Searching for Meaning and Purpose...

So yesterday we talked about what Mighty God meant in terms of the name.  But as the GI Joe's would have told you in the 80's: "Knowing is half the battle" (yes, I did just reference the ubiquitous PSA's at the end of my favorite childhood cartoon in a sermon; so sue me!)  When it comes to God's Word, knowing means jack squat.  The most important part is what it means to YOU.  So, what does it mean to us that Jesus is, "Mighty God?" First, it means His power is at work IN us.  There are a lot of ways to describe this and lots of verses talking about it.  This is simple to point to in our youth center, because the logo verse on the wall sums it up well: Jesus, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. Luke 3.16  (MSG).   Paul also had somethings to say that I think we need to see: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians ...

___________________________________________________________ "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called:          Wonderful Counselor                     Mighty God,                              Everlasting Father,                                     Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9.6 (NLT) ___________________________________________________________ As we started last week with Wonderful Counselor, we continue today with Mighty God. Now first, where do you hear the word, "might" (and not as in "I 'might' go to the movies" but as in strength or power)? If you're anything like me the answer comes from two places: church and when talking about the military! We hear ...

___________________________________________________________ "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called:        Wonderful Counselor                      Mighty God,                              Everlasting Father,                                          Prince of Peace ."  Isaiah 9.6 (NLT) ___________________________________________________________ This is the so familiar Advent refrain. But in its familiarity we forget what it really means! Think back to Moses or Jacob in their encounters with God: they made a singular request that related to the belief structure of the day. Both asked, "What is your name?" Perhaps because they wanted power ove...