WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.799 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.719 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.719 --> 00:00:19.679 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:22.920 Our God is a great God, isn't he? 00:00:22.920 --> 00:00:25.000 He is the God of miracles. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:28.960 He is the God of light, life, and truth. 00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:32.359 When we hear about miracles that are happening, 00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:35.359 where people are being healed and restored, 00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:36.759 it's a testament. 00:00:36.759 --> 00:00:40.560 It's a testimony to show the power of our God. 00:00:40.560 --> 00:00:44.399 God can heal and will heal people. 00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:48.719 So I want us to take a moment, 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:51.120 as we're beginning our time of here. 00:00:51.120 --> 00:00:53.240 I have this picture of, 00:00:53.240 --> 00:00:56.840 it's kind of a really graphic. 00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:58.320 I didn't draw this, mind you. 00:00:58.320 --> 00:01:01.320 This picture of Jesus here. 00:01:01.320 --> 00:01:05.480 And we're going over week two of our sermon series 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:08.439 of Christ as the Creator, 00:01:08.439 --> 00:01:11.560 the Redeemer, and the Sustainer. 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:12.840 So we are in week two, 00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:18.079 where we are going over Christ as Creator. 00:01:18.079 --> 00:01:19.240 Before we do any of that, 00:01:19.240 --> 00:01:20.680 I want to remind all of us 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:25.159 that the same God that created the heavens and the earth 00:01:25.159 --> 00:01:28.319 loves each and every one of us. 00:01:28.319 --> 00:01:31.679 He loves us and cares for us, 00:01:31.679 --> 00:01:33.479 and calls each and every one of us 00:01:33.479 --> 00:01:37.159 to have a relationship with him, 00:01:37.159 --> 00:01:41.439 to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, 00:01:41.439 --> 00:01:46.000 and to be on this path of holiness, 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:48.479 to come to the Lord and grow in the Lord. 00:01:50.400 --> 00:01:52.840 I want us to keep in mind of the Holy Trinity. 00:01:52.840 --> 00:01:54.879 When we're going into this sermon, 00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:56.599 I want us to know the understanding 00:01:56.599 --> 00:01:59.119 that we have God the Father, 00:01:59.119 --> 00:02:01.039 we have Christ the Son, 00:02:01.039 --> 00:02:03.439 or God the Son and God the Spirit, 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:06.479 the three who are in one. 00:02:06.479 --> 00:02:08.719 As a kid, I always remember watching 00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:12.879 the short little Bible cartoon stories 00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:15.199 where a good representation, 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:18.840 a visual representation is the three leaf clover, 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:22.159 where you're seeing the three parts and they're all one. 00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:24.759 I know it's a childish representation, 00:02:24.759 --> 00:02:28.359 but it is a representation nonetheless. 00:02:28.359 --> 00:02:31.680 Just one example of the Holy Trinity. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:35.800 I'm reminded that thinking of something so simple, 00:02:35.800 --> 00:02:37.840 but yet so complex, 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:39.560 three in one, 00:02:39.560 --> 00:02:42.319 the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:44.439 When we read these passages, 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:45.919 there's going to be passages 00:02:45.919 --> 00:02:48.919 that make mention of Christ being the Creator, 00:02:48.919 --> 00:02:53.199 being at the foundation of the universe. 00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:54.559 What does that mean? 00:02:54.559 --> 00:02:59.359 That's something that is maybe difficult for some of us. 00:02:59.359 --> 00:03:03.319 And then the fact that Christ took part in the creation. 00:03:03.319 --> 00:03:07.039 We must consider the presence of the triune God, 00:03:07.039 --> 00:03:09.319 the Holy Trinity. 00:03:09.319 --> 00:03:12.119 So building on our understanding of the Trinity, 00:03:12.119 --> 00:03:15.439 it is important for us to focus on Christ's role 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:19.560 as the Creator in the creation. 00:03:19.560 --> 00:03:22.439 In your notes, you're going to see a lot of reference notes, 00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:24.400 reference verses. 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:27.359 We don't have time to go through all of them. 00:03:27.359 --> 00:03:29.120 So there are reference verses 00:03:29.120 --> 00:03:30.919 that I will be mentioning in this sermon, 00:03:30.919 --> 00:03:34.639 and then of course, we are going to open the Word of God. 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:38.520 Genesis 1.26, we think about that, 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:43.639 let us make man in our image after our likeness. 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:46.519 This is but a reference of the Trinity. 00:03:46.519 --> 00:03:49.839 And to imagine that they were there, 00:03:49.839 --> 00:03:53.279 let us make man in our image. 00:03:53.279 --> 00:03:55.039 And I want you to think of that question. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:04:02.039 What does that mean when you hear that? 00:04:02.039 --> 00:04:04.959 Let us make man in our image. 00:04:04.959 --> 00:04:08.879 What does that reveal about the Holy Trinity? 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:10.719 It should help us with our understanding 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:14.680 that they work together as different parts. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:18.240 Much like how we are the body of Christ, 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:22.040 we play different parts in the church. 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:23.800 We have different talents and abilities, 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:28.199 just like how we see in the Trinity. 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:31.079 Before we go any further, I want us to take time 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:32.879 to come to the Lord. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.959 Let's pray, and then we'll go further. 00:04:35.959 --> 00:04:39.519 Father God, we come before you today as the body of Christ, 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:43.759 as the community of people who come before you. 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:46.680 No matter where we are at in life, 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:50.039 we wish to come to you in our current state as we are, 00:04:50.039 --> 00:04:53.120 and we ask for transformation in our lives, 00:04:53.120 --> 00:04:55.000 to know more about you, 00:04:55.000 --> 00:04:57.919 and to know more about what you have done for us. 00:04:57.919 --> 00:05:00.680 I pray that for those who do not know you, 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:03.639 that they have that saving knowledge of who you are, 00:05:03.639 --> 00:05:05.399 and believe in you, 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:07.319 and receive in the gift of salvation 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:09.599 through faith in Jesus Christ, 00:05:09.599 --> 00:05:12.839 for faith comes from hearing the word. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:14.560 And for those of us who do know you, 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:16.519 I pray that we grow in our faith 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:18.920 and our understanding of your word. 00:05:18.920 --> 00:05:21.480 May your word work in and through us. 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:23.759 May we be motivated, encouraged, 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:26.600 and moved to become more Christ-like, 00:05:26.600 --> 00:05:29.800 and to go out into the world and do good in your name. 00:05:29.800 --> 00:05:31.199 We ask that you are with us, 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:35.159 and help us to have our minds and our hearts open 00:05:35.160 --> 00:05:39.000 to listen to you, to believe in you, 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:41.720 and to live and love like you. 00:05:41.720 --> 00:05:44.439 It is in Jesus' name that we pray together, amen? 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:47.760 So I wanna put a question on the screen here. 00:05:47.760 --> 00:05:51.400 When was the last time that you were in awe 00:05:51.400 --> 00:05:52.840 and in wonder of God? 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:57.360 This morning, amen. 00:05:57.360 --> 00:05:58.879 Every morning, right? 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:01.920 We should be in awe and in wonder of who God is. 00:06:01.920 --> 00:06:04.200 You know, this weekend, my family and I, 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:07.399 we went up to McCall in Idaho, 00:06:07.399 --> 00:06:11.920 and we love going to Cascade or Donnelly and McCall, 00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:14.319 and just really enjoying the nature, 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:15.879 looking at the mountains, 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:19.680 experiencing the just taking it all in, 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:22.360 and being in the present moment. 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:25.439 There's something beautiful about God's creation. 00:06:25.439 --> 00:06:28.719 Seeing the sunrise or seeing the sunset, 00:06:28.719 --> 00:06:33.480 it's taking that intentionality, it's having that effort. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:37.000 Sometimes it's okay to detox from technology. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:39.920 It's okay to take time and say, you know what? 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:41.960 It's all right if I'm in an area 00:06:41.960 --> 00:06:43.920 where there's no cell phone service. 00:06:43.920 --> 00:06:45.879 That's perfectly okay. 00:06:45.879 --> 00:06:47.879 And don't even get me started 00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:49.960 about the internet speeds, right? 00:06:49.960 --> 00:06:51.879 I don't always, it maybe, 00:06:51.879 --> 00:06:53.960 maybe it's good that we don't always know 00:06:53.960 --> 00:06:55.960 what's happening on Facebook. 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:58.120 Maybe it's good that we don't always know, 00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:01.879 we don't seamlessly scroll through TikTok or Instagram 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:03.719 or we go through all the tweets on Twitter. 00:07:03.719 --> 00:07:06.759 If you're still on Twitter, I am questioning that. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:08.240 You know? 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:10.319 I mean, I guess if you are, that's your choice, 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:14.199 but sometimes it's good to detox from technology. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:18.079 And certainly good to take it all in, 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:21.719 and to consider the present moment, 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:24.120 and to be with the Lord. 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:26.360 Maybe that's a time for you to pray to God. 00:07:26.360 --> 00:07:28.639 Maybe it's a time for you to open the word 00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:30.719 and just allow for the word of God 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:33.200 to work in and through you. 00:07:33.200 --> 00:07:36.000 You know, when I'm mentioning that my wife and I 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.720 and our kids, the five kids, 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:41.800 when we all went to McCall, 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:45.520 we took moments where they were just playing out of park. 00:07:45.520 --> 00:07:48.280 We took moments where we hiked together. 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:50.880 Now not all of them can hike very well. 00:07:50.880 --> 00:07:53.440 And a lot of them want frequent breaks 00:07:53.440 --> 00:07:56.600 and they may even seem boring at times, right? 00:07:56.600 --> 00:07:57.880 And I know when they get older, 00:07:57.880 --> 00:08:00.560 they'll probably be like, dad, this is boring. 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:03.639 But it's showing them, it's being intentional with them, 00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:05.839 spending that quality time with family 00:08:05.839 --> 00:08:09.839 and having them experience the beauty of God's nature. 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:14.040 That that is something that us as families, us as Christians, 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:19.040 we can see the glory of God through nature. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:21.480 We can see God's work. 00:08:21.480 --> 00:08:24.879 I always think of God as the master craftsman, right? 00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:27.160 Think of the intricacy. 00:08:27.160 --> 00:08:30.240 Have you ever looked at a plant or an animal 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:31.920 in a microscope? 00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:33.720 Any of us ever done that before? 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:36.960 And see all the intricate design in that? 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.680 It's truly remarkable. 00:08:38.680 --> 00:08:40.480 Or if you look at a telescope sometime 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:42.960 and you look at Saturn with its rings, 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:46.720 or you look at Jupiter, it's really amazing. 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:51.080 And you're thinking for a moment, God did all that. 00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:52.720 I'm convinced. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:55.919 I can't get myself to believe 00:08:55.919 --> 00:08:59.680 that all of this was made by chance, my friends, I just can't. 00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:01.679 Because the more you look at the beauty, 00:09:01.679 --> 00:09:03.279 the splendor of the heavens, 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:06.359 and even the beauty that is in all of us, 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:11.919 see finding God in nature, in the present moment, 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:13.039 it's remarkable. 00:09:15.479 --> 00:09:17.319 Taking time and reading our Bible, 00:09:17.319 --> 00:09:20.679 seeing that sunrise or the sunset, the stars in the sky. 00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:22.399 I'm reminded of, it's in your notes, 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:24.719 Psalm chapter 19, verse one, right? 00:09:24.719 --> 00:09:27.799 The heavens declare the glory of God 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:31.839 and the sky above proclaims his handy work. 00:09:31.839 --> 00:09:34.000 To be in awe and in wonder of the Lord, 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:36.399 that is the fear of the Lord. 00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:38.839 As a child, I was always, what do you mean? 00:09:38.839 --> 00:09:41.279 I need to be afraid of God? 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:44.199 Well, certainly afraid of God if you don't know him. 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:46.120 But when we're thinking of the fear of the Lord, 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:50.719 it's having the sense of awe and wonder of who God is. 00:09:50.719 --> 00:09:53.359 How in the world did you make that flower? 00:09:54.799 --> 00:09:55.839 Right? 00:09:55.840 --> 00:09:58.840 How in the world do you make the crops grow? 00:09:58.840 --> 00:10:02.160 When we think about this community, 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:04.759 we think about farming for a moment. 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:09.000 We water the plants, we make sure the soil is good, right? 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:10.759 Make sure there's adequate sunshine, 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:14.639 but at the end of the day, who controls the crops? 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:16.000 Really think about that. 00:10:17.120 --> 00:10:19.840 Who really allows for the crops to grow? 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:22.560 We can give it all the sunlight and water that we want 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:26.519 and the finest soil and still have a bad crop. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:29.799 It is God that allows for, 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:33.839 that is working in the crops that we grow. 00:10:33.839 --> 00:10:36.399 It's very amazing to think about that. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:39.039 So to have the fear of the Lord, the reverence of God, 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:42.479 it's that sense in the awe and wonder of who God is. 00:10:42.479 --> 00:10:44.919 For the God that we worship is holy. 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:46.919 The God that we worship is sovereign 00:10:46.919 --> 00:10:49.919 and he is the maker of all things. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:51.759 To think of the creation of the universe 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:56.759 and even who you are, that God made you. 00:10:57.480 --> 00:10:59.879 We are all made in the image of God. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:04.399 Genesis chapter one verse 26 through 27 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:08.679 makes mention of how we are in the image of God. 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:11.039 Now this idea that Christ was there, 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:13.919 the creation of the universe is, 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.720 can be a little difficult, 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:18.879 but it's remarkable and it's biblical truth. 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:23.879 We will learn today about how Christ took part in creation. 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:27.559 I wanna put the title slide up as a second. 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:30.120 Christ as Creator. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:32.360 That statement is something of, 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:34.759 should be something of great comfort, 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:37.360 a beautiful statement that reveals to us 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:39.639 the truth of God's word. 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:43.759 To think of the idea of Christ being creator is, 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:46.720 it's challenging, isn't it? 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:48.600 But that's okay. 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:50.399 Sometimes we read the word of God 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:52.759 and we're challenged by it, aren't we? 00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:54.360 Sometimes we read something like, 00:11:54.360 --> 00:11:57.279 what in the world are you saying God? 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.279 Allow for God to speak to you. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:03.120 And in 1 Corinthians, we're gonna turn our Bibles here. 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:08.120 Let's turn to 1 Corinthians chapter one verse 24. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:11.680 It's gonna be on page 1131. 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:12.519 Okay. 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:22.679 Find it very interesting how we find in scripture, 00:12:24.239 --> 00:12:29.239 how it talks about Christ being the word, right? 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:31.479 In the beginning was the word 00:12:31.479 --> 00:12:33.719 and the word was with God, right? 00:12:33.719 --> 00:12:35.159 We know those verses. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:37.159 But what's interesting here, 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:41.899 we'll find in these 1 Corinthians passages, 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:46.899 the personification of wisdom being Christ. 00:12:47.719 --> 00:12:49.199 Now that's an interesting one. 00:12:49.199 --> 00:12:51.600 It's a little bit difficult, but that's okay. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:58.439 All right, so it's 1 Corinthians chapter one verse 24. 00:12:58.439 --> 00:13:01.199 And then we're also gonna look at 1 Corinthians chapter one 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:08.200 verse 30, you should find that in your notes. Let's see here. 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:14.759 All right, so verse 24. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:20.520 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greek, 00:13:20.520 --> 00:13:25.520 Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:28.200 So that's your first part. 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:32.240 You find reference of Christ being wisdom. 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:34.600 And then in verse 30, if we go further, 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:40.759 and because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:44.240 who became to us wisdom from God, 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:47.800 righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 00:13:47.800 --> 00:13:49.800 So that as it is written, 00:13:49.800 --> 00:13:52.240 let the one who boasts boasts in the Lord. 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:56.480 So contextually, we're seeing in 1 Corinthians here, 00:13:56.480 --> 00:14:01.480 the apostle Paul is addressing the divisions in the church. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:03.560 It's the question of who do I follow, right? 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:05.600 That's a question that was asked back then, 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:09.320 and we certainly can ask now, do you follow Jesus Christ? 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:12.639 Or do you follow some teacher or some theologian? 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:14.399 Or I know that gets really hard 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:16.279 because we follow the word of God. 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:18.879 We follow Christ first and foremost. 00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:21.800 When we think of celebrities, 00:14:21.800 --> 00:14:24.159 or we think of very famous pastors, 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:29.159 sometimes people are going for the pastor 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.620 and not for the word. 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:34.139 And we as Christians have to be very careful about that. 00:14:34.139 --> 00:14:37.179 It's keeping that, it's kind of honing it in. 00:14:37.179 --> 00:14:39.379 What is your intention for coming to church? 00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:40.659 Is it to learn about God? 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:42.939 Or is it the glory of God? 00:14:42.939 --> 00:14:45.179 Or is it the glory of man? 00:14:45.179 --> 00:14:48.379 If it's the glory of man, you need to check yourself, 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:52.100 check your heart and know that we come to hear 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:54.779 from the word of God. 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:56.899 It's about Jesus Christ. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:58.500 It's not about me. 00:14:58.500 --> 00:15:00.220 It's not about some celebrity. 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:04.500 It's about Jesus and it's about his word. 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:09.180 It can be noted then and even now that, look, 00:15:09.180 --> 00:15:13.060 there is no name that is higher than the name of Jesus. 00:15:13.060 --> 00:15:16.320 And as Christians, we are followers of Christ. 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:20.980 We should be disciples of Christ or students of Christ. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:25.820 For we are saved by belief in Jesus who is the Messiah. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:27.500 Not any other name. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:30.180 For there is no other way that leads to salvation 00:15:30.180 --> 00:15:32.740 except through Christ. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:35.580 And I think that's a big reason why when you have 00:15:35.580 --> 00:15:38.539 very, very popular celebrities, 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:40.740 why we have to be careful of that. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:44.700 When you have so many pictures on your wall of a celebrity, 00:15:44.700 --> 00:15:47.180 there comes a point where it begs the question, 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:48.539 is that you're God? 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:50.220 I hope it isn't. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:53.019 Just at least be mindful of that. 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:56.060 So Paul goes on about the idea between worldly wisdom 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:57.860 and godly wisdom. 00:15:57.860 --> 00:16:00.460 For in worldly wisdom, 00:16:00.460 --> 00:16:05.300 the world sees the wisdom of God as foolish. 00:16:05.300 --> 00:16:06.940 That's always a difficult one. 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:09.220 We think about that. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:11.860 Sometimes the things that we learn in the word of God, 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.820 it's being revealed to us through, 00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:18.139 through God's word speaks to us wisdom and life. 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:20.939 But to those who don't know the Lord, 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:22.699 they might not get it. 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:26.019 Have you ever shared a verse with someone 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:27.740 and they just don't get it? 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:30.100 I know that's happened to me before 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:32.340 and that's something we have to keep in mind 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:34.059 that they're not there yet. 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:35.860 The truth of the word, 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:40.059 or at least the more deeper things of God has been hidden. 00:16:40.059 --> 00:16:42.059 And that's a very difficult passage. 00:16:43.179 --> 00:16:45.899 So the idea of these two verses is that Christ 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:49.819 is the wisdom of God that was hidden, right? 00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:52.939 The God's wisdom was manifested in Christ 00:16:52.939 --> 00:16:55.899 and it transcends human understanding. 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:59.939 How many of us try to put God into a box, right? 00:17:00.939 --> 00:17:04.019 We try to say God is X, Y and Z. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:07.299 God can't do this, God can't do that. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:10.220 Well, I'm here to tell you that 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:11.980 God is beyond our understanding. 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:15.980 Could you imagine seeing water turning to wine? 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:19.980 Can you imagine seeing someone being raised from the dead? 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:23.980 Is that logical? 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:27.980 A lot of people, they would hear that or see that even 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.980 and they wouldn't believe. 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:33.980 Think about in the Gospel account, 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:37.980 all of these people who heard or saw the miracles of Jesus 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:41.980 and they still didn't believe. 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:43.980 That's a difficult one. 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:46.980 I know for me personally, if I saw somebody walk on water, 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.980 I'd be pretty amazed by that. 00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:52.980 But can you imagine if you saw some of these miracles that happen? 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:56.980 Making a blind man see and still not believing. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:05.980 The love of God, it transcends our understanding of love. 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:10.980 The knowledge of God, it transcends our earthly wisdom. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:15.980 In 1 Corinthians, chapter 18, the word of the cross is folly 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:19.980 for those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.980 it is the power of God. 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:26.980 It's an encouraging word to know that when we receive the gift of salvation 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:30.980 through faith in Christ, we can learn the deeper things of God. 00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:34.980 That is the process of going from milk to solid food, 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:38.980 where we grow in our knowledge, in our discernment. 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:43.980 In order to understand the things of God, 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:49.980 we need to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.980 We place our faith in our trust in God, 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:55.980 and because of this saving grace, we should be moved and encouraged 00:18:55.980 --> 00:19:00.980 and motivated to continue to seek God in His Word. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:06.980 For in the Word is Christ, and in Christ is wisdom. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:12.980 Knowing Christ being the wisdom of God and Christ is the Creator, 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:15.980 it leads us to this passage that I want to share with you. 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:19.980 It's going to be in Proverbs chapter 8, verse 27 through 30. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:27.980 Beautiful, poetic language in here. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:30.980 Page 632. 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:35.980 I keep forgetting to change my slides. 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.980 Page 632. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:53.980 Let's start with verse 27 here. 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:59.980 When He established the heavens, I was there. 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:03.980 When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:06.980 when He made firm the skies above, 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:10.980 when He established the foundations of the deep, 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:13.980 when He assigned to the sea its limit. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.980 Now that's pretty cool language. 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.980 The limitation of the sea. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:19.980 I mean, the sea is pretty wild. 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:23.980 To know that's just the limit is pretty remarkable. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:27.980 So that the waters might not transgress His command. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:31.980 When He marked out the foundations of the earth, 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:36.980 then I was beside Him, like a master workman, 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:42.980 and I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always, 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:46.980 rejoicing in His inhabited world 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:49.980 and delighting in the children of man. 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:57.980 And even if you look before, in verses 22 leading up to 27, 00:20:57.980 --> 00:21:01.980 the beginning of His work, the first acts of old, 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:04.980 ages ago I was brought forth, I was set up. 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:07.980 Before the beginning of the earth there was no depths. 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:09.980 I was brought forth. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:12.980 There were no springs abounding with water. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:16.980 Such beautiful poetic language. 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:18.980 And a question I want to ask you is, 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:22.980 what stands out to you about this poetic description? 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:24.980 We can build a case from this. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:27.980 I mean, who else would be there at the creation of the world? 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.980 It could be the Spirit. 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:32.980 It could be mentioning specifically the Holy Spirit, 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:35.980 but it also can be mentioning Christ. 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.980 And because we believe in the Trinity, 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:40.980 the three in one being present, 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:44.980 we know Christ was there at the foundation. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:47.980 And to me that language is just, 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:50.980 it's astonishing, if you will, 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:55.980 to think that Christ was there taking an active role. 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:57.980 So take a moment to think about that. 00:21:57.980 --> 00:22:02.980 What stands out to you about this poetic description 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:06.980 of Christ's presence at the creation of the world? 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:10.980 The language, it's poetic, it's wisdom literature. 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:13.980 It's certainly difficult for us to understand. 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:19.980 But it seems to be pointing to the idea that the Trinity was there. 00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:21.980 Isn't that wonderful? 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:24.980 Isn't that remarkable? 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:27.980 We can see from the previous verses in 1 Corinthians 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:30.980 that because Christ is the wisdom of God, 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:34.980 then this language is making mention of Christ being there 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:39.980 with God the Father and the Spirit being there as well. 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:44.980 Isn't this a prefiguration of Jesus Christ? 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:47.980 For those of us who are here in the Jonah series, 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:52.980 we talked about how Jonah, the language in the book of Jonah, 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:56.980 describes the prefiguration of Christ with the death, 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:58.980 the burial, and the resurrection. 00:22:58.980 --> 00:23:01.980 And this would appear to be an echo, 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:06.980 a prefiguration also in Scripture of Christ. 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:09.980 And I always enjoy when I read verses like this, 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:11.980 this forth-telling of Christ. 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:17.980 You know, John 8, verse 58, is also a famous verse 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:21.980 that speaks to Christ's presence before the world. 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.980 You find this in your notes. 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:25.980 Very famous passage. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:27.980 Truly, Jesus said to them, 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:34.980 truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:37.980 What a remarkable statement. 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:40.980 Think of the great I am, right? 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:43.980 And then further, how Christ says, 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:47.980 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:49.980 Think of all the I am statements 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:53.980 and how they are connected with the great I am. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:56.980 The very idea of Christ being there at creation 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:59.980 and taking part is something that was hidden. 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.980 It was secret. 00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:03.980 It was the hidden wisdom of God. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:07.980 In 1 Corinthians 2, verses 7 through 8, it speaks to this. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:10.980 We impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:13.980 which decreed before the ages for our glory. 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:16.980 None of the rulers of this age understood this, 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:19.980 for if they had, they would have not crucified the Lord of glory. 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:23.980 That verses saying that if people knew that Jesus, the Christ, 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:27.980 was the Messiah, they wouldn't have crucified him. 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:32.980 So there had to have been this mystery element to it, if you will. 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:39.980 I find it fascinating when that God hides things in Scripture. 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:43.980 And it is for us to discover those things in the Word of God. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:45.980 There's a famous proverb. 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:47.980 It's not in your notes. I didn't put it in there. 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:50.980 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:53.980 It is the glory of kings to discover that matter. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:57.980 And that verse is saying that God will hide things. 00:24:57.980 --> 00:25:03.980 What a beauty, what a beautiful discovery is to discover the truth of Scripture. 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:08.980 And of course, these discoveries must be in line with the rest of Scripture. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:11.980 We don't want to find something that goes against Scripture. 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:14.980 You may need to check your work when you're doing these things. 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:21.980 God needed to hide this wisdom of God so that God's plan could be carried along. 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:27.980 In Isaiah chapter 14 verse 24, it makes mention that God's plans will happen. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.980 I love this verse. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:33.980 The Lord of hosts has sworn, as I have planned, so shall it be. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:37.980 And as I have purposed, so shall it stand. 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.980 Isn't that beautiful? 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:45.980 What a remarkable verse. As God has planned, so it will be. 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:48.980 For we know that the Word of God is living and active, 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:51.980 and we are privileged to know what this mystery is. 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:58.980 The mystery of Christ, of having salvation available to all who believe in Him. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:01.980 How privileged we are to know this truth. 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:04.980 And to also know that Christ was there in the beginning, 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:10.980 just as John chapter 1 verses 1 through 3, in the beginning was the Word, 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:13.980 and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:17.980 He was in the beginning with God. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:21.980 So there's these verses that show Christ being there. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:28.980 All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything that was made. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:33.980 In the John passages, all things were made through Him. 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:35.980 That's wonderful. 00:26:35.980 --> 00:26:39.980 It's just like the Colossians passage, right? 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:43.980 All things were created through Him, and for Him. 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:49.980 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:52.980 Although we're not going over the sustenance, right? 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:55.980 How God holds us together, it is all connected. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:27:02.980 That the same God who made us is there for us, never abandoning us. 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:05.980 How can we not talk about that? 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:08.980 All we need to do is believe in Him. 00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:11.980 Do you believe in Jesus Christ? 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:16.980 The creation is designed to glorify God, to glorify Christ. 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:21.980 For Christ is the air of all things, as mentioned in Hebrews chapter 1 verse 2, 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:27.980 and goes to show the beauty, the power, and the grandeur of Christ. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:31.980 For the stars in the sky shine bright in the night. 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:34.980 They reflect the beauty of God's creation. 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:38.980 The grandeur of the immense mountains, right? 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:43.980 The towering mountains, they show the mighty works of the Almighty God. 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:49.980 The power of the ocean waves, and the fact that the ocean had to be limited. 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:55.980 That's crazy. That is wild, because we know how powerful oceans already are. 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:57.980 But there's so powerful, God's like, you need a limit here. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:28:00.980 We don't want it getting too out of hand. 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:04.980 The power of the ocean waves, and the depths of the sea reveal the strength, 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:07.980 and the constant of God. 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.980 For God never fails. 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:13.980 He is everlasting to everlasting. 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:19.980 And I find great connection and similarities between John and the Colossians passage. 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:24.980 When we are reading the Word of God, we focus on the context of what is going on in the specific book, 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:31.980 and also the connections, where is this connected in other parts of Scripture. 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:37.980 The main thing that sticks out in the Colossian passage is that the world, the creation was made through him, 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:44.980 but for him, for God's glory, two words that have big meaning. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:52.980 Everything was created by the triune God, and everything that is created is for Christ. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.980 That is amazing. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:29:01.980 This is significant, because everything that was made is uniquely designed with intentionality and with purpose. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:06.980 Therefore, God did not make a mistake when he made you. 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:09.980 I want to make that very clear. 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:14.980 God did not make a mistake when he was making his creation. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:22.980 From the day and the night, to the stars and the sky, from the land and the sea, the animals, and even you and even me. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:28.980 God created all of this with intention, with intricacy. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:36.980 Even the Word of God is life, because all Scripture is breathed out by God. 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:45.980 The Word of God being living and active, it has purpose, much like how we have purpose. 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:51.980 Many of us know the famous verse in Psalm 139. 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:55.980 You formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:58.980 Many of you have heard this one before, yes? 00:29:58.980 --> 00:30:03.980 That God knit us together in our mother's womb. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:10.980 Job chapter 33 verse 4 is another verse that is very similar in nature. 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:18.980 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:22.980 God breathing life into you. 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:35.980 Such descriptive language that we have the breath of life, much like how God breathed life into his Word. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:42.980 And I know in the book of Job, it's always a neglected book, but there's such beautiful wisdom that is found in Job. 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:49.980 It's not the only verse that makes mentions of God making us before we were born. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:58.980 Another verse in Job chapter 10 verses 11 through 12, it's a little bit more descriptive. 00:30:58.980 --> 00:31:05.980 You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:07.980 Wow. 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:13.980 We talk about the knitting, but the clothing of skin and flesh. 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:18.980 It's very specific, it's actually almost grotesque, if you will. 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:29.980 But at the same time though, it's showing that the flesh that we have, the skin that we have, was given to us by God, and it's all part of this design. 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:36.980 It also goes on to say, you have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:48.980 So understanding that Christ as Creator should help us to come to know who Christ is, to know that we were all designed with such intentionality and such purpose, 00:31:48.980 --> 00:31:54.980 God did not make a mistake when he made you. 00:31:54.980 --> 00:32:11.980 When you feel lost, whenever you feel alone, whenever you feel disconnected or overwhelmed by culture or work or social media, the constant fog of culture, if you will, with so many voices telling you what's right and what's wrong, 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:14.980 we need a constant. 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:18.980 How much has culture changed? You don't need to answer that. 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:25.980 I'm looking at all of your faces, right? How much has culture changed within the last year? 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:29.980 The last two years? 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:32.980 2020? 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:35.980 I mean, we can keep going with this. 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:37.980 We don't need to. 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:43.980 We know that the world is always changing, but our God is constant. 00:32:43.980 --> 00:33:03.980 And I don't know about you. I wish to trust in that which is constant, that which is eternal, and that which gives life as opposed to the culture of death, the constant change of culture. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:06.980 The decision is yours. 00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:08.980 What do you believe in? 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:10.980 Who do you follow? 00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:13.980 Do you follow Cephas or Apollos? 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:16.980 Or do you follow Christ? 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:21.980 That's the question that only you can answer. 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:32.980 When you need direction in your life, let us know or come to know that Christ played such a critical part in the creation of the universe. 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:38.980 He had an active role in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and he knows you. 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:40.980 He knows who you are. 00:33:40.980 --> 00:33:50.980 Don't you think that the person who made you in your womb knows who you are and loves you and is there for you? 00:33:50.980 --> 00:33:54.980 Our creator is there for us. 00:33:54.980 --> 00:34:05.980 He loves you and desires for you to make that choice to believe in to believe in Christ or to not. 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:11.980 Is it love if God forces us to believe in him? 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:13.980 Think about that. 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:18.980 There's a lot of people out there who said, well, why can't God make everyone believe in him? 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:23.980 Well, if God makes all of us believe in him, that's not love. 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:29.980 For God gives us the choice to choose or to not choose to believe or to not believe. 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:35.980 But when we believe, we receive the gift of salvation. 00:34:35.980 --> 00:34:44.980 Whosoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting or eternal life, depending on the translation. 00:34:44.980 --> 00:34:48.980 John chapter 6 verse 47. 00:34:48.980 --> 00:34:53.980 Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:56.980 And I always go back to the thief on the cross. 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:59.980 Jesus, remember me. 00:34:59.980 --> 00:35:02.980 Have you asked for Jesus to remember you? 00:35:02.980 --> 00:35:06.980 Have you asked for Jesus into your life? 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:10.980 Have you taken time to believe in him? 00:35:10.980 --> 00:35:12.980 Think about that. 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:18.980 And if you ever, if you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. 00:35:18.980 --> 00:35:21.980 That is the beauty of Christianity. 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:30.980 That is what makes Christianity very different than any other faith tradition, any other religion, any other movement, if you will. 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:35.980 Is there a continuous list of things that you have to check off? 00:35:35.980 --> 00:35:38.980 Did you say your 10 prayers today? 00:35:38.980 --> 00:35:39.980 You know? 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:45.980 No, all you need to do is believe for all who believe will be saved. 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:53.980 And as we conclude our time in God's Word and many of these connections, I know there are a lot of verses in this. 00:35:53.980 --> 00:36:05.980 A lot of these verses, they point to the truth of Christ being Creator, creating the heavens and the earth, but also being the Creator of our lives. 00:36:05.980 --> 00:36:13.980 And for us to know that we are made in the image of God, it should help us know that we are not made by mistake. 00:36:13.980 --> 00:36:21.980 And I know sometimes we have those moments where we think that we are worthless or we think that there's no purpose in our life. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:26.980 Come to the Lord, believe in him. 00:36:26.980 --> 00:36:38.980 There is so much purpose and direction and fulfillment and peace and joy that comes from the Lord. 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:44.980 In your notes, there's a final key takeaway section. 00:36:44.980 --> 00:36:46.980 We are made in the image of God. 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:51.980 We are given unique purpose and potential through him. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:59.980 And God is the source of life, the source of truth, identity and salvation in him. 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:02.980 Our salvation comes from the Lord. 00:37:02.980 --> 00:37:05.980 We receive new life and new identity in him. 00:37:05.980 --> 00:37:11.980 Believe in Christ and be saved by receiving the gift of salvation. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:18.980 Christ as Creator was therefore before the creation of the universe and he exists as part of the Triune God. 00:37:18.980 --> 00:37:21.980 And we know Christ better through the Word. 00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:27.980 It is an encouragement to let the Word of Christ dwell within you. 00:37:27.980 --> 00:37:31.980 So I want us to think about all of these things today. 00:37:31.980 --> 00:37:33.980 And I want us to close in prayer. 00:37:33.980 --> 00:37:35.980 Will you pray with me? 00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:37.980 Let's pray together. 00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:44.980 Father, as we conclude our time here today, we ask that your Word dwells with us today. 00:37:44.980 --> 00:37:48.980 We thank you for your Son, Jesus, the Christ, the way, the truth and the life, 00:37:48.980 --> 00:37:53.980 but also the Creator of the universe who played a significant role, 00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:58.980 not just in this world, but in the creation of each and every one of us. 00:37:58.980 --> 00:38:04.980 We are made in your image and we are in awe and in wonder of who you are. 00:38:04.980 --> 00:38:07.980 I pray for those today who do not know you. 00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:11.980 May they have the saving knowledge of you and believe in you. 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:14.980 May they receive the gift of salvation. 00:38:14.980 --> 00:38:20.980 For your scripture says that we receive the gift of salvation for those who believe. 00:38:20.980 --> 00:38:25.980 I pray for those who need to rededicate their lives to you. 00:38:25.980 --> 00:38:29.980 May they feel your love, may they feel your comfort and peace. 00:38:29.980 --> 00:38:37.980 For you call us to come to you ready for us to come back to you when needed. 00:38:37.980 --> 00:38:43.980 We know that life can be very overwhelming and burdensome. 00:38:43.980 --> 00:38:47.980 We just pray that for those who need to rededicate their lives, 00:38:47.980 --> 00:38:51.980 you may you give them that comfort and that peace. 00:38:51.980 --> 00:38:56.980 And I pray for those that believe in you and have received the gift of salvation. 00:38:56.980 --> 00:39:00.980 If there's anyone who needs to be baptized, 00:39:00.980 --> 00:39:09.980 may you move in their heart, work in their heart to make that public proclamation of an internal decision. 00:39:09.980 --> 00:39:15.980 I pray for this church and I pray for this congregation that they may grow in the knowledge of you 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:18.980 going from that milk to that solid food. 00:39:18.980 --> 00:39:26.980 Be with us as we go from this place to know you, to grow in you and to live and love like you. 00:39:26.980 --> 00:39:31.980 It is in Jesus' holy name that we pray and we all say together, amen. 00:39:31.980 --> 00:39:36.980 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:40.980 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:39:40.980 --> 00:39:44.980 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:39:44.980 --> 00:39:49.980 May God's blessings be with you.