the center of the universe
TRANSCRIPT
Linder Road
Church of Christ
Helping families to grow and survive in today’s world
a link to our past &a bridge to our future
FAMILY MATTERS
COMING - JUNE 7 - 9
LINDER ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST1555 N. Linder Road Meridian, Idaho
With Joe Brumfield Ed.D
For more information call – [email protected]
Where would you say the center of the universe is?
Who or what is at the center of your universe?
To whom or what have you given the right to determine what you believe, what standard you are going to live by?
C O L O S S I A N S 1:15-22
MAP OF THE UNIVERSE
WE ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE WHEN:
• When we are in the presence of Christ.• When we gather around the Lord’s table.• When we pray.• When we sing.• When we listen to God’s Word.• Matthew 18:20
Why is this important?
Because it is Jesus, who has the answer to mankind’s most desperate need.
His grave problem His sin problem
JESUS IS
JESUS IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
BECAUSE HE IS
GOD
JESUS IS
GOD
Images convey meaning way beyond what words can describe
Jesus is not just a symbol of God; He is God.
Image: Greek “Eikon” = the exact representation, likeness, figure, manifestation or replica.
Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.
When you see Jesus, you see God.
“No one has ever seen God at any time, but the only begotten (unique) God, who is at the Father’s side, he has explained Him.” John
1:18known.”Jesus accurately and fully explains God.
• “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
• “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being…” Hebrews 1:3¨
• Jesus is God with skin on.
JESUS IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BECAUSE HE IS THE
• Firstborn in this context has nothing to do with the chronological date.
• Firstborn in this context has to do with the STATUS of the firstborn.
Paul did not mean to imply that Jesus is the first of many gods to be created by God,
but rather to give to Jesus the STATUS of the “firstborn”.
So scripture uses the idea of firstborn as a metaphor to describe one who occupies the rank and privilege of being firstborn
(without literally being "firstborn")
God is stressing to us that Jesus is
PRE-IMMINENT over all creation in terms of status!
JESUS IS
of the Universe.
Jesus is the Center of the Universe because He is the
Why would Paul think it important for his readers to know this?
Because from the beginning of time man has always had the tendency to think themselves as being the center
of the universe.
References to the doctrine of creation is widespread throughout both Old Testament and New Testament, and is not confined to just the opening chapters of Genesis. The following references may be noted:
Old Testament:Is.40:26,28;42:5;45:18;Je.l0:12-16;Am. 4:13; in the Psalms, 33:6,9; 90:2; 102:25; also Job 38:4ff.; Neh. 9:6
New Testament:
Jn. l:lff; Acts 17:24; Rom. 1:20,25; 11:36; Col.l:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Rev. 4:11; 10:6
You tell me, which one takes more faith or at least, the least
faith?
Jesus is the creator of all things—those things we can see (visible) and those things we cannot see
(invisible- physical and spiritual).
And all things fall under His rule
That there is ONE WHO IS AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE and it is not
any man.
By virtue of who He is –God By virtue of His status – Pre-imminence By virtue as the creator – Omnipotence
He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.
• This is true in terms of the universe.• This is true in terms of society.• This is true in terms of providing a
purpose for His creation.
Jesus is the center of the universe because He answers man’s deepest
need, RECONCILIATION!
And takes care of two of mankind’s most desperate problems:
• His grave problem
• His sin problem
WHO IS AT THE
BECOMES AN ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
• The question is which one offers the most hope?
• On this side of the grave?• At the grave of a loved one?• On the other side of life?
JESUS IS
He answers mankind’s most desperate need on this side of the grave and on the other. Who is at the center of your life?