Encountering Jesus – For Ourselves Series

Opener:

This morning we will be concluding our sermon series on encountering Jesus. This has been a wonderful series in looking at many different encounters that Jesus had with people. Seeing all the different miracles that Jesus performed. During this series, we talked about the women with the issue of blood. She had this incurable disease that she spent her life savings to try to get some help and yet no one was able to help her except Jesus. We talked about the 10 lepers who had an incurable diseases and as a result of their encounter with Jesus, they were healed.

During our series we learned about a little boy that was willing to give up his lunch in order to help feed others. We learned how Jesus took this boys offering and multiplied so much so that it fed 5,000 people. Also, we learned about two fathers that sought out Jesus for healing for their children. Jesus had an amazing earthly ministry! The disciples saw so many different kinds of miracles. These miracles were supernatural, unexplainable by natural logic. Jesus ministry saw limbs grow out, blind people receiving their sight, the lame walking again, people that were dead being raised back to life. These are astounding things, no doubt. Let me say this though, I believe that the greatest miracle of all, is a person that was going in one direction in their life and then they encounter Jesus and then make that decision to follow Jesus. The miracle of one being born again! It amazes me every time!

I. Supremacy of Christ

A. Declaration of the truth.

a. This morning we are going to delve right into the Word. We are looking at Colossians 1:15-17 (NKJV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 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. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. .

b. When we look at this text further, we learn that Jesus was not the first created, as He has always existed, this text is reveals to us that Jesus was and is first in His position. He is the ruler of all creation, He is Supreme.

c. An interesting fact, that the early church history notes that this text was actually a hymn.

B. God is invisible

a. We learn through this text that God is invisible. God is a Spirit. In other words, He cannot be seen through the human eye. His essential nature has never been seen.

b. While God cannot be seen, we can see and appreciate His qualities through faith. We can learn about His love, His generosity. His care for His creation.

C. Jesus Christ is the visible image

a. Knowing that God is invisible we see through the scripture that Jesus Christ is the visible image of God.

b. In other words, Jesus was and is a representation or manifestation of God here upon the earth.

c. In fact, the bible says in John 1:14 (NKJV) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

d. Jesus, the eternal God put on human skin. Jesus is the fully human yet retained His full divinity.

II. Our identity in Christ

A. As many as received Him

a. Our second point this morning is we need to find our identity in Christ. The first step to finding this identity is first becoming born again. This is when you receive Christ as your personal Saviour.

b. The bible says in John 1:12 (NKJV) 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

c. While salvation takes place in an instant and then we pursue the Lord the remainder of our lifetime.

d. In order to have a saving faith we must continue walking with the Lord.

B. New creations in Christ

a. Once we have become born again, we are a new creation. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

b. We are a new creation in Christ. Our past mistakes, our past sins, they are forgiven and our slate has been wiped totally clean.

c. All things are new, God is opening up a whole new world. In this world, God is in control and we begin to live our lives for Him a life that is pleasing to Him.