You Don't Really Know God
June 7, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "You Don't Really Know God." A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
This was the introductory message for a summer series on the Jehovah names of God. This message sets the stage as to how God's names came to include "Jehovah" and how we can come to know God better by understanding His names. You really should just watch the video of today's message. I don't have anything to add. Here are some previous essays that touch on the topic in various ways:
Old Testament Names for God
God's Names Advent Calendar
Masada | Elohim | Jehovah
God's Names/Attributes
God's Name
Psalm 23
Taking God's Name in Vain
Here's an interesting, 3-minute video on the God of Justice (Elohim) and the God of Mercy (Adonai/Jehovah). You'll hear the two names discussed while watching fly-by views of Masada, Herod's amazing palace atop a desert mountain. Biblical Excavations On Location: Masada.
I can't wait to dig into the Jehovah names of God over the next nine weeks...
Bonus
The Gift of Peace (movie)
Quite unexpectedly, the world did not stop spinning when this Hallmark Christmas movie did not end in a full-on kiss.
Here's IMDB's summary: "'The Gift of Peace' delivers a deeply moving and heartfelt holiday experience that authentically explores grief and healing. The film's emotional depth, featuring standout performances from Nikki DeLoach and Brennan Elliott, resonates powerfully with audiences. Faith-based themes of hope and peace are woven respectfully throughout, creating an uplifting yet genuine portrayal of loss. The relatable characters and inspirational message about moving forward after trauma make this a meaningful, tissue-worthy watch for anyone who has experienced loss." Yup, I couldn't have said it any better. Additionally, there are a few other sub-stories of loss that are gracefully traced as well.
Trailer.
Bonus2
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Watch PragerU's video: Why Does God Allow Suffering? (47 minutes).
From the PragerU description: "Why do innocent people suffer? Where was God during the Holocaust? And how does faith sustain us in a world full of evil? In this episode of Theological, host Shabbos Kestenbaum sits down with Michael Jones from @InspiringPhilosophy - one of the most influential Christian apologists on YouTube - for a deep, honest, and at times challenging conversation on theodicy: the problem of evil and suffering. This is one of the most ancient questions in human history, and two thoughtful believers from different traditions take it on together — with intellectual rigor, personal honesty, and genuine respect."
Bonus3
The Problem Solver
This cartoon popped up on my Facebook feed recently. I liked the notion.
