Discussion Guide | March 15th, 2026

March 16th, 2026

God's Names & Why They Matter Pt. 2 | Sermon by Dr. Bill Shuler

Summary

This sermon explores the power and significance of God's names, emphasizing how knowing God by His various names reveals His character and our relationship with Him. Pastor Bill continues a two-part series, focusing on four specific names of God: Jehovah Mekedesh (the Lord our sanctifier), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord our peace), Jehovah Sikhanu (the Lord our righteousness), and Jehovah Rohi (the Lord our shepherd). The message concludes by highlighting Jesus as the name above all names, through whom we find salvation and access to the Father. The sermon emphasizes that God knows each person by name and calls believers to live authentically in holiness, peace, and purpose.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We thank You that You know each of us by name and that Your names reveal Your character and love for us. As we gather to discuss Your Word, help us to be vulnerable and honest with one another. Open our hearts to hear not just with our ears, but to receive Your truth deep within our souls. Guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another as we grow in our understanding of who You are. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the story behind your name? Were you named after someone special, or does your name have a particular meaning that your parents chose for you?

Main Study

Key Verses

Leviticus 20:8
Psalm 23:1
John 10:14
Matthew 1:21
Philippians 2:9-11

Questions

The sermon mentions that when Joseph's name was forgotten in Egypt, life became cheap. How does remembering God's names and character affect how we value ourselves and others?
Pastor shared about Harrison Ford saying he lacks peace despite having everything. What's the difference between worldly peace and the peace that comes from knowing Jehovah Shalom?
How does understanding God as Jehovah Mekedesh (our sanctifier) change the way we approach living a holy life? Is it about performance or something deeper?
The sermon talks about God knowing us by name and calling us by name, like Jesus did with Lazarus. How does this personal aspect of God's love impact your daily life?
What does it mean practically to live as 'salt and light' in your workplace, family, or community as mentioned in the sermon?
The pastor mentioned that we often want what we don't have, but Psalm 23:1 says 'I lack nothing.' How do we reconcile our desires with this truth?
How can understanding God as Jehovah Rohi (our shepherd) help us when we're going through difficult times or feeling alone?
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the name above all names. How does this truth affect the way we pray and approach God with our needs?

Life Application

This week, choose one of the names of God discussed in the sermon (Jehovah Mekedesh, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Sikhanu, or Jehovah Rohi) that particularly speaks to your current situation. Each day, spend time in prayer addressing God by that name and asking Him to reveal that aspect of His character in your life. Also, look for one opportunity each day to be 'salt and light' to someone around you - whether through encouragement, prayer, or simply showing God's love in practical ways.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God knows each of us by name, which speaks to our individual value and His personal love for us
Understanding God's names reveals His character and helps us know how to approach Him in different circumstances
True peace (Jehovah Shalom) goes beyond feeling calm - it means being made whole in every aspect of life
We are called to live authentically holy lives as God's sanctified people, being salt and light in the world
Jesus is the name above all names, and through Him we have access to salvation and the Father

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your many names. Help us to remember that You are our sanctifier, our peace, our righteousness, and our shepherd. When we face challenges this week, remind us to call upon Your name and trust in Your character. May we live as people who truly know You by name, and may others see Your love and holiness reflected in our lives. Give us courage to be authentic in our faith and to be salt and light wherever You place us. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, the name above all names. Amen.

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Posted in Life Groups, Sermon Blog