Grace World Outreach Church
Pastor Daniel K Norris
Jesus Is ________!
Sermon Series: “Roots – Reconnecting With Our Faith”
Colossians 1:15–20 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Paul tells us three things about Jesus
- Jesus is the Son of God
- Jesus is God in the flesh
- Jesus is the Way to God
Radical Thought: “It is ALL ABOUT JESUS!”
How would you complete this sentence “Jesus is ________”
What you believe about Jesus is the most important thing about you!
#1 JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD
vs15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
We Believe: The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
Six supernatural attributes that attest to that belief
1) His Virgin Birth
(Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35)
2) His Sinless Life
(Hebrews 7:26, 1 Peter 2:22)
3) His Miracles
(Acts 2:22, Acts 10:38)
4) His Death
(1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
5) His Resurrection
(Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4)
6) His Exaltation
(Acts 1:9, Acts 1:11, Acts 2:33, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3)
“WHO DO YOU SAY I AM” is the most important question!
#2 JESUS IS GOD IN THE FLESH
Vs 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
This is the claim that sent Jesus to the cross!
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
We Believe: The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM,” the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
4 Things Jesus taught about the Trinity
1) The Great Commission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
A clear reference to the three persons of the Godhead.
2) The Relationship of The Father and the Son
“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
Jesus declared his unity with God the Father, emphasizing their oneness in essence, nature, and purpose. This statement supports the belief that Jesus is not only the Son of God but also fully divine.
3) The Promise of the Holy Spirit
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).
The Holy Spirit is presented as a distinct person within the Godhead
4) The Role Of The Holy Spirit
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” (John 15:26).
Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a distinct person sent by both the Father and the Son. This statement emphasizes the unity and cooperative relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are distinct yet never independent of one another. Perfect harmony, perfect union, perfect oneness
Question: When I pray, do I pray to God, Jesus or The Holy Spirit?
#3 Jesus Is The Way To God
Vs 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John14:6).
What we believe: Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
The way – Jesus is the only path to salvation and eternal life. He is the means by which people can reach God and have a personal relationship with Him. Jesus is not just one way among many, but the only way.
The truth – Jesus is the ultimate reality and the embodiment of all truth. Jesus is not just a teacher of truth, but he is the truth itself. He came to reveal God’s truth to humanity and to show people the way to live in accordance with that truth.
The Life – Jesus is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual. He came to give people abundant life, which is a life that is full, meaningful, and purposeful. Jesus is not just offering a temporary fix or a momentary solution to life’s problems, but a deep and lasting relationship with God that brings true and eternal life.
The ABCs of Salvation
A – Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of salvation. Acknowledge that you have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. This means recognizing your need for forgiveness and the inability to save yourself.
B – Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead. This means putting your trust in Jesus as your Savior and acknowledging Him as the only way to be reconciled to God.
C – Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This means publicly declaring your belief in Him and committing to follow Him as your Lord and Savior.