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.
C. We are his workmanship
a. Once we have found our identity with Christ we are called to go into the harvest field and work for Him.
b. The bible says in Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
c. We are not saved so we can just sit around and do nothing. We are not saved just to be a pew warmer, we are saved so we can then go out and do works for the Lord.
d. Good works don’t save us, but when we are saved we will do good works.
III. We are a chosen people
A. God has chosen us.
a. God choose us before the foundation of the world. Think about that, before you were ever born, God chose you.
b. The bible says in Ephesians 1:4-5(NKJV)4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
c. Just as God chose Israel out of all the nations in the world, so now God has chosen those who believe in Jesus. Truly, we are His possession
d. Do you have a prize possession?
i. Maybe it is a piece of jewelry, car, fancy boat. Maybe it is your dream home?
ii. No matter what it is, it has a great value to you. As a prized possession, we take a great interest in it. And we protect it right?
e. Well we are the Lords prized possession. He has taken a special interest in us and is careful to protect us and to provide for us. Let us never forget that. We are part of God’s chosen people.
B. Called to be saints
a. We are significant in God’s eyes because we are saints. The word Saint in a biblical sense is one who has been consecrated to God, one that is holy.
b. In context, the word saint is shared all throughout the bible.
c. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NKJV) 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
d. Let me say, I believe that according to the bible, that all believers are saints. Saints are not limited to those that one particular denomination has voted on to be considered a saint. That is not the way that the bible describes a saint.
i. Tell your neighbor “You are a saint, tell them “You are saint!”
C. Jesus is the reconciler.
a. As we finish the last couple of versus this morning. We read in Verse 19-20 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
b. You see when you and I were living a life of sin, we were separated from God. Jesus died so that our relationship with God could be restored. Jesus is a perfect picture of reconciliation.
D. Complete in Jesus
a. Once we have received Jesus, you got all of Jesus. Not just part of Him, all of Him!
b. Whether we are in need of wisdom, direction, or provision, whatever it is, Jesus is our solution.
c. Truly, He is our all in all! When we have Jesus, we have everything!
Closing:
As we close here this morning, I am drawn to thinking about the fact that Jesus has reconciled us to our heavenly Father. What a wonderful truth! Jesus died so that we can have eternal life. A life with Christ for eternity. Having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only ticket to get us into heaven. Heaven is a place you do not want to miss. A place with no more sadness, no more death, no suffering and experience only peace.
Today is the day of salvation! Do not put it off any longer. Give your heart to Christ!
Salvation Prayer
