Sunday Preview: Who is Jesus?

Faith is believing what God said because He said it. Theologically, it is a conviction that trusts in what God has said and operates on His character and will. It is not just believing something and stopping there—it involves action. It involves a decision to surrender everything into the hands of Christ. Salvation is by the very promise of God. So who is the One in whom we’re staking our soul’s survival? Colossians 1:15-20 provides us with the answer, in fact, 15 answers of who Jesus is. In Him, we find the greatest person, the greatest power, the greatest wisdom, and the greatest love that exists.

Jesus and God (Colossians 1:15)
God is invisible; He cannot be seen. But God became visible through Jesus."Image" or "exact expression" means an exact reproduction, a precise copy. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation—a reference to position, not time. He is the one who is, who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:4). "Firstborn" refers to rank, right of authority, and primacy. He is the Father’s heir.

Jesus and All of Creation (Colossians 1:16a, 17)
For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth… This is the why of His primacy over all creation. He is before all things. Before there was anything, He was there. He is the First and the Last, and the Living One. "I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:17b-18). By Him, all things hold together.

Jesus and the Unseen World (Colossians 1:16b)
For everything was created by Him… the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities… He is over them, not one of them. 1 Peter 3:22 tells us that Jesus "has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him." Ephesians 1:22a declares that everything is under His feet.

Jesus and His Church (Colossians 1:18)
He is the Head of the Body, which is the church. We are inseparably tied together. He is the beginning of the church. He is its source and the highest in rank. He is the firstborn from the dead. He died, He resurrected, and He is now exalted. He has first place in everything.

Jesus and Everything Else (Colossians 1:19-20)
He has all wisdom and knowledge. He has no rivals. Colossians 2:9-10 further emphasizes this truth. Who Jesus is is objectively true. It is not an opinion or an idea. Your salvation in Him is solid and secure.

In Jesus, we find the ultimate expression of God's nature, the ruler over all creation, the head of the church, and the reconciler of everything. He is our hope and our salvation. Have faith in Him, for He is the one who holds all things together.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What does it mean that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God”?
2. What is the significance of Jesus being described as the "firstborn over all creation"? 
3. How does the concept of Jesus holding all things together (Colossians 1:17) provide comfort and assurance in your daily life?
4. What does it mean that Jesus is the head of His church?
5. What does it mean that Jesus has reconciled all things unto himself?

OPENING / WELCOME
Matthew Allen
SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Drew Triplett
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Rich Jacobs
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Jeff Livingston
Dru McLaughlin
Brayden Grushon
John Key
SCRIPTURE READING
Kevin Shanesy
Colossians 1:15-20
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Billy Robbins
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Connie Walker / Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Matt Ringle / Mike Rosato
SONG DEVOTIONAL
???
COMMUNION PREP
Josie Armstrong
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato