Category: Christ

“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” (Colossians 1:15-17).

Paul here discusses the preeminence of Jesus Christ. As a part of this praise he states, “in Him all things consist.” This statement is a part of Paul’s contention that Jesus Christ is the means through which the universe was created, and the reason why the universe was created. In other words — big picture — it is all about Him.

The phrase, “He is before all things” indicates His eternal nature. The phrase “in Him all things consist” indicates the means by which the universe continues to exist! This is an indication of His unlimited power. As the Hebrew writer put it, “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Without Jesus Christ, this universe would cease to be!

The world sees Jesus as a man. All of the representations of Jesus, seen in movies and books, make Him out to be smaller than He is. As Paul put it, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). And, that is why we worship and adore Him!

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In the gospel of John, Jesus identified himself as the “good shepherd” (John 10:11). The work of the shepherd in New Testament times was challenging. He would train the sheep or goats to obey his commands, feed and water them, and protect them from harm. The young David is an good example, as he saved his sheep from both a lion and a bear (cf. 1 Samuel 17:34). Obviously, if the sheep belonged to the shepherd himself, the investment was a precious one. This explains Jesus’ words, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (11). In contrast, “The hireling flees [when he sees the wolf] because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep” (13). Jesus used this imagery to describe His sin sacrifice, “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (15).

Continue reading “The Good Shepherd” →

This sermon expresses why we should desire to be drawn to Jesus, as well as how it is done.

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This sermon is a discussion of Hebrews 3.

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Here Paul gives us an accurate and fully developed picture of the Messiah. He is the very image of God. God’s perfect character, wisdom and glory are seen in the Christ. His is a place of preeminence as the firstborn of God. All that is exists by His word, and persists through His power. (It is important to note here that the term “firstborn” has reference to His place, not His origin. The Creator of all things was not Himself created, cf. John 1:1).

His creative work covers not only what can be seen, but also what cannot be perceived by man. It is arrogant to assume that what exists is only that which can be measured or observed. The materialist is short-sighted, and ignorant of the Lord’s power and the extent of His reign.

His preeminence extends to His church. His victory over death affirms His Person and place as our Redeemer.

Galatians 4:4-5 shows God’s purpose in sending His Son to earth. To redeem man! The shedding of His blood on the cross accomplished that purpose. Because of Jesus, we have the hope of redemption!

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

As so many spend one day a year remembering the day of Jesus’ birth, Paul noted in Galatians 4 the intent of that birth was to bring the Savior into the world to redeem men. Faithful Christians remember this EVERY first day of the week.

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In John 12, the apostle recorded Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before the Passover. This entry into the city set in motion the events which would lead to His death, recorded in chapter 19. While the population of the city was eventually guilty of His blood, having been goaded by the corrupt Jewish leaders, on this occasion they received Him as royalty. “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (12:12-13).

Continue reading ““But When Jesus Was Glorified”” →

The name “Wonderful” is used in Isaiah 9:6 with reference to the promised Messiah. This term accurately describes Jesus Christ.

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An examination of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John. They show aspects of our Lord’s character, person and place as the Son of God.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Galatians 6:12-16 Paul reveals that our glorying must be solely in the cross of Christ. This is because our redemption is based solely upon whether we are His!

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In scripture there are a number of type/antitypes found that accurately show the superiority of Christ and His covenant with man. An example is found in Colossians 2:16-17, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

The law (vs. 14) and the things that surrounded it are referred to as a “shadow of things to come.” That is another way of describing “type.” Paul wrote, “but the substance is of Christ.” That is equivalent to “antitype.”

So, Paul’s comparison of shadow and substance rightly describes the type/antitype relationship. Type is to antitype as shadow is to substance.

With that in mind, we place our faith in Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the substantive fulfillment of God’s scheme of redemption for man can be found!

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Lesson 1 of 8.
Speaker: Stan Cox

The series begins with a discussion of the parable as a form of teaching commonly used by Jesus in His ministry. The lesson serves to introduce the week’s series.

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