2010 Sermons
"From the Height of Bended Knees"
Mark 1:35-45
January 31, 2010
Question: Where do you look when life drives you down to your knees?
Affirmation: From your knees is the best perspective from which to see Jesus.
Motivation
A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!"
Mark 1:40-41
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things.
Mark 6:34
When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, "Don't cry." Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"
Luke 7:13-14
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" He asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept.
John 11:33-35
Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank You that you have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me." When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
John 11:41-43
"Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,' he said, `I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. "This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Matthew 18:32-35
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere.
Mark 1:45
Message
So He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 1:39
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 John 3:8
"See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
Mark 1:44
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:14
Simon and his companions went to look for Him, and when they found Him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for You!"
Mark 1:36-37
Method
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.
Mark 1:32-34
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.
Mark 1:35
He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Luke 22:41-44
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16
"Helped By the Healed"
Mark 1:29-34
January 24, 2010
Question: What is Jesus really after?
Affirmation: Jesus came to transform each of us into what He created us to be so that we can do what He created us to do.
Public’s Desire:
Healing
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.
Mark 1:32
When He saw them, He said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
Luke 17:14-17
Hero
The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 1:33-34
After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.
John 6:14-15
Private Glimpse:
The Terror
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.
Luke 4:38
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Psalms 91:5-6
The Touch
He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
Matthew 8:15
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
Luke 24:38-39
The Taking
So He went to her, took her hand
Mark 1:31
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me.
Philippians 3:12
The Transformation
and helped her up. The fever left her
Mark 1:31
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
The Fulfillment
and she began to wait on them.
Mark 1:31
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
"Proper Acknowledgement"
Mark 1:21-28
January 17, 2010
Question: Why doesn’t wowing people with Christ work?
Affirmation: The Gospel isn’t about "wowing" people, but winning them.
The Wow!
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at His teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Mark 1:21-22
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:28-29
When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given Him, that He even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him.
Mark 6:2-3
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are--the Holy One of God!"
Mark 1:23-24
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.
James 2:19
The Why
"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Mark 1:25-26
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 John 3:8b
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
The Winning
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him." News about Him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Mark 1:27-28
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:31-35a
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God."
John 6:68-69
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
"Without a Net"
Mark 1:14-20
January 10, 2010
Question: In this crisis where do I turn?
Affirmation: In the midst of crisis Jesus calls us to turn around and trust Him.
Crisis
After John was put in prison,
Mark 1:14
And after the delivering up of John,
Mark 1:14 YLT
He said to them, "The Son of Man is being delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and after having been killed the third day He shall rise."
Mark 9:31 YLT
Jesus said, "Verily I say to you -- one of you, who is eating with Me -- will deliver me up."
Mark 14:18 YLT
He who indeed His own Son did not spare, but for us delivered Him up,--how shall He not also with Him the all things grant to us?
Romans 8:32 YLT
"The time has come," He said.
Mark 1:15 a
"Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven `sevens,' and sixty-two `sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two `sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing"
Daniel 9:25
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:23-24
He said. "The kingdom of God is near.
Mark 1:15 b
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:12-14
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:3-5
Turn around and Trust
"Repent and believe the good news!"
Mark 1:15c
Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
Jeremiah 15:19
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.... When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:5-11
But go, tell His disciples and Peter, `He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.'"
Mark 16:7
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.
Revelation 2:4-5a
"Grace Under Pressure"
Mark 1:1-13
Question: In the real world, how do I, as a Christian, find courage?
Affirmation: Christian courage is "Grace under pressure".
The Fear
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 1:16-17
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
Acts 15:37-39
A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Mark 14:51-52
When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown Me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:69-72
The Overcomer
John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie."
Mark 1:6-7
At once the Spirit sent Him out into the desert, and He was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Mark 1:12-13
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites… For forty years--one year for each of the forty days you explored the land--you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.' I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this desert; here they will die."
Numbers 14:26-35
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name,
Philippians 2:5-9
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:11
How?
I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark 1:8
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the One who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." And again, "I will put my trust in Him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
Hebrews 2:9-13
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
Sermons 2009
Mystery Solved
Colossians 1:24-2:5
January 25, 2009
Paul, like some mystery story detective, reveals the solution to the great mystery.
The Detective
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you
Colossians 2:1
Now I rejoice in what I suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Colossians 1:24
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"
Acts 9:4
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
II Corinthians 5:1
The Mystery
I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been hidden for the ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
Colossians 1:25-26
Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
Daniel 2:27-28
The Red Herring
I tell you so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Colossians 2:4
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since in the wisdom of God the world did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified:
I Corinthians 1:20-23
"All is Revealed"
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:6
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
"Above All"
Colossians 1:15-23
January 18, 2009
Why do you concentrate so much on Jesus?
In Jesus we meet our Creator, our Re-creator, and our Reconciler.
Our Creator
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17
I will appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth.
Psalm 89:27
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4
Our Re-Creator
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile Himself to all things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:18-20
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
II Corinthians 5:17
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
John 3:3
Our Reconciler
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Colossians 1:21-23
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
II Corinthians 4:4
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen
Jude 24
"No Trivial Pursuit"
Colossians 1:9-14
January 11, 2009
Why do we need to grow in our knowledge of Christ?
Knowledge of Christ helps ensure that we love the way God would have us love.
Love in the Spirit
Because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints.
Colossians 1:4
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:6
"For false Christ's and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that were possible."
Matthew 24:24
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:6
Knowledge in Christ
If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
But these things are written 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
Surely you have heard of the administration of God’s grace that has been given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 3:2-5
And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:15-17
Life Worthy of God
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2
While we are waiting for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own; eager to do what is good.
Titus 2:13-14
"In the same way, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16
"K.I.S.S."
Colossians 1:1-8
January 4, 2009
How can I learn the "Secret" to the Christian life?
There is no secret. The Gospel is the simple truth that gives us solid hope that produces the singular faith that allows for sacrificial love.
The Gospel is the Simple Truth
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.
Romans 1:25
"The test of any religion is not whether it pleases us, or is comfortable, but whether it is true."
Dorothy Sayers
To the Jews who believed in Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32
The Truth gives us Solid Hope
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
The Hope produces Singular Faith
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1-2
When Jesus heard this, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, "I tell you, I have not seen such great faith even in Israel."
Luke 7:9
What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Romans 4:3
The Faith allows for Sacrificial Love
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:26
We continually remember before our God and father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 1:3
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:6
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
Sermon Outline
Three Key Verses
Preached by Stuart C. Nutter
1 Timothy 4:1-12 January 27, 2008
Purpose: to outline three major challenges facing young people today.
1. Avoiding deceptive philosophies
Colossians 2:8
Evolution, Humanism, Relativism and Hedonism
2. Knowing the basis of true morality
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3. Living your own commitment
1 Samuel 17:39
The challenge:
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and
conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Sermon Outline
Commitment
Preached by Stuart C. Nutter
Isaiah 6:1-12 January 13, 2008
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Commitment begins at the cross. Acts 2:37-38
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Commitment requires action. Isaiah 6:8
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Commitment sets us free. Nehemiah 6:3
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Commitment builds trust. Acts 2:42-48;
1Corinthians 12:25-27
Romans 12:10
The Challenge: Are you totally committed to the Lord, His people and His work?
Sermon Outline
Good Advice
Preached by Stuart C. Nutter
Galatians 6:1-10 January 6, 2008
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Do not expect more of others than they are capable of giving. Galatians 6:2
If two are traveling and each has a 50 pound pack and the one can only mange 25 pounds and the other can easily carry 75 pounds, then the stronger should bear half of the weaker person's burden. -
When we try to live up to some imagined image of who we are, we surrender our authenticity and become nothing in the process. Galatians 6:3
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Do not require less of yourself than you are able to achieve. Galatians 6:4-5
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It is a mistake to think that the results of our actions are solely a matter of cause and effect on a human level. Galatians 6:7-8
SERMON OUTLINE
Behind the Scenes
New Ipswich Congregational Church
Preached by Stuart C. Nutter
Col. 1:15-23 Dec. 2, 2007
The Big idea: The creation of the universe, the meaning of life, the work of the church and our relationship with God in Christ are all parts of one single comprehensive whole.
1. The ultimate category Col 1:15-23;
The universe is not just an orderly physical mechanism; the universe is the creation of a personal God.
2. The principle of coherence Col 1:17; Heb 1:3
The Lord Jesus Christ stands at the center of the universe, and without his direct and constant intervention there would be chaos.
3. The church and the meaning of life Col 1:18-20
The church is not just any organization, it is God’s chosen instrument to reconcile all things to himself and make life meaningful.
4. The ultimate reconciliation Col 1:21-22; Job 29:1-6; John 15:15; James 4:4
What could be better than to have a personal relationship with the richest most powerful and well-connected person in the universe?