The Transformational Power of God's Name
Summary
### Summary
Good morning to everyone in Cleveland, Dahlonega, and those watching online. Today, we begin a new series titled "The Power of His Name." Even if you haven't grown up in church, you've likely heard references to the name of God or Jesus and the power associated with it. But what does this power mean, and how do we access it? The Bible, especially the Gospels and Acts, shows that miracles, healings, and exorcisms were performed in Jesus' name. However, many of us have prayed in His name and not seen results, leading to skepticism.
We often treat God's name as a transactional tool, like money, expecting something in return. But the true power of His name is transformational, not transactional. The greatest miracle isn't physical healing but the transformation of our souls. Modern science can address diseases but not the deeper issues like depression and habits. The names of God reveal His nature and relationship with us. "God" is a classification, not a name, much like "man" or "king." The Hebrew word "Elohim" is often used, which means "supreme gods" and is plural. This word appears throughout the Old Testament, even in the Ten Commandments.
The Bible's creation story in Genesis uses "Elohim," which can be confusing as it is plural. However, the Hebrew writers use it in a singular way to emphasize that there is one supreme God. This God, Elohim, is not just a creator but a relational being who created us with purpose and intent. Science can explain the "how" of creation but not the "why." The "why" gives us meaning and purpose, which is essential for a fulfilling life.
The name of God, often translated as "Lord" (Yahweh or Jehovah), is deeply personal and intimate. It signifies that God is not just a distant creator but is as close as our breath. This intimacy is reflected in the name of Jesus (Yahoshua), which means "the Lord saves." Jesus embodies the ultimate purpose of God's name: to save us and transform us. Understanding this shifts our focus from seeking transactional benefits to experiencing transformational change.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transactional vs. Transformational Power: The power of God's name is not about getting what we want but about transforming who we are. While miracles and healings are significant, the greatest miracle is the transformation of our souls. This shift from transactional to transformational power changes our entire approach to faith. [06:24]
2. Purpose and Intent: The name Elohim signifies a creator with purpose and intent. Unlike scientific theories that may suggest a purposeless existence, the biblical creation story affirms that we are created with meaning. This understanding provides a foundation for a purposeful life, even in the face of suffering and challenges. [19:44]
3. Intimacy with God: The name Yahweh or Jehovah reveals God's intimate relationship with us. He is not just a distant, supreme being but is as close as our breath. This intimacy is a constant reminder of His presence and care in our lives, transforming our daily experiences. [34:11]
4. The Breath of Life: The Hebrew understanding of God's name as the sound of breath (YHWH) emphasizes that every breath we take is a reminder of God's presence. This perspective transforms mundane activities like breathing into acts of worship and connection with God. [33:35]
5. Jesus as the Fulfillment of God's Name: The name Jesus (Yahoshua) means "the Lord saves," encapsulating God's ultimate purpose for humanity. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of God's promise to save and transform us. This understanding deepens our appreciation of Jesus' role in our lives and our relationship with God. [35:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:18] - Introduction to the Series
[03:07] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[03:47] - Miracles in His Name
[04:22] - Transactional vs. Transformational Power
[05:48] - The Concept of Elohim
[07:17] - The Greatest Miracle
[08:41] - God as a Classification
[10:27] - Elohim in the Old Testament
[13:07] - Creation and Purpose
[16:11] - Science and Creation
[19:44] - Purpose and Meaning
[22:28] - The Power of Elohim
[25:12] - The Name Yahweh
[28:23] - Moses and God's Name
[31:49] - The Tetragrammaton
[34:11] - The Breath of Life
[35:48] - Jesus and Yahoshua
[38:04] - Infinite and Intimate
[41:02] - Transformational Power
[44:36] - Closing and Breathing Exercise
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
2. Exodus 3:13-14 - "Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they ask me, "What is his name?" Then what shall I tell them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you."'"
3. John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the name "Elohim" signify in the context of Genesis 1:1? How does it reflect God's nature as both supreme and singular? [13:07]
2. In Exodus 3:13-14, what is the significance of God revealing His name as "I AM WHO I AM" to Moses? How does this name reflect God's eternal existence? [29:18]
3. According to John 3:16-17, what is the ultimate purpose of God sending His Son into the world? How does this align with the transformational power discussed in the sermon? [41:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the name "Elohim" as both plural and singular help us grasp the complexity and unity of God's nature? [13:07]
2. What does the name "I AM" reveal about God's self-sufficiency and eternal nature? How does this understanding impact our view of God's relationship with us? [29:18]
3. How does the concept of God's name being as close as our breath (YHWH) change our perception of His presence in our daily lives? [34:11]
4. In what ways does Jesus' name, "Yahoshua" (The Lord saves), encapsulate the fulfillment of God's promise to humanity? How does this deepen our appreciation of Jesus' role in our lives? [35:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you treated God's name transactionally, expecting something in return. How can you shift your focus to seeking transformational change instead? [06:24]
2. How does knowing that you were created with purpose and intent by Elohim affect your approach to life's challenges and suffering? [19:44]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, recognizing Him as Yahweh, who is as close as your breath? What daily practices can help you remember His constant presence? [34:11]
4. How can you incorporate the understanding of God's name as the sound of breath (YHWH) into your daily routine to transform mundane activities into acts of worship? [33:35]
5. Reflect on the meaning of Jesus' name, "Yahoshua" (The Lord saves). How does this understanding influence your relationship with Him and your approach to prayer and worship? [35:48]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need transformational change rather than a transactional solution. How can you invite God's power to work in that area this week? [07:17]
7. How can you share the message of God's transformational power with someone who is skeptical or struggling with their faith? What specific steps can you take to demonstrate this power in your interactions with them? [04:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformational Power Over Transactional Expectations
The power of God's name is not about getting what we want but about transforming who we are. Many people approach prayer and faith with a transactional mindset, expecting specific outcomes in exchange for their devotion. However, the true essence of God's power is transformational. The greatest miracle is not physical healing or material blessings but the transformation of our souls. This shift from a transactional to a transformational perspective changes our entire approach to faith, leading us to seek deeper spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [06:24]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Think about a recent prayer you made with a specific outcome in mind. How can you reframe that prayer to focus on personal transformation rather than a specific result?
Day 2: Created with Purpose and Intent
The name Elohim signifies a creator with purpose and intent. Unlike scientific theories that may suggest a purposeless existence, the biblical creation story affirms that we are created with meaning. This understanding provides a foundation for a purposeful life, even in the face of suffering and challenges. Knowing that we are created with intent by a relational God gives us a sense of direction and significance, helping us navigate life's difficulties with hope and resilience. [19:44]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How does knowing that you are created with purpose and intent change your perspective on this challenge?
Day 3: Intimacy with God
The name Yahweh or Jehovah reveals God's intimate relationship with us. He is not just a distant, supreme being but is as close as our breath. This intimacy is a constant reminder of His presence and care in our lives, transforming our daily experiences. Understanding God's closeness helps us to rely on Him more fully and to experience His love and guidance in every aspect of our lives. [34:11]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and embrace God's intimate presence in your daily routine today?
Day 4: The Breath of Life
The Hebrew understanding of God's name as the sound of breath (YHWH) emphasizes that every breath we take is a reminder of God's presence. This perspective transforms mundane activities like breathing into acts of worship and connection with God. Recognizing that God is as close as our breath can bring a profound sense of peace and mindfulness, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual reflection and gratitude. [33:35]
Job 33:4 (ESV): "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Reflection: Take a moment to focus on your breathing. How does it feel to know that each breath is a reminder of God's presence? How can this awareness change the way you approach your day?
Day 5: Jesus as the Fulfillment of God's Name
The name Jesus (Yahoshua) means "the Lord saves," encapsulating God's ultimate purpose for humanity. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of God's promise to save and transform us. This understanding deepens our appreciation of Jesus' role in our lives and our relationship with God. By recognizing Jesus as the embodiment of God's saving power, we can fully embrace the transformative work He desires to do in us. [35:48]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to save and transform you impact your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If there is power in God's name, how do we access the power? Right? That's the real thing for many of us, right? Because if we need God to do something in our life, we want to know, how do we get Him to do it? Right?" [03:07] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's not what cancer is doing to your body. It's what it's doing to your soul that most needs attention. So maybe it's not transactional power that we should focus on, but the transformational power of his name." [07:49] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There may be accidental parents. There's no accidental people. Your parents might have made a mistake, but you are not the mistake because you were created for a purpose." [23:24] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Purpose is transformational. If you can just land on that, it will change your life when you have a purpose." [23:46] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The name of Jesus, Yahoshua, reminds us, that God's greatest desire is to save us. To save us from ourselves. Save us from our sin that separates us from God and from one another. To save us from our missed and messed up purpose." [40:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I don't think that it's all about transactional power. I mean, even though things are done in his name where people are healed and miracles take place, I think it's really more about transformational power. Like transactional power, give me. Transformational power, change me." [06:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The names of God reveal aspects of his. His nature and his character and relationship with us. It's not just these are great names because he does great things. They all reveal something about us. The name of God reveals something about us and his relationship with us." [08:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Whatever you fill in this blank with, in the beginning, created the heavens and the earth. Whatever you determine fills in that blank, says everything about you. Everything about you. Everything." [18:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, the name Yahweh, Elohim, or Jehovah God, it reminds us that he is infinite, but he is intimate with us, right? Infinite, supreme, Elohim, God of the universe, creator, creator who is so close and intimate, it's like the breath on our lips surging through our body." [37:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are the object of his affection. And that's why he comes for us. That's why he sent his son to us. We are still the reflection of our heavenly father who made us in his image and gave his breath to us. That's the power of that name." [39:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?