Hello, My Name Is Adonai (Series On The Name Of God) (#4)

When it comes to a congregation listening to a sermon…

Illus: It reminds me of the three fellows that went hunting.

• A preacher,

• A lawyer,

• And a doctor.

They got out into the woods and got in their positions, and a deer ran out in the opening and all three of them shot at the deer at the same time.

Needless to say, they all stood over the deer, claiming it was their shot that killed the deer.

A game warden walked up and heard them arguing about who shot the deer.

• The game warden said, “You fellows go over there and stand, and I will examine the deer, and I will tell you who shot the deer in a few minutes.”

• After a few minutes, he walked over and said, “The preacher shot the deer!”

• The doctor and lawyer said, “How do you know the preacher shot the deer?”

• He said, “Because the bullet went in one ear and came out the other.”

Please, do not let this sermon go in one ear and out the other as I preach about Adonai.

In the scriptures we see that God has many names, but it is surprising how many folks attend church regularly do not know that God has many names.

In the English we refer to God as God, but in the Greek and Hebrew we discover God is translated into many different names for God that reveals God’s character.

Illus: The disciple Thomas uttered one of the most profound declarations of faith in the scriptures in John 20:24-31

Look at these verses…

Verses 24-25, Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So, the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

This is why we refer to Thomas as DOUBTING THOMAS!!!

He was famously known for insisting on seeing the wounds for himself, and while most think it was because he didn't believe the stories he was hearing.

When it comes to doubting makes me think about…

Illus: A couple who was going to get married…but unfortunately, they had a car crash, and they were both killed in the accident.

• They both stood before St Peter thinking maybe they could get married in heaven.

• So, they ask St. Peter if they could get married in heaven, and Peter responded” Well it’s quite a rare request, but let me see what I can do, it may take a while.”

• As the couple patiently waited for an answer wondering why it was taking so long to get an answer. During this long wait period they begin doubting whether they should have made such a request.

• Another month goes by and finally St Peter emerges from heaven and says “Yes, you can get married.”

• The couple says, “But what if it doesn’t work out, can we then get a divorce? "

• St Peter, red in the face and totally annoyed!!!

• The couple were shocked and scared. They say, “What’s wrong?”

• St Peter says…

• Listen, it took me 3 months to find a priest in heaven!

• Do you have any idea how long it will take to find a lawyer in heaven?”

Thomas was not with them when the Lord appeared to his disciples.

He missed out on a blessing but later when Adonai appeared to them again, he was there.

Look at verses 26-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Look at Thomas response after this experience, in verse 28 Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!"

For a Jew to call someone "My Lord and my God" is blasphemous under any circumstances but Thomas did just That. (John10:33)

• He started as a sceptic and a doubter but ended up making the most profound statement ever - a declaration of his faith!

• He used both words – Lord and God - were titles of deity in the OT. He knew what he was saying. He was worshipping Jesus!

• Notice, he was not even declaring Jesus as Lord and God, but as HIS Lord and God. It was very personal!

The confession was significant. Transformation has taken place. He recognized Jesus.

Faith changed him!!!

• We are not changed because we attend church.