The Image Of God

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“The image of GOD”

“In the image of God we find our redemption.”

Colossians 1:15-20

Sunday Morning Sermon

December 2, 2007

Intro:

Start with Youtube.com video “God of wonders by third day” video. 5:08

Discussion: (Display title and text)

After hearing that song, and watching that video it’s hard to use words like “meaningless, disconnected, unworthy, or selfish” – That’s a video reminder of what God is – he is lord of heaven and earth, he is holy, lord of all creation. That song echoes the words of David: (Advance)

Psalm 8:1 – O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

There is a temptation to make God the God of the universe and in control of all the eco systems, and all the big things we don’t understand and can’t comprehend. Keep him disconnected and disengaged enough not to be approachable – maybe he can see your actions, see your attitudes, maybe he does know your thoughts – but keep him so big he can’t or doesn’t care.

In a few short weeks – we’ll be reminded once again of a baby who came, given to a virgin named Mary and a man named Joseph. There’s another temptation to keep the savior in the crib, unable to interact, unable to relate to creation.

This morning what I would like to do is to remind you that we find our redemption, our salvation, the perfect sacrifice for our sins, our amazing grace – in the image of God – Jesus Christ.

We are going to follow the instructions that Elihu the Buzite gave to Job – “stop and consider God’s wonders”

While God is the God over the entire universe, he is the God of the heavens and the earth, the bible says that he spoke creation into existence; he is the same God who cares about you. He is the same God who is passionate about your life, who wants you to succeed, who wants to display his power in your life, he is approachable as “abba” father.

If you have your Bibles with you this morning turn with me to (Advance)

Colossians 1:15-20 (read)

I see three things this morning – all describing our Lord

(Advance)

I. Lord of Creation (15-17)

Paul describes him: He is the image of the invisible God –

(Advance) Hebrews 1:3 (NIV ) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Jesus is the one who possessed God’s authority among men. Biblically speaking where you have the son, you also have the father.

Ezekiel, received his vision of God (Advance)

Ezekiel 1:26 (New Century Version) Now above the dome there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like a sapphire gem. And on the throne was a shape like a human.

a. He is the beginning of all things

i. By him all things were created

1. Things in heaven – and on earth

a. Visible and invisible

b. Thrones or powers or rulers or authorities

Vs. 16c “All things were created by him and for him.”

This includes you, church -- You were created by God for a purpose – to honor him with your life, and the gifts you have. You are not an animal, the result of some explosion. You are not the result of chance or circumstance – you are the result of a loving God. To widen the scope a little – Everything we have around us – all of creation is the result of a loving God. The Grand Canyon gives testimony to his greatness – the mountains and the depths speak volumes about his power and how awesome he is. The fact that the earth was created in a way to allow for life – speaks of his desire for us to have life, and live that life freely in him.

b. Creation points clearly to his nature (Advance)

Romans 1:20 (NIV) For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

i. We can look at creation

1. And embrace the creator

He is lord of creation because he is the glue of all things that exist. Vs. 17 says that in him all things hold together – the Greek means to continue or endure. Without him there would be chaos & dissolution. Maybe instead of looking at rocks and bones to understand creation – we should look at Jesus the one that creation came through.