Colossians 1- Head of The Church

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And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:18-20

Alot of Christians will say “I go to this Church , because I love this Pastor” or they will say “I left this Church because I didn’t like this Pastor” or they’ll say “I don’t go to Church because I don’t like A, B, and C” Well the fact is Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Doesn’t matter if you love or hate the Pastor, doesn’t matter if you love or hate the people, Christ is Head of the Church

Should it change our view of the “Church” knowing Christ is in charge? Absolutely, we don’t gather together because of your Pastor or because of the cool music that is played, we gather together on a Sunday morning because Christ is Risen, and all power and authority has been given to him, including Head of the Church

Those people who forsake the assembling of other Christians (Hebrews 10:26) are actually forsaking Christ. If Jesus is the Head, we are the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) When you are joined with Christ you are joined with the Body, the Ekklessia. Forsaking the other parts of the body is not even an option, the only way the Body of Christ can function, is if all members are active and working together

Because of Christ we have been reconciled back to our Father God by his blood shed on the cross. As Paul said “Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things”. The Church , the Body of Christ, was formed because we are now Children of God through Jesus Christ.

Are you going to neglect your brothers and sisters in Christ? What about eternity, will you avoid others in God’s Kingdom? It’s time to get over yourself and get to work for God. You were called and chosen to fulfill a purpose for Christ, don’t run away from your responsibilities because there are a few tares, run and finish the race that has been chosen for you!

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, Christ is our Lord, Christ is the foundation we build our lives upon, and the gates of Hell will never prevail against us, Amen!

Colossians 1- Deity of Christ

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Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:15-17

The Apostle Paul clearly  reveals the deity of Jesus Christ here, however those who deny Jesus is God, will often use verse 15 to support their belief. So what does it mean Jesus Christ is the “firstborn” of every creature? The Greek word translated as firstborn is “prototokos” which also means “elder” or “first begotten”. So does this mean Jesus was a created being from God the Father?

Well as we often say, let scripture translate scripture. If you read the next verse, it makes it clearer “For by Him (Jesus) were ALL things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth,” Note the word ALL here, everything was created by Christ. So how could Christ have been created since Christ is the Creator? It’s not logical or Biblical accurate to believe Jesus was created by God

Keep reading on, “ALL things were created by Him (Jesus), and He (Jesus) is before ALL things” So Paul here is revealing Jesus is God, Christ is the Creator and Christ is eternal. Everything was created by Christ and Christ existed before everything. Now the Hebrew Roots crowd will reject Paul and say he contradicts the Torah. Well if we read Genesis it states “God said “Let Us make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:26) God is speaking in plural form (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) The Torah states Christ is the Creator just as Paul taught

So back to our original question, what does “Firstborn” mean in this context? This is what gotquestions.org states:

Therefore, the phrase expresses Christ’s sovereignty over creation. After resurrecting Jesus from the dead, God gave Him authority over the Earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus created the world, saved the world, and rules the world. He is the self-existent, acknowledged Head of creation. https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-first-born.html

I agree, Paul here is referencing the resurrection of Christ. Jesus being called the “Firstborn of every Creature” is referencing Christ deity and human side, as Jesus defeated sin and death as he rose on the 3rd day. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23

Consider Paul’s teaching here, calling Jesus the “Firstfruits” It’s essentially the same as calling Jesus the “Firstborn of Creation” Christ died as a man, and rose as a man, defeating sin and death forever, Christ is the One who defeated the curse of sin and death upon humanity.

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who sits at the right hand of God the Father with all power and authority given to him, Worthy is the Lamb, Amen!

Colossians 1- Walk Worthy

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For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Colossians 1:9-12

How many times have we heard Paul says this to the Church, “Walk worthy of The Lord” (1 Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:27) Paul delivers this same message again to the Church of Colossae, he says “That you might walk worthy of the Lord” This is an obvious message that Paul is trying to hammer home to the Church, live your life pleasing to God! Live your life that will glorify your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

So how do we walk worthy in The Lord? Paul explains “being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” Remember Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Be fruitful , meaning produce fruits of the Holy Spirit. How do we know if someone is saved? They should be revealing fruits of the Holy Spirit, they should no longer be walking in the ways of the world. They should no longer be returning back to their old vomit. (Proverbs 26:11) You should be the Light of the world and the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) as Christ commanded us to be

The Christian walk is also a continuous walk, such as a spiritual infant growing into a mature Christian. When we are new in Christ, we live off spiritual milk, but as we grow and mature in Christ, we live off spiritual meat (Hebrews 5:11-15) If you are not growing in your faith and knowledge of Christ, then you are not walking worthy in The Lord. If you have no desire to seek and learn more about your Lord, then the fruits of the Holy Spirit are not being produced

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:13-14

Why should we walk worthy in The Lord? Because God has delivered us from the power of darkness. Christ has delivered us from sin and death. We have redemption from our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Are you walking worthy for Jesus Christ? Are you producing fruits of the Holy Spirit? Give Thanks to God for our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Colossians 1- The Gospel

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We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Colossians 1:3-5

What would someone say about your Church or you , in the matter of your faith? Would someone say “They are really on fire for The Lord” or would they say “ I didn’t even know they were a Christian”? Notice what Paul says about the Church of Colossae, “we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have to all the saints”

The Church of Colossae was well known for their faith in Christ and their love for the Church. They were being a great example for everyone , including non-believers. But notice who gets the glory, God! Paul says “We give thanks to God”. The fact that these Christians were so respected was not to their own glory, it was to the glory of God because he transformed them through Jesus Christ

When we demonstrate our faith or our obedience to God, it brings Glory to God and not to ourselves. How did this happen? As Paul said “heard in the word of truth of the gospel” These ordinary sinners became saved through faith in Christ- by hearing and receiving the gospel. This is why sharing the gospel of Christ is so important for the Kingdom of God

Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:6-8

How do we know this is a spiritually healthy Church? They are bearing fruits of the Holy Spirit, as Paul said “bring forth fruit, as it does also in you” Jesus said “You will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) A false convert is always known by the spiritual fruit they produce. The Church of Colossae was demonstrating fruits produced by the Holy Spirit

Paul also said “Since the day you heard of it (the gospel) and knew the grace of God in truth” When God prepares our hearts, we hear and receive the good news of Christ, and we are transformed forever. Not only do Born Again believers know the gospel but they receive it as truth, they put their total faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord

As said in a movie once, I believe it was” God’s Not Dead” If you were put on trial for your faith, would you be found guilty? Are you producing fruits of the Holy Spirit? Give thanks to God for our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Matthew 2- The Magi

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:1-6

Some of the most mysterious characters in the Bible are the Magi or Wise Men. Who are these guys? Where did they come from? The Magi were from Persia , which is modern day Iran. So the Magi traveled about 900 miles on camelback to find the Christ child. Now it’s obvious the Magi were familiar with many of the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament, including Micah 5:2 which says the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. They were also familiar with the prophecy of Numbers 24:17 about the star as a sign of the Messiah

During their journey to Bethlehem , the Magi traveled through Jerusalem and met with King Herod, who heard about the coming of The Messiah, a King above all Kings. Herod instantly became threatened by Christ, and pretended to want to worship Jesus , however truly he just wanted to kill him. Which we will see later caused the horrific event known as “Rachel’s weeping”

The Magi were very intelligent , hence the name “Wise Man” they were known as your experts of the time, such as we look upon doctors or scholars today. The Magi were also a fulfillment of prophecy themselves as foretold by Isaiah “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. “ (Isaiah 60:3) “

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way Matthew 2:7-12

So how did the Magi find  Jesus? They followed the star , which was prophesied in Numbers 24:17, to the town of Bethlehem prophesied by Micah 5:2. It’s often tradition in our Nativity scenes, to have 3 wise men. Well first thing is we don’t know exactly how many Magi made the trip, we assume 3 because of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Secondly , by the time the Magi found Jesus, it says he was a “young child”, it was most likely the Magi visited Jesus at his house and not in the manger. It could have potentially been months, maybe years until the Magi reached Bethlehem and found Jesus.

The most significant point to get from this, is that the Magi were Gentiles coming to worship the Messiah, the New Covenant has now arrived through Jesus. Salvation is now possibly, not only to the Jews but also the Gentiles who put their faith in Christ! Amen!

Matthew 1- Incarnation of Christ

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Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18-20

Every year around Christmas time, the great debate begins among Christians, “Should we celebrate the birth of Christ”? While many Christians opt to celebrate Hanukkah instead, which wasn’t commanded by God either and has no relevance to the New Covenant. The  Incarnation of Christ is a central and essential doctrine of Christianity. If Christ didn’t become human there would be no atonement for your sins!

Mary was a virgin and she conceived the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. The Incarnation, much like the Triunity of God, is difficult for us to wrap our human minds around. Often people who can’t comprehend it, just reject it like the Triunity of God. Just because you can’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s not true. If God is truly the Creator of everything, don’t you think He will be a little complex? The reality is The Incarnation of Christ had to happen to save humanity, the Son of God had to become a man to pay for the sins of the world

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:21-25

The Apostle Matthew felt the Incarnation of Christ was so important, that he began his gospel writing with it. Why? Well because 700 years earlier the prophet Isaiah foretold The Messiah would come from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) What will be the sign of the Messiah? God said “A virgin will give birth to a Son and he will be called Immanuel” Matthew goes on to give us further commentary that Immanuel means “God Is With Us”, think about that God became flesh and lived among Us (John 1:14)

And if there is any doubt God said His name will be Jesus (Yeshua) and He will save us from our sins. Christians have gotten so distracted around Christmas with arguments about paganism, that they forget or miss what happened in that manger in Bethlehem!

The sign was delivered by God, the Son of God becoming human to reconcile us back to The Father. The New Covenant is now upon us, Thank you Jesus! Amen!

Christmas-Luke 2- The Sign

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And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:15-17

After the Shepherds received the “good news” from the angel, they immediately went to Bethlehem to see the Messiah. But how would they find the Messiah? Because the angel told them there is a sign, the sign is a baby lying in the manger. This is the same sign foretold to Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus in the manger is the sign of the Messiah, as foretold 700 years before Christ birth to Isaiah. Imagine how many must have pondered this prophecy for hundreds of years , trying to figure out its fulfillment, here it is the Christ has come!

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:18-20

How did the shepherds respond when they finally seen Jesus? They went out and told the world, they declared the good news (gospel) to everyone! How do we respond when we finally receive Christ? Do you tell the good news to everyone? The good news that salvation has finally come into the world and we can inherit eternal life and be a child of God? 

Notice it says “Mary pondered these things in her heart” Imagine what must be going through the mind of Mary at this moment. She gave birth to the Son of God in a stable, she has strangers visiting her and glorifying God, and she still has the worries and uncertainty of how they are going to raise Jesus and where to live. 

If the birth of Christ gives you hope and joy, why don’t you tell someone the good news today! These shepherds had no theological training or even any social status, but they know what they saw, they saw the sign from God, the Christ has come! Amen!

Christmas-Luke 2- Birth of Christ

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

God works in mysterious ways, this is very prevalent in the birth of Jesus. First we see Mary and Joseph were forced to go back to Bethlehem because of a census. Now this all happened because of the prophecy of Micah 5:2, King Herod heard about the prophecy, that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, so he forced everyone back to their hometowns. What Herod didn’t realize is that the King of Kings would come to this world as an infant. The amazing part is Herod actually helped fulfill prophecy by forcing Mary and Joseph back to Bethlehem

The events that happened when Jesus was born seemed like a disaster, however they played out perfectly according to God’s plan. Having the Son of God born in a stable seems wrong, however it is perfect when you understand that Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) If you need a sign that Jesus is the Messiah, look to the manger!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

 Again at first glance, sharing the good news about Jesus to a bunch of lowly shepherds doesn’t seem to make much sense, however when you understand who Jesus is and why he came here, it makes perfect sense. Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) so sharing the news to the shepherds who were tending to the passover lambs of Israel makes great sense. 

Secondly, Jesus didn’t come to save the rich and powerful or the highly religious people, Jesus came for the outcasts, the poor in spirit, the lowly, the Shepherds represent us perfectly. The people nobody cared about,  God cared about them first!

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14

God sent us a sign of hope, a sign of peace, a sign of salvation, that sign is Jesus Christ, a baby lying in the manger. Nobody could have ever predicted God would come to Earth as an infant, but God’s ways are higher than our ways

We notice the first Christmas celebration began, as the sky was filled with angels celebrating the birth of Christ, singing “Glory to God in the highest” What an amazing scene this must have been. God becoming flesh to make us children of God, Amen!

Christmas-Luke 1- Mary Did You Know?

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And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Luke 1:26-29

Around Chrstmas time you usually hear the song “Mary did you know”? Well in the scriptures we are reading today, Mary did know because the angel Gabrielle told her. The virgin Mary was chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God. The incarnation of God becoming flesh is an amazing mystery to ponder. But God is now going to provide salvation by sending his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world

Notice Mary’s reaction upon receiving this news, “she was troubled” imagine if you were just told you were going to give birth to the Son of God! You can only imagine the range of emotions going through Mary’s mind at this point. The Bible is clear, Mary was chosen and highly favored by God, what an amazing calling to receive by The Lord

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:30-33

The angel Gabriel revealed many things about the coming of the Messiah. First he revealed his name, the name is Jesus. For centuries the Jews could never mention the name of God in fear of breaking the commandment, now we know the name of God, and we can call out upon the name of Jesus! Next it’s revealed that He is the Son of God and the Son of David, wait what? How can Jesus be the Son of God and David? 

Son of David is in reference to the Messianic Kingship line that was foretold throughout the Bible, however many didn’t understand or realize that the Messiah would literally be God in the flesh (John 1:14) The last thing that is revealed is this Kingdom will be eternal, meaning the Kingdom of God is coming to Earth (Revelation 21, Isaiah 65) All this has been revealed by the angel Gabriel

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35

The obvious question , as stated by Mary, is “how can this be”? How can the virgin Mary give birth to the Son of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wasn’t physically conceived by a man, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, as he is God incarnate. It’s infallible for our human minds to try and comprehend this

The greatest message was delivered, Jesus is coming to save the world from sin and death, Amen!

Merry Christmas

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

  • A child is born “ Luke 2:10 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
  • A Son is given “ John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
  • Governments will be on his shoulders “Revelations 19:16 “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
  • Wonderful Counselor “ John 14:16 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
  • Mighty God- John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
  • Everlasting Father Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
  • Prince of Peace John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This Christmas take the time to connect with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Reflect on all he has given you and your family already and bless his holy name.

From me and my family we wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas and God bless!