Teaching & Sermons with Ines Franklin

Does God need a name? Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. Joshua 24:2Not all “gods” are the sameFor even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God... 1 Corinthians 8:5-6What is his name? Moses said to God, “Suppose…they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13I AM or I will be = ehyehGod 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.’” Exodus 3:14HE IS = YHWH, Tetragrammaton translated in English as “LORD”God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Exodus 3:15YHWH + Jireh (Will Provide), Rapha (Heals You), y Nissi (Is My Banner)Other names in Hebrew: Elohim (God), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master, Sovereign), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Olam (The Everlasting God), El Qanna (Jealous God); in Greek: Logos (Word of God), Alpha and Omega (The First and the Last).It’s His identity and His characterThen the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Genesis 34:5-7The name that savesThose who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Joel 2:32Jesus, the physical embodiment of YHWH himself“A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11“I have made you [your name] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26Jesus = Yeshua, the Lord savesSalvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12Jesus is the LordGod exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” Matthew 6:9How to respond to God’s name?Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Genesis 34:8

THE VERY BEST GIFTLuke 2:22-40 God’s very best gift ...the grace of God was on him... Luke 2:40 forgiveness of sins This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 eternal life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Embrace the unexpected Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Looking at the New Year quite differentlyPeople who believed God’s promises:Joseph and Mary: obedienceimmediate self-gratification vs. trusting in the LordSimeon: faithful expectation...was righteous and devout...was waiting...and the Holy Spirit was on him...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit...moved by the Spirit, he went...took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:25-28anticipating salvationSovereign Lord...”my eyes have seen your salvation....” Luke 2:29accepting division“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many...” Luke 2:34 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 Anna: belief in the Lorda prophet...never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Luke 2:36-37 grateful for redemption ...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

Obsessed with shiny stuff, deep thirst revealedAs the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1The unexpected reality of Christmas:1.God’s glory revealedAn angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… Luke 2:9For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:142.To the weak and powerlessAnd there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8•Outsiders, poor, despised, low-class, outcasts…they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Luke 2:9-10aGod chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:28-293.It’s Good News! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:144.Through a child This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing…being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21Responding to the unexpected Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14Curiosity When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15PraiseThe shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20Christmas shines: Lord, I need you!All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

I love you thiiiiiiiis much!God’s favor, name by name Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancyGod sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.The greatest birth announcement ever!The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33Promised long ago“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15A child like no otherFor to us a child is born …he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34God’s love on display“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37•Grace-bestowedcharitoo = to grace, highly honor or greatly favorIn love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6•Beyond measure…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39•Among us This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:10 Love overcomes all fear“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18

When waiting gets oldPromise made“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God… A voice of one calling: ‘In thewilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert ahighway for our God. …the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all peoplewill see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:1,3-5“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…” Malachi 3:1What are you hoping for?Promise fulfilled Luke 1:5-24ChoseBoth of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all theLord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childlessbecause Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both veryold. …he was chosen by lot… Luke 1:6-7, 9Prayer heardBut the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayerhas been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you areto call him John. Luke 1:13Joy and delightHe will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because ofhis birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord …he will befilled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring backmany of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:14-16Choose your response Luke 1:18-25Zechariah, doubt: “How can I be sure of this?Elizabeth, gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me...”Prepare to be surprisedGod’s timing is perfect“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like athousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow inkeeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patientwith you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come torepentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9God is your strength“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; butthose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar onwings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and notbe faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Our last sane moment… Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23The enemy of gratitudeThe thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10•Is God good? “Did God really say…?” Genesis 3:1•Is God truthful? “You will not certainly die.” Genesis 3:4•Is God powerful? “you will be like God” Genesis 3:5Ingratitude = failure or refusal to acknowledge receipt of something good from anotherThe result of ingratitudeAt that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. … So they hid from the LORD God… Genesis 3:7-8 NLT For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16A good thanksgiving, for all your days Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:416 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Gratitude protects your heart12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves…clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15“I don’t need it.”I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11The joy of gratitudeSing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

David’s heart‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22David’s last words:When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 1 Kings 2:1•Be strong “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man…” 1 Kings 2:2“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you….” 1 Chronicles 28:20I need You Lord…Lord, I need YouTruly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2Immanuel, God with you “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…the Spirit of truth. …he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:1, 15-17•Commit wholeheartedly “…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you…” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLTShalom: peace, whole, nothing missing, nothing broken•Commit wholeheartedly, Continued…Good, good FatherYou, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Psalm 63:1I love you Lord, and I lift my voice…“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37•Walk in obedience “... and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations...” 1 Kings 2:3Search me, O God Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me…. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10,12 NLTWhat a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus!“…As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:34-36God’s heart“…Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” 1 kings 2:3Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10