Category: Christ (Deity of)

Subject: Deity of Christ

Mining the Scriptures: Hebrews 3:1-2

The first 6 verses of Hebrews 3 compare and contrast Jesus with Moses.  First, the comparison in verses 1-2.

We begin with identification of Jesus as the Apostle and High priest of our confession. Notice the definite article. He is ‘the’ Apostle — a delegate or ambassador. In these last days, Jesus was the One (the only One) sent to man by God. He is also the only High Priest of the New Covenant, of the order of Melchizedek, (cf. Hebrews 6:20). He is the only high priest needed.  “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Like Moses, Jesus was “faithful to Him who appointed Him” (2). He Himself said, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). Moses was faithful as well, living his life in service to Jehovah. There are differences between the two, but as stewards, fulfilling God’s desire for them, they were certainly alike in their faithfulness to execute God’s will!

 

Sermon: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem

Discussion and applications from Matthews account in Matthew 21:1-11. Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings!

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Jesus Our Shepherd

Jesus lived in a pastoral society. The images He used to illustrate points were very well known to his listeners. Fortunately for us urbanites, they are simple figures, and easily understood even by us 2000 years later.  For example, John records these words of the Lord, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:1-5). Continue reading “Jesus Our Shepherd”

Breakfast with Jesus

Continuing our discussion of Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel. We look at the 3rd occasion the Lord’s appeared to His disciples following His resurrection, and the evidences that prove He is our Messiah.

Mining the Scriptures: Luke 1:39-45

In Luke 1:36, Elizabeth (an older woman) is identified as a relative of the virgin Mary.  She had conceived in her old age, blessed by God, and would eventually give birth to John the Baptist.

Mary went to Elizabeth, and when they met, we are told, the babe leapt in Elizabeth’s womb.  This is a strong pro-life passage.  The word babe is from the Greek brephos and refers, depending upon the passage, to either an unborn child or a small child, an infant.  Two things are noted in verse 41.  The fetus was a baby, and the baby “leaped” indicating life.  This is scripture and logical.  Only God has the right to determine when life begins, not men.  It seems here that the unborn child of Elizabeth is regarding by the Holy Spirit as being alive.

Elizabeth understood the significance of the visit.  She called Mary, the “mother of my Lord” (43). She was honored by the visit.

Verse 45 indicates that Elizabeth recognized the faith of Mary.  Mary believed what the angel said.  Mary could be said to be the first to have faith in Jesus.  Her life from that point on would be eventful!

Mining the Scriptures: Matthew 2:13-18

In this text we have an example of great inhumanity. Herod the Great, concerned that his position might be threatened, committed clear murder of innocent children. The purpose was to destroy what he perceived to be a possible rival. However, the parents of Jesus were warned by an angel of God, and escaped from Herod to Egypt.  They remained there until Herod died. The date is not exactly known, as differing assumptions render the birth of Jesus in different years. However, the interval was not long, as Herod died soon after, and his son reigned in his place. Hosea 11:1 was fulfilled, a foreshadowing of the Lord’s time spent in that foreign land.

In the interim, Herod had all the male children of Bethlehem and the region who were at or below the age of 2 killed, in a paranoid attempt to destroy Jesus. Traditional estimates of 14,000 to 144,00 infants killed are no doubt wildly exaggerated. It was more probably between 12-40 children. Regardless, it was brutality. It was also a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15, causing great pain and agony to many.

 

John 56: Thomas – Seeing & Believing

A discussion of Jesus’ encounter with Thomas following His resurrection, ending with Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God!”

Christ, the Preeminent One

Webster defines preeminence as the quality or state of being preeminent. Preeminent is defined: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING, SUPREME, (emphasis, Webster). When we consider Jesus Christ, whether in character, dignity, importance, or rank, it is obvious that He has preeminence in both the physical universe and spiritually as well.

This truth is stated very clearly in Colossians 1:13-18:

“He [God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:13-18).

In looking at this text, let’s consider the truths contained therein as they pertain to Jesus Christ’s rank and significance in contrast to all others. Continue reading “Christ, the Preeminent One”

Sermon: The Fullness of Christ

A discussion of Colossians 1:9-19 discussing what makes Jesus unique.

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Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:19-20

It pleased the Father. This truth radiates throughout the scriptures.  God’s intent, and pleasure in redeeming man through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote that it was in His mind since before time began, cf. Ephesians 1:4. So, when it happened, the Father was pleased. He said as much in Matthew 17:5, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

It is in Jesus that all “the fullness should dwell” (19). In this context is has reference to the preeminence of Christ. He fulfilled the Father’s intent in redemption. He is the Lord.  He is the Savior. He is the “word” that became flesh (John 1:14) and created all. As verse 20 of our text states, Jesus is the one who reconciles all things to the Father, “whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Jesus accomplished this by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary.

This is the proper answer to any ecumenical tendency. It is not what we think or wish. It is what pleased God the Father. And it pleased Him to reconcile all things through His Son.

John 46: I Have Overcome the World

(John 16:25-33), “Jesus speaks plainly to his disciples, telling them that he was leaving the world to return to God. But, he left them with cheer, in the knowledge that He was victorious over the worl

Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets.  However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.

The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.

However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).

It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.

Sermon: The Once and Eternal King

Jesus Christ reigns on His throne today, and will continue to reign through eternity.

Sermon: Proof of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection

Resurrection

Short 8:30 minute invitation talk.

It was not only the disciples of Jesus who witnessed His power over death. When Jesus raised Lazarus, for example, John 11 reveals that the Jewish leaders acknowledged His power as well. They sought to kill Him for it.

Sermon: The Eternal Word

The Eternal Word

In the beginning was the Word. God in the flesh. Jesus is God the Son, as affirmed by Jesus in John 1.