Shady Grove Sermons

What’s in a Name? El Shaddai Scripture: Genesis 17:1-6 Date: August 10, 2025 Introduction What’s in a name? Everything! Names carry power, identity, and meaning. In life’s toughest moments—when doubt, fear, or challenges overwhelm us—there’s a name that brings hope and strength: El Shaddai. This name for God, revealed to Abram in Genesis 17, reminds us that when we’re at our breaking point, God is just getting started. El Shaddai is the Almighty, the Compassionate Nurturer, and the Source of All Blessing. Today, let’s explore what this name means and how it speaks to our struggles. The Meaning of El Shaddai El Shaddai combines two Hebrew words: El, meaning God, and Shaddai, which carries two rich layers of meaning. Let’s dive into three aspects of this name and what they mean for us. 1. El Shaddai: The Almighty God El signifies God’s strength and might. Shaddai is often translated “Almighty,” reflecting God’s limitless power. No matter how impossible your situation feels—job loss, fam...

What's In a Name: Yahweh  (Exodus 3:1-15) We explore the sacred name of God: Yahweh , revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15). Names in Scripture reveal God’s character, and Yahweh shows us He is personal, eternal, and faithful—always present with His people. Let’s focus on Exodus 3:13-15: 13 Moses said, “If I tell the Israelites, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me,’ they’ll ask, ‘What is His name?’ What should I say?” 14 God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. Say to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” 15 God also said, “Say: Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has sent me. This is my eternal name, to be remembered for all generations.” Key Truth: God Has a Name In a world of vague beliefs—74% of U.S. adults believed in God in 2023, but only 54% in the biblical God (Pew Research, 2022)—Yahweh stands out. Unlike the nameless “higher power” of our culture, Yahweh is personal. He is not distant or abstract but the God who thunders from Sinai, demands obedienc...