Fruitful Living
The Biblical names and titles of Jesus Christ (Part 1)
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. – Colossians 1:15-20.
INTRODUCTION
Throughout Scripture, we discover that names hold significant value and meaning. They tell us something specific about someone’s character. The name of Jesus is significant. We see this in the angel’s message to Mary in Luke 26:31-32a; You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name Him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High.
By looking closely at the labels used throughout the Bible to describe Jesus, we can discover a new appreciation for the ways Jesus ministers to us. A wealth of information concerning His person and work can be obtained from studying the names and titles ascribed to Him. Some of them are:
1.ADAM; “So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. – 1 Corinthians 15:45
2. ADVOCATE; My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. – 1 John 2:1
3. ALMIGHTY;I am the Alpha and the Omega,” the Lord God says, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelations 1:8
4. AMEN;To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. – Revelations 3:14
5. ANOINTED; The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, – Psalm 2:2
6. APOSTLE; Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our Apostle and High priest. – Hebrews 3:1
7. AUTHOR; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2
8. ALPHA; “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” the Lord God says, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelations 1:8
9. BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHETR; The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
10. BISHOP; For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:25
11. BLESSED; which God will bring about in His own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, – 1 Timothy 6:15
12. BELOVED; To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. – Ephesians 1:6
13. BRIGHT MORNING STAR; I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give youthis testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. – Revelations 22:16
14. CARPENTER; Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? – Matthew 13:55
15. COMMANDER; Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. – Isaiah 55:4
16. CORNERSTONE; built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” – Ephesians 2:20
17. CHRIST;And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. – Matthew 2:4
18. DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH;Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, – Luke 1:78
19. DELIVERER; The deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. – Romans 11:26
20. DOOR OF THE SHEEPFOLD; Therefore, Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” – John 10:7
21. EMMANUEL; Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. – Matthew 1:23
22. EXPRESS IMAGE OF GOD; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high – Hebrews 1:3
23. FAITHFUL WITNESS; “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” – Revelations 1:5
24. FIRST FRUITS; But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. – 1 Corinthians 15:23
25. FOUNDATION;See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. – Isaiah 28:16
26. FOUNTAIN;On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. – Zechariah 13:1
27. FORERUNNER;where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. – Hebrews 6:20
28. FRIEND OF SINNERS; The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ – Matthew 11:9
29. HEAD OF CHURCH; And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” – Colossians 1:18
30. HIGH PRIEST, Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. – Hebrews 3:1
WORSHIP AND THANKS, AND BLESSING – MHB 412
1 Worship, and thanks, and blessing,
And strength ascribe to Jesus!
Jesus alone defends His own,
When earth and hell oppress us!
Jesus with joy we witness
Almighty to deliver;
Our seals set to, that God is true,
And reigns a King for ever.
2 Omnipotent Redeemer,
Our ransomed souls adore Thee;
Our Saviour Thou, we find it now,
And give Thee all the glory.
We sing Thine arm unshortened,
Brought through our sore temptation;
With heart and voice in Thee rejoice,
The God of our salvation.
3 Thine arm hath safely brought us
A way no more expected,
Than when Thy sheep passed through the deep,
By crystal walls protected.
Thy glory was our rearward,
Thine hand our lives did cover,
And we, even we, have passed the sea,
And marched triumphant over.
4The world and Satan’s malice
Thou, Jesus, hast confounded;
And, by Thy grace, with songs of praise
Our happy souls resounded.
Accepting our deliverance,
We triumph in Thy favour,
And for the love which now we prove,
Shall praise Thy name forever.
Source: Culled from Willmington’s Guide to the Bible
To be continued!!
Stay blessed!
By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
Though debated, women’s leadership is not prohibited in Islam if practiced within Islamic ethics. Muslim women historically influenced governance through education, economic power, and advisory roles (Ahmed, 2021). Contemporary Muslim women in public office embody the Qur’anic principle of justice (Qur’an 4:135).
Islam encourages professions that benefit society. Female physicians, gynecologists, and nurses are essential in Muslim societies, ensuring culturally sensitive healthcare (Shaikh, 2015). Similarly, Muslim women in education, media, and business embody the Prophetic principle of service to humanity.
The Ghanaian context
In Ghana, Muslim women play a pivotal role in sustaining both families and communities. Beyond managing households, many women assume the role of primary breadwinners, paying school fees, supporting relatives, and financing community projects. Their contributions extend into professional and public life. In academia, Dr Rabiyatu Armah, an Islamic educationist and lecturer at University of Ghana, has championed girls’ schooling and equal opportunities in religious studies. In politics and governance, Hajia Samira Bawumia, Ghana’s former Second Lady, has promoted literacy, health, and women’s empowerment through nationwide initiatives. In the media, Madam Shamima Muslim, who serves as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson under President John Dramani Mahama, stands as a role model for young Muslim journalists. Her career reflects how Muslim women can excel in public communication while upholding modesty and Islamic values. These examples affirm that empowering Muslim women in education, media, and governance strengthens both families and national development.
Education and economic empowerment
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162). Honouring women means enabling them to access education and livelihood. Denying women education contradicts both the Qur’an and Sunnah and weakens the Muslim ummah (Barazangi, 2008).
A call to rethink our attitudes
Muslim societies today must critically re-examine cultural practices that continue to restrict women’s potential and return to Islam’s authentic message. The Qur’an and Sunnah affirm women as not only homemakers but also scholars, professionals, and leaders in society. True empowerment lies in realising the framework Islam already provides.
The role of Muslim scholars (‘ulama) is crucial. Those trained in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) must guide women in balancing modesty with participation in business, education, and public service. History offers powerful precedents: Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA), one of the Prophet’s wives, transmitted over 2,000 hadiths and was a leading authority in law; and Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, the world’s oldest existing university. Their legacy demonstrates how knowledge and faith combined to shape civilisations. Equipping today’s Muslim women with similar guidance will strengthen families, uplift communities, and ensure a prosperous ummah.
Conclusion
Islam dignified women at a time when they were devalued, transforming them from marginalised figures to partners in faith, family, and society. From Khadijah (RA), who invested her wealth in the Prophet’s mission, to Aisha (RA), who transmitted knowledge and shaped Islamic scholarship, women have always stood at the heart of the ummah. The Qur’an enshrined their rights to inheritance, education, economic participation, and spiritual equality (Qur’an 4:7; 33:35).
Equally significant is the role of Muslim women in marriage and family life. The Qur’an describes spouses as “garments for one another” (Qur’an 2:187), highlighting marriage as a bond of comfort and protection. As wives and mothers, Muslim women nurture faith, instill moral discipline in children, and create homes rooted in mercy, patience, and cooperation. This domestic leadership complements their contributions in business, education, health, and governance, ensuring balance in both private and public life.
Allah reminds us: “For men is a share of what they earn, and for women is a share of what they earn.” (Qur’an 4:32). Empowering women in marriage, education, and work is therefore central to building thriving families, resilient communities, and a strong ummah.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
“Again Jesus call the crowd to Him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.” – Mark 7:14-16 (NIV)
Introduction
The Lord is really awesome in His wisdom and as Moses said when they were led to cross the Red Sea – “Who is like unto you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” – Exodus 15:11 (KJV)
CHANNEL
The word channel connotes action – real action because as a verb, it means:
- to direct
- to show the way
- shepherd
- lead
- train; among others.
And as a noun it can mean:
- a conduit
- an access
- an artery
- a pipeline
- a means of.
But the other words I found in the Thesaurus which really thrilled me and gave me a greater understanding of who we are called to be as Christians are meaning of channel as
- Advertiser;
- Delegate;
- Witness;
- Narrator;
- Go between;
- Spokesman,
- Communicator;
- Publiciser;
- Speaker.
Fascinating isn’t it. This reminds us of our calling as stated in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes and we will be His witness here on earth – we are to be those through whom others come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. So as I found in the Thesaurus, we are Jesus’ delegates here on earth – we represent Him. We are His spokespersons. His go between when He wants to reach out to people. We are His communicators – we are really the ones who should be on radio each day telling people about the Lord Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation and redemption from sin. Alas, political party communicators seem to have the upper hand because media houses prefer their cacophony and not our soothing but very powerful words that ONLY Jesus saves.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Profile6 days agoAlbert Litela Obidiaba: The artist who wove Ghana’s soul into the King’s Baton
- News6 days ago
Daddy Lumba’s wife, children run to court to injunct December 6 funeral arrangements
News1 week agoPresident Mahama to meet Auditor-General, Chief Justice and Attorney-General over misuse of public funds
