Category: Christ

Hebrews 1:1-4

The first four verses of both the first and second chapters of Hebrews are similar in that they declare the superiority of the words of our Lord. However, while the second chapter points out the responsibility we have to heed and obey the words of Jesus, the first chapter keeps the focus on the Lord Himself.

The words spoken by Jesus are superior because of who Jesus is. He is the Heir of all things. He is the Creator of the universe (cf. John 1:1-4). He is the personification of God, and our blessed Redeemer. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and is presently reigning in His kingdom at the right hand of the Father. He is superior to the angels, and as stated by the writer, “has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (4).

These words serve as the premise of the Hebrew epistle. The Hebrew Christian should not place his trust in the Old Covenant. Rather, he should turn to the New. Salvation is in the words, sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. All who have gone before are flawed, and unable to save. In these last days, God has spoken to us “through His Son.”

The apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:5-8 indicates that we are to have the mind of Christ. Those things that are characteristic of Christ, things such as:

• Love
• Obedience
• Sacrifice
• Submission
• Loyalty
• Purity
• Industry
• Courage

Should be characteristic of us as well, as Christ has left “us an example, that you should follow His steps” (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-22).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is based on the text of Colossians 2:8. The philosophies of man may defraud us of that which has the greatest value. True value is found only in Christ, as He is the giver of our hope!

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Sermon points out, It isn’t possible to have a relationship with God:

• If you don’t know about Him.
• If you refuse to Repent.
• If you neglect Obedience.
• If you reject Jesus Christ.
• If you don’t listen to, or talk to Him.

Stated Positively: If you will seek to learn about God and know Him; if you will acknowledge your sin and repent; let faith and love produce obedience; trust in Christ, listen to God and pray to Him — You can enjoy a relationship with your Creator, that begins here on earth and is consummated in eternity.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This seventh sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 reveals the only legitimate way we can find common ground religiously.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

2 Timothy 1:8-12

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Even though the text is five verses long, it is made up of only two sentences. In the first sentence Paul exhorts Timothy, “…do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (vs. 8). In the second sentence Paul states, “…I am not ashamed” (vs. 12).

Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel for the following five reasons: 1) Jesus saved us and called us to holiness; 2) the holiness He calls us to is His own, not ours; 3) He revealed what that righteousness is when he appeared to us; 4) He has abolished death; 5) He has brought eternal life and glory to us.

Further, Paul told Timothy not to be ashamed of him (Paul) as an ambassador of God and a preacher of that message.

It is in this context that Paul affirms that he himself was not ashamed. He was willing to suffer because of his faith in Christ, and his confidence in Jesus Christ. “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to Him.”

May we have that same confidence, in the hope of eternal salvation, when that inevitable day of Judgment comes upon us.

This sermon is an exegetical treatment of Colossians 1:9-19. The text relates Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Colossians, “that you may be filled…” Also, the Preeminence of Christ is revealed and discussed.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In his gospel, the apostle John uses the term world in various ways. The term world sometimes refers to the physical universe, sometimes humanity, and sometimes those who are hostile to Christ. The gospel reveals Christ’s relationship to each of the three.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The question before us is, What does the Bible require we believe, in order for it to be said that we believe in Jesus. Points made:

• Jesus is the Christ
• Jesus is the Son of God
• The Virgin Birth
• The Death, Burial and Resurrection
• The Only One Who Can Save

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In Israel’s covenant with God, cities of refuge were established, that allowed one who had taken a life accidentally to flee and escape the wrath of any avenger until such time as the congregation could rule on his fate. Hebrews 6:13-ff reveals that Christ is our refuge, and those who flee to Him reside in hope.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, not only affirms the fact of Christ’s resurrection, but notes that the lives of those who reject that fact are futile and dissolute.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

God’s existence and voice are sounded out in various ways. As discussed in this lesson, through His creation, His Word, His Son and His People.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Mark 1:9-13

Mark’s gospel is characterized by a concise telling of the events in Christ’s life. While not as verbose as the other gospels, Mark managed to encapsulate the grandeur of His ministry on earth.

These verses are a wonderful example. Here Mark recounts both the baptism of Jesus, and his temptation in the wilderness in just five verses.

The baptism of Jesus contains God’s witness that this was His Son. “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (vs. 11).

The temptation of Jesus expresses His perfect example. “Tempted by Satan,” yet, as Peter later stated, a man “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:22-23).

As such, He left us “an example, that [we] should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

The Hebrew writer compares Christ to Moses in chapter 3:1-6. The comparison shows that while both were faithful in their duties toward God, Moses was a servant, while Christ is the Son. So, Christ is deserving of far greater glory. The sermon contrasts and compares Jesus to Moses.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

1 John 1:1-3

In John’s introduction to his first epistle, he quickly affirms two basic facts. First, that the gospel of Christ was authentic. He states that he was an eyewitness to that which brings eternal life. He heard it, saw it, gazed upon it, and handled it.

An examination of the gospels underscores the truthfulness of this declaration. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. The apostles not only heard of that resurrection, they saw and touched the Lord. They recognized His victory over death. Paul wrote, “…by Man also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15:21).

Second, that the gospel of Christ brings eternal life. He declared it to his readers that they might also “have fellowship with us.” Because it is authentic, it means Jesus truly is the Savior. He died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead. His victory over death supplies for us the same hope!