Summit Life with J.D. Greear

Throughout history, people have invented and named mythological gods. But the God of the Bible was not invented by mankind, and unlike Zeus or Thor, he chose his own name. In this message, Pastor J.D. describes how knowing the name that God chose for himself will change our understanding of God forever. It’s part of our powerful study in Exodus 34 called, The Name.

If there’s one aspect of God’s character that most people wish they could erase from the Bible, it’s God’s wrath. In fact, the doctrine of hell is one of the most common answers people give when asked why they don’t believe in God. But as we continue our powerful series called The Name, Pastor J.D. explains that God’s wrath isn’t just something we need to accept; it’s actually a fact we can, and should, rejoice in! 

Thomas Jefferson once famously took a razor blade to his Bible and cut out the parts he disliked. And while most of us haven’t literally chopped up our Bibles in that way, we often cut out certain passages in our minds, skipping past uncomfortable verses that talk about God’s wrath and the punishment for sin. But Pastor J.D. explains that the wrath of God isn’t a demeaning doctrine to be ignored. It’s a glorious reality!

Verses about God’s love, like John 3:16, tend to get repeated and memorized. They stir up warm, sentimental feelings and make us feel good about ourselves. But in this message, Pastor J.D. explains that God’s love has nothing to do with our worthiness or loveliness. It’s all about God’s compassion.

Have you ever wondered why so many movies, books, and songs are focused on romance? It’s because every one of us, in the deepest corners of our hearts, longs to feel loved and cherished. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we also know that we don’t deserve that kind of unconditional love. We know that eventually, we’ll fail everyone: our spouse, our family, and even God. And God knows all this, so why does he continue to love and pursue us? Pastor J.D. answers that question on this edition of Summit Life.

 If you want to get to know someone, the first thing you do is introduce yourself, because knowing someone’s name is an important part of your relationship with him or her. And you’re never going to feel very close with someone if they always call you by the wrong name. So in this series, Pastor J.D. is helping us know God personally by knowing his name. 

Explore the profound nature of God's holiness, moving beyond simple notions of His love. Discover how Isaiah's visions uncover the awe and fear connected to divine holiness. Delve into the complexities of suffering and the necessity of trusting God's wisdom. Hear a captivating story about Michael Jordan that emphasizes the power of greatness. Finally, learn about the relevance of fearing the Lord today and its connection to modern struggles, along with an insightful Bible study overview.

Explore the transformative impact of experiencing God's presence, as illustrated by Moses on Mount Zion. Discover the deep connection between God's name and our spiritual journey, emphasizing the balance of His justice and love. Learn how invoking Jesus' name grants not just salvation but freedom from sin. The discussion highlights the need for a profound understanding of the gospel to effectively share its truths with others. This deep dive into faith illustrates the beauty and power of divine relationship and its life-changing effects.

Some people imagine God as an absentee “watchmaker in the sky” who set the world in motion and then stepped away. They think he’s probably out there, but there’s no way to know what he’s like. Others think of God as an unknown, impersonal force, without thoughts or emotions. But on this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. kicks off a brand new series that’s all about knowing God intimately. He titled this series, The Name.

Like the disciples, we want to know the “how” and “what” of the Christian life. Pastor J.D. helps us see in this message that the Christian life, from start to finish, is a relationship with Jesus. Whatever you need, whatever you lack, wherever you are incomplete or broken, whatever you are missing in yourself or didn’t get from someone else, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.