Shane Idleman emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas in his sermon 'Name Him and Claim Him,' warning against the misinterpretation of the 'Name It and Claim It' gospel that promotes a prosperity mindset. He highlights the importance of understanding Jesus' names from Isaiah 9:6, which reflect His true nature as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Idleman encourages believers to claim the promises of God, especially during difficult times, and to remember that faith should lead to a deeper relationship with Christ rather than a transactional mindset. He stresses the need for genuine faith that acknowledges Jesus as Savior, not just a historical figure, and calls for a heart transformation through repentance and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the significance of communion as a reflection of Jesus' love and suffering.

Tonight, normally, Christmas Eve services are a little briefer. Some of you are saying, oh, praise God. We also want to share what this special season represents. And I didn't have a traditional Christmas message really prepared where baby Jesus born in the manger, and the angel declaring that and different things. I want to focus on a verse, and we'll put it up there in just a minute, from the famous verse from Isaiah 9.6. But the title this evening is Name Him and Claim Him. Name Him and Claim Him. And some of you might know that that's a play on words because there's something out there called the Name It and Claim It. Gospel, the prosperity gospel. And we have to be careful this time of year because Christmas can kind of morph into what it's really not about. When it's about commercialism and too much and excess, and I don't know about you, but my kids don't want the toys a week from now. And there's some emotion that goes behind that. And we can get caught up on really what the reason for the season is not. And it's not for commercialism. It is to see family and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But something that's been going on for many years, Name It and Claim It or the prosperity gospel is you just name it and you claim it. You know, if you just have enough faith. If the reason you're not healed or the reason you're not getting what you want or the reason you don't have that new Tesla in your driveway, it's a $100,000 Tesla, it's because you're not claiming it. You're not naming it and claiming it. You don't have enough faith. And that's not a good doctrine to have. GotQuestions.org says this, the power of faith is to create our own reality or get what we want. Faith becomes a force whereby we can get what we want rather than abiding in God and trusting in Him. It goes on to say if you think negative thoughts or you're lacking faith, you will suffer or not get what you want. But on the other hand, if you think positive thoughts or if you just have enough faith, then you'll be healthy, wealthy, and all these other things. It's a name it and claim it. Here's where these doctrines get their strength. Is they take half-truths. Because there is something about thinking right. Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus and having that sense of humility and finally, brethren, Paul would tell the church in Philippi to meditate on things that are pure and lovely and honest and upright. So, there is something about thinking positively. What's the opposite of that? Thinking negatively. Grumbling and complaining is not a good thing in the Bible. So, they take a doctrine about faith and belief and thinking the right thoughts and then they twist it to where it appeals to our fleshly nature. Ah, I can have this and I can have that. And it's actually become very unstable because Jesus is then Santa Claus, not Savior. Because He's my butler. He can get me what I want, what I desire. I can just name it and claim it. That's why He came. No, it's actually the opposite of why He came. And so, that is the title I came up with. I just want to be clear so you didn't know I was, or you did know I wasn't talking about name it and claim it. But I do believe you can name Him and claim Him. That is definitely biblical and I'm going to share the why with you in just a minute. The Bible does tell us to claim certain promises. And I'm not going to go into that because I did two weeks ago. You can go back and hear that message. And there are certain promises you can claim from God's Word. And Christmas is a mix of emotion right now because not everyone is filled with joy. People are suffering. They've lost family members. Or they're dealing with something that is difficult. And this time of year does not always bring a lot of joy in families, as long as they don't talk about religion and politics and how Biden's doing. Mandates and all these things. And it can be a difficult time of year. Depressing sometimes because there's a high, then there's a low. But there are promises in God's Word. I want to just share a few with you. Romans 8.28, For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose. So you can name that promise and claim it. Lord, I know this is going to work out in the end for my good. I might not like it or enjoy it, but I'm claiming that promise that You're going to work all things out so I know at the end, Your sovereignty is still in control. And what I love as well, He will never fail you. He will never fail you. Paul said, for I am persuaded that neither death nor life, and he goes on to say that principalities and the demonic realm and angels and creative things and nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. We can name that and claim that. James says, count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various trials. I don't like that one. But you can name it and claim it when you are going through difficulties. Lord, I know this is strengthening me. I know this is building me up. And so here's the key with name it and claim it. It's an attitude of faith, not fear. It's trusting in God, not testing His patience. It's content in all situations and not complaining. And so when your heart is right, I do believe that you can name and claim certain things as far as His promises outlined in Scripture that aren't about fulfilling the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life, and fueling pride, but about doing the will of God. There are promises there. Thank God for that. What do you do without the promises of God? What do you anchor to? That's why I love that song, Noel, Noel, come and see what God has done. That song has roots back in, and it was a joyful song to say, look, look what God has done. Look at the bountiful harvest. Look at what He's blessed us with and come and see what God has done and crying out for joy of what He has done in the hearts and minds of people. So let's, on this topic, briefly, let's look at what is in a name. Isaiah 9-6. Isaiah 9-6 we can put up there. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. Thank God for that coming true someday, because I'm not trusting His shoulders. The government is on right now. We need someone, we'll never fail you, we'll never let you down, perfect, the perfecter of our peace. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. It's interesting, some translations don't have a comma after the word wonderful. It just says Wonderful Counselor. There are two words there. And no matter how you say it, it means the same thing. But what I love to do in studying the Bible is you look at the context of something. If not, you're going to tell people whatever you want the Scriptures to say. And you can make a case for everything. But the context really puts it into perspective. Here was the context. Their luxury led to apathy. Luxury led to apathy. Their excess caused drifting from God. And the faithful city, God said, has become a harlot. Those are the words of God. He said I cannot endure your iniquity and your sacred assemblies anymore. Basically saying I cannot put up with your sin and your playing in church anymore. And so we see the prophet Isaiah, his context was silence and waiting on God for action. Have you ever been where you're not hearing from God? Lord, where are You? I'm not hearing from You. I'm desperate in these times and I don't have answers. Lord, would You please answer? And then waiting on God to take action. Anybody waiting for God to take action? Lord, do something about the crime and the decadence and the perversion. And that was the context He was writing this. But then the people of the land were confusing His patience with His approval. And so what happens here is God gives hope. In the midst of judgment, there is redemption. In the midst of pain, there is power. And in the midst of darkness, there is light. So the context was terrible. He's writing in a very dark and decaying time of Israel's history. Judah and Israel were broken up in southern and northern kingdoms. They had succumbed to financial success and perversion, all kinds of things, and God was calling them to repentance. But then in the midst of that, He reminds the people there will be a child that is born. A son will be given. The government will be upon His shoulders. And then we can put the names up there that are so important. Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting, Prince of Peace. This word wonderful is incomprehensible. You can't comprehend it. How can you describe God? I was just watching a video today on how the earth rotates around the sun and how the universe rotates, and who holds all that together? How do you even describe that? The word awesome really came about as trying to describe God. And now we say, oh, that cake was awesome. Or that pumpkin pie was awesome. The whole word, you miss the gravity of it. So that's what this word means. Incomprehensible. An astonishing thing. God has done an astonishing thing. And then thank God for the next characteristic here. Anybody need a counselor? That will never give you bad advice? On that note, where are you looking for advice? If you're looking for advice on the news, or in the newspaper, or on social media, you will get wrong advice many times. There's only one person who will never leave you, never deceive you. And that word counselor, an advocate, an advisor, an assistant, He comes alongside and He advocates for you. He advises you. And see, the more time you spend with God, the closer you become. The more you know His will, the more you can discern His will. So if you're living in a lot of confusion and fear, and I don't know what God's will is, bury yourself in God's Word for a season. Ask for God to rend the heavens as it were, and come down and explain the text and fill you with the Spirit and counsel you on these difficult decisions. And over pastoring so many years now, I've noticed that the majority of people are in pickles because of wrong decisions. Any amens? Or maybe the 6 p.m. will be a little more honest. Because we take the wrong advice. We take the wrong path. We listen to the wrong voice. And then this word mighty, actually two words, Mighty God, meaning there is spiritual strength, there is power. There is spiritual strength, there is power in God. Everlasting. Everlasting does not decay. It endures forever. And then Prince of Peace. This word's interesting because it says it focuses on repairing the broken, restoring the shattered, and strengthening the defeated. So it's not just bringing peace, but He repairs the broken. He restores the shattered. He strengthens the defeated. But why are we here obviously tonight? Why are most people going to church and why are many people lacking that peace? Because although it does deal with peace to believers, we also have to remember according to Romans 5.10, we are enemies with God. I think that's the next screen if we have it up there. We are enemies with God. Romans 5.10, but God demonstrated His own love toward us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5.8 And because of Christ's sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God. That's where the word Prince of Peace comes from. Like John MacArthur said, he said the government will rest on His shoulders. Lasting peace in the final establishment of His earthly kingdom. He will ensure peace on earth over the rebellious at heart by wielding a rod of iron. It's a big misconception out there. Many people have this impression of Jesus as this nice little lamb. And He was, but He's also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. And He's coming back not as a... He's coming back to rule the nations with a rod of iron. He's coming back as a judge and a king. And that peace can only be felt by a right relationship with Him. And so it's also a good reminder for us as believers to remember who God is. Remember who God is. Name it and claim it. And I want to go over a few things from a sermon note that I gave. And many people wanted to get this information on remembering who God is. Reminding ourselves what nation? What nation is above Him? What army can defeat Him? What country can control Him? What kingdom can contain Him? What leader can conquer Him? What plan can stop Him? What devil can destroy Him? What weapon can harm Him? What setback can hinder Him? What obstacle can delay Him? All of those things and so much more. We have to remember who God is. You have to name it and claim it. You have to remember who God is and allow that relationship with Him to drive you deeper into deeper relationships with Him. And those listening, I'm sure, and some here tonight, here's where you have to name it and claim it and get this right. If you confess that Christ is Savior and believe that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. See, a lot of people name it. If you do surveys and you ask people, they'll say, yes, Jesus was a historical figure. Of course, I mean, I've heard the story. Didn't He die for the sins of the world and my sins? And didn't He live 2,000 years ago and was crucified? I have the right name, but they don't claim it for themselves. And it's a religion, not a relationship. Religion is going through the emotions. Doing certain things. Trusting in my own works. And not having that relationship. Listen, Jesus is throughout the whole Bible. It's not just a New Testament reality. I can see Jesus in Genesis when God had to kill the animals to cover the sins of Adam and Eve because of their shame. And you can look at Exodus. And God said whoever puts the blood on the doorpost, when the death angel goes over that, he will pass over that house. And that Jesus now is our Passover lamb. It's consistent. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus says without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, numbers. Numbers, the people were being killed by this disease and He told Noah, put a brazen serpent up and lift up that serpent and all who look upon that serpent will be saved. And then you can go to the New Testament. Jesus said when I be lifted up, when I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me. Though if you look and believe, you have to name it and claim it. You can't just know it. That's head knowledge. Head knowledge without heart knowledge doesn't get you anywhere. And we can keep going. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, numbers. Deuteronomy, we get the Ten Commandments and you look at those and you're like, I can't measure up. The law, it says, is just to show you your need for a Savior. Because now that you know something, like your kids are okay until you tell them don't go in the garage, there's Christmas presents. We're going to try that tonight. The garage is the last thing on their mind until you tell them, don't go in there, and now they walk by, they want to see if the door's open. Because now they know. And that's what the Ten Commandments was. I mean, it's a wonderful theological bearing here when he talks about it was a schoolmaster to point you to Christ. It can't save you, only Christ can save you. Looking at these, have you ever lied and cheated in this? And you look and you go, I will stand before God someday. What am I going to say? My goodness is but filthy rags. No one is good, no not one. You have to lean on the redemptive nature of Jesus Christ. So, without further ado, I'm going to put up the communion slide. And this is very relevant right now. Because what communion does, it's a reminder of Jesus' suffering and His love. It's a reminder of the pain and the power of the cross. So what churches do during communion, I'm not going to come back up again and go into what communion is. I'm letting you know right now, and the reason we put it up front and in the balcony up there, is you have to make an effort. You have to make an effort to go up there and remember the blood that was shed. Remember the body that was broken. And you get your heart right, even for believers. Paul talks about do not take in an unworthy man or make sure the heart is right. There's not besetting sin that I don't want to deal with and I'm going to just take communion anyway. This is for those who get their heart right. It's also for believers. For those who believe that Jesus died and rose again for them. And they can partake in that this evening. So we don't want to miss this opportunity. When is the point of Christmas if we're just going through the motions? If we forget about the real reason for the season. Tonight, let us know. Just say, I need to get my life right with the Lord. I need to fully surrender my life. Would you pray for me? There's no other decision greater than this decision. You cannot live your life with the question mark here. One of the Scriptures that really stood out to me in 1999, I opened the Bible and I'm reading the Scripture and Jesus says, many will come to Me in that day and say, Lord, Lord, we did all these things in Your name. And He'll say, depart from Me. I don't know you. You practice lawlessness. Wait a minute. See, I know about Jesus, but my heart was never engaged. I didn't repent. And when that repentance takes place, humility takes place, brokenness takes place, and from that brokenness, you are reborn. That's what the Bible says in John. You need to be reborn, Nicodemus. How can I go back in my mother's womb? No, it's a spiritual rebirth where you've died spiritually and that spiritual union with Christ is reengaged again.