Knowing God by Name

GUEST: PASTOR MATT MORRELL, Fourth Baptist Church in Plymouth, MN

It’s been said that the most important thing about a person is what they think when they think about God.

In other words, the more accurate our understanding of who God is—and the more willing we are to obey Him—the more we will think and live as God intends, for His glory and our good.

Creation is God’s general revelation to all people. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been cle1arly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

Simply by looking at the world and the universe around us, every person everywhere knows that a magnificent, powerful, supernatural God exists. No one has an excuse for unbelief—He is clearly seen through creation. An atheist or agnostic is simply suppressing the truth because of a desire for unrighteousness.

But general revelation through creation does not reveal the infinitely rich tapestry of God’s nature and ways. It does not show us how sinners can be restored to a right relationship with Him. For that we need special revelation—the Word of God, which He supernaturally inspired men to write.

Every page of the Bible reveals who God is: His stated will, His interaction with mankind, and His holiness and justice perfectly balanced with His compassion and mercy.

One of the most instructive ways God reveals Himself in His Word is through His many names—about twenty or more. Some He established for Himself; others He inspired men to ascribe to Him. Names such as Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai, along with compound forms like El Shaddai, Yahweh Shalom, and Yahweh Jireh, sharpen the believer’s understanding of who God is and how He works.

There is much going on in our country and in the world right now. But what could be more important than focusing on the One who created it all and who is in control of it all—the self-existent, eternal, triune Yahweh Elohim?

Our guest today is Matt Morrell, pastor of Fourth Baptist Church and president of Central Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota. He has been preaching a summer sermon series on the names of God and how Christians can anchor their faith and hope in Him.

Matt also serves as pastoral advisor to the board of The Christian Worldview, providing personal and organizational accountability to a sound local church.