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Massey, James - Christ the Center

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Christ the Center
by James Earl Massey
Text: Colossians 1:15–20
Topic: Why Christ must be the center of all things
Big Idea: When Christ is central we gain the perspective we need for life.
Keywords: Christ; Christ, authority of; Christ, greatness of; Church; Example, Christ's; Faith; Meaning of Life; Perspective; Priorities; Unity



Introduction:
  • Colossians 1:17
  • Believing Christ is central makes an immense difference in our experience.
When Christ is central history finds its fulfillment.
  • Everything would fly apart if Christ were not holding it all together.
  • Illustration: George Buttrick called Christ the one who split history into before and after.
When Christ is central our faith finds its focus.
  • The Old Testament point to Christ as a promise and the New Testament points to him as fulfillment.
  • Illustration: Tertullian and Luther affirmed the tradition that Jesus was the center.
  • The sermon in which Christ finds no part is one which Christ gives no power.
When Christ is central the church finds its unity.
  • Illustration: Dr. Howard Thermann testified that race would not keep him from believing in the fellowship of the church.
  • Illustration: John Wesley did not let denomination divide him from others of God's people.
  • Jesus is the central figure in our togetherness.
When Christ is central our personality finds its wholeness.
  • Illustration: Augustine described the tension of holy awe of Christ and longing to be like him.
  • Illustration: In Plato’s Apology, Socrates tells of his desire to find the proper guide for his two sons.
  • All growing people need someone over them and Jesus is that one.
Conclusion:
  • Illustration: In Shakespeare’s King Lear, the Earl of Kent recognizes the authority of the king and desires to serve him.
  • All authority on heaven and earth is given to Jesus.


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