Podcasts about I Am Who I Am

Who Is God? Exploring the Names of the Divine Who is God, and how has He revealed Himself through Scripture? In this episode of Relish, Alex Zimmerman and Pastor Don Patterson examine the biblical names of God, including Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Adonai, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh, and Emmanuel. The conversation begins with the meaning and history of God's names before exploring Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. What does “I AM WHO I AM” reveal about God's eternal and self-existent nature? The hosts also discuss: The relationship between Yahweh and Jehovah. The meaning of Elohim and its use in Scripture. Questions surrounding the Trinity and heavenly beings. How God's names reveal His character, presence, and provision. Why knowing God matters for identity and obedience. Through biblical teaching, personal stories, and pastoral reflection, this episode invites listeners to consider whether they truly understand the God they claim to worship.

What do you do when you don't feel qualified for what God has called you to do?In week one of Imperfect People, we look at the story of Moses and the gap between our weaknesses and God's calling. Moses asked, “Who am I?” But instead of focusing on who Moses was, God revealed who He is: “I AM WHO I AM.”Our weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. His grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in weakness, and He is everything we're not. When you don't have what it takes, He does.

What do you do when you don't feel qualified for what God has called you to do?In week one of Imperfect People, we look at the story of Moses and the gap between our weaknesses and God's calling. Moses asked, “Who am I?” But instead of focusing on who Moses was, God revealed who He is: “I AM WHO I AM.”Our weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. His grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in weakness, and He is everything we're not. When you don't have what it takes, He does.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament: Exodus 3:1-15 1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up." 4When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." 5Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." 6He said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7Then the Lord said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." 11But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain." 13But Moses said to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" 14God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." He said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 15God also said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you': This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations. Psalm: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c 1 Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; *        make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *        and speak of all his marvelous works. 3 Glory in his holy Name; *        let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Search for the Lord and his strength; *        continually seek his face. 5 Remember the marvels he has done, *        his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, 6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *        O children of Jacob his chosen. 23 Israel came into Egypt, *        and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham. 24 The Lord made his people exceedingly fruitful; *        he made them stronger than their enemies; 25 Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people, *        and dealt unjustly with his servants. 26 He sent Moses his servant, *        and Aaron whom he had chosen. 45 Hallelujah! Epistle: Romans 12:9-21 9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28 21From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27"For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."  

Hold on to your seats this week — the gospel makes a hard right toward Jerusalem and never looks back! This is the immediate turn from last week. Peter has just confessed Jesus as the Messiah. Now Jesus begins to teach what that means — suffering, death, resurrection. Peter is scandalized. Jesus is direct. The way of the cross gets named, and the same disciple who was blessed six verses ago is called Satan for objecting to it.The Old Testament tracks both give us people called to hard tasks. Track One brings us Moses at the burning bush — the divine name revealed, the reluctant prophet given his commission. Track Two brings us Jeremiah's lament — a prophet accusing God of being like a deceitful stream that goes dry when you need it most, and God's bracing rather than soothing response.The Epistle continues Paul's practical instructions in Romans 12. After last week's call to living sacrifice, now come the specifics: let love be genuine, bless those who persecute you, weep with those who weep, and overcome evil with good.For preachers continuing a series: last week's confession is followed this week by its cost. This is the turn from “who is Jesus?” to “what does following this Jesus mean?”The ReadingsExodus 3:1–15First Reading (Track One) — Moses at the Burning BushSummaryMoses is tending his father-in-law's flock in the wilderness of Sinai. He notices a bush that is on fire but not consumed, and turns aside to look. From the bush, God calls his name. God has heard the cry of the Israelites in Egypt; God is sending Moses to bring them out. Moses offers a series of objections — starting with “who am I to go?” and moving to the deeper question, “what is your name?” God's answer to the second is one of the most enigmatic sentences in the Bible: I AM WHO I AM — or I will be who I will be — a name whose tenses refuse to settle.Key Ideas for Preaching* The bush is on fire but not consumed. Moses turns aside to look. That turning aside is the whole beginning of the story. Where in your congregation might God be waiting for a turn of attention that no one has yet made?* Moses's first objection is “who am I?” God does not answer that question. God changes the subject to “I will be with you.” The confidence for the task, in this text, does not come from the sender knowing anything special about himself. It comes from the promise of God's presence. What does it look like to preach a call that does not require self-confidence, only God's promise?* The divine name — “I AM WHO I AM” — is deliberately unfixed. The Hebrew can mean “I am who I am,” “I will be who I will be,” or “I will be what I will be.” The name refuses to settle. Where has your congregation been trying to freeze God into a definition God has refused to be frozen into?* God calls Moses by name — the same Moses whose past includes murder, exile, and running away. This is not a call to a person who has proven himself. It is a call to a person whose past is complicated. Where in your congregation are people quietly assuming their past disqualifies them from what God might be calling them to now?Significant Cautions* The burning bush has become such a familiar image that it can be preached as a metaphor for any inspiring experience. It is more specific than that — a genuine encounter at a particular time and place with a particular commission attached.* “I AM WHO I AM” is contested territory in translation. Do not preach a confident philosophical reading of the divine name; the Hebrew resists that.* Moses's objections to the call are legitimate. He is not portrayed as faithless for offering them, and God takes them seriously. Do not use this passage to shame people who have their own honest objections to what they are being asked to do.Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45cThe Psalm (Track One) — Remember the WondersSummaryThis section of the great remembering psalm focuses on the descent of Jacob's family into Egypt and God's raising up of Moses and Aaron to lead them out. The selected verses call the people to remember the wonders God has done — with Abraham, in Egypt, through Moses — and close with a single “hallelujah.”Key Ideas for Preaching* The psalm remembers Moses's story from a great distance — after everything worked out, after generations have passed. What might it mean for your congregation to make the same practice of long remembering, so that today's uncertain calls can be trusted to become tomorrow's remembered deliverances?* The psalm names Moses as God's “chosen” and Aaron as the one God “sent.” This is theological language for what looked, in the moment, like the reluctant conscription of two brothers who did not want the job. Where in your congregation has “chosen by God” language obscured how much resistance actual calls have met?Significant Cautions* The psalm's cheerful retrospect does not undo the pain the Israelites lived through in Egypt. Do not let the celebration minimize present suffering in your congregation.Jeremiah 15:15–21First Reading (Track Two) — Jeremiah's LamentSummaryJeremiah is in real distress. He accuses God of being unreliable — like a stream that goes dry when you need it most, “deceitful waters that cannot be trusted.” He has been faithful, he says. He has eaten God's words. He has not sat with the merrymakers. And still he is in pain. God's response is bracing rather than tender: if you turn back to me, I will take you back. If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless, you will serve as my mouth. And I will make you a fortified wall of bronze to this people — they will fight against you, but they will not prevail, for I am with you.Photo by Markus Spiske on UnsplashKey Ideas for Preaching* Jeremiah accuses God to God's face — of being unreliable, of failing him, of being like a stream that runs dry. This is not sinful speech; it is the honest lament of a prophet in pain. Where in your congregation has honest complaint to God been mistaken for faithlessness?* God's response is not soothing. It does not include an apology or a comforting explanation. It includes a call to return and a strengthening for the road ahead. What might your sermon do with a God who does not always answer our pain with sympathy but sometimes with a call to keep going?* God promises Jeremiah he will be like a fortified wall of bronze against opposition. Not that opposition will go away. That he will be strong enough for it. Where in your congregation are people needing strength for opposition that is not going away?Significant Cautions* Jeremiah's lament should not be preached as a warmup to a happy ending. The pain is real and the response is a call to keep going, not an assurance that the pain will end.* “Fortified wall of bronze” imagery has been used to encourage rigidity where flexibility was needed. The bronze wall is protection against opposition, not against learning.Psalm 26:1–8The Psalm (Track Two) — I Have Walked in IntegritySummaryA psalm of protested innocence and love for God's house. The psalmist asks God to vindicate him — he has walked in integrity, he does not sit with the wicked, he washes his hands in innocence. And he loves the house where God's glory dwells. It is a confident psalm, close to boasting, and honest about what the psalmist most wants.Key Ideas for Preaching* The psalmist's confidence sounds surprising to modern ears used to more humble language in prayer. But there is a real place in the psalter for asking God to notice when we have tried to be faithful. Where has your congregation been too shy to name, in prayer, the ways they have tried to be honest with God?* “I love the house in which you dwell, O Lord, and the place where your glory abides.” That is unabashed love for the community of worship. What might your sermon do with the specific love of the church as a spiritual practice worth honoring?Significant Cautions* The psalmist's claim of innocence has been used to prop up self-righteousness. Read in context, it is a plea for a fair hearing, not a claim to moral perfection.Romans 12:9–21The Epistle — Let Love Be GenuineSummaryPaul continues the practical section of Romans 12 — one of the most concentrated ethical passages in his letters. Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Be joyful in hope, patient in suffering, persevering in prayer. Extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you — bless, and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Do not repay evil with evil. So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. And the closing: do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Key Ideas for Preaching* “Let love be genuine.” That is Paul's opening. Not “let love be adequate.” Not “let love be present.” Genuine — un-performed, un-simulated, the real thing. Where in your congregation has the love been well-intentioned but not quite genuine, and how might Paul's opening word press on that?* “Weep with those who weep” is often quoted; “rejoice with those who rejoice” is often skipped. Weeping is expected; rejoicing at someone else's joy is harder. Where in your congregation has envy quietly kept people from rejoicing when their neighbors flourish?* The closing — “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” — is Paul's summary of Christian resistance. Not retaliation. Not passive absorption. Active good, offered in response to what is wrong. What might your sermon do to make that both concrete and credible in a world where retaliation feels satisfying?Significant Cautions* “Bless those who persecute you” has been used to tell people to endure abuse. That is a serious misuse. Paul is describing a posture toward hostility in the world, not endorsing continued relationship with people who are harming you.* “So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” contains an important qualifier — “so far as it depends on you.” Some peace is not available because the other party does not want it. Paul does not require Christians to manufacture what the other side refuses.Matthew 16:21–28The Gospel — Get Behind Me, and Take Up Your CrossSummaryImmediately after Peter's confession, Jesus begins to teach the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the elders and chief priests, be killed, and on the third day be raised. Peter takes him aside and rebukes him: “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” Jesus turns and says the sharpest word he ever says to a disciple: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then he speaks to all the disciples: those who want to become his followers must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for his sake will find it. What does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul?Key Ideas for Preaching* The turn from last week is immediate and jarring. Peter has just been blessed for confessing Jesus as the Messiah; now he is called Satan for objecting to the Messiah's actual road. Confessing Christ, Matthew is saying, is not the same as following the Christ we have confessed. How might your sermon hold together the great confession of last week and the correction of this one?* Peter's rebuke is not evil; it is protective. He wants to keep Jesus from being killed. But he is setting his mind on human things — a natural, understandable concern for his teacher's safety — and Jesus names it as a stumbling block. Where in your congregation has protective love for a person or an institution quietly blocked what God was doing?* “Take up your cross” is language we have to handle with care. The cross was a real Roman instrument of execution. It was terrifying. Jesus is not offering a metaphor for daily annoyances. He is naming a life that follows him in a direction the world will not always thank you for going. What does it look like to preach this without either domesticating it into inconvenience or making it inaccessible to ordinary lives?* “Those who want to save their life will lose it; those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” This is one of the most repeated sayings of Jesus, and one of the most abused. The saving Jesus promises is not the reward for a sufficiently self-denying life. It is the shape of a life ordered toward him rather than toward self-preservation. Where might your congregation be preserving lives that are already shrinking, when Jesus is inviting them to lose lives that would open?Significant Cautions* “Deny yourself” and “take up your cross” have been used, throughout church history, to tell abused women to stay in dangerous marriages, enslaved people to accept their bondage, and the poor to endure exploitation. This is a grievous misuse. Preachers must be clear that Jesus is speaking to disciples about the cost of following him, not blessing anyone else's exploitation.* “Get behind me, Satan” has sometimes been used as a script for shutting down people who disagree with us. Jesus is speaking to his closest friend about a specific issue — the necessity of the cross. He is not modeling how to end arguments with people whose theology annoys us.* “Gain the whole world and lose your soul” is famous but often preached in a way that reduces it to individual moralism. In Matthew, “life” is closer to “whole self” than to “immortal soul.” The trade-off is not primarily about heaven; it is about what kind of person we are becoming.Thematic ConnectionsThe Gospel is the natural center — the immediate turn from last week's confession to this week's cost. Peter's rock-solid answer is followed by the road Jesus intends to walk with it. This is the pivot in Matthew's Gospel from Galilee toward Jerusalem, and everything else will be read in its light.On Track One, Moses at the burning bush pairs with the Gospel in a specific way. Both texts are about calls that come with resistance. Moses objects that he is not adequate; Peter objects that Jesus should not have to suffer. Both objections are met with a call to trust God's presence rather than the objector's understanding of the situation. The bush that is on fire and not consumed is a picture of the God who calls Jesus to a cross that will not consume him either.On Track Two, Jeremiah's lament and God's bracing response give us a picture of what following God actually feels like from the inside. The prophet in pain, the God who does not soothe but strengthens, the fortified wall against opposition that will not disappear — this is the shape of the road Jesus is naming in the Gospel. Peter wants to keep Jesus off Jeremiah's road. Jesus is walking it deliberately.Romans 12 sits inside the day as the practical extension. If Peter's confession is true and Jesus's road is what the confession means, then Christian community life has to be shaped by this — genuine love, blessing of enemies, overcoming evil with good. Paul is describing what a community of cross-shaped disciples actually looks like.For preachers continuing a series: last week the summer arc reached its climactic confession. This week the confession is corrected — or rather, its true meaning is revealed. Following the Christ we have confessed will not look like keeping him safe. It will look like walking with him toward the road he chose. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

In this talk Rich and Geoff continue our series exploring the names of God, by looking at God calling himself, I Am Who I Am, and Jesus being declared the Light of the World. The Names of God series explores the multifaceted character of God by examining the various names He reveals about Himself throughout the Bible. There are 3 aspects: God in the Old Testament revealing Himself, God in the New Testament inviting us to have a relationship with Him and God within us guiding us through life. This summer series aims to move beyond mere knowledge about God to a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. If you would like to know more about us, you can visit our website at HopeChurchGuildford.com and contact us via email at Hello@HopeChurchGuildford.com Or why not subscribe and check out our Social Media pages: Facebook - facebook.com/HopeChurchGFD Instagram - instagram.com/hopechurchguildford

Without a doubt, the most important question any person must answer is: Who is Jesus? This message will explore the answer and some implications of the answer. "Who Are You?" Todd Jaussen Download Sermons Archive RSS Galatians 3:6-9 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. ““These words are the words of the most impudent blasphemer that ever spoke, or the words of God incarnate.”” Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.' ”Deuteronomy 32:39 ‘Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand Isaiah 41:4 Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He.' ” Isaiah 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. Isaiah 43:13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,Romans 9:5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. Sermon Discussion Questions:Why did Jesus' use of "I AM" cause men to want to kill Him on the spot? What insight into this phrase does the OT give us? Once we believe He is the great "I AM" why should this lead us into: 1. Great Joy 2. Great Concern?

DESCRIPTIVE NAMES OF JESUS Seed of Woman (Gen 3:15) Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Lamb of God (Isaiah 9:6) Shoot of David/Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) Holy One (John 6:69 & others) Son of David and Bright and Morning Star (Rev 22:16) Shepherd of Souls (1 Peter 2:25) Saviour (Luke 2:11) Resurrection and Life (John 11:25) Rock (1 Corth 10:4) Redeemer (Eph 1:7) Door (John 10:7) Lamb of God (John 1:29) Son of man (Luke19:10, +81times) Exodus 3:14 NLT[14] God replied to Moses, “I AM Who I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” Seven I AM statements: "I AM the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48, 51) "I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5) "I AM the door of the sheep" (John 10:7, 9) "I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:11, 14) "I AM the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25) "I AM the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) "I AM the true vine" (John 15:1)

In this message, Simon looks at the importance of a name, and draws on the scriptures in Exodus 3:1-15, where God speaks from the burning bush and reveals to Moses for the first time His Name, I Am Who I AM and YHWH. Then in John 8:48-59 Jesus makes a statement that shocks the religious world. God's unique name reveals things about His nature that bring us great security in knowing Him. Did you know your name is ‘written in heaven'? Jesus, the great I Am has you safely in His divine plan!

God 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 3:14 In the third commandment, God teaches his people to revere his holy name, warning that they may not treat his name lightly. Over time, the Israelites took this command so seriously that they refrained from even saying God's name aloud.As a result, whenever we read the name “LORD” in our English Bibles today, we are reading what the people of Israel said—Adonai, meaning “Lord” —in place of the name that God revealed to Moses: Yahweh, or “I AM WHO I AM.” The word “Lord” (Adonai) fittingly indicates “power,” “authority,” “influence,” and other important attributes of reverence for God's name, showing respect for God's ultimate place and authority over the whole universe.Today, many Christians boldly say aloud God's name “Jehovah” (a rendition of Yahweh) because the opposite of taking God's name lightly is to take it too seriously, as ancient Israel did. We need to acknowledge and confess God's greatness and almighty power by properly expressing and honoring his name. Even better, we may respectfully and devotedly call God “Father,” as Jesus taught by his own example. Calling God “Father” not only acknowledges the Lord's power and authority but also reveals God's tender, loving care for us. We are God's children, reconciled to him and adopted through the work of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Father, thank you for making us your children through Jesus, your Son. Help us to live each day in devotion to you and with love for others. Amen.

The Name Above Every Name Conference One Receiving the Name The Gift Before the Method “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” — Philippians 2:10 There is perhaps no prayer more beloved in the Christian East than the Jesus Prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” It is spoken by monks in their cells, by hermits in the desert, by laborers at their work, by the elderly in nursing homes, by the sick in their hospital beds, and by countless hidden souls who have learned to carry the Name of Christ as their constant companion. Yet before we speak of the prayer itself, we must ask a more fundamental question. Why this Name? Not simply why this prayer, but why this Name? Our age has become fascinated with methods. We search for techniques that promise peace, concentration, or spiritual experience. We want to know how many repetitions to make, how to regulate our breathing, how to quiet the mind, how to pray without distraction. These questions are not unimportant. The Fathers address them with great sobriety. But they are never their starting point. The Christian life does not begin with a method. It begins with a Person. The Apostles did not first receive a prayer rule. They encountered Christ. Everything else followed from that encounter. This is the first lesson that Archimandrite Zacharias never tires of repeating. The Name of Jesus is not a sacred formula. It is not a mantra. It possesses no power apart from the living Person whom it reveals. When we invoke the Name, we are not repeating syllables. We are standing before the living God who has become man for our salvation. This changes everything. Prayer is no longer something we accomplish. It becomes Someone whom we meet. The whole mystery of Christianity is contained within this movement. We do not ascend toward God through our own efforts. God has descended to us. The eternal Word has taken flesh. The invisible God has received a human face. The unknowable One has given us His Name. The Name is therefore a gift before it is a practice. Christ Himself places it upon our lips. He gives us His own Name because He desires communion with us. The initiative always belongs to Him. This is why every genuine spiritual life begins with gratitude rather than achievement. We do not earn the Name. We receive it. ⸻⸻⸻ The Scriptures reveal something astonishing about the Name of God. 2 Throughout the Old Testament the divine Name remains veiled in mystery. Moses encounters the burning bush and asks, “What is your Name?” The answer is both revelation and concealment. “I AM WHO I AM.” God makes Himself known while remaining infinitely beyond comprehension. Then, in the fullness of time, something utterly new occurs. The Angel commands Joseph: “You shall call His Name Jesus.” The infinite God now bears a human Name. The One whom no man could behold enters history as an infant carried in His mother's arms. The Name Jesus is not merely a title. It is the revelation of the humility of God. The Almighty has made Himself accessible. He has entered our weakness. He has become One whom we may call upon in every circumstance of life. The Name itself proclaims the Gospel. Every time we whisper it, we confess that God has come near. ⸻⸻⸻ The Fathers teach us that there is an inseparable bond between the Name and the Person. To invoke the Name with faith is already to stand before Christ. This is why the Church surrounds His Name with such reverence. 3 The Apostle tells us that God has bestowed upon Christ “the Name which is above every name.” Not because the sound of the word possesses magical power, but because the Person who bears that Name is the eternal Son of God. When we pray, “Lord Jesus Christ...” we are already making a confession of faith. “Lord.” He is God. “Jesus.” He is the Savior who entered history. “Christ.” He is the Anointed One promised by the prophets. “Son of God.” He shares eternally in the Father's divine life. Everything is already contained within these few words. The prayer is theology condensed into love. ⸻⸻⸻ Archimandrite Zacharias repeatedly reminds us that the Jesus Prayer is fundamentally relational. This may sound obvious, but it is easily forgotten. We often reduce prayer to something we do. The Fathers speak instead of Someone before whom we stand. 4 The heart of prayer is presence. Not first our awareness of God. But God's faithful presence before us. Long before we began seeking Him, He sought us. Long before we learned His Name, He knew ours. Long before we loved Him, He loved us. Prayer is our answer to a love that has already preceded us. This protects us from one of the greatest temptations in the spiritual life. We begin to measure prayer by our experience. Was it peaceful? Was it distracted? Did I feel anything? Did grace seem close? The Fathers ask another question. Did you remain before Christ? If so, then prayer has already begun. Faithfulness is greater than consolation. Love is greater than feelings. Presence is greater than success. ⸻⸻⸻ This understanding also transforms repentance. Many people imagine repentance as a movement away from themselves toward God. 5 The Gospel reveals the opposite. Repentance is the discovery that Christ has already come searching for us. Adam hid. God sought him. The prodigal wandered. The Father watched the road. Peter denied Christ. Christ looked upon Peter. Everything begins with God's movement toward us. When we whisper, “Have mercy on me,” we are not persuading Christ to become merciful. We are awakening to the mercy that has already embraced us. The prayer does not change God's heart. It gradually changes ours. ⸻⸻⸻ Because the Name is a gift, it must be received with reverence. The Fathers never speak of the Jesus Prayer casually. It is entrusted to the humble. Not because God withholds Himself from others, but because pride cannot receive what humility gladly welcomes. A proud heart uses prayer. 6 A humble heart receives it. There is all the difference in the world. Perhaps this is why the prayer becomes simpler as one matures. At first we seek to master it. Later we discover that it is slowly mastering us. At first we imagine we are carrying the Name. Eventually we discover that the Name has been carrying us all along. ⸻⸻⸻ As we begin this retreat, let us lay aside every desire for extraordinary experiences. Let us not seek methods before seeking Christ. Let us not become preoccupied with progress. The greatest grace would simply be this: To receive the Name once again as though hearing it for the first time. To whisper it with reverence. To hold it gently within the heart. To allow it to accompany every joy and every sorrow. To believe that every sincere invocation of the Name is already an encounter with the living Christ. The whole Christian life begins here. Not with our search for God. But with God's immeasurable gift of Himself. And because He has given us His Name, we need never fear that He is far away. 7 The Name upon our lips is already the sign that Christ stands at the door of the heart and knocks. May we open to Him with humility, faith, and love. 8

In the first 52 chapters of the Bible, God never gives a name. Then Moses asks — and everything changes. I AM WHO I AM. Not a title. Not a proper noun. A verb. The only being in existence with the power and authority to completely self-identify. In this message, Pastor Nathan walks through Exodus 3, the meaning behind Yahweh, and the moment Jesus stands in the temple and says — before Abraham was, I AM. The Jewish leaders picked up stones. They understood exactly what He was claiming. And then Paul says: that name is now on you. In this message: Why God never named Himself to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or even Enoch — and why He named Himself to Moses The grammar behind Yahweh — and why Jehovah is actually a scribal workaround Why Jesus saying "I AM" in John 8 caused people to pick up stones How Peter's bold claim in Acts 4 connects directly to the burning bush What it means that through adoption, you now bear the name of God Key Scriptures: Exodus 3–4 • John 8:58 • Acts 4:12 • Romans 8:15–17 • Philippians 2:9–11

In this message, we explore one of the most profound moments in Scripture God's self‑revelation to Moses at the burning bush. When Moses asks for God's name, the Lord responds with a declaration unlike any other: “I AM WHO I AM.” In that single statement, God reveals Himself as YHWH. The One who simply is. He is not defined by human categories, limited by human imagination, or shaped by human expectations. He exists by His own power, His own nature, and His own eternal presence.This sermon invites us to rediscover the God who cannot be boxed in or reduced to our assumptions. The God who is unchanging, self‑existent, and sovereign who meets His people with both mystery and intimacy. As we unpack the meaning of YHWH, we learn what it means to trust a God who defines Himself, reveals Himself, and remains forever faithful to His name.

Today is day 173 and we are on the section on The First Petition: "Hallowed be Thy Name". 173. What is God's Name? God's Name reveals who he is — his nature, his character, his power, and his purposes. The Name God reveals to Moses is “I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM” (Exodus 3:6, 14). This Name means that he alone is truly God, he is the source of his own Being, he is holy and just, and he cannot be defined by his creatures. (Exodus 3:6,14; 15:11; Psalm 99; Isaiah 5:16; 42:8; 47:4; John 8:58; Revelation 1:8) We will conclude today with Proper 2 found on page 615 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What is God's personal name? Is it Yahweh? Jehovah? Why do most English Bibles use the word LORD instead? In Part 2 of The Names of God series, Pastor Roger Pettay examines God's personal covenant name as revealed in Exodus 3:13-15. Discover the meaning behind the divine name YHWH, why it appears thousands of times throughout the Old Testament, and how Jewish and Christian traditions have handled this sacred name through the centuries. In this message you will learn: • The three primary names used for God in the Old Testament • The meaning of "I AM WHO I AM" • Why LORD appears in all capital letters in many English Bibles • The difference between Elohim, Adonai, and Yahweh • How God's name is embedded in words like Hallelujah • The connection between Yahweh, Joshua, and Jesus • What Jesus meant when He declared, "Before Abraham was, I AM" Whether you are new to studying Scripture or have walked with Christ for many years, this message will help you better understand the character of God and deepen your appreciation for the God who desires to be known by His people. #Yahweh #Jehovah #NamesOfGod #Exodus3 #IAM #BiblicalTruth #BibleStudy #KnowGod #SermonPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ExaltChurch #ExaltChurchVA

Who are you? We often define ourselves by our careers, accomplishments, failures, or the roles we play in life. In Exodus 3, Moses is a man struggling with his identity after forty years in the wilderness. But before God tells Moses what to do, He reveals who He is. Through the burning bush, God's call, and the powerful declaration "I AM WHO I AM," we discover that our confidence is not found in ourselves but in the God who is with us. Join us as we explore how knowing who God is changes everything about who we are.

Join Fr. Juventius Andrade, C.Ss.R., in this insightful episode of Who's Who in the Bible as he explores the profound encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. This engaging session unpacks the mystery of God's name, specifically the meaning behind "I AM WHO I AM" and the significance of the sacred title Yahweh. Fr. Juventius masterfully bridges Old Testament revelation with New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Whether you are seeking spiritual depth or historical context on this foundational biblical name, this video is a must-watch. Discover how God's name remains a powerful promise of His presence today!

There is a moment in Exodus where Moses asks God for a name, and God refuses to give him one. "I AM WHO I AM." It is less an answer than a declaration that God cannot be categorized, cannot be placed on a shelf next to the other options. That refusal sets the whole story in motion.We follow Moses back into Egypt, where Pharaoh asks a question that sounds ancient but lands close to home: "Who is the Lord that I should obey?" The ten plagues are God's answer. One by one, every power Egypt trusted to keep the world stable gets exposed. The Nile. The sun. The livestock. The gods the empire had named and organized and counted on. All of them fall silent.But God was not just making a point to Pharaoh. He was making one to Israel. Four hundred years in Egypt had shaped the way those people thought about safety, identity, and survival. God was not simply getting his people out of Egypt. He was working to get Egypt out of his people.We look at the Passover and find something that cuts through every religious instinct we carry. Two households. Two very different people. Both covered by the same blood. The safety of the house did not depend on the quality of the faith inside it. It depended on the blood of the lamb on the door.That image reaches all the way to the cross. Jesus, the lamb without defect, painting the wood with his own life so that our record reads covered. Not the Sunday morning version of us. The Tuesday afternoon version. The one who is still figuring it out.So we are invited to audit what we are actually trusting. To stop bargaining with the burning bush. And to leave, even before the bread has time to rise.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11; St. John 7:37-52; 8:12 Pentecost reveals the God who never ceases to act for our salvation, giving His people exactly what they need—from the Law at Sinai, to the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection, and finally the gift of the Holy Spirit. The kneeling prayers for the departed flow naturally from Christ's descent into Hades, for if Christ sought those held by death, His Incarnate Body, the Church, continues to seek them through prayer and love. We pray for the departed not because we possess a detailed map of the afterlife, but because Christians imitate Christ, whose love always seeks healing, relief, and salvation for all.  Enjoy the show! --- Today we celebrate Holy Pentecost. And when we celebrate Pentecost, we are celebrating much more than a single event in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. We are celebrating the God who never ceases to act for our salvation. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush and asked His name, God answered: "I AM WHO I AM." This is not merely a statement about existence. It is a revelation of who God is. He is not distant. He is not passive. He is not absent. He is the living God who is always present and always acting. Throughout the history of salvation, whenever humanity has been in need, God has provided exactly what was needed for our healing and salvation. When the children of Israel were enslaved, He delivered them. When they wandered in the wilderness, He fed them. When they thirsted, He gave them water. When they were attacked, He defended them. When they were lost, He guided them. And when they needed protection from the worst effects of sin and chaos, He gave them the Law. The first Pentecost was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. And we should remember who it was who appeared there. It was God who spoke to Moses, who appeared in fire and cloud, who gave the Law to Israel, was the pre-incarnate Word of God—the same Christ whom we know from the Gospel. St. Paul tells us that the Law was a guardian and tutor. It restrained evil. It taught obedience. It preserved Israel until the fullness of time should come. The Law was not the final gift. It was the gift God's people needed at that moment. But humanity's deepest problem could not be solved by commandments alone. We needed more than instruction. We needed healing. We needed forgiveness. We needed life. So the same Christ who gave the Law came among us in the flesh. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He suffered. He died. He descended into Hades. He rose again. At every stage He was giving humanity what humanity needed. And then, after His Resurrection, He ascended into heaven. At first glance, that seems strange. Would it not have been better if Christ had simply remained visibly among us? Yet He Himself tells the disciples: "It is to your advantage that I go away." Why? Because humanity now needed another gift. The Law had been given. The Incarnation had taken place. The Cross had been accomplished. Death had been trampled down. Now Christ would send the Holy Spirit. At Sinai, the Law was written on tablets of stone. At Pentecost, the Spirit is written upon human hearts. At Sinai, God formed a people. At Pentecost, He fills that people with His own life. At Sinai, God instructed His people from without. At Pentecost, He begins transforming them from within. The Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life. He is the very life of the Church. He is the One who unites us to Christ, who makes us temples of God, who heals what is broken, who perfects what is lacking, and who leads us into all truth. Christ ascended so that He might send us exactly what we needed. As St. Nikolai Velimirović loved to remind us, there is no corner of creation into which Christ has not carried His saving love—not Sinai, not Bethlehem, not Golgotha, not the Upper Room, not even Hades itself. And today we celebrate yet another gift that flows from all of this. This afternoon we will kneel for the first time since Pascha. And in the kneeling prayers we pray not only for ourselves. We pray for the departed. To some Christians this seems strange. Why pray for the dead? What can our prayers accomplish? But the answer begins with Christ Himself. Because Christ did not merely die. He descended into Hades. He entered the realm of death itself. As we sing at Pascha: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." The Harrowing of Hades was not a symbolic gesture. It was an act of divine love. The Lord entered the place of darkness to bring light. He entered the place of bondage to bring freedom. He entered the place of death to bring life. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: "Hell was embittered when it encountered Thee below." Death thought it had gained a victim. Instead, it encountered Life Himself. Hades thought it had secured its prisoners. Instead, it found its gates shattered and its captives being led forth into freedom. If Christ Himself went to those held by death, why would we not pray for them? If Christ sought those in Hades, why would His Incarnate Body—the Church—cease to seek them? The prayers for the departed are not an embarrassment or an afterthought. They are one of the most natural consequences of Pascha. They are a continuation of Christ's own work. The Scriptures show us that death does not sever the bonds of love within the Body of Christ. Our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And those who belong to Him remain alive in Him. We do not claim to know every detail of how God's mercy operates beyond the grave. The Orthodox Church has never attempted to construct a detailed system like the doctrine of Purgatory. We know less than some would like. But we know enough. We know that Christ conquered death. We know that He descended into Hades. We know that love never fails. We know that the Church has always prayed for the departed. We know that the Church's liturgical life—from the ancient Liturgies to the kneeling prayers of Pentecost—bears witness to that practice. And we know that Christians are called to imitate Christ. Ultimately, that is the deepest reason we pray for the dead. Not because we possess a detailed map of the intermediate state. Not because we can explain every mechanism. But because this is what love does. Love intercedes. Love seeks healing. Love seeks relief. Love seeks salvation. Love refuses to abandon those who suffer. This is what Christ does. And therefore it is what Christians do. The same Lord who gave the Law at Sinai, who became incarnate, who died and rose again, who descended into Hades, and who poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Church, continues even now to seek the salvation of all. And He calls us to join Him in that work: to pray, to love, to intercede, to hope, and to trust that the God who has always given His people exactly what they needed continues to pour out His mercy upon the living and the departed alike.

We explore the event when Moses is called by God to deliver the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. We delve into his encounter with the burning bush and God's revelation of His name as "I AM WHO I AM", signifying His eternal existence and presence. Despite Moses' hesitations and doubts, God reassures him with signs and the promise of His unfailing presence. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Pastor Colins Nwosu continued our teaching series The Trinity of the Godhead, with today's focus centred on God The Father. Reading from 1 Corinthians 8:6 (AMPC) and Genesis 1:1, we established that all things originate from God and exist through His sovereign power and purpose. The teaching explored the nature and character of God the Father as Creator, Sustainer, and eternal ruler over all creation. From the very beginning in Genesis 1:1, we see God as the source of life, order, and existence, while Genesis 1:26 further revealed the divine counsel and unity within the Godhead during creation. Drawing from Exodus 3:14 and Exodus 20:5, we reflected on His self existent name, “I AM WHO I AM,” revealing a Father who is entirely self sufficient, yet deeply personal and protective of His relationship with us. Through Psalm 139:7–12, we marvelled at His omnipresence, realising that there is nowhere we can flee from His Spirit, as His dark nights shine as bright as the day to Him. The message concluded with a beautiful meditation on Exodus 34:6–7, reminding us that while He is a just Judge, our Father is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. Pastor Colins encouraged us to deepen our reverence for God the Father, trust His nature completely, and grow in our understanding of His love, authority, and faithfulness. Confession: Lord, thank You for being my Father, Creator, and Sustainer. Help me to know You more deeply, trust You more completely, and walk daily in the confidence of Your love, mercy, and unfailing presence.

Read Online“Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.”  John 17:11In the ancient world, a name was not only a means of identification but also an expression of the authority and power that the person possessed. For instance, when a king or ruler issued a decree, it was done “in the name” of the king, meaning with his full authority and power behind it.In the Bible, the “name” of God is much more than a simple designation or label; it signifies the full revelation of God's identity, character, and power. The concept of God's name is deeply tied to His nature and His actions in the world. His name represents who God is and His relationship with His people.In the Old Testament, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and instructed him to go to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. Moses inquired, “But... if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is His name?' what do I tell them?” God replied to Moses: “I am who I am.” Then He added: “This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:13–14).God's mysterious name—“I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM”—is also His identity. It expresses God's eternal existence and His self-sufficiency. He is the one who exists by His own nature, without beginning or end, having sovereignty over all creation.In John's Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name numerous times: “I am he;” “I am the Bread of Life;” “I am the Light of the World;” “Before Abraham was, I AM;” “I am the Gate;” “I am the Good Shepherd;” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;” “I am the True Vine;” and “I told you that I AM.” Therefore, when Jesus prayed to the Father, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me…,” His prayer was authoritative, by which the Father's will is implemented, because Jesus is I AM, and in that name, He prays.Jesus' prayer was “that they may be one just as we are one.” This prayer should give us great hope. To “be one” with God, just as the Father and Son are one, reveals that we are called to share in God's very life, to be united to Him in a way that goes beyond intellectual agreement or friendship. We are invited into God's unity, taking our identity in Him, sharing in His very essence and life. We become members of Christ's Body, the Church, acting in Him, with Him, and through Him. This is why Jesus said three times during the Last Supper that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will give us.In 2 Peter 1:4, we read that God's power has enabled us to escape corruption and evil desire and has bestowed upon us “precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature.” This foundational Scripture has led many Church Fathers to speak of our high calling to “divinization.” As Saint Athanasius of Alexandria famously said, “For He was made man that we might be made God; and He manifested Himself by a body that we might receive the idea of the unseen Father; and He endured the insolence of men that we might inherit immortality” (On the Incarnation, 54:3).Reflect today on the high calling you have received. You are invited to share in God's life, to take your identity in Him, to live and act in God's divine name, exercising His authority and manifesting His sacrificial love. This is only possible when we are united to Christ as He is united to the Father. We become one with God, by His will, with His authority and grace. What high dignity we have received to act in His name and with His authority! Have hope in the ability to be drawn into this high calling, taking on this new identity, so that Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper becomes a reality in your life. My divine Lord, the great I AM, You have existed from all eternity as the one and eternal God. You invite me to share in Your life by uniting me with You in Christ through His humanity. I accept this high calling and pray, as You prayed during the Last Supper, that I may be one with You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and live and act in Your Name. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

1. God is YHWH — He simply is. “I AM WHO I AM.” — Exodus 3:14
Not becoming… just being. 2. God is one — He cannot be divided. “The Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
Not part this… and part that.
Fully God… all the time. 3. God is self-sufficient — He needs nothing. “He Himself gives to all life…” — Acts 17:25
Everything depends on Him. 4. God is eternal — No start, no end. “From everlasting to everlasting…” — Psalms 90:2
Before all things… after all things. 5. God is unchanging — Always the same. “I, the Lord, do not change.” — Malachi 3:6
No shifting. No shadow. 6. God is sovereign — He rules all. “He does according to His will…” — Daniel 4:35
Nothing outside His control. 7. God is holy — Set apart completely. “Holy, holy, holy…” — Isaiah 6:3
No one like Him. 8. God is righteous — Always does right. “The Lord is righteous…” — Psalms 145:17
Perfect in all His ways. 9. God is transcendent — Above all things. “My thoughts are not your thoughts…” — Isaiah 55:8–9
Higher than we can fathom. 10. God is immanent — Closer than breath. “He is not far…” — Acts 17:27
Nearer than we think. 11. God is just — Makes all right. “All His ways are justice.” — Deuteronomy 32:4
Wrong will not win. 12. God is merciful — Withholds what's deserved. “Rich in mercy…” — Ephesians 2:4
Compassion over judgment. 13. God is love — Gives Himself freely. “God is love.” — 1 John 4:8
He moves toward us. 14. God is gracious — Gives undeserved favor. “By grace you have been saved…” — Ephesians 2:8
What we could never earn. 15. God is faithful — Never lets go. “His steadfast love endures forever.” — Psalms 136:1
He will not fail. 16. God is jealous — Wants your heart. “The Lord… is a jealous God.” — Exodus 34:14
He won't share you. 17. God is omnipresent — Everywhere all the time. “Where can I go…?” — Psalms 139:7
Right here… right now. 1. He simply is – He is YHWH 2. He cannot be divided – He is One 3. He needs nothing – He is Self-Sufficient (Aseity) 4. He has no beginning or end – He is Eternal 5. He stays the same – He is Unchanging 6. He rules over all – He is Sovereign 7. He is set apart – He is Holy 8. He always does right – He is Righteous 9. He is above all things – He is Transcendent 10. He is closer than breath – He is Immanent 11. He makes all things right – He is Just 12. He withholds what we deserve – He is Merciful 13. He gives Himself freely – He is Love 14. He gives undeserved favor – He is Grace 15. He never lets go – He is Faithful 16. He wants your heart – He is Jealous 17. He is everywhere all the time - He is Omnipresent

ScriptureMoses (to God): 11 Who am I to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel's children out of Egypt?Eternal One: 12 Do not fear, Moses. I will be with you every step of the way, and this will be the sign to you that I am the One who has sent you: after you have led them out of Egypt, you will return to this mountain and worship God.Moses: 13 Let's say I go to the people of Israel and tell them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to rescue you,” and then they reply, “What is His name?” What should I tell them then?Eternal One: 14 I AM WHO I AM. This is what you should tell the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to rescue you.”Exodus 3:11-14 (The Voice)The GistToday, we discuss the in's and out's of failure and how to learn to celebrate it. Digging DeeperWhat if success is not the outcome but the willingness to try?What act of bravery did this failure require that I haven't acknowledged yet?What did this failure teach me that success never could have?How does celebrating failure loosen the grip of needing to be impressive?What can I genuinely thank this failure for?How might God be using this failure to redirect, refine, or free me?What does this failure remind me about where my identity truly rests?

Daily Dose of Hope May 6, 2026   Name of God: YHWH, THE SELF-EXISTENT ONE Scripture:  Exodus 3:14-15, 6:2-3, Psalm 83:18, Isaiah 42:8   Prayer:  Yahweh, my God, Thank You for revealing Your Holy name. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. I stand in awe of who You are. You are eternal, unchanging, and near. Help me to trust You more deeply, to honor Your name in all I do, And to walk in the beauty of Your covenant love.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Today, we are starting the names of God.  This will be different because we will be flipping around in the Scripture, but I'm hoping we will all learn something new.  Fair warning – although there may be only a few verses listed, it will be a lot easier to read the whole narrative to get a feel for what it is trying to communicate.   Let's start by talking about the significance of names in the Old Testament.  Most ancient cultures, including Israel, believed that to know a person's name was to know their character and nature.  Likewise, the names of God were also intended to reveal different aspects of His character.    Today, we will talk about YHWH, a name for God considered so holy that Old Testament Jews did not say it out loud.  Even today, some devout Jews will not write or pronounce this name of God out loud.  It is the personal, sacred name of God that can be translated, I AM WHO I AM, the self-existent one, He brings into existence, or He will be.  This form of God's name is the most frequently used noun in the Old Testament, and it is written over 6,800 times.  Thus, it goes without saying that the four Scriptures we read are just a drop in the bucket of YHWH references in the Hebrew texts.   Our first Scripture text for today is the Moses and the burning bush narrative.  When God appeared to Moses at the burning bush, Moses asked God for his name. He wanted to tell the enslaved Israelites who had sent him to deliver them. God told Moses to tell them "I AM has sent me to you" and also "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."   Likewise, in chapter 6:2-6, God also said to Moses, "I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,[a] but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners.  Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.  "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. But aren't Lord and I AM two different names?  Actually, most scholars believe that the names yhwh ("LORD") and ʾhyh ("I AM") both come from the same word, the Hebrew "to be" verb, though in different forms.  YHWH can generally be translated "He is." But for my English grammar nuts, in Hebrew that is a complete sentence.  We don't need to finish it with an explanation of what He is.  It simply means, "He exists."  Thus, it becomes apparent how this name of God describes the truth of His self-sufficiency and complete independence and autonomy. God isn't dependent on or influenced by anything external to himself.  YHWH simply is. He is always present, always faithful and always who He says He is. In every season, in every generation, in every circumstance—He remains the same. In the Exodus Scripture that we read, we can see that God is establishing the truth of his self-existence.  Moses doesn't need to be scared of Pharoah, because I AM is with him.  I AM, or the Lord, is above Pharoah, above and separate from everything really.  And yet, while YHWH is self-existent and never-changing, He is also demonstrating that He will be present with his people. He has not abandoned them.  I AM is the God of their fathers and their God as well.  YHWH is the name God uses when He makes covenant with His people. It is the name tied to relationship, to promise, to faithfulness. I also want to touch on the Scripture from the Psalms, Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.  In the King James translation, this verse called God, Jehovah.  Just for our information (because this will probably come up again), Jehovah and YHWH come from the same word for God.  However, Jehovah is the Latinized version and YHWH (the Lord) comes from the ancient Hebrew.  Most scholars believe that Jehovah is not a good translation at all.  So, what does the name YHWH mean for us? It means we are never alone.  YHWH walks with His people. It means every promise He made—He will keep. It means when we pray, we are calling on the same name that split the sea, shut the mouths of lions, and raised the dead to life.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

God Is Not Whatever You WantExodus 3:14: “I AM WHO I AM.”God is not whatever you want Him to be. And I know that might sound uncomfortable in a time where everything is customizable… everything is personal… everything is shaped around preferences.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Jesus  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒ Join the MMM Prayer Team: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/PrayerTeam ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: https://venmo.com/CareyNGreen  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ NON-ENGLISH VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Jesus  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒ Join the MMM Prayer Team: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/PrayerTeam ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3:9–14 - And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. [10] Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” [11] But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” [12] He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” [13] Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” [14] God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: https://venmo.com/CareyNGreen  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ NON-ENGLISH VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/

In Exodus 3, Moses encounters the burning bush and hears God call his name. When he asks, “Who am I?” and “Who are You?” God answers, “I will be with you,” and “I AM WHO I AM.” In that moment, God reveals Himself as the eternal, self-existent One. Throughout Deuteronomy and Isaiah, He continues declaring, “I am He,” showing that His identity never changes—He is the unchanging “I AM.” Then, the “I AM” stepped into human history in Jesus Christ. In Gospel of John 6, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life… given for the life of the world,” pointing to the cross where His body would be broken. Yet He also declared He would take His life up again. The bread was broken, but not defeated—because in Book of Revelation 1:18, He says, “I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” The cross finished the work, and the resurrection proved it: Jesus is the fulfillment of the great “I AM.”

John 13:12–38We read John 13:12–38 in Greek and English, tracking how small translation choices shape big theological conclusions. We sit with Jesus' humility in foot washing, the shock of betrayal, and the new commandment to love in ways the world can recognize.• Word study linking whole, heal, wholesome, holy, holiness, sozo, soteria, savior, healer• Foot washing as a pattern of humility rather than a mere ritual• “Lifted his heel against me” and its Psalm background• Why we translate “servant” as slave in this context• Debate over “I am he” versus expanded “I Am Who I Am” readings• “Receive” versus “accept” and what it implies about welcoming Christ• Judas, the beloved disciple, and the social dynamics at the table• Questions about bias toward the Twelve and differences among the Gospels• “Love one another” as an inward bond and an outward witness• Examples of costly love from Le Chambon and righteous Gentiles• Peter's impulsiveness, denial, and the meaning of psyche as life or soulA complete list of our podcasts,  organized into topics, is available on our website.To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit  ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups.  Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.   Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes.   Contact us through our website.

The Lie of "God is Whatever You Want Him to Be"In Exodus 3:14, when Moses asked God who He was, God didn't say,“I'll be whatever you want Me to be.” He said, “I AM WHO I AM.”Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:

Sermon TextJohn 18:1–32 (ESV)When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, Whom do you seek? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am he. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, Whom do you seek? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go. This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you? He said, I am not. Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said. When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Is that how you answer the high priest? Jesus answered him, If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me? Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, You also are not one of his disciples, are you? He denied it and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, Did I not see you in the garden with him? Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, What accusation do you bring against this man? They answered him, If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you. Pilate said to them, Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law. The Jews said to him, It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death. This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.Cross-referencesJohn 6:20But he said to them, It is I; do not be afraid.John 8:24I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.John 8:28So Jesus said to them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.John 8:58Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.Exodus 3:6And he said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.Exodus 3:14God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.John 11:50–51Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish. He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation.

"Now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." — Exodus 3:10 While tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses saw a burning bush that did not burn up. As he went closer to try to see what was happening, a voice called out from the bush, and Moses learned that God himself was talking to him.God told Moses to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. Then God explained that he was going to rescue his people from slavery in Egypt and take them back to the land he had promised to their father Abraham. God also said that he had chosen Moses to go to confront Pharaoh and bring the people out of there. And for Moses to do that, God would need to empower Moses to serve him.Moses was right to ask, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh . . . ?” And he wondered what to tell the Israelites about who was sending him. Then God identified himself as “I AM WHO I AM,” and he instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that “the LORD”—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—was sending him to them.Moses and the people would learn that ultimately their identity was shaped by their relationship to I AM—that is, to the one true God. Moses and the people could not move forward without knowing I AM.The same is true for us. Our understanding of who we are today is directly related to our being in relationship with the living, faithful God. Dear God, without you, we have no bearing or guidance on who we are and what we are to do in this world. Help us to hear your voice so that we can know and follow you. In Jesus, Amen.

Moses asks God, What is Your Name? God has already described Himself to Moses as the God of his ancestors: the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now in Exodus 3 God says, "I Am Who I Am and What I Am, and I Will Be What I Will Be," (verse 14, Amplified Bible).

Happy Sunday! We are back in 2026 finally! Happy 6th Birthday to the  “And The Church Said” podcast!

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘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, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”' And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.' But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Have you ever tried to understand a story without knowing who the main character really is? This week, Pastor Marcus unveils how the Exodus story reveals God's deep desire for intimacy with His people. Through a burning thorn bush, God meets Moses, showing He enters our pain and brokenness. Just as He came down to free Israel, declaring "I AM WHO I AM," Jesus later echoes these words, proving He's the same God who draws near today. Pastor Marcus concludes pointing out God doesn't just hear our cries but comes down to walk with us—making the impossible possible through His presence.

If you ____________________ who God is, you will misunderstand ____________________ else.[Exodus 3:1 ESV] Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.God speaks clearly in ____________________ seasons.[Exodus 3:2 ESV] And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.God's presence ____________________ us.[Exodus 3:3 ESV] And Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned."Revelation begins with ____________________.[Exodus 3:4 ESV] When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."Before God ____________________ what He will do, He ____________________ who He is.[Exodus 3:5 ESV] Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."Holiness is not a ____________________, it is God's ____________________.[Exodus 3:11, 14 ESV] But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" [14] God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"Your ____________________ does not rest on who you are, it rests on who God is.[Exodus 4:10-11 ESV] But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue." [11] Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?Don't let your ____________________ turn into ____________________.[Isaiah 43:1-3a] But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. [2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. [3] For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Show Date: 2/19/26Andy reviews the 2015 album "I Am Who I Am" by former NHL star Theo Fleury.Sports and Songs Podcast Links:https://www.facebook.com/sportsandsongs1https://twitter.com/SportsandSongs1https://www.instagram.com/sportsandsongs/https://www.sportsandsongspodcast.com/

God told Moses from the burning bush that He was "I AM WHO I AM."  John goes to great lengths in his gospel to show that Jesus came in the flesh to explain or declare God to us - that in fact He was this "I AM."  In a conversation with some Jews, Jesus said "before Abraham was I AM."  They knew what he meant and picked up stones to stone Him.  Never doubt that Jesus was God become flesh.

Icebreaker What is a moment in your life when you felt small in a good way—like you were standing before something bigger than you? When you think about Lent, what emotions or expectations come up for you personally?   Reflecting on our Need for God Where do you notice “wilderness spaces” in your life right now—places that feel uncertain, dry, or unresolved? Our world is full of noise and hurry. What do you think makes it difficult today for people to experience awe or stillness? When life feels overwhelming or insufficient, what are the things we tend to reach for first to feel grounded or secure? Scripture  In Exodus 3:1–6, Moses encounters the burning bush during an ordinary day in the wilderness. What stands out to you about the way God chooses to meet Moses, and what might that suggest about how God meets us today? In Exodus 3:13–15, God reveals His name as “I AM WHO I AM.”  What do you think it means that God introduces Himself with a name of presence rather than a simple description? How do you experience this posture from God in your own life? In John 8:54–58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Why do you think this statement at the end of chapter 8 felt so shocking to the people listening, and what does it reveal about who Jesus is? What is Jesus trying to get them, and us, to understand about himself? In John 18:3–6, when Jesus says “I AM,” the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground. What does this moment show you about Jesus' authority and willingness as He goes toward the cross? Live It Out This week, brainstorm a list of people you regularly interact with (neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends). Pray through that list and ask God for one name—one person you could intentionally walk with this Lent. Close in Prayer Prayer prompt for us as individuals Lord, help us to recognize Your presence this Lent. Teach us to stand on holy ground, to listen, and to trust that You are near. Outward prayer prompt for the world around us Jesus, the great I AM, draw near to those in wilderness places—those who feel alone, afraid, distracted, or hurting. Let Your light and life meet them through Your people.

On this episode, we're joined by Kennedy White '23 Com, who has always known she wanted to use her voice to make a difference. Now a gift officer at Penn State, Kennedy combines her passion for communication with purpose-driven work every day. She also recently became a published author with her first children's book, "I Am Who I Am." Kennedy shares her journey at Penn State and why she chose to stay after graduation, the inspiration behind her storytelling, and why believing in yourself can change everything. Plus, she offers a sneak peek at the next book she's working on!Purchase your copy of "I Am Who I Am."For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

Send a textA jail cell, a relentless skeptic, and a borrowed Bible set the stage for a story that crashes headlong into a burning bush. We sit down with apologist and pastor Anthony Rogers to unpack how Exodus 3 reframes everything: God's name is not a label but a claim on reality. When the Lord says I Am Who I Am, he isn't reaching for a reference outside himself—he is the reference. That single truth transforms how we see judgment, mercy, identity, and mission.Anthony walks us through the terror and tenderness of the bush that burns without burning up, a living picture of holy fire held by sovereign grace. We explore why the God of Scripture swears by himself, how that anchors promises beyond circumstances, and what it means for people who want assurance that doesn't wobble with the news cycle. Along the way we press into tough questions: Does God restrain his rights? How do we hold moral responsibility alongside divine decree? Why does Daniel 4 insist that reason returns when our eyes lift to heaven?The story broadens as we track Israel's path into Egypt and out again, recognizing providence in the twists of Joseph's betrayal, imprisonment, and rise. His brothers meant evil; God meant it for good is more than a comforting cliché—it's a lens for living when life feels unfair or out of control. We connect this to Jesus before Pilate, where delegated authority meets true sovereignty, and to Job, where the Creator refuses the dock because he answers to no one and never denies himself.Come for the theology, stay for the clarity. If you've wrestled with God's sovereignty, human freedom, or the fear that your life is just random chaos, this conversation offers ballast. Subscribe, share with a friend who's asking hard questions, and leave a review with the one moment that shifted your view of God's name.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Discover the profound gospel truths hidden within the book of Exodus and how this Old Testament narrative points directly to Jesus Christ and our salvation. This Bible study explores how Moses, the author of Exodus, reveals God's character, name, and redemptive plan for humanity during Israel's wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.Learn about the central theme of the enslaved redeemed and how God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage perfectly illustrates our spiritual salvation. Understand how God hears the cries of His oppressed people and provides complete redemption through His power alone, just as He does for us today through Christ.Explore key passages including the burning bush encounter where God reveals Himself as I AM WHO I AM, the institution of Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and God's glory filling the tabernacle. Discover how each of these events foreshadows the greater work of Jesus Christ.This Bible study reveals how Moses serves as a type of Christ, the greater deliverer who leads the ultimate exodus from sin and death. Both were born under evil rulers, both serve as mediators between God and people, and both lead their followers to freedom and inheritance.Understand the significance of the burning bush as a preview of the Incarnation, where God's holy presence dwells among sinful humanity without consuming us. Learn how Christ took the consuming fire of God's wrath upon Himself so we could experience life and grace.Discover how the God of the Old Testament is full of grace, giving salvation before standards and love before law. When God gives the Ten Commandments, He first reminds Israel of their redemption, showing that obedience should flow from gratitude for salvation, not as a means to earn it.This study addresses common misconceptions about Old Testament theology and demonstrates the consistency of God's grace throughout Scripture. Learn practical applications for approaching God based on Christ's finished work rather than personal performance, and understand how God's desire to dwell with His people transforms our perspective on prayer and worship.Perfect for Bible study groups, personal devotion, or anyone seeking to understand how the Old Testament reveals Jesus Christ and the gospel message.

Who is God? Pastor Heath Lambert presents six foundational truths from Scripture: God is real, spirit, creator, sovereign, perfect, and savior. This comprehensive teaching explains the nature of the God who made everything and offers salvation through Jesus Christ.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:48 - The challenge: So much to say in 10 minutes1:27 - Truth 1: God is real (Exodus 3:14)2:20 - We all know God is real deep down2:45 - Truth 2: God is spirit (John 4:24)3:19 - Why invisibility doesn't defeat God's existence3:44 - Truth 3: God is creator (Isaiah 40:28)4:32 - Truth 4: God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3)5:23 - The one being who does all He pleases5:45 - Truth 5: God is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4)6:32 - Why God's perfection matters6:59 - Truth 6: God is our savior (Titus 3:4-6)7:43 - The terrible reality: We are not perfect8:21 - God's mercy through Jesus Christ9:11 - Final answer: Knowing God through salvationKey Topics Covered- God's Reality - Exodus 3:14 and the self-existent "I Am"- Universal Knowledge - Romans 1:19 and why everyone knows God exists- God as Spirit - John 4:24 and why God is invisible to our eyes- The Air Analogy - Why invisibility doesn't equal non-existence- God as Creator - Isaiah 40:28 and everything made by God- God's Sovereignty - Psalm 115:3 and divine control over all- The Only One Who Pleases - Why God alone does whatever He desires- God's Perfection - Deuteronomy 32:4 and complete righteousness- Trust in God's Justice - Why we can have confidence in His reign- Our Imperfection Problem - The contrast between God's perfection and our sin- God as Savior - Titus 3:4-6 and salvation through grace not works- The Gospel Path - How knowing ourselves as sinners leads to knowing God as Savior- Complete Knowledge - How salvation opens the door to fully knowing GodScripture ReferencesExodus 3:14 - God's name as "I Am Who I Am"Romans 1:19 - What can be known about God is plainJohn 4:24 - God is spiritIsaiah 40:28 - The Lord as everlasting God and creatorPsalm 115:3 - Our God does all that He pleasesDeuteronomy 32:4 - God's work is perfect, all His ways are justTitus 3:4-6 - God our Savior appeared in mercy through ChristLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about which of these six truths about God most impacts you.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE Today's culture often says: "god is whoever I want him/her/it to be." In sharp contrast, the Bible declares God is “I AM WHO I AM” — the unchanging One who defines Himself, not us. You can find more messages here: https://sermons-90a9fd41.simplecast.com/ ABOUT THE HEIGHTS CHURCH We are a church making disciples of Jesus for the renewal of Denver. Have a question or want more information about The Heights Church? Learn more by visiting: theheightsdenver.com FIND US ONLINE Website: theheightsdenver.com YouTube: @theheightschurchdenver Instagram: @theheightsden

In this episode, we delve into the story of the Exodus and the Passover. We explore the historical context of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their eventual liberation through a series of ten plagues that God brings upon Egypt. We witness the pivotal role of Moses, who is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. We also explore the significance of God's revelation of His name as "I AM WHO I AM" and the institution of the Passover feast as a commemoration of God's deliverance.Bible ReadingsExodus 1:1-22Exodus 2:1-15Exodus 3: 1-22Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

Send us a textTombo Baldwin is back with Part 2 of “I Am Who I Am”—this time to sharpen the point he felt he didn't fully land in the earlier episode. Over a mug of post-holiday hot chocolate (heavy eggnog… because of course), Tombo breaks down what authentic living really looks like: being the same person in private as you are in public—no masks, no performance, no double life.He talks about how authenticity grows when you stop trying to impress people, stop hiding parts of yourself, and get comfortable saying: “This is who I am… flaws and all.” From leaving behind old identities that no longer serve you, to recognizing the “taint” life can layer on top of your genuine self, Tombo challenges you to dig back down to the real you—the one that existed before all the noise, the striving, and the approval-chasing.A big theme is quiet + self-reflection: asking yourself “Who is the genuine me?” and learning to recognize the difference between your true inner voice and that old critical “background tape” that tries to shame you. Tombo also leans hard into forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, as the tool that helps you rewrite your story and release impossible standards that keep you stuck.He wraps with a powerful real-life moment: a realtor named Ed once looked him in the eye and said, “Don't miss out on the joy of being a father.” Tombo calls that a life-changing agreement—proof that the words you accept can shape your future. The takeaway is simple: find the memories, words, and moments that align with the genuine you—agree with those—then reject everything else.Bottom line: when you reconnect with your genuine self and live in congruence, you stop chasing a life you think you should want—and start building the life you actually want. Support the show What you agree with gains permission to operate in your life.

Welcome to Day 2756 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – 10 Times Jesus Declared His Divinity in the Gospels. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2756 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2756 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled 10 Times Jesus Declared His Divinity in the Gospels. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly stated and demonstrated that He was God. His declarations and actions are not isolated from the broader context of Scripture but are deeply rooted in the Old Testament, which serves as the foundation for understanding His divine identity. In this article, we will examine the key moments in the Gospels where Jesus claimed divinity, using the OT to provide context and clarity. Let's look at the ten times Jesus declared his divinity. 1. Jesus as the “I AM” One of the clearest statements of Jesus' divinity comes in John eight verse fifty-eight when He declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” This is an unmistakable reference to Exodus three verse fourteen, where God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this title, Jesus identifies Himself with the God of Israel, YHWH (Yahweh), who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. The Jewish audience understood the weight of this statement, as they immediately sought to stone Him for blasphemy (John eight verse fifty-nine). 2. Jesus Forgives Sins In Mark two, verses five through seven, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic man, which prompts the scribes to question, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Here, Jesus performs an act that, according to Jewish belief, only God could do. His authority to forgive sins demonstrates that He is not merely a prophet or teacher but possesses divine authority. In Isaiah forty-three verse twenty-five, God states, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake.” Jesus' actions directly connect Him with this divine function. 3. Jesus Receives Worship In multiple instances, Jesus accepts worship, which in Jewish monotheism is reserved exclusively for God. For example, after walking on water and calming the storm, His disciples worship Him, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God” (Matthew fourteen, verse thirty-three). In Deuteronomy six, verse thirty-three, it is commanded, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” Yet, Jesus receives worship without rebuke, implying His divine status. In contrast, angels and apostles in the Bible refuse worship, redirecting it to God (Revelation twenty-two, verses eight and nine, Acts fourteen, verse fifteen. 4. Jesus' Claim to be the Son of Man Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title from Daniel seven, verses thirteen and fourteen, where the Son of Man comes “with the clouds of heaven” and is given “dominion, glory, and a kingdom” that will never pass away. This figure is distinct from ordinary human beings, as He is...

"I AM WHO I AM." With these words in Exodus 3:14, God reveals a truth that can be said of no one but Himself. Today, R.C. Sproul speaks on the characteristic that sets God apart from all creation. With your donation of any amount, request R.C. Sproul's book What Are the Names of God? and two copies of his book The Great Rescue. You'll also unlock lifetime digital access to his teaching series Names of God: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4513/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get both ebooks and the digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Watch the stream from Ligonier's recent online event, Fighting the Good Fight of Faith: https://www.ligonier.org/goodfight Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When God declared to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” He revealed His self-existence and limitless power. Today, R.C. Sproul shows how the name of God exhibits His eternal glory as the supreme and perfect being. For your donation of any amount, get R.C. Sproul's book Moses and the Burning Bush, his video teaching series on DVD, and lifetime digital access to all 10 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4278/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook, digital teaching series, and digital study guide with your donation:  https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Renewing Your Mind has a YouTube channel. Subscribe now and see each day's episode: https://www.youtube.com/@rymradio   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts