questions and provide for our needs. We are encouraged to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He loves us deeply and has a purpose for each of us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Jireh" reminds us that the Lord will provide, and we can trust Him to meet our needs. [29:54]
  4. The Holy Spirit as Our Helper: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our Helper, who resides within us to guide and counsel us. We are never alone in our journey; the Holy Spirit offers wisdom and direction in all circumstances.
  
  5. God's Unchanging Promises: God's promises are immutable and unchanging. We can rely on His word and trust that He will fulfill His promises to us. This assurance gives us confidence and peace in our relationship with Him.
  
  ** [29:54]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:30] - Personal Story: Birth of Oliver James
• [03:45] - Series Introduction: Baby Names
• [05:20] - Exploring the Name "Counselor"
• [08:46] - God Welcomes Our Questions
• [11:03] - Upcoming Series: Questions
• [13:20] - The Importance of Seeking Counsel
• [17:07] - Proverbs on Counsel and Wisdom
• [21:42] - God's Immutable Promises
• [24:04] - Understanding Scripture
• [26:05] - Story of Abraham and Isaac
• [29:54] - Jehovah-Jireh: God Will Provide
• [31:42] - The Holy Spirit as Our Helper
• [35:30] - God's Guidance Through Questions
• [39:41] - God's Love and Care for Us
• [43:00] - Invitation to Relationship with God

1. What does the name "Counselor" imply about Jesus according to Isaiah 9:6, and how was this explored in the sermon? [05:20]
2. How did the pastor describe his personal journey of questioning his beliefs at the age of 40, and what was the outcome of this process? [08:46]
3. In the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, what was Abraham's response to God's command, and how did God provide in the end? [29:06]
4. According to Proverbs 11:14, what is the benefit of seeking counsel from multiple sources, and how does this relate to the concept of divine counsel? [13:20]

1. How does the pastor's story about his great-nephew's birth illustrate the impact we can have on others' lives, and what does this suggest about the significance of names? [01:30]
2. What does the pastor mean when he says that God is not afraid of our questions, and how does this perspective encourage spiritual growth? [08:46]
3. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac demonstrate the concept of God as our Provider, and what does the name "Jehovah-Jireh" signify in this context? [29:54]
4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit act as our Helper, and how does this influence our decision-making and spiritual journey? [31:42]

1. Reflect on a time when you had questions or doubts about your faith. How did you approach these questions, and what role did seeking counsel play in your journey? [08:46]
2. Consider the people you turn to for advice and guidance. How can you ensure that you are seeking a well-rounded perspective, as suggested in Proverbs 11:14? [13:20]
3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God as your Provider, and how can the story of Abraham and Isaac inspire you to have faith in God's provision? [29:54]
4. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life, and what steps can you take to listen more attentively to His counsel? [31:42]
5. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you involve God in your decision-making process, and what does it mean to consult with the divine committee of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? [13:20]
6. Reflect on the pastor's personal story about his great-nephew. How can you make a positive impact on the lives of those around you, and what legacy do you hope to leave? [01:30]
7. How can you apply the concept of God's unchanging promises to a current challenge or uncertainty in your life, and what assurance does this give you? [24:04]