## What's in a name?

## Isaiah 9:6

When a couple first learn that they will be blessed with a child there are usually two important questions for them to consider.

1. Will it be a boy or girl?

2. What will be the name?

With the advancements in ultra sound equipment, the first question is relatively easy to answer if the couple wishes to know. That does take a bit of the excitement out of things, unless they are wrong! My nephew and his wife had to completely re-do the nursery when their son arrived totally unannounced. The second question is always a challenge. If you struggle with choosing a name; cheer up…help is available. I 'Googled' the phrase, 'choosing baby names' and came up with nearly a half million websites that I could visit for help! It might be easier just to name the child 'Google'! Very often the names we choose for our children have great significance. My sons each have the same middle names. They were both named for their grandfathers. Sometimes we have juniors, I, II, III, and etc. These designations are important to the ones who are giving the names. In our text this morning we find that Isaiah the prophet gives some significant names to the Lord Jesus Christ. We want to consider them today. Read: Is 9:6

I. Wonderful

A. That simply means 'full of wonder'.

1. It carries with it a tone of the miraculous.

2. Mary asked the angel, 'How shall these things be, seeing I know not a man?'

3. The angel explained that what was to happen would not be of man, but would be of God.

4. His birth was a miraculous birth!

5. As we consider this name for Jesus, we have to conclude that it is certainly appropriate!

B. Jesus is Wonderful!

1. In His birth…He was born of a virgin!

2. In His life…His life is characterized by one miracle after another!

3. In His words…He spoke and the entire world listened to His voice.

4. In His death…He became the all sufficient sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

5. In His resurrection…On the third day He was raised in power, victorious over sin, death, and hell.

6. In His present ministry…Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before!

II. Counsellor

A. Someone we can come to with our problems.

1. Jesus will listen…no appointment or fee necessary.

2. Unlike human counselors, Jesus always has the right answers!

3. He said, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'

B. Even at His birth people were drawn to Him.

1. The wise men came seeking to worship Him.

2. At the age of 12 He was found in the temple counseling the doctors and lawyers.

3. Throughout His brief ministry on this earth people continued to seek Him.

4. From rugged fishermen like Peter, to the learned rulers of the synagogue like Nicodemus.

5. All were drawn to Him for counsel.

C. Jesus Christ continues to be our Counsellor.

1. He encourages us when we are uncertain, 'Let not your heart be troubled…'

2. He knows our hearts, and loves us.

3. He is patient with us.

4. He intercedes with God for us. '…He ever liveth to make intercession…'

III. The Mighty God

A. Mighty = victorious in battle

1. Joshua's soldiers were called 'mighty men of valor'.

2. David's soldiers were called 'mighty men'

3. The name, Mighty God speaks of His great victories.

B. Jesus was victorious…

1. Over sin and Satan's temptation.

2. Over death, hell, and the grave.

3. The songwriter penned these familiar words, 'Up from the grave He arose…With a mighty triumph o'er His foes'!

4. Because He is the Mighty God…

C. We can have victory through His mighty power!

1. Listen to God's powerful Word.

(Philippians 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(Romans 8:37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

(1 John 5:14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

2. Because He is the Mighty God we can face the trials of this life with the calm assurance of victory through Christ!

IV. The Everlasting Father

A. He is the Father (originator) of eternal life.

(John 10:10b) …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(1 John 1:2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

B. We have eternal life when we have Jesus Christ.

1. Eternal life means more than just living forever.

2. Even those who die without Christ will have an eternal existence!

3. To have eternal life is to have Jesus Christ right now…not someday.

4. Eternal life is the result of a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

(1 John 3:2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

V. The Prince of Peace

A. What is Peace?

1. It is more than silence (ie peace and quiet)

2. It is more than the absence of war.

3. It has nothing to do with the situation or outward circumstances we are in…

4. But it has everything to do with the inward confidence to face those circumstances.

(Isaiah 26:3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

B. Peace is a Gift from God

1. We can buy medications like Prozac at the pharmacy…but we cannot buy peace.

2. We can purchase tickets to Florida, or head to the mountains…but we cannot buy peace.

3. Peace is a gift from God and it comes in the person of Jesus Christ.

(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

C. Peace on Earth

1. How many of us have received Christmas cards with this phrase printed in beautiful letters?

2. Jesus Christ did not bring peace on earth at His birth…He will bring peace on earth at His second coming!

3. If you are desiring peace…

a. Don't look to Washington, DC

b. Don't look to the presidential candidates for 2008

c. Don't look to the United Nations

d. Look to Jesus…only He will bring peace to this troubled world…

e. And only Jesus can bring peace to a troubled life.

(Philippians 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The name of Jesus. Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Do you know Him today? Have you experienced His Wonder? Are you listening to His counsel? Is there peace in your life today? Come to Jesus.