Stand with me now and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
"Jesus First, Last, and In Between: A Life Fully Centered on Christ"
Good morning, church family! It’s a true blessing to stand before you today and share the word of God.
Today, we’re going to dive into a message that I believe has the power to transform our lives: A life where Jesus is not just one part of our day, but where He is first, last, and present in every moment.
We know that life in this world can be overwhelming—it's filled with responsibilities, distractions, and challenges.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and forget about what really matters. But Jesus offers us a better way.
A way of life where He is the center, guiding us, completing us, and empowering us in all things.
As we turn to God’s Word today, I pray that each of us will experience the peace and clarity that come when we place Jesus in His rightful place: the first, the last, and everything in between.
Let’s open our Bibles to Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This verse doesn’t just encourage us to seek Jesus first in moments of need, but to make Him the ultimate priority in every area of our lives. He doesn’t want to be a part of our lives—He wants to be the center of them.
Point 1: Jesus First – The Priority of Our Hearts and Minds
Friends, when we say “Jesus first,” we are talking about a deliberate choice to make Him the priority in all things. Seeking Jesus first means that He is the filter through which we view the world, our relationships, and our decisions. It’s more than just saying, “I’m a Christian”; it’s about living with an unwavering commitment to put Him ahead of everything else.
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus tells us: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Jesus didn’t say, “Give Me part of your heart” or “Make Me just a piece of your life.” No, He wants us fully surrendered, all in. When we seek Him first, we acknowledge that everything else, our career, our relationships, our finances—are secondary to the purpose He has for us.
Here’s the truth: When we place Jesus first, He makes everything else fall into its proper place. We begin to see everything through His eyes. The troubles that once seemed insurmountable become opportunities for faith. The relationships that need healing are touched by His love. The work we do becomes an offering to Him.
Point 2: Jesus Last – The One Who Completes Us at the End of Each Day
Jesus is not just the beginning of our lives—He is the end. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.
But what does it mean for Jesus to be last? It means that when the day is done, when everything is over, He is the one we turn to for rest, peace, and completion.
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus says: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
At the close of every day, we should be looking to Jesus to bring meaning and peace to all we’ve experienced. The struggles, the victories, the unanswered questions—all of it is held in the hands of the one who completes us. And when we lay our heads down at night, knowing that He holds our future and our past, we find true rest.
Is your heart weary today? Do you feel the weight of life’s challenges? Jesus is the one who offers you rest. He is the one who brings fulfillment not only at the start of your journey but at the end, reminding you that in Him, everything is made whole.
Point 3: Jesus In the Middle – The Sustaining Presence for Every Moment
What about the middle?
The middle is where life happens—the daily grind, the hustle, the routine. It’s easy to forget about God when things seem ordinary or when we feel we can handle things ourselves. But Jesus didn’t just come to be with us at the beginning and end; He wants to walk with us in the middle of every single moment.
In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul instructs us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Jesus is calling us to invite Him into the daily moments. Whether we’re at work, running errands, spending time with family, or even in our leisure time, Jesus wants to be there, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions.
He wants to influence how we treat people, how we respond to challenges, and how we handle success.
When Jesus is in the middle of our lives, He becomes the source of joy in our routine. He fills the mundane with meaning, and He equips us to do everything with excellence, not for ourselves but for His glory.
I want to encourage each of you today: no matter where you are in life, no matter how busy or distracted you may feel, it is never too late to make Jesus the center. He doesn’t just want to be the priority at the start of your day or at the end. He wants to walk with you through the entirety of your life—your first thought, your last, and everything in between.
And if you’ve been struggling to keep Him at the center, don’t feel condemned. Jesus is here, extending His grace. He’s inviting you to come back into His arms. He’s ready to help you refocus, renew, and refresh your commitment to Him.
Altar Call:
Now, I want to extend an invitation. If today you feel a stirring in your heart to put Jesus first, last, and in every moment of your life, I invite you to come forward. Maybe you’ve been distracted by life’s demands. Maybe you’ve been living as though Jesus is just a part of your schedule instead of the center. Today, you can make a fresh commitment to make Him the priority.
Perhaps you’ve never made Jesus the Lord of your life, or you feel distant from Him, and you want to take that step today. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Jesus is calling you to come to Him.
If that’s you, I invite you to come forward and surrender your heart to Him. Let Him be the center, the beginning, the end, and everything in between.
Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who is the center of our lives. Lord, we confess that we have not always put You first. We’ve let distractions, worries, and busyness take Your place. But today, we commit to making Jesus the priority in our hearts and minds.
Lord, we invite You into every moment of our lives. Walk with us through the challenges, the mundane, and the victories. At the end of the day, may we find our peace in You. And when we wake, may we seek You first.
Jesus, we give You our hearts, our lives, and our time. You are our first, last, and everything in between. We thank You for Your grace and Your unfailing love. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
Benediction:
As you go today, know this: Jesus is with you. He is the first and the last, and He walks with you in every moment in between. May His peace guard your hearts and minds, and may He lead you in His love and purpose this week. Go in His grace and His strength. God bless you!
