BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF ERIE
SERMON OUTLINE
By James M. Duncan, Pastor
I. HE IS PROFOUND – “WONDERFUL COUNSELOR”
The adjective “wonderful” is coupled with the word “Counselor.”
“Counselor” refers to an “advisor” or “consultant.” A good counselor is
someone who has empathy, expertise and experience and that is what we
have in Jesus.
SERIES: CHRISTMAS B.C.
“FOUR-FOLD NAME OF CHRIST”
ISAIAH 9:6-7
This is our second message on Christmas B.C. As I noted last week ,
if you listen closely, you can hear the sounds of Christmas in the Old
Testament? Today we are going to look at the Four-Fold Name given
to Jesus 700 years before His birth.
Many parents spend significant time trying to decide what to name
their children. Why is that? Because we know that a name is more
than just what someone goes by.
Names are important. Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be
chosen than great riches." Philippians 2:9 says, “Therefore God also
has highly exalted Him and given Him the NAME which is above
every name.”
Last week we heard the pinpoint prophecy from Micah 5:2 that Jesus
would be born in Bethlehem which was a predetermined place, fulfill
a promised plan, and be a profound person.
Let’s first set the context from Isaiah 9. V-1: This original birth announcement was made in the midst of grief and gloom. V-2 describes
how the birth of Christ will bring brightness to a world of darkness.
V - 4 we read that the enemies of Israel had burdened the people with
a yoke.
Now we go down to V-6 which sets forth the indescribable uniqueness of Jesus. Notice that both His humanity and deity is evident.
One author said; “The Son wasn’t born, the Son eternally existed; the
child was born, the Son was given.”
All four of these descriptions make up His name. Do you see that it’s
in the singular? It doesn’t say “names,” but rather “name.” Let’s look
at his four-fold name right now.
II. HE IS – POWERFUL - “MIGHTY GOD”
This adjective means “strong one” or the “powerful, valiant warrior.”
This title is also used to describe a “hero.” The adjective “mighty” literally means, the “God-hero.”
The Baby born in the feeding trough is also the King of glory. “The
humble Carpenter of Nazareth is also the Mighty Architect of the Universe.” Jesus didn’t beat around the bush about His identity in John
10:30 when He said: “I and the Father are one.”
III. HE IS PERSONAL – “EVERLASTING FATHER”
This third adjective, we see that Jesus is before, above and beyond time.
This literally means that He lives in the forever. Have you put your faith
in the Everlasting Father?
IV. HE IS PEACEFUL – “PRINCE OF PEACE”
This title reverberated across the centuries and echoed through the hallways of heaven, finally culminating in an expression of angelic adoration in Luke 2:14.
Are you aware that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has run on national
primetime TV every year for the last 50 plus years and still resonates
with the truth of what Christmas is all about?
The New Testament describes at least three spheres of peace:
• Peace with God – that’s the vertical dimension
• Peace of God – this takes place internally
• Peace with others – happens horizontally
He has arranged all the details of His intricate plan to deliver you from
the bondage of sin and is offering you His profound counsel, His powerful character, His personal comfort, and His peaceful countenance.
Have you experienced these expressions of Immanuel? Do you know
Him personally?