Pt. 22, Jesus, The Christ

 
Jesus, The Christ The Biblical Story, Pt. 22 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © January 11, 2015 www.pastorkennedy.com How Important is Jesus Christ? In the book, Who’s Bigger? Where Historical Figures Really Rank, (published by Cambridge University Press, Oct. 2013) (http://www.whoisbigger.com) Steven Skiena and Charles Ward measured the significance of the major historical personalities. With over two billion followers a full 2,000 years after His death, Jesus Christ is measured to be the Most Significant Person who has ever lived…from a secular standpoint. We who put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our eternal life consider Jesus to have far more significance than one who could sustain a huge following, millennia after His death. We accept Him to be the Messiah and Savior of the world – our Savior from the guilt and destructive power of carnality and sin, and the One who gives us hope of eternal life. Jesus, The Pre-Incarnate WORD “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3) • Jesus is Eternal – Jesus has always been. He is One with the God the Father. o “I and the Father are One.” (John 10:30) o “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” (Isaiah 44:6) o Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Rev. 22:13) • Jesus is Equal with God the Father o “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father,” Jesus said in John 14:9. o Jesus Christ did not “consider equality with God something to be grasped” because in His very nature, He is God. (Philippians 2:5–6) o Jesus Christ is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:15; 2 Cor. 4:4; Phil. 2:6). o Jesus Christ is the “Visible Representation” of God the Father, who is Spirit and cannot be seen (John 1:18). “Jesus is called God by the New Testament writers and apostles, including John (John 1:1, 14), Paul (Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13), the author of Hebrews (Heb. 1:3, 8), Peter (Acts 2:34–39; 2 Pet. 1:1), and Thomas (John 20:28).” 1 1Story, D. (1997). Defending your faith (76–81). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications. Last week we reviewed some essential dynamics revealing God to those on earth: 2 He (Jesus) was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:2–3) 1. Love – reveals the essence of God’s Nature and the Foundational Principles for God’s Kingdom. (1 Cor. 13:4-8) The dynamic of God’s Love, as the foundation of His Kingdom reveals the existence of a unique loving Creator God, in glaring comparison to the Prideful, Domineering and Corrupt heart and kingdom of this world. The spirit of those who have been reconciled with God through Christ’s sacrifice for our sin and have been born into God’s Family through His Holy Spirit yearns and hungers for the fullness of the depth of God’s Love (1 Cor. 13:4-8; John 3:3, 16; Rom. 5:8; 1 Cor. 2:9). 2. Nature’s Laws Reveal God. There are laws throughout our universe that are consistently obeyed by all of nature, which allow us to live abundantly in a finely tuned and extremely complex world. Many of nature’s laws (or principles) that have been discovered, are catalogued by scientists under the titles such as “the laws of physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, etc.” No human being has had anything to do with the creation of these firmly established universal laws, only their cataloguing. Without the complete functionality of these laws, nothing would exist, as we know it, or nothing would exist at all. Who created these laws? Hebrews 1:3 3 He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power…. Colossians 1:16–17 16 For by him (Jesus) 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. 3. The Human Body and Consciousness Reveal God. The human body is profoundly designed, crafted and birthed to be a home for our spirit’s consciousness – a consciousness which is intelligent, organized, creative, thoughtful, moral, and designed for purpose-driven beings. 4. Nature’s Existence Reveals God. The Nature all around us is abundant and delightful in its diversity and profound regeneration of life. Nature, though, has ironclad restrictions for each of its species. At latest count, there are some 8.74 million species on earth. Species are restricted to only regenerate continuing life within the boundaries of their own specie. Only an All-Powerful God could create such a planet filled with prolific, and exquisitely diverse forms of land, winged and aquatic life – millions of uniquely replicating species – living things, including human beings with souls and spirits formed in God’s own Image! 5. The Universe’s Profound Existence Reveals God. The Universe is filled with billions and billions of brilliant and amazing galaxies, displaying trillions and trillions of stars, which only in our recent generations, astronomers have been able to observe. But our human observations are extremely limited to only a small fraction of light that our cameras can record in the cavernous vastness of unlimited space. God is there, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him by faith. (Heb. 11:6) The Coming of Jesus to the Earth Philippians 2:5–7 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Jesus, The Christ, fulfilled “God’s Messianic sign” and was Supernaturally born of a mother who was a virgin. • A Virgin-born Son to be called “Immanuel” – “God, with us”. Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. “How Should A King Come?” by Jimmy and Carol Owens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Nt9kzzXEM This song seeks to encapsulate an amazing incongruity: Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, born on earth in incomprehensible humility. Without this humility and sacrifice the common man has no hope of salvation and relationship with God. Jesus’ First Coming was as a Humble and Sacrificial Savior • Jesus’ birth was announced by Angels to shepherds, and by a Star, which guided the Wise Men. (Luke 2:8-16; Matt. 2:2,9) • Jesus was born in the City of David, Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) • Jesus’ Childhood. (Luke 2:41-50) There is little known of Jesus’ childhood, up to His first thirty years other than the occasion when He was found in the temple, “about His Father’s business”, when he was 12. • Jesus would be called a Nazarene. (Matt. 2:23) What was Jesus’ primary purpose in His First Coming? • Jesus came to be our Redeemer and Sacrifice for sin. Philippians 2:5–8 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. During Jesus’ Three Year Ministry He Proved that He was the Messiah and the Son of God through Miraculous Signs “Jesus demonstrated His deity through miraculous acts. Jesus told His followers that if they do not believe His words, they should believe His miraculous works (John 10:37–38; Acts 2:22). “Jesus performed countless miracles: • He healed the sick (Matt. 4:23-24) • He made the blind to see (Matt. 11:5; John 9) • He changed the water into wine (John 2:1-9) • He quieted the sea (Mark 4:39) • He cast out demons (Matt. 8:16; 28-32; 9:33) • He walked on the water (Matt. 14:24-33) • He raised Lazarus and others from the dead (John 11) • He fed five thousand men (plus women and children) with only five loaves of bread and two fish, from a boy’s lunch (Matt. 14:13-21) “These miracles were not done clandestinely. All were performed before believers and unbelievers and under a variety of circumstances. As with other events in Jesus’ life, His miracles were recorded in the Bible by eyewitnesses. “Miracles are dramatic and clear evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, and they were used by Christ to validate this claim to the world.”2[Ibid] Jesus’ miraculous power and His profound words of life have changed lives for over two thousand years. That is why there are over two Billion people worshipping Him even now, in the Twenty-first Century! The Primary Reason Jesus Christ Came in His First Coming was to bring Cleansing for Mankind’s sin, by bearing man’s guilt and punishment for sin before the Holiness of God. Jesus Christ was Crucified for the Sins of the World – for those who put their faith and trust in His Salvation. Isaiah 53:5–6 5  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53 descriptively portrays Christ’s death, and it was written by the Prophet Isaiah some seven hundred years before Christ’s death. This prophecy along with many others by Old Testament prophets, centuries prior to Christ’s death, reveal that Jesus Christ was God the Son and the world’s Messiah. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…. Jesus Fulfilled Many Other Messianic Prophecies “The Bible contains several hundred prophecies relating to the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and future return of Jesus Christ. Almost thirty of them were literally fulfilled in one twenty-four-hour period just prior to His death (e.g., those relating to His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial). Some of the most important prophecies about Christ accurately predicted His birthplace (Mic. 5:2), flight to Egypt (Hos. 11:1), the identity of His forerunner (Mal. 3:1), His entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech. 9:9), betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12), humiliation and beating (Isa. 50:6), crucifixion with other prisoners (Isa. 53:12), hand and feet wounds (Ps. 22:16), side wound (Zech. 12:10), soldiers gambling for His clothing (Ps. 22:18), His burial in a rich man’s tomb (Isa. 53:9), resurrection (Pss. 16:10; 49:15), and second coming (Ps. 50:3–6; Isa. 9:6–7; Dan. 7:13–14; Zech. 14:4–8). Jesus Christ Rose from The Dead “The most important evidence for the deity of Jesus Christ is His resurrection (Rom. 1:4). The resurrection sets Jesus apart from all other religious leaders and unquestionably shows Him to be God.” 3[Ibid] Jesus’ resurrection gives the believer in Christ the hope and assurance of life after death…of eternal life and of our promised eternal inheritance! (Heb. 9:15; 1 Cor. 2:9) Jesus has promised to prepare an eternal place for us (John 14:1-3) and He will be King of kings and Lord of lords! One Day Jesus Will Come Again as King of kings and Lord of lords. There is more to life than working, seeking success, having a home and family, and a fulfilling life’s purpose.... Jesus gives us hope and peace in this life! One day those who are born into God’s Family through Christ will find eternal fulfillment in His Kingdom, filled with peace, love, justice, grace, and eternal purpose. • Jesus’ Coming is Promised following His Resurrection, at Christ’s Ascension into Heaven Acts 1:9–11 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” • Jesus coming is Spoken of by the beloved Apostle John, in Revelation Revelation 1:7 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. • Jesus Spoke to His Disciples of His Return in Power and Great Glory Matthew 24:29–31 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. • The Apostle Paul’s Instruction Regarding Christ’s Coming 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 The Coming of the Lord 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. Conclusion Who is Jesus, The Christ? John 1:1–5 The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Hebrews 1:1–4 The Supremacy of God’s Son 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Colossians 1:15–20 The Preeminence of Christ 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. What will you do with Jesus, who is called “The Christ”? “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 http://www.pastorkennedy.comhttp://www.whoisbigger.comhttp://www.whoisbigger.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Nt9kzzXEM%5Dhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Nt9kzzXEM%5Dshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4