Word of the Week

Word of the Week: Lord

Pastor Mark Tiefel digs into "Lord" for our Word of the Week and our contuing series on the names of Jesus. This term Lord is not to be confused with the all-capital LORD found in the Old Testament in many English Bibles. LORD is the personal name for God, Jehovah or Yahweh, which sets Him apart from false gods. The term Lord is a common title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is a term given to one who has power or authority over others. The disciples called Jesus "Lord" recognizing His authority over them. We too need to remember that Jesus is more than just a man, He is true God, and has all power in heaven and on earth. He is our master and He deserves our respect. Whether we recognize Jesus as Lord now or not, all people will recognize Him as Lord on the last day. May the Spirit bring us to that knowledge through faith before that day comes!

Word of the Week: Alpha and Omega

Pastor Tom Naumann digs into another name of Jesus, Alpha and Omega, in our Word of the Week. This title is found several times in the Book of Revelation, and describes the eternal nature of our Savior Jesus. He has always existed and will always exist. He was there at the creation of all things and will be there in the very end at the coming judgment. This title also connects Jesus to His existence in the Old Testament. Isaiah uses a similar expression to describe Jehovah showing us that Jesus is true God, He is Jehovah. Jesus is the sum and substance of all the Scriptures and the promises of God.

Word of the Week: Branch

Pastor Mark Tiefel shows how the term Branch is a clear title for Jesus in our Word of the Week. The prophets of the Old Testament used this as a picture or description of Jesus. Jesus is called the "Righteous Branch" and brings the peace that only God can bring. Possibly the most familiar use of this title is found in Isaiah 11 as the prophet foretells the peace that only the Messiah would be able to bring. God fulfilled His promise of sending His Son from the line of David. That Jesus who is the stem of Jesse and the Righteous Branch has brought us forgiveness of sins and peace with God!

Word of the Week: Advocate

This week Pastor Mark Tiefel takes us into a study of the title for Jesus - "Advocate." The title comes from 1 John 2:1 where we are told that we have "an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous." As our advocate, Jesus takes our place, He stands in for us before our Father in Heaven. His work of righteousness becomes ours by faith. His death pays the debt of our sin. He intercedes for us and pleads our case, not on the basis of our righteousness, but His! What a comfort to know that Jesus, the righteous One, is on our side, representing us before God!

Word of the Week: Vine

Pastor Mark Tiefel presents the importance and meaning of the Name "Vine" for our Savior in our Word of the Week. The name comes from John15 where Jesus Himself uses that picture and name for Himself. It answers the question that many people have: Does God really love me? Jesus assures us that He does, and that through our connection to Him we have life. Through that life we, as Christians, also bear fruit. It is a natural work of the branch because of the life giving nutrients received from the vine. What a comforting and encouraging picture for us of our loving and caring Savior!

Word of the Week: Bridegroom

Pastor Tom Naumann digs into another Biblical picture of Jesus with the name Bridegroom. This is a picture used throughout Scripture, both by Old Testament prophets and by Jesus Himself. Jesus told many parables using the picture of a Bride and Bridegroom which pointed to the relationship between Christ and His church. Jesus, pictured as a husband has a loving concern for the church (not a church body or denomination, but the entirety of all those who believe in Him), which moves Him to give His life to save His bride. It is a beautiful and comforting title and name of our Savior. Listen to learn more!

Word of the Week: Good Shepherd

Pastor Sam Rodebaugh describes Jesus as our Good Shepherd episode today. This description or name for Jesus is found in familiar sections like John 10 and Psalm 23, but is found in many other places as well. Don't let the simple description of "good" fool you. Jesus is more that just "good" - he is the one who rises above all the rest, the one who is perfect. He is the Good Shepherd who provides for His sheep and and protects them from danger. His love for the sheep is so strong that He even lays down His life for them and takes it up again assuring victory over the enemies of the sheep. What joy and what comfort is found in this name and description of our Savior!

Word of the Week: Lamb

For our Names of Jesus Word of the Week, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew digs into the name Lamb. Possibly the most familiar and clear description of this name for Jesus is found in the words of John the Baptist at the very start of Jesus' ministry when he pointed to Jesus and said: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This picture of Jesus was rooted in the Old Testament and is found in Isaih 53:7 ("He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter") and Exodus 12 where the Passover was instituted. That passover lamb, which was killed pointed ahead to Jesus and the shedding of His blood on the cross. Peter even calls Jesus our "Passover Lamb" whose blood cleanses us from sin (1 Peter 1:19). Finally the Book of Revelation refers to Jesus as a Lamb 27 times describing Him as having been slain, but living and worthy to receive honor and glory and power. Yes, Jesus is the very Lamb of God, and what a fitting name it is!

Word of the Week: Immanuel

This week, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew takes us into the familiar "Christmas" name for Jesus: Immanuel. Found in Isaiah 7:14, the LORD told King Ahaz that He would give a sign that would never be forgotten: A virgin would conceive and bear a Son. His name would be Immanuel. The word Immanuel is found only three times in Scripture, twice in Isaiah and once in Matthew. It literally means: God with us. Matthew tells us that this propphecy of Isaiah was fulfilled with the child Jesus. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-23), and He would save people from their sins. This child, Jesus, was more than just a man, He was indeed, True God, conecieved by the Holy Spirit. He was indeed what we sinners needed. Immanuel, God with us. We have an important reminder in this name of Jesus, of who He is and what He came to do.

Word of the Week - Son of Man

In our Word of the Week, Pastor Rob Sauers takes us through a brief study of the term "Son of Man." This is Jesus' favorite title for referring to Himself in the Gospels. On the surface, it would seem that this term refers exclusively to Jesus' humanity and the corresponding term, "Son of God," refers to Jesus' divinity. However, as we will see in our study, the term "Son of Man" emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and divinity. We pray that this study will deepen your understanding of this important Messianic title.