Category: Jesus
Subject: Jesus
Sermon: “I must be about My Father’s Business”
The sermon analyzes the the Lord’s conversation with his parents, recorded in Luke 2:41-50.
“In Him All Things Consist”
“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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The Good Shepherd
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).
Sermon: Christ, the Faithful Son
This sermon is a discussion of Hebrews 3.
Sermon: Our “Wonderful” Savior
The name “Wonderful” is used in Isaiah 9:6 with reference to the promised Messiah. This term accurately describes Jesus Christ.
Sermon: “I AM”
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.
Sermon: These Things Do Not Change
In the midst of a changing world, there is a need for us to hold on to some things which do not change.
Teaching by Parables
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.
The Suffering of Jesus – Our Example
Peter wrote, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). He was referring to the necessity of bearing up under persecution. We are no better than our Lord. He suffered despite the fact that He was without sin (cf. vs. 22-23). So, Peter wrote, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (vs. 20).
In the text we see a reason for Jesus’ willingness to suffer for us. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (vs. 19). Certainly this was the case with Jesus. He did not deserve the indignities he suffered while among men. However, He willingly endured them because of His Father’s will for Him. It was God’s plan to send Jesus to earth to die for our iniquities. Jesus could not, in good conscience, refuse to submit to His father’s will. Instead, He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are to emulate Him.
Invitation: Both Savior and Lord
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 1:13-20, Paul describes the preeminence of Jesus Christ. He is not only our Savior, He is our Lord.
A Prophet Without Honor
Matthew 14:53-58 records Jesus’ rejection by the citizens of Nazareth. This led Him to say, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house” (57). They thought they knew Jesus. They had watched Him grow up, knew Him to be “the carpenter’s son”, and could not reconcile the miracles and teaching of Jesus with their own flawed perception of the man.
Interestingly, they acknowledged Jesus had “wisdom” and had performed “mighty works.” But, they were unwilling to accept the obvious, that Jesus was the Messiah as He claimed to be. They instead insisted that their existing perceptions of the man were correct, despite the evidence to the contrary. So, “they were offended at Him” (57).
After Jesus explanation as to why they were not accepting Him, Matthew records, “Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (vs. 58). They saw sufficient proof, but it had not swayed them. Further efforts to establish His credentials would be futile (cf. Luke 16:31), and so He did not try.
The same is true today. People reject Jesus as the Messiah, not because of a dearth of evidence, but because of their own preconceptions. Some believe religion to be mere superstition; others place their trust in science; many deny the possibility of a supernatural resurrection from the dead. The proof matters not, they will not believe. Regardless, the proof that Jesus is the Christ is abundant and sure!
Invitation: Nothing Except Jesus Christ
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 Paul states that he has nothing to offer except for Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. While the religious world offers so many other things, the only thing we have the right to offer is the gospel of our Lord!
Sermon: Mary Chose the Good Part
In Luke 10:38-42, Luke narrates an occasion in Jesus’ ministry when he went to the house of Martha. At that time, Mary was commended for sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear His teaching.
