Names of God Series

One of the great questions that comes to us is: “Is there really a God; a Being of some sort beyond the created order who creates and somehow oversees reality?” And if there is such a Being (or beings); what are they like? Can they be known and do they in some way engage with creation? 

And if there is no God or gods, how do we best make sense of our experience of the world? How do we navigate life and determine how we should best live our lives? Where do meaning, and values and come from.

Most people (and cultures) construct a ‘world-view’ that acts as a compass or map used to navigate life.

James Sire writes: “So what is a worldview? Essentially this: A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) that we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being.”(James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door)

Christians are theists, that is to say they believe not only that there is a moral universe but there is an absolute standard by which all moral judgments are measured, and that is God and God’s character of goodness (holiness, righteousness and love), is the absolute standard.” 

The challenge is how finite and tiny creatures such as ourselves can ever know anything much about God or God’s character or purposes. Christians believe that God has taken the initiative and is revealed, not just in creation, but through the Scriptures, and then even more fully in the person of Jesus Christ.

Of course there is a much, much more to be said than just these few simple paragraphs. Philosophers, theologians and writers have filled libraries with thoughtful discussion on these matters.

This series of discussions dives into the Christian and Hebrew scriptures. What do we learn about God as it is revealed in these scripture texts? If they are true - what does that mean for how we live our lives? 

Join us 10am Sundays at Diamond Valley Baptist Church in term:1 for our series on (some of) the names of God!

‘Can’t join us in person? No problem! Watch the live-stream on our YouTube channel: HERE

NEW SERIES | DIAMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH | STARTING SEPTEMBER 2021

In the days before radar, sailing ships were guided across the billowing seas and dangerous rocky shores by the steady beam of lighthouses built strategically along the coast. As the Waifs’ awesome song proclaims: 

“Lighthouse tall and grand, standing on that cold headland. Shine your light across the sea; for a wayward sailor girl like me. Lighthouse man, guide this sailor back to land. Steer my ship on through the storm; back to water safe and calm.”

The Psalmist says: “ Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path…” 

Jesus said of himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Over these last many months, we’ve sailed some troubled seas, haven’t we? Often we’ve lost sight of shore. Often we’ve feared foundering on the rocky coast. What have been the scriptures; the bible passages that have been your Lighthouses — that have brightly lit the way through the darkness, that have guided your small ship through the storms?

In this weekly Sunday series, a number from our church community share, reflecting on a Scripture that have been significant for them.

After each weekly reflection, you are encouraged you to then go and re-read that scripture, and discuss the passage in your Connect groups or at home. 

(1) How would you paraphrase the passage? 

(2) What does it teach you about God?  

(3) What do you learn about how we should live and act?  (4) What practical difference will it make to you this week?