Discussion Guide | March 8, 2026

March 9th, 2026

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

Summary

Pastor Bill delivers a powerful message about the significance of names, particularly focusing on the names of God revealed in Scripture. He begins by sharing personal stories about autograph collecting and the power that names carry, establishing that in biblical times, names represented character, destiny, and reputation. The sermon explores seven key names of God: Elohim (the all-powerful Creator who brings order from chaos), Jehovah (the eternal, unchanging Lord), El Shaddai (God Almighty, the all-sufficient giver of gifts), Adonai (Lord and Master who owns us), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides), Jehovah Rapha (our healer of body, mind, and spirit), and Jehovah Nissi (the Lord our banner of victory). Pastor Bill emphasizes that understanding these names helps us develop deeper intimacy with God and enables us to call upon His specific attributes in our times of need.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You have revealed Yourself to us through Your many names. As we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit and to understand more deeply who You are. May we leave this time changed and equipped to walk more closely with You. We surrender our preconceived notions and ask that You would speak to each of us individually according to our needs. 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 intentionally?

Main Study

Key Verses

Proverbs 22:1
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Genesis 22:13-14
Exodus 17:8-15

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that 'a good name is more desirable than great riches.' What do you think this means in practical terms for how we live our daily lives?
Which of the seven names of God discussed today (Elohim, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Adonai, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Nissi) resonates most with you right now, and why?
How does understanding that we 'belong to God' because we've been 'bought with a price' change the way we view our decisions and priorities?
Pastor Bill spoke about God bringing order out of chaos. What areas of your life feel chaotic right now, and how might calling on Elohim help?
The concept of Jehovah being 'unchanging' was emphasized. How is this comforting in our ever-changing world, and how can it serve as our 'true north'?
When Abraham called the place 'The Lord Will Provide' (Jehovah Jireh), he was acknowledging God's provision. How have you seen God provide in unexpected ways in your life?
Jehovah Rapha means God heals body, mind, and spirit. What does it mean to you that God wants to heal not just physical ailments but also broken hearts and past memories?
How can knowing these names of God help us in prayer and in developing a deeper relationship with Him?

Life Application

This week, choose one of the names of God that speaks to your current situation and spend time each day meditating on that name. When you face challenges, consciously call upon God by that specific name, remembering His character and what He represents. For example, if you're facing uncertainty, call upon Elohim to bring order. If you need provision, call upon Jehovah Jireh. Keep a journal of how this practice affects your faith and perspective throughout the week.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Names in biblical times represented character, destiny, and reputation - they were much more than simple labels
God reveals His character and attributes through His various names in Scripture, helping us understand who He is
We belong to God because we've been bought with a price through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross
Understanding God's names helps us know which aspect of His character to call upon in different situations
God is unchanging (Jehovah) in an ever-changing world, serving as our true north and reliable foundation

Ending Prayer

Lord God, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your many names. Help us to remember that You are Elohim when we need order in chaos, Jehovah when we need stability in change, El Shaddai when we need Your all-sufficient power, Adonai as our Master and Owner, Jehovah Jireh when we need provision, Jehovah Rapha when we need healing, and Jehovah Nissi when we need victory. May these names become more than words to us - may they become anchors for our faith and pathways to deeper intimacy with You. As we go forth this week, help us to live as people who truly know and trust in Your character. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

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