- Big Mac
- Pistol Pete
- Iron Mike
- The Golden Bear
- The Big Unit
- The Rocket
- The Admiral
- The Mailman
It's a part of our culture to nickname our favorite athletes. We like to give them special names that refer to their unique abilities or their extraordinary achievements, names that describe their stature or their personality.
Believe it or not, men and women in Bible times were named the same way! Esau means "red" or "hairy." Moses means "to draw out" (Pharaoh's daughter drew him out of the bulrushes). Often when someone had a special encounter with God, He gave that person a new name to reflect the change in his or her character or purpose. Abram, "exalted father," became Abraham, "father of many nations." His wife Sarai became Sarah, "princess." Jacob, "the deceiver," became Israel, "prince of God." Simon became Peter, "the rock."
The Bible also gives us many names that describe the attributes (characteristics) of God. Here are just a few: the Almighty, the Creator, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Righteous Judge, the Holy One. The Bible also tells us that one day God will give each of us a special name — a secret name — that no one else knows. It's just between him and us (Revelation 2:17). At that time, he will also write his own name upon us.
But God has given the most precious name to his Son, Jesus Christ, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). That's the Name above all names!
Finally, there is a special name that Jesus calls each of us – “friend”. Think of it, we have such a mutual, loving, intimate relationship that Jesus calls us “friend”. That ought to make you feel good all over.
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For further explanation, listen to Bret Robbe's audio file on LifeSpan - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/lifespan-spiritual-growth-strategy-pastors-churches
FOR CHURCH STAFF: 2012 GBREA meeting, January 19 & 20, 2012 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Keynote speakers include Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: GBC VBS Jumpstarts 2012 - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=4896&theparentnavigationid=4665&viewcontentpageguid=21295215-cf53-4da9-9def-823920d33a16
SMALL GROUPS: Rooms by James Rubart - See a video description at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9rFrnRKQw4 See study material at- http://www.lifeway.com/Product/rooms-the-small-group-experience-leader-kit-P005459272
WOMEN'S MINISTRY: James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-p005371580
PARENTING: Raising Boys and Girls, understand the differences in raising our sons and daughters (can also be a valuable training opportunity for children's and student leadership!) - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Raising-Boys-and-Girls
