Who's In Charge?
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· 11 viewsJesus Christ is Head of the Church
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Introduction
Introduction
Why are you here this morning?
Are you here out of obligation? for your own benefit?
We are a local group of believers assembled this morning to worship God
Most of us are members of this congregation… others are members of another congregation somewhere else
We meet, we fellowship, we care for each other, we encourage each other, we help each other, we pray for each other
What determines what we do - either individually or as a group?
What influences our priorities and willingness or ability to engage?
is it a matter of personal choice or priority
Is is out of obligation
Is it because you were asked
Recently, I have been contemplating some of these types of questions… and another aspect
This morning let’s consider the implications and realities of Jesus Christ being the Head of the body
The Church is...
The Church is...
The church is unique...
The church is unique...
It is the only institution that Jesus established and left in the world, and the only one he will claim when he comes again
Some elevate family as equal to or even superior to being disciples of Jesus Christ in the church
What does Scripture say?
Jesus said,
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
, (ESV)
33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
English Standard Version Chapter 14
So therefore, any one of you who vdoes not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
,
Being a disciple of Jesus in the kingdom of God becomes our primary form of identity
The church is a living thing… an organism, not an organization.
When I was ordained 20 years ago, my mindset was that the church could/should function (mostly) like any other Christian organization…
Over the years it has become very clear that the church is not an organization...
It is a living and breathing organism that is designed to function differently from any other earthly institution
This realization became increasingly clear as I contemplated the metaphors used to describe the church
The Church is a building
The Church is a building
The Church is the Bride of Christ
The Church is the Body of Christ - the most frequently used
With each of these metaphors, a master planner has a wonderful design that works
Disregarding the master plan results in eventual catastrophic failure
The letters to the Colossians and Ephesians teach us about the church
Colossians focuses more on the head of the body, while Ephesians is more focused on the body and the members of the body.
Both the head and the body are needed to to make up a complete being.
Jesus Christ is...
Jesus Christ is...
(ESV)
15 He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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.
Paul begins Colossians with a stunning description of Jesus Christ… something we may know, but probably don’t meditate on as much as we should
What does it mean to be the head?
literally implies authority, rule, supreme rank
metaphorically, Christ's relationship to the church
he is the head BECAUSE he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and HE IS PREEMINENT OVER EVERTHING!
Jesus is...
Where does life reside?
The life is in the blood - Jesus blood is the life of the body (church)
Jesus is...
JESUS IS the image/likeness of the invisible God
Jesus is an image of God the Father
JESUS IS the firstborn of/over all creation - (firstborn of every creature - KJV)
doesn’t mean Jesus was created, but indicates His priority of rank as supreme over all things that were created
By Jesus...
all things were created
in heaven and on earth
visible and invisible
thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities, principalities, powers
BY Jesus… THROUGH Jesus… FOR Jesus...
EVERYTHING was created! ALL THINGS have been created!
JESUS IS before all things - Jesus is pre-existent to all creation
Before Abraham was, I am -
IN Jesus ALL THINGS hold together (by him all things consist - KJV)
Do we begin to grasp the incredible person and power of Jesus?
Words fail us… yet Paul continues
the head of the body (the church)
the beginning
the firstborn from the dead
preeminent in everything
all things were created
in heaven and on earth
visible and invisible
thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities
Through Jesus…
reconcile to Himself all things - whether in heaven or on earth - making peace through the blood
For Jesus...
everything was created
In Jesus...
all things hold together (consist)
all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
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.
JESUS IS...
JESUS IS the head of the body (the church)
JESUS IS the beginning
JESUS IS the firstborn from the dead
JESUS IS preeminent in everything!
IN JESUS… all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
God the Father was pleased that the entirety of God’s being would dwell in His Son, Jesus Christ
THROUGH JESUS… to reconcile to himself ALL THINGS - whether on earth or in heaven - making peace by the blood of the cross
Because Jesus was fully divine (as well as fully human) - through Jesus - God would reconcile all things to himself on the cross
Jesus Christ is the Head of the body, the church
What does it mean for someone to be the head?
Through Jesus…
It literally implies authority, rule, supreme rank - in other entities, terms like CEO or President or Prime Minister
It means the person ultimately responsible - “the buck stops here” person
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church
While certainly true universally, in a more practical way, I believe Jesus Christ is the Head of every local church
When a so-called church substitutes the “head,” they are no longer a part of the body of Christ
Only Jesus can be the Head of His body - the church
The head is crucial
The Head determines what the body does and where the body goes
The head directs the activities of the body
The head furnishes the sight and brains of the direction of the body
The head brings coordination of very different members
The head provides an understanding of realities the body would not otherwise be aware of
The head keeps the body safe from danger and pitfalls
without the body, the head is helpless
the body provides the hands and the feet while the head provides the reason and purpose
Jesus is the head of the church BECAUSE he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and HE IS PREEMINENT OVER EVERTHING! ()
reconcile to Himself all things - whether in heaven or on earth - making peace through the blood
The church was a new creation (it had its beginning) that was inaugurated with the resurrection of Jesus… completing the purpose He came to accomplish and making JESUS preeminent (first-place) over all things!
Jesus is the head of the church BECAUSE he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and HE IS PREEMINENT OVER EVERTHING!
Thinking about this from the perspective of a physical body, where does life reside?
For Jesus...
everything was created
Where does life reside?
In Jesus...
Frequently it is said, the life is in the blood
Jesus shed blood is the life of His body (church)
Life cannot continue if the Head and the body are severed
all things hold together (consist)
all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
Let’s continue on...
Let’s continue on...
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
And you (the church), who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he (Jesus Christ, the Head) has now reconciled in his (Jesus’) body of flesh by his (Jesus’) death, in order to present you (the church body) holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Jesus), 23 if indeed you (the church body) continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you (the church body) heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven,
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.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Jesus reconciled the church… IN ORDER TO present the church HOLY, BLAMELESS and ABOVE REPROACH
IF INDEED you … continue in the faith, stable and stedfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel
… continue in the faith
Jesus’ goal is to present His body holy, blameless, and unreproveable (above reproach)
…
If Jesus is allowed to truly be the Head of the body, it will be accomplished
HOWEVER, there is a caveat… IF INDEED you continue in the faith
It is possible that a group of believers (a local body) over time will not continue in the faith or retain Jesus Christ as their Head
Satan is determined to deceive believers in order to destroy and undermine churches - one at a time - luring them away from the head, Jesus Christ
What does it mean to be the head?
literally implies authority, rule, supreme rank
metaphorically, Christ's relationship to the church
he is the head BECAUSE he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and HE IS PREEMINENT OVER EVERTHING!
Where does life reside?
The life is in the blood - Jesus blood is the life of the body (church)
The holy spirit , the author of the bible, said that christ is the head of the church and we believe it
“The the church, therefore, Jesus is foundation and founder, builder and bridegroom, maker and master, Lord and law, owner and overseer, proprietor and protector, captain and cornerstone, husband and head.” page 92 Letters to the Seven Churches and Other Sermons by J. Ralph Grant, 1962
Jesus is very jealous of his betrothed present, the Church. He will not give, or even share, the honor of her founding with another
Christ’s Work Proves He is the Head of the Church
Jesus’ every act toward the church suggests ownership and lordship
A body has three relationships - to the head, to the other members, and to others
Jesus works in the church and through the church
Jesus loved the church so much that he gave His life for it -
When the church is mistreated, Jesus is mistreated… even as with a wife and her husband
Jesus incredible love for the church should motivate us to love it… our love results in cooperation and consecration
Jesus dwells with his church
The head directs the activities of the body
the head furnishes the sight and brains of the direction of the body
He is the head over all things in the church
the head guarantees ultimate victory for the body
the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church
His Person Qualifies Jesus Christ Head of the Church
No man in human history - regardless how wise, good, or great, merits the title head of the church
Jesus merits that title because of His glorious person
a church built around man, however great the man, and however large the congregation, will not permanently endure
We must build around Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is pre-existent
He is before all things and by him all things consist -
Before Abraham was, I am -
Jesus was a royal exile - he got off a throne, closed a palace gate behind himself… He made his entrance into this world of humanity by way of the manger and exited by way of the cross
Yet, he is from everlasting to everlasting
He is divine
I am the light of the world
I am the way, the truth, and the life
I am the vine, ye are the branches
I am the bread of life
His claims and prophecies that proceded him have been fulfilled… or will be
Jesus is a living head
the church shoudl be very much alive…
we have a living head and a living hope
Everything depended on the resurrection of Jesus Christ… If Christ isn’t risen, our faith is vain
But Christ is risen from the dead
Napoleon must be stopped. Europe was in his grasp. England was fearful, for he threatened to plant himself in their land. Waterloo was the turning point. Late in the afternoon of the day of the battle, the message was sent, “Wellington defeated the enemy.” Due to heavy fog on the English Channel, the message faded out, the sentence was incomplete. Those words, “Wellington defeated,” brought fear and confusion to the British people. It was an awful night, but in the morning the sun cam up clear and the message was completed: “Wellington defeated the enemy.” Joy took the place of sorrow.
Herod could behead John the Baptist, but Satan cannot behead the church - unless the church permits it
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.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
col 1:15-
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church
What does it mean to be the head?
literally implies authority, rule, supreme rank
metaphorically, Christ's relationship to the church
he is the head BECAUSE he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and HE IS PREEMINENT OVER EVERTHING!
Where does life reside?
The life is in the blood - Jesus blood is the life of the body (church)
Jesus is...
the image/likeness of the invisible God -
the firstborn of all creation
before all things
the head of the body (the church)
the beginning
the firstborn from the dead
preeminent in everything
By Jesus...
all things were created
in heaven and on earth
visible and invisible
thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities
Through Jesus…
everything was created
reconcile to Himself all things - whether in heaven or on earth - making peace through the blood
For Jesus...
everything was created
In Jesus...
all things hold together (consist)
all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
IN JESUS - the Head of the Church - are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Jesus Christ is the only source needed for wisdom and knowledge
What or whom do we turn to when we are looking for wisdom and knowledge?
What does this tell us about our dependence and faith in Jesus Christ?
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
col 2:
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
In Jesus… are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (v.3)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
eph 4
The focus of this passage is frequently related to spiritual gifts
It is noteworthy to consider what is being said about the body - the church - and also the head of the body, Jesus Christ
The purpose of the gifts given are to build up, to equip, to strengthen the body of Christ
It is not about developing personally
It is not about finding fulfillment for ourselves
It is not about utilizing strengths we may naturally have
IT IS about building up the body of Christ…
IT IS about
The church is to grow up in every way… into Jesus Christ … the Head of the church
When the whole body (including the head) is joined and held together by every joint - and each part is working properly… the body WILL GROW UP into Christ
the head furnishes the sight and brains of the direction of the body
He is the head over all things in the church
The head directs the activities of the body
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
eph 5:
the head furnishes the sight and brains of the direction of the body
He is the head over all things in the church
I have always viewed this passage as being primarily about marriage
as I have been studying it, I think it is just as much about the relationship of Christ and the church as it is about marriage
Paul uses the example of Christ and the Church as a pattern or example for the relationship between husband and wife
the pattern of Christ and the church for marriage...
… leaves no room for divorce and remarriage or the redefinition of marriage in the society in which we live
… leaves no room for
husband/wife = Christ/church
Jesus Christ is the head of the church, his body!
As the church submits to Christ… that should demonstrate how wives are to submit to their husbands
All too often, personal preferences and opinions of individual members dictate decisions and responses rather than a submission to Jesus Christ, the head of the body
Within the body, it is essential (for our very survival) to be in submission to and controlled by Jesus Christ rather than our own desires
As the church models this, it provides a pattern for wives to follow
Next Slide
Jesus loved the church so much, he sacrificially gave his very life for it
He did this for two reasons...
… so that he could sanctify/make holy her (church), by cleansing her by the washing of water with/by the word
… so that he could present the church to himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing - that she might be holy and without blemish
Jesus Christ sacrificially gave up his life… to sanctify her
to sanctify means to set apart or reserve for special use
Jesus accomplishes this sanctifying process… by cleansing the body by the washing of water with the word
as a church is submerged in the Word of God through the Holy Spirit, it is cleansed… it is sanctified… for Jesus Christ
Ultimately, Jesus wants to have the church presented to Himself - pure and spotless and without a wrinkle… holy and without blemish
This is possible only when Jesus Christ is head of the body… and has complete control and power over the body as a whole - as well of each and every member within that body
Jesus Christ nourishes and cherishes the church because we are members of his body
The mystery of Christ and the church is profound
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church!
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
God the Father put all things under the feet of Jesus
and gave him as head over all things TO the church, which is his body
there is a vast difference in Christ being head of all things and head of all things to the church
it means he exercises the sovereignty of the universe in behalf of the church
every attribute of God - His power, holiness, love, justice, mercy, and wisdom all unite in helping the church achieve her mission
the church of the lord is bound to succeed because of the lord of the church
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew
Who’s in Charge?
Jesus Christ is undeniably the Head of His body, the Church - the true church
In the course of ordinary life, it is possible we (myself included) move from fully trusting Jesus Christ as our Head and make ‘rational’ decisions and engage in totally appropriate activities based on our own biases, preferences, and opinions...
They may not be wrong per se, but done apart from our Head is not pleasing to Him
We need to find ways to intentionally and repeatedly remind ourselves and recommit ourselves to the Headship and Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life… but especially in matters of the church
How do we reaffirm that Jesus is our Head??
Spending more time in prayer and communion with Jesus Christ and less time defending our perspective will strengthen and mature the body
Those of us called to church leadership especially need these reminders…
This church is under the control of Jesus Christ - not us (if we let Him)
We are under-shepherds… following the Head and setting an example for others to follow
As we cultivate submission to the Headship of Jesus Christ in the body (and members individually), God is poised to amaze us
ep 3:20
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
God Almighty is able to far more abundantly (above and beyond) than we ask or think - according to HIS power that works in us
The power that is at work within us is that of Jesus Christ, our head, in the church
To GOD Almighty be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
Not just here on earth, but throughout eternity, the church will bring glory to Jesus Christ!
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
and gave him as head over all things TO the church, which is his body
there is a vast difference in Christ being head of all things and head of all things to the church
it means he exercises the sovereignty of the universe in behalf of the church
every attribute of God - His power, holiness, love, justice, mercy, and wisdom all unite in helping the church achieve her mission
the church of the lord is bound to succeed because of the lord of the church
Inspiration declares Jesus Christ the Head of the Church
The holy spirit , the author of the bible, said that christ is the head of the church and we believe it
“The the church, therefore, Jesus is foundation and founder, builder and bridegroom, maker and master, Lord and law, owner and overseer, proprietor and protector, captain and cornerstone, husband and head.” page 92 Letters to the Seven Churches and Other Sermons by J. Ralph Grant, 1962
Jesus is very jealous of his betrothed present, the Church. He will not give, or even share, the honor of her founding with another
Christ’s Work Proves He is the Head of the Church
Jesus’ every act toward the church suggests ownership and lordship
A body has three relationships - to the head, to the other members, and to others
Jesus works in the church and through the church
Jesus loved the church so much that he gave His life for it -
When the church is mistreated, Jesus is mistreated… even as with a wife and her husband
Jesus incredible love for the church should motivate us to love it… our love results in cooperation and consecration
The head directs the activities of the body
the head furnishes the sight and brains of the direction of the body
He is the head over all things in the church
the head guarantees ultimate victory for the body
the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church
His Person Qualifies Jesus Christ Head of the Church
No man in human history - regardless how wise, good, or great, merits the title head of the church
Jesus merits that title because of His glorious person
a church built around man, however great the man, and however large the congregation, will not permanently endure
We must build around Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is pre-existent
Jesus was a royal exile - he got off a throne, closed a palace gate behind himself… He made his entrance into this world of humanity by way of the manger and exited by way of the cross
Yet, he is from everlasting to everlasting
He is divine
I am the light of the world
I am the way, the truth, and the life
I am the vine, ye are the branches
I am the bread of life
His claims and prophecies that proceded him have been fulfilled… or will be
Jesus is a living head
the church shoudl be very much alive…
we have a living head and a living hope
Everything depended on the resurrection of Jesus Christ… If Christ isn’t risen, our faith is vain
But Christ is risen from the dead
Napoleon must be stopped. Europe was in his grasp. England was fearful, for he threatened to plant himself in their land. Waterloo was the turning point. Late in the afternoon of the day of the battle, the message was sent, “Wellington defeated the enemy.” Due to heavy fog on the English Channel, the message faded out, the sentence was incomplete. Those words, “Wellington defeated,” brought fear and confusion to the British people. It was an awful night, but in the morning the sun cam up clear and the message was completed: “Wellington defeated the enemy.” Joy took the place of sorrow.
Herod could behead John the Baptist, but Satan cannot behead the church - unless the church permits it