WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:05.740 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:07.980 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:10.080 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:12.679 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:13.939 from the Word of God, 00:00:13.939 --> 00:00:16.920 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.219 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.820 --> 00:00:23.280 Today we're gonna go through something 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:28.000 that was a result of studying God's Word. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:30.600 You know, one of the most beautiful things about 00:00:30.600 --> 00:00:32.899 reading and studying the Word of God 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:35.000 is sometimes you find patterns, 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.740 you find connections in Scripture. 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:42.579 We went over the study of Philemon, 00:00:42.579 --> 00:00:45.039 we went over, and for those who've been going 00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:46.340 to Wednesday Night Bible study, 00:00:46.340 --> 00:00:48.820 we've been going over the names of Scripture. 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:50.980 And I found that what was very interesting 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:54.159 in all of this study was this repeated pattern 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:56.019 about Jesus Christ. 00:00:56.020 --> 00:00:58.920 So we're gonna learn, and we'll put this on the slide, 00:00:58.920 --> 00:01:03.820 the title for this sermon is Christ as Creator, 00:01:03.820 --> 00:01:06.420 Redeemer, and Sustainer. 00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:09.200 Some beautiful language, 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:12.060 beautiful words about who Jesus Christ is. 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:13.600 These are part of the attributes, 00:01:13.600 --> 00:01:17.840 these are part of the qualities of who Jesus Christ is. 00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:21.719 You see, when you start seeing a pattern in the Bible, 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:23.420 you need to pay attention to it. 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:25.480 You need to see maybe God is revealing 00:01:25.480 --> 00:01:29.020 something to you, some wisdom, some insight, 00:01:29.020 --> 00:01:32.659 some knowledge that helps you in your growth, 00:01:32.659 --> 00:01:35.159 in your spiritual walk with the Lord. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:37.920 The more I studied this concept, 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:41.260 the more I saw that there was a pattern to this. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:45.340 Every time we read the Bible, we will learn something new. 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:47.580 We will learn something that will help us grow 00:01:47.580 --> 00:01:50.140 and mature from being baby Christians 00:01:50.140 --> 00:01:54.719 on drinking milk of the Word to solid food 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:56.319 from the Word of God. 00:01:56.319 --> 00:01:59.239 So this sermon series is based on, 00:01:59.239 --> 00:02:01.159 and I put this picture up here, 00:02:02.140 --> 00:02:06.159 Christ as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. 00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:07.799 So today it's gonna be an overview 00:02:07.799 --> 00:02:12.240 of the three biblical concepts of Jesus Christ, 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:14.960 and then we'll break it down in the coming weeks. 00:02:14.960 --> 00:02:19.479 So it's gonna be a thematic exposition today. 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:22.079 It's this biblical concept of the attributes of Christ. 00:02:22.079 --> 00:02:24.400 These aren't all of the attributes of Christ. 00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:26.560 These aren't all the qualities of Christ. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:30.000 This is a specific pattern that is found in many verses, 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:34.120 and you'll see on your notes that, about this pattern, 00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:36.480 the verses that we'll be referring to today. 00:02:36.480 --> 00:02:38.759 But before we begin any further, what I'd like us to do, 00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:41.439 I want us to, let's pray to the Lord, 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:42.620 and then let's begin together. 00:02:42.620 --> 00:02:44.120 Can we do that? 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:44.960 Let's pray. 00:02:45.920 --> 00:02:48.040 And Father God, we thank you for this time 00:02:48.040 --> 00:02:51.040 and for this opportunity to be here today. 00:02:51.039 --> 00:02:54.560 We ask that our minds be open to biblical transformation 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.159 and biblical truth. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:02:58.439 Your word calls us to be transformed 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:01.159 by the renewing of our minds. 00:03:01.159 --> 00:03:05.560 We pray that our hearts will be open to live like you, 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:07.680 to love like you. 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:09.919 May we be Christ-like. 00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:14.079 Your word calls us to love like you have. 00:03:14.079 --> 00:03:16.439 Your love is everlasting. 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:18.039 Your love is beautiful. 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:20.159 It's unconditional. 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:21.719 Your love never fails. 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:24.879 And we ask that as we gather today, 00:03:24.879 --> 00:03:27.199 the lives will be transformed. 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:29.800 We ask that we will have a deeper understanding 00:03:29.800 --> 00:03:33.879 of who you are and who your son, Jesus the Christ is. 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:38.680 May we have that saving knowledge of who you are 00:03:38.680 --> 00:03:41.759 to make a decision for Jesus Christ 00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:43.819 and to grow in the faith. 00:03:44.699 --> 00:03:48.960 May we grow in the implanted word of God. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:51.200 For it is in your son, Jesus. 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:52.240 It's okay, you can go. 00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:53.080 It's all right. 00:03:54.920 --> 00:03:56.680 It is in your son, Jesus Christ, 00:03:56.680 --> 00:03:59.080 who is the way, the truth and the life. 00:03:59.920 --> 00:04:02.860 As we will learn today, help us to learn 00:04:02.860 --> 00:04:07.860 about Jesus, the Creator, the Redeemer and the Sustainer. 00:04:08.040 --> 00:04:10.280 We ask that you send down your Holy Spirit 00:04:10.280 --> 00:04:11.879 to be with us this morning 00:04:12.920 --> 00:04:16.680 and carry us along in love and in unity. 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:19.400 We ask that you are with us this morning. 00:04:19.400 --> 00:04:23.959 It is in Jesus mighty and holy name that we pray 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:26.319 and we say this all together, amen. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:27.280 Amen. 00:04:27.280 --> 00:04:29.920 So in your notes, you'll see that there is, 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:31.280 there are a couple of things on there. 00:04:31.280 --> 00:04:34.720 There's pages for our scripture reading 00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:38.000 and you'll see that Jesus in Colossians, 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:39.939 John and Hebrews. 00:04:39.939 --> 00:04:44.939 We're going to be reading these three parts in scripture. 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:48.899 Because you'll see this pattern that exists between 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:55.100 pointing to Christ as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. 00:04:55.100 --> 00:05:00.100 So I want to ask you, this is our opening question. 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:04.199 What words come to mind when you think about who Jesus is? 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:08.339 For some people, you will think of Jesus 00:05:08.339 --> 00:05:10.579 as the great teacher, right? 00:05:10.579 --> 00:05:14.740 He taught many, many great wisdom and insight. 00:05:14.740 --> 00:05:16.699 For others, it might be, 00:05:16.699 --> 00:05:18.660 well, Jesus is the savior of the world. 00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:19.500 You silly? 00:05:21.220 --> 00:05:22.720 Who is Jesus to you? 00:05:24.040 --> 00:05:26.740 How do you, what comes to your mind 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:29.900 when you think about Jesus Christ? 00:05:30.740 --> 00:05:33.220 Jesus was a fulfillment of prophecy 00:05:33.220 --> 00:05:35.300 found in the Old Testament. 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:38.860 Well, Jesus is the way, He's the truth in the life. 00:05:38.860 --> 00:05:40.460 How do you answer that question? 00:05:40.460 --> 00:05:42.019 I want you to think about that. 00:05:42.019 --> 00:05:45.579 When preparing the sermon series for Philemon, 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:50.180 I found this close connection with the book of Colossians. 00:05:50.180 --> 00:05:52.459 And that's where I first found this Jesus 00:05:52.459 --> 00:05:54.699 as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. 00:05:55.699 --> 00:05:58.419 And then there were other verses 00:05:58.419 --> 00:06:00.859 that were pointing to this idea. 00:06:01.979 --> 00:06:03.819 Jesus as Creator. 00:06:03.819 --> 00:06:06.759 Well, we know about Jesus as Redeemer. 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:08.099 Well, what about a sustainer? 00:06:08.099 --> 00:06:11.419 Well, we are held together. 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:14.379 If you remember when I did the thematic exposition 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:16.060 of the book of Philemon, 00:06:16.900 --> 00:06:20.140 there was mention about how God holds us together, 00:06:20.140 --> 00:06:25.060 just like Kinstughi art, holding things together, 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:28.360 taking that which is broken and bringing it together, 00:06:28.360 --> 00:06:32.180 piecing it together, and God holds us together. 00:06:34.020 --> 00:06:39.020 Seeing patterns here helps us to come to know who Jesus is. 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:41.259 And it helps us to grow in our faith 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:45.259 and to understand his role, his significance in our lives. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:50.139 I am in awe of who Jesus Christ is. 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:54.740 The Bible tells us that we are to have the mind of a child 00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:55.939 when coming to the Lord, 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:59.500 or maybe you've heard of having the fear of the Lord. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:01.740 I always struggled with that as a child. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:03.099 I'm to be afraid of the Lord. 00:07:03.099 --> 00:07:05.579 Well, be afraid if you don't know the Lord. 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:07.539 But when we talk about the fear of the Lord, 00:07:07.540 --> 00:07:12.540 it's being in awe and in wonder of who our God is. 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:15.660 Are you in awe of creation? 00:07:15.660 --> 00:07:18.700 Are you in awe of the things that are made, 00:07:18.700 --> 00:07:22.580 the sun that shines every single day? 00:07:22.580 --> 00:07:25.740 Are you in awe of the stars in the sky, 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:28.740 the trees, the mountains, nature? 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:32.460 That's just a testimony of the power of our God. 00:07:33.620 --> 00:07:35.379 Being in awe and wonder of who he is 00:07:35.379 --> 00:07:39.939 and the fact that our Lord, our God sent Jesus Christ 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:44.699 as the atoning sacrifice, as the sacrificial lamb 00:07:44.699 --> 00:07:46.579 to sacrifice his own son 00:07:46.579 --> 00:07:49.620 so that we can have salvation in faith 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:51.379 through believing in him. 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:55.579 I don't think I could send my own son. 00:07:56.779 --> 00:07:58.379 I don't think I could do it. 00:07:58.379 --> 00:08:01.500 And to think the Creator God, 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:05.939 that our Lord, our God sent his son is just remarkable. 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:08.459 To us, to believe in Christ 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:11.300 is to receive the gift of salvation. 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:14.259 To hear these words about Jesus though, 00:08:14.259 --> 00:08:17.420 Jesus as creator, redeemer and sustainer, 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:20.019 it is beautiful language in of themselves. 00:08:20.019 --> 00:08:22.779 And it should be noted that there are some churches out there 00:08:22.779 --> 00:08:26.019 that will use this language to describe the Trinity. 00:08:26.019 --> 00:08:31.019 But I have found that when we're finding biblical verses 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:34.819 to support this, there are more verses 00:08:34.819 --> 00:08:39.340 that directly support the idea of Christ 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:43.100 as creator, redeemer and sustainer 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:46.379 than you find of language describing the Trinity. 00:08:46.379 --> 00:08:49.139 So I know for some of us, you may have heard that before. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:51.579 And it is beautiful language to describe the Trinity. 00:08:51.579 --> 00:08:54.819 However, there is more to directly support 00:08:54.820 --> 00:08:57.260 as part of the attributes of Christ. 00:08:57.260 --> 00:09:00.540 There is more biblical backing to support Christ 00:09:00.540 --> 00:09:03.580 as the center of these descriptive words. 00:09:04.540 --> 00:09:08.020 Learning of these three attributes of or nature of Jesus, 00:09:08.020 --> 00:09:11.780 like I said, it helps us to understand who he is. 00:09:12.780 --> 00:09:16.900 Aren't you amazed the more you learn about the Lord? 00:09:16.900 --> 00:09:19.780 Aren't you amazed learning about scripture 00:09:19.780 --> 00:09:22.260 and the wisdom that's in it? 00:09:22.260 --> 00:09:24.300 I know I'm always in constant amazement. 00:09:24.299 --> 00:09:28.459 More that I actually study and look at the languages 00:09:28.459 --> 00:09:30.620 and look at the connections with other scriptures 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:32.379 speaking to itself. 00:09:33.819 --> 00:09:35.379 You know, when we read scripture, 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:37.500 we look at the context of what's going on, 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:41.379 but we also look at the connections with other scripture 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:44.299 because we'll find that connections and context 00:09:44.299 --> 00:09:47.579 will help us with our understanding of scripture. 00:09:47.579 --> 00:09:52.019 And I want us to turn in our Bibles to page 1168 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:55.579 in your ESVP Bibles or your Bible of choice. 00:09:55.579 --> 00:09:57.139 We're gonna go to Colossians. 00:09:57.139 --> 00:10:02.139 It's gonna be Colossians chapter one, verses 15 through 20. 00:10:03.699 --> 00:10:05.259 So please turn there with me. 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:10.059 It's page 1168. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:16.419 We're going to be turning to three verses 00:10:16.419 --> 00:10:18.899 or three section of verses. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:22.740 The first one here is gonna be Colossians here. 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:27.419 So it's Colossians chapter one, verses 15 through 20. 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.259 Here we go. 00:10:34.539 --> 00:10:38.939 Here we're seeing Paul talking about Jesus Christ here. 00:10:38.939 --> 00:10:43.340 He is the image of the invisible God, 00:10:43.340 --> 00:10:45.379 the firstborn of all creation. 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:50.379 For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, 00:10:50.700 --> 00:10:52.659 visible and invisible, 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:55.700 whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:58.779 all things were created through him and for him, 00:10:59.779 --> 00:11:02.539 through Christ, for Christ. 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:07.419 He is before all things and in him, all things what? 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:10.220 They hold together. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:14.580 That is Christ as sustainer. 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.139 It's beautiful language. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:20.340 And he is the head of the body, the church. 00:11:20.340 --> 00:11:23.220 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:26.620 that in everything he might be preeminent. 00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:30.620 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell 00:11:30.620 --> 00:11:34.779 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, 00:11:34.779 --> 00:11:36.540 whether on earth or in heaven, 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:40.459 making peace by the blood of the cross. 00:11:41.459 --> 00:11:44.339 Right off the bat, we see that the apostle Paul 00:11:44.339 --> 00:11:46.459 begins with the idea that he is writing about 00:11:46.459 --> 00:11:49.659 how Christ is in all things. 00:11:49.659 --> 00:11:53.659 What beautiful language talking about Christ as creator. 00:11:54.219 --> 00:11:57.500 Paul is writing, wishing for the church in Colossae 00:11:57.500 --> 00:11:59.899 for the saints in Christ to be filled 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:03.179 with the knowledge of the Lord, 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:06.459 within wisdom and in understanding of the Lord. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:08.620 Standing to live a life that is pleasing to God. 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:11.580 That is a call for us as Christians to live a life 00:12:11.580 --> 00:12:13.820 that is pleasing to the Lord. 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:15.660 Certainly we're not perfect though. 00:12:15.660 --> 00:12:18.660 We will make our mistakes, we will sin, it will happen, 00:12:18.660 --> 00:12:22.060 but still live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:24.860 First and foremost, make a decision for Christ 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:29.220 and then from there live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:31.139 He is wishing for the church to grow 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:34.259 and to give thanks to God the Father. 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:37.580 Thank God the Father for the Son, Jesus, the Christ, 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.860 defined as the Messiah. 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:43.819 What does it say in verse 14? 00:12:43.819 --> 00:12:48.279 In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:54.379 Verse 16 goes to show that Christ is in all things. 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:57.139 It was created through him and for him. 00:12:57.139 --> 00:12:59.100 This goes to show that Christ played 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:01.740 a significant role in creation. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:05.500 Christ is enough for us and he reigns supreme. 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:08.740 In verse 17, he is before all things 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:12.779 and in him all things hold together. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:17.100 Talking about Christ as sustainer. 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:22.860 The verse talks about the idea of Christ's sustenance, right? 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:26.419 The very idea that Christ holds all things together. 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:30.299 While we were sinners, Christ died for us. 00:13:30.299 --> 00:13:32.059 Are we not broken? 00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:34.699 Are we not lost before we know the Lord? 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:38.779 When we come to know the Lord, we are found 00:13:38.779 --> 00:13:43.779 and we are taken back together, just like the broken bull. 00:13:44.579 --> 00:13:47.779 Just like a piece of pottery that is shattered 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:48.620 onto the ground. 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:50.019 I think of that imagery a lot now, 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:52.299 ever since we've gone over Philemon, 00:13:52.299 --> 00:13:56.299 but now thinking about Christ as sustainer, 00:13:56.299 --> 00:14:00.299 piecing us back together, being rendered useful. 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:03.539 It's very hard language being made pure. 00:14:04.339 --> 00:14:05.500 It's a beautiful language, 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:08.699 seeing how God will work in and through us, 00:14:08.699 --> 00:14:11.740 holding us together, never abandoning us, 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:13.699 but always being there for us. 00:14:14.979 --> 00:14:17.259 When we make a decision for Christ, 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:19.139 we are justified in our faith 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:22.099 and there's the ongoing purification process 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:26.500 of sanctification making us more holy. 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:29.700 In verse 18 through 20, 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:30.899 let's go to verse 20. 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:34.899 It says, through him to reconcile to himself all things, 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:37.100 whether on earth or in heaven, 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:40.100 making peace by the blood of the cross. 00:14:40.100 --> 00:14:42.100 It is in Christ that we find, 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:45.100 the Christ's death on the cross, 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:50.100 it provides a way for us to be redeemed, to be reconciled. 00:14:50.100 --> 00:14:54.100 Reconciled, the significance of when Jesus said on the cross, 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:56.100 it is finished. 00:14:57.100 --> 00:15:00.100 Or when Jesus said, Father, forgive them, 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:02.100 they know not what they do. 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:06.100 Do we know what we are doing when we sin? 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:08.100 Do we know? 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:11.100 And to think that when Christ died on the cross, 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:15.100 saying it is finished, fulfilling prophecy, 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:18.100 no longer being a part of the old covenant, 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:20.100 but being part of the new covenant, 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.100 seeing that the mystery of Christ 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:26.100 is revealed through Jesus Christ. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:30.100 To be reconciled is to know that through our faith in him, 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:32.100 our sins are forgiven. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:34.100 They are taken care of. 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:36.100 They are justified. 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:41.100 And in other words, as that song says, Jesus pays it all, 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.100 Jesus paid it all. 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:45.100 And doesn't this make you want to come to the Lord? 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:47.100 Doesn't this encourage you? 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:51.100 Doesn't this make you want to share in your faith with others? 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:53.100 About the good news of the gospel? 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:57.100 Doesn't this make you wish to have peace 00:15:57.100 --> 00:16:00.100 that surpasses all understanding that comes from God, 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:02.100 the joy that comes from the Lord, 00:16:02.100 --> 00:16:04.100 that no matter what happens to you on the earth, 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:07.100 you still have that joy in the Lord. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.100 It is peace. 00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:13.100 It is joy, identity, life and confidence that come through him. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:17.100 Now I want us to turn to page 1053. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:21.100 Again, this is an overview. 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:24.100 We're not going super deep, 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:26.100 but we will in the coming weeks here. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:33.100 So 1053, or it's going to be John, 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:38.100 the Gospel of John chapter one, verses one through 14. 00:16:40.100 --> 00:16:41.100 I like John. 00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:42.100 It's a good book. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:44.100 You should read it sometime. 00:16:45.100 --> 00:16:47.100 I've been in my personal study. 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:49.100 I've been going over the Gospel of John. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:51.100 It's been really good going through it again. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:55.100 Now, many of you know these words. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:59.100 So John chapter one, verses one through 14, 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:03.100 or page 1053 in your ESVP Bible. 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:06.099 In the beginning was the word, 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:08.099 and the word was with God, 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:12.099 and the word was God. 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:16.099 He was in the beginning with God. 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:20.099 Does this seem like similar language that you're going to find? 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:23.099 All things were made through him, 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:29.099 and without him was not anything made that was made. 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:32.099 In him was life, 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:34.099 and the life was the light of men. 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:36.099 The light shines in the darkness, 00:17:36.099 --> 00:17:38.099 and the darkness has not overcome it. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:41.099 Does this language sound familiar? 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:43.099 I want to stop right there for a second. 00:17:43.099 --> 00:17:46.099 I want us to focus on those first three verses. 00:17:46.099 --> 00:17:50.099 Just like how we found in the Colossians passage, 00:17:50.099 --> 00:17:54.099 we found that all things were made through him. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:57.099 Well, who is the word? 00:17:58.099 --> 00:18:00.099 The word became flesh, right? 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:03.099 It's talking about Jesus Christ. 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:06.099 One of the significant points that is found in 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:12.099 John is learning about how the word is Christ. 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:16.099 So when this passage is talking about how the word was with God, 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:22.099 we're talking about how Christ was there with God the Father. 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:26.099 It's a lot to think about, 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:28.099 but it's very deep. 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:30.099 It helps us with our walk. 00:18:30.099 --> 00:18:33.099 When the verse speaks of the word being God, 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:35.099 the verse is making mention of how, 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:38.099 well, we should know that there's the Holy Trinity, 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:40.099 the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:43.099 or the Holy Ghost, depending upon your background. 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:46.099 It's the same thing, the three in one. 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:50.099 In Genesis, it's in the bottom of your notes. 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:54.099 In Genesis chapter one, verse 26, some of you know this one. 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:58.099 Let us make man in our image after our likeness 00:18:58.099 --> 00:19:01.099 using that plural word, right? 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:04.099 Making mention of the Trinity. 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:07.099 So now we have John that's talking about Jesus being at the foundation, 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:10.099 at the creation of the world, 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:16.099 just like how in Genesis, let us make man in our image. 00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:20.099 And then in verse four, in him was life, 00:19:20.099 --> 00:19:22.099 and the life was the light of men. 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:24.099 The light shines in the darkness, 00:19:24.099 --> 00:19:26.099 and darkness has not overcome it. 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:30.099 That is Christ as sustainer. 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:36.099 It is in having a life in Christ, right? 00:19:36.099 --> 00:19:39.099 Christ's life is everlasting. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:41.099 We have everlasting life through him, 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:43.099 through believing in him, 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:46.099 that we should have belief in Christ. 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:49.099 And this life is sustained by him. 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:54.099 It's the idea that Christ is the light of the world. 00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:58.099 Well, that light shines in the darkness. 00:19:58.099 --> 00:20:01.099 The darkness has not overcome. 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:05.099 The darkness will not overcome the light. 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:11.099 Just as we are called to exhibit the love of Jesus Christ to other, 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:15.099 to exhibit the light that comes from Jesus Christ. 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:17.099 How do we do that? 00:20:17.099 --> 00:20:21.099 Loving one another as Christ has loved us. 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:24.099 Teaching people the word of God, 00:20:24.099 --> 00:20:26.099 preaching the word of God, 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:31.099 sharing in your faith about the power of Jesus Christ. 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:34.099 That he is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:36.099 I always refer to that song. 00:20:36.099 --> 00:20:38.099 They will know we are Christians by our love. 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.099 Some of you know that. 00:20:39.099 --> 00:20:41.099 Some of you may not know that. 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:43.099 It's a good song. 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:47.099 How will people know we are Christians? 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:49.099 How will they know? 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:51.099 Think about that. 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:56.099 The verse helps us in understanding of Christ being the sustainer. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:59.099 Because in him there is life. 00:20:59.099 --> 00:21:03.099 Christ is the light of the world. 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:06.099 John chapter 8 verse 12. 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:08.099 It's in the bottom of your notes. 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:10.099 I am, Jesus Christ is saying, 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:12.099 I am the light of the world. 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:15.099 Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, 00:21:15.099 --> 00:21:20.099 but will have the light of life. 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:22.099 Let that light shine. 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:27.099 Let that light shine. 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:29.099 Jesus Christ loves. 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:30.099 It never fails. 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:32.099 His light will always shine. 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:36.099 And in him we are sustained. 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:38.099 Going back to the Gospel of John, 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:42.099 go to verse 14. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:44.099 The word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:47.099 And we have seen his glory. 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:50.099 Glory as of the only son of the father, 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:53.099 full of grace and truth. 00:21:53.099 --> 00:21:55.099 I'll just, we'll just read to verse 18. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:58.099 John bore witness about him and cried out, 00:21:58.099 --> 00:22:00.099 This was he of whom I said, 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:03.099 He who comes after me ranks before me, 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:05.099 because he was before me. 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:10.099 For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:12.099 For the law was given through Moses, 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:15.099 grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:17.099 No one has ever seen God. 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:19.099 The only God who is at the father's side, 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:22.099 he has made him known. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:25.099 Verse 14, it is because of Christ 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:30.099 that grace is freely available for all who believe in him. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:34.099 By our faith in him, we receive the gift of salvation. 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:36.099 The verse is telling of Jesus Christ 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:39.099 that Jesus came down to earth, right? 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:42.099 The things that were seen. 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:49.099 And also knowing that Jesus is the only son of God. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:51.099 It is in Christ. 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:54.099 He is full of grace and truth. 00:22:54.099 --> 00:22:58.099 In that verse 17, we've gone over in our Bible study this verse. 00:22:58.099 --> 00:23:00.099 The law was given through Moses, 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:04.099 grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:08.099 It's talking about how the prophets, right? 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:12.099 They had the law given through Moses, 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:15.099 grace and truth coming through Jesus Christ. 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:19.099 Salvation being made available. 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:23.099 How many of us seek for truth in this life? 00:23:23.099 --> 00:23:26.099 How many of us seek life in this life? 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:31.099 How many of us feel that there is something missing? 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:36.099 I know I've met some people, they say they use that kind of language. 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:38.099 There's something missing in my life. 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:40.099 I feel that my life has no purpose. 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:43.099 Doesn't that remind you of Ecclesiastes? 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:47.099 Having a life under the sun. 00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:52.099 Life is meaningless, but having a life in the sun. 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:54.099 The S-O-N. 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:57.099 You find life. 00:23:57.099 --> 00:24:01.099 We are saved in Jesus Christ by faith in him. 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:04.099 By believing in him, we are saved. 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:10.099 It is in Ephesians 2-8-9, by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:12.099 This is not of your own doing. 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:17.099 It is a gift from God, not as a result of works so that no one may boast. 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:19.099 Remember when I talked about last week, 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:23.099 can you imagine if it only cost $10,000 to go to heaven? 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:26.099 Imagine how boastful you could be, right? 00:24:26.099 --> 00:24:30.099 If you're a multi-millionaire, I'm paid for a thousand people to go to heaven. 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:33.099 Man, it's not that way though. 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:36.099 Unfortunately, if there's ever a church that teaches that, 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:38.099 that is against what scripture says, 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:41.099 because grace is free. 00:24:41.099 --> 00:24:45.099 It is available for all who believe. 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:50.099 Just as this verse is saying, it is not of your own doing, it is a gift from God. 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:52.099 And that leads us to our third passage. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:58.099 Let's turn to page 1187. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:25:05.099 Reading these verses, it's setting the stage for our understanding of our series for this week, 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:11.099 and then three weeks after, four weeks total, about Christ, creator, redeemer, and sustainer. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:14.099 Hebrews chapter 1, verses 1-3, 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:36.099 for page 1187 in your ESVP Bible. 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:45.099 So, Hebrews chapter 1, verses 1-3, page 1187. 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:52.099 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:56.099 But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his son, 00:25:56.099 --> 00:26:04.099 whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he what? 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:10.099 Created the world, Christ as creator. 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:17.099 He is the radiance of the glory of God, and the exact imprint of nature, and he what? 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:21.099 He upholds or holds. 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:25.099 Huh, Christ as sustainer. 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:33.099 Upholds the universe by the word of his power, after making purification. 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:40.099 Purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:44.099 For those of you who I've mentioned before, if you've been attending the Wednesday Night Bible Study, 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:48.099 you will know we've gone over the origin of scriptures, the author of scriptures, 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:52.099 and we're at the names and the titles of scripture at this point. 00:26:52.099 --> 00:26:59.099 When we went over the origin and the authors of scripture, we talked about how the Holy Spirit 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:04.099 was built along the prophets and the apostles. 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:08.099 The word of God was divinely inspired. 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:15.099 Can you imagine getting the feeling, the overwhelming feeling of the Holy Spirit to write down, 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:22.099 or to dictate to your scribe to write down the word of God, the word of life. 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:28.099 God spoke to God's people through the prophets and the people they were bound by the Old Covenant. 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:34.099 It's significant that verse two is referenced how God spoke to the Jewish people through the prophets, 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:39.099 but he spoke to the early church through Jesus Christ. 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:53.099 In the same way in our Bible, we know that the apostles, the prophets, the word of God, it speaks to us today. 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:57.099 That is why we are so blessed to have scripture. 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:59.099 Christ is the air of all things. 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:05.099 The name of Jesus is above all names and even the angels, just like it mentions in Hebrews. 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:13.099 There's such mention of Christ being above the reign of angels, which is very interesting in Hebrews. 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:19.099 Christ's name is above all names and through him, he also created the world. 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:27.099 We can also see that Christ, like other verses, there was that significant part in creation, 00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:35.099 in the creation of the universe, if you will, for Christ reigns supreme over his creation. 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:41.099 For Jesus is not just the Lord of all, but he is the savior of all people. 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:51.099 John chapter three, verse 17, God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:57.099 but that the world through him might be saved. 00:28:57.099 --> 00:29:00.099 We all love John 3 16, right? 00:29:00.099 --> 00:29:03.099 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, right? 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:09.099 That whosoever believes or believeth shall not perish, but have everlasting eternal life. 00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:11.099 What's that next verse? 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:21.099 God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:27.099 In verse three, he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:32.099 and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:34.099 It's the sustainer. 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:38.099 For Christ having the role of creator, he holds things together. 00:29:38.099 --> 00:29:41.099 I love the language that is used uphold. 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:47.099 Since creation is set into motion, things are held together. 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:50.099 And it reminds me of us in our lives. 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:57.099 Our lives are like grass, or it's like a vapor that fades away. 00:29:57.099 --> 00:30:01.099 But the love that God has for us is forever. 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:03.099 It is unconditional. 00:30:03.099 --> 00:30:12.099 And when we choose Christ, we are saved by being upheld, being sustained by his promises, 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:16.099 by the gift of salvation through faith in him. 00:30:16.099 --> 00:30:23.099 Continuing on that verse three, after making purification for our sins, 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:26.099 it's referenced to the cross of Christ. 00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:32.099 Christ's death on the cross provided the availability for all to be saved by belief. 00:30:32.099 --> 00:30:35.099 By belief in him. 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:43.099 That's what makes Christianity so different than any other faith, any other religion, any other belief system. 00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:48.099 The other religions tell you, you must give X amount of money. 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:51.099 You must pray a certain amount of times. 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:53.099 You must pray a certain direction. 00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:56.099 You must wear certain types of clothing. 00:30:56.099 --> 00:31:00.099 You must do, do, and do. 00:31:00.099 --> 00:31:02.099 It's a never ending list. 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:04.099 And God forbid you forget. 00:31:04.099 --> 00:31:07.099 God forbid you run out of money. 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:13.099 God forbid you, you know, forget you pray in the wrong direction. 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:17.099 I get really, it's really scary if you don't. 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:27.099 And I, to think about that compared, and I think that's, I would say that's how humans, how man understands things. 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:31.099 Isn't our world made like that by the things that we do? 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:36.099 If you are an athlete and you train, you will reap the benefit. 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:44.099 If you are a student and you study hard, well, you should at least get a good grade, not an F, not a D, 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:48.099 hopefully not a C, you get an A, maybe an A minus. 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:52.099 But that's how our, the human world works. 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:57.099 When we talk about salvation, it's very different. 00:31:57.099 --> 00:32:01.099 Beyond our human understanding and our human reasoning, if you will. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:07.099 Logically, it makes sense that if I do so many things, I should be saved. 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:10.099 But that's not what the Word of God says. 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:12.099 It is through belief. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:14.099 It is through faith. 00:32:14.099 --> 00:32:16.099 And it's a great reminder. 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:18.099 You'll always hear it from me. 00:32:18.099 --> 00:32:22.099 It's not about, it's not about the things that we do. 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:27.099 It's about what has been done through Jesus Christ. 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:33.099 And because Jesus Christ has done so much for us, we should do good in the name of Jesus. 00:32:33.099 --> 00:32:35.099 You got to think of your priorities, right? 00:32:35.099 --> 00:32:41.099 You got to think of first belief, then let God work in and through you. 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:44.099 Let God motivate you and mold you. 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:53.099 Let God influence you to have compassion for others, to love others like he has loved us. 00:32:53.099 --> 00:32:55.099 Christ paid for our sins. 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:59.099 His death on the cross provides purification for our sins. 00:32:59.099 --> 00:33:07.099 The language that is used of, it speaks of Christ's death being the atoning sacrifice. 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:13.099 I think of so much about how the story of Abraham and Isaac. 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:17.099 God will provide a sacrifice. 00:33:17.099 --> 00:33:21.099 Now there was the immediate sacrifice, right? 00:33:21.099 --> 00:33:33.099 But there's also the idea that the atoning sacrifice through Jesus Christ will come and God does deliver. 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:37.099 You know, in the Old Testament, there was the purification. 00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:46.099 There was the day of atonement, which was done annually, where the priest made sacrifices to cleanse for the sins of the people. 00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:54.099 With Christ, with his death on the cross, there was no longer a need for an annual sacrifice. 00:33:54.099 --> 00:33:59.099 God provided the sacrificial lamb, his son, Jesus the Christ. 00:33:59.099 --> 00:34:06.099 And to think of Christ as creator, redeemer, and sustainer is remarkable. 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:17.099 As our closing question, how will seeing Jesus as creator, redeemer, and sustainer, how will that help your walk with the Lord? 00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:20.099 We are all on a spiritual journey. 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:22.099 Where is that spiritual journey though? 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:24.099 Is it towards the Lord? 00:34:24.099 --> 00:34:28.099 Is it towards someone else or something else? 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:35.099 Let your walk, let you, may you walk with God, may you make that decision and may you walk with the Lord. 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:46.099 My friends, to bring all of this together, I'd like to, I'd like you to think of this idea of Jesus Christ as the bread of life. 00:34:46.099 --> 00:34:48.099 You'll see it in your notes. 00:34:48.099 --> 00:34:51.099 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. 00:34:51.099 --> 00:34:57.099 Whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall not thirst. 00:34:57.099 --> 00:35:01.099 How many of you have baked bread before? 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:02.099 Right? 00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:06.099 You don't have to raise your hand, you can nod or, or, or look away, I guess. 00:35:06.099 --> 00:35:07.099 Right? 00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:17.099 When we think of Jesus Christ, we can be reminded of this sermon about the baking of bread. 00:35:17.099 --> 00:35:23.099 We need the correct basic ingredients to make bread, to make bread, correct? 00:35:23.099 --> 00:35:27.099 Just so too did God create all of his creations. 00:35:27.099 --> 00:35:33.099 He used the ingredients to make, he spoke into existence. 00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:42.099 The heavens and the earth, the sky and the sea, the birds of the air and the fish and the sea and all of us. 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:48.099 Even considering it all, us being made in the image of God. 00:35:48.099 --> 00:35:53.099 Think of how God likes to put things together. 00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:58.099 Think of a table with different bowls of ingredients when you're making that bread. 00:35:58.099 --> 00:36:02.099 Every ingredient has purpose in the making of bread. 00:36:02.099 --> 00:36:11.099 This is much how every part of the earth, if we have the wrong temperature or the earth is spinning too fast, 00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:18.099 or the distance from the sun is not correct, there is no life possible. 00:36:18.099 --> 00:36:23.099 So think of the ingredients that are made in making bread. 00:36:23.099 --> 00:36:35.099 Even the inward parts, consider how God made us in the womb, how beautiful life is. 00:36:35.099 --> 00:36:43.099 Did you know that scientists have found that when life begins, there's a little flash. 00:36:43.099 --> 00:36:48.099 Look it up sometime, it's a little flash that happens. 00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:53.099 It's a beautiful thing to see, I saw a video on YouTube about it. 00:36:53.099 --> 00:36:58.099 But the intricacy of God's design for our lives, just like his creation, 00:36:58.099 --> 00:37:01.099 God has a design and a purpose for all of us. 00:37:01.099 --> 00:37:07.099 This would symbolize creation, or Christ the Creator. 00:37:07.099 --> 00:37:14.099 As the ingredients are put together, bread cannot become bread without the help of the maker, 00:37:14.099 --> 00:37:17.099 the baker or the cook, if you will. 00:37:17.099 --> 00:37:21.099 In the same way, we cannot be saved by our own efforts. 00:37:21.099 --> 00:37:24.099 We can't do it on our own. 00:37:24.099 --> 00:37:33.099 The only way we can be redeemed, or in this case made whole, or made complete, we seek Christ. 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:40.099 We seek the Lord seek first the kingdom of God. 00:37:40.099 --> 00:37:45.099 Can the ingredients make something of themselves? 00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:48.099 They need help or assistance. 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:50.099 They need to be put together. 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:53.099 Think of it needing, right? 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:55.099 It's the act of needing, right? 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:59.099 How we give the bread structure and form. 00:37:59.099 --> 00:38:04.099 Much like how God molds us in our lives. 00:38:04.099 --> 00:38:13.099 Sometimes, when we're making bread, we need to refine our work until it's ready to be baked. 00:38:13.099 --> 00:38:19.099 And this is a reminder of how Christ's sacrifice, it reshapes our lives. 00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:22.099 It gives our lives new meaning and purpose. 00:38:22.099 --> 00:38:26.099 And sometimes in life, we have no idea why we exist. 00:38:26.099 --> 00:38:29.099 Sometimes we don't know why we are here. 00:38:29.099 --> 00:38:32.099 Sometimes we don't know what our purpose is. 00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:39.099 But a life in God, His redeeming love, His saving grace, it gives our lives purpose. 00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:43.099 It gives us direction, identity, and fulfillment. 00:38:43.099 --> 00:38:49.099 We receive peace and joy that comes from God's love and grace for us. 00:38:49.099 --> 00:38:53.099 God molds us to be more like Him. 00:38:53.099 --> 00:38:59.099 This would symbolize Christ as the Redeemer or redemption. 00:38:59.099 --> 00:39:01.099 And finally, the baking of bread. 00:39:01.099 --> 00:39:04.099 We don't leave bread alone in the oven, do we? 00:39:04.099 --> 00:39:08.099 Just leave it and go on your way. 00:39:08.099 --> 00:39:15.099 We don't leave bread alone in the oven, but it's much like how God will never leave us or forsake us. 00:39:15.099 --> 00:39:18.099 As we come to Christ, we grow in Christ. 00:39:18.099 --> 00:39:23.099 We're on a path of becoming nourishing bread through Him. 00:39:23.099 --> 00:39:28.099 Much like how Scripture says we will produce fruit. 00:39:28.099 --> 00:39:31.099 They will know you by your fruit. 00:39:31.099 --> 00:39:33.099 What kind of fruit will you produce? 00:39:33.099 --> 00:39:38.099 And in this example, well, how nourishing will you be? 00:39:38.099 --> 00:39:43.099 Are you going to be salad bread or are you going to be good tasting bread? 00:39:43.099 --> 00:39:47.099 The bread is placed in the oven and it goes through the heating process. 00:39:47.099 --> 00:39:53.099 At this time, the dough will turn into its proper color and its proper shape. 00:39:53.099 --> 00:39:57.099 In our walk with the Lord, there will be times of trials and tribulations. 00:39:57.099 --> 00:40:04.099 There will be time where we face the fire, if you will, the fire of growth. 00:40:04.099 --> 00:40:14.099 Despite the times where things get hot or we face the heat, God will be there for us in the good times and in the bad. 00:40:14.099 --> 00:40:17.099 God will make us more like Him. 00:40:17.099 --> 00:40:23.099 And I pray that we all grow in Christ and that we become more Christ-like. 00:40:23.099 --> 00:40:28.099 First, make a decision for Christ and let God mold you. 00:40:28.099 --> 00:40:33.099 Let God make you the man or the woman you are meant to be. 00:40:33.099 --> 00:40:42.099 May we as a church come to know the Lord, grow in the Lord, mature, going from milk to solid food. 00:40:42.099 --> 00:40:52.099 May we go from receiving salvation through faith first, then second, do good in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:58.099 This would symbolize sustenance, the sustaining of Christ. 00:40:58.099 --> 00:41:00.099 Let's pray. 00:41:00.099 --> 00:41:04.099 Father God, you provide for all that we need. 00:41:04.099 --> 00:41:07.099 You sent your son Jesus, who is the bread of life. 00:41:07.099 --> 00:41:14.099 May we come to have that saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to believe in Him and to receive the gift of salvation. 00:41:14.099 --> 00:41:18.099 For it is Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:41:18.099 --> 00:41:20.099 He is light. 00:41:20.099 --> 00:41:24.099 Jesus is the Creator, the Redeemer, and Sustainer. 00:41:24.099 --> 00:41:29.099 Be with us as we are transitioning to our time of communion. 00:41:29.099 --> 00:41:31.099 May we come to know you. 00:41:31.099 --> 00:41:33.099 May we reflect on our lives. 00:41:33.099 --> 00:41:35.099 May we grow in you. 00:41:35.099 --> 00:41:38.099 May we live and love like you. 00:41:38.099 --> 00:41:44.099 It is in Jesus' mighty and holy name that we pray together. Amen. 00:41:44.099 --> 00:41:45.099 Amen. 00:41:45.099 --> 00:41:49.099 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:41:49.099 --> 00:41:57.099 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:41:57.099 --> 00:42:07.099 May God's blessings be with you.