DEITY OF JESUS - Col. 1:15

I will not have time to cover two very important descriptions of the person of Christ on Sunday: first, the significance of his full title in the Bible: "the Lord Jesus Christ" and second, "the Offices of Jesus Christ."

First, the Bible refers to him as the Lord Jesus Christ. The term "LORD" represents a direct tie to the Hebrew word Yahweh. This is the most reverent name for God in all of scripture. The title Yahweh is considered so holy by Jews even today that the word is not spoken out loud. Usually the name Adonai or Lord is subsitituted in its place. The Hebrew Scriptures left the vowels out of the word because they didn't even want to spell it. This is the name assigned to Jesus by many authors in the New Testament. One declaration of this title for Jesus Christ is in Philippians 2:9-11. This New Testament hymn, probably sung in the church often, is recorded by the Apostle Paul as a clear explanation of the death and exaltation of Jesus Christ. He is elevated to the position of LORD by the LORD.
The personal name "Jesus" comes from the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning "the Lord (Yahweh) is Salvation." It is the name given to God's son by the angel as Mary listened. It is an expression of his humanity. Not that He is only human but that the LORD has taken on flesh in the person of Jesus.
Now, "Christ" is the term that ties Jesus of Nazareth to the Old Testament prophecies about the Coming One. Christ means "anointed one." The term is used often to describe the Kings of Israel and the Prophets as God's anointed servants. Jeremiah 33, Isaiah 9 and 11, all look forward to the Anointed One who will come to bring deliverance and who will reign. (You should check these prophecies out - written 400 years before Jesus)

Second, bridging the teaching of who Christ is and what He came to do is the concept of divine offices. God appointed Jesus to be "Prophet," "Priest," and "King." Each of these terms represent a feature in the mediating work of Christ between our Father in Heaven and Humanity.
The term Prophet means "one who speaks forth." In Israel, the idea became associated with one who speaks for God. It carries with it the notion of proclamation and preaching. This is why people got so excited when Jesus quotes the passage from Isaiah 61, "The Spirit of the Lord is resting upon me..." He was putting himself in the place of filling this prophetic office. Jesus said in another place, "these words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me" (John 14:24) He took the idea of prophet utterance to the hightest level. He is truly the One who speaks for God because He is God.
Jesus also filled the office of Priest. A priest is an individual set apart to represent God to people. In the Old Testamenet, priests offered sacrifices to God to secure divine favor and forgiveness. The book of Hebrews places Jesus in the office of priest, but not as a normal priest who must continually year after year make sacrifices for atonement. Jesus made a sacrifice once for all - His Life (Heb. 10:1-18).
Jesus can also be called a King. He is our Priest, our Lord, and our Master. More than these, however, he is the Triumphant One over sin, death, grave, and eternity. The Old Testament prophecies foretold of one who would unite in himself the functions of prophet, priest, and king. David was promised that his kingdom would not end (2 Sam. 7:16). Isaiah looked forward to an individual on whom authority would rest (Is. 9:6, 9:7) And finally, the Book of Revelation pictures the Lamb of God in the final triumph reigning as King of Kings (Rev. 11:15)

Jesus is amazing! I hope you will spend time looking over these scriptures. I am available for questions if you have any...Eric

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON ONE TRUE GOD

I've had several requests for the information I went over this past Sunday. Too many things to write down all at once. In addition to these notes, I closed the message illustrating the Trinity from Ephesians 1:3-15. Enjoy and happy studying. Eric

Nature
God is Infinite – without limit or limitation.
“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” 1 Kings 8:27

God is One – expression of unity
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

God is Transcendent – above and beyond the universe
“For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15

God is Immanent – present and active within the universe
“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:27

God is Unchanging – eternal, faithful, steadfast, promise-keeper
“I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Malachi 3:6
“…if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13


Attributes
God is Omnipotence – all powerful
“Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.” Isaiah 40:15

God is Omnipresent – everywhere present, not limited by space
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10

God is Omniscient – having infinite, universal, complete knowledge and insight
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:4

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:27-28


Moral Attributes
God is Good – loving-kindness, faithfulness, mercy
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy…” Ephesians 2:4

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7

God is Holy – pure, separate from the rest of creation
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

God is Righteous – he will act with justice
“Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” 2 Chronicles 19:7

ONE TRUE GOD - Deut. 6:4

The Bible never argues for the existence of God (Psalms 14:1). Everyone can know that God exists from what is already revealed in Creation, or what is called General Revelation (Romans 1:19-20). However, to know the nature of God, it is necessary to turn to special revelation, to the Bible. God discloses himself in a variety of ways in the Bible. God reveals himself through Divine Names, Descriptions of His Nature and Descriptions of His Attributes.

In the sermon this week, I will address the Nature and Attributes of God, so here I will list the names of God.
El (Elohim) – name meaning God. Usually connected to God’s creative power and providential care of the universe. (Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 14:18-22)
Yahweh – name meaning Lord. Emphasizing his covenant-keeping ability and God of promise. (Exodus 3:12, Malachi 2:5, 3:6)
El Shaddai – God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
El Elyon – God Most High (Genesis 14:18)
El Ro’I – The God who sees me (Genesis 16:13)
El ‘Olam – The Eternal God (Genesis 21:33)
El Elohe Yisra’el – God, the God of Israel (Genesis 33:20)
Yahweh-ropheka – the Lord my Personal Physician (Exodus 15:26)
Yahweh-nissi – The Lord my Banner (Exodus 17:15)
Yahweh-shalom – The Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24)
Yahweh-ro’i – The Lord my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Yahweh-shammah – The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35)
Yahweh-sabaoth – The Lord of hosts (God’s heavenly name)(Psalm 148:2)
Adonai – Master (multiple times in Old and New Testament)
Attiq-Yomin – Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9, 13, 22)
Qedosh-Yisra’el – The Holy One of Israel (29 times in Isaiah)
Tsur – Rock (throughout the Psalm)
Abba – Father (by Jesus and Apostle Paul)
Melek – King (Hebrews 7)
Go’el – Redeemer (Ruth)
Rishon wa-‘acharon – the First and the Last (rule over history)(Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 2:8)

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON INSPIRATION

There are two important issues I didn't have time to address on Sunday morning: the Infallibility of Scripture and the Canonization of Scripture.

Infallibility of Scripture
This means that scripture has no errors and is not capable of misleading, deceiving, or disappointing us. Or another way to say it; the Scriptures are trustworthy.

Some scholars have challenged the accuracy of Scripture by noting that the Bible says God moved the sun back 10 spaces in 2 Kings 20:11. Or Jesus' reference to the smallest seed among garden plants being the mustard seed (Matthew17:20; Mark 4:31)). However, these references, when read within their immediate context will quickly show that no error is present. In the case of Jesus teaching his disciples about faith, he uses something common to them as an analogy of faith or the amount of faith needed to work with God. Jesus is not stating as fact that the mustard is the smallest seed among garden plants, but rather, the smallest seed in their common experience.

If you find discrepancies in the Bible, then it may be for one of these reason below:
1. Not understanding the verse within its Biblical context
2. Not understanding the verse within its cultural/historical context
3. Confusion over the different dating systems in Biblical times (Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans)
4. Failure to recognize type of literature (ex. Narrative is telling a story, not a legal document for court hearing, so detailed information is unimportant in communicating the message.)

Canonization of Scripture
We believe Infallible Revelation has ended and the Bible is closed. The word Canon comes from the idea in the ancient world of a ruler or measuring instrument. So when we speak of the Canon of Scripture, we are talking about the criteria each book of the Bible had to meet in order to be accepted as Inspired by God. For example, here is the Canonical Rule of the New Testament:
1. Apostolic Authority
2. Universality
3. Contents
4. Inspiration

So how does this work? The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew the Tax Collector, a Disciple of Jesus. It was widely read among the early Christian Church. Its contents, theological themes, witness of Jesus is consistent with other New Testament writings. And finally, many Churches in the 1st Century believed the Gospel of Matthew was Inspired by God.

Now apply the same criteria to the Gospel of Thomas, on which the recent book The DaVinci Code is based. It was written by Thomas a Disciple of Jesus. It was not universally accepted by the early church (in fact it was lost for many years). Its contents, theological themes, and witness about Jesus is inconsistent with other New Testament writings and with the Old Testament. There is also little record of church leadership believing it was inspired by God - therefore, it was not received in the Canon of Scripture.

Wow, I love it. These doctrinal ideas really do make decision making easier. I don't have to struggle with popular, modern day ideas that pop up here and there like the DaVinci Code or Mormonism. The Bible is light unto my path. It will answer all my questions.

SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED - 2 Timothy 3:16

For the next few months, I want to run through some of the important Doctrines of the Church. We don’t talk about our core theological beliefs very often. I am confident that if I asked most people to name 5 important Christian beliefs I would get blank stares. You may ask, “it looks like the Church is doing fine, so why do we need to focus our time understanding age old teaching (doctrine)?” Great question…the simplest way I can put it is “what you believe determines how you live.”

We don’t believe in ideas just to defend them or cherish them. We believe because in believing we are motivated to live. Columbus believed the world was round so he sailed for the edge of the known world to prove the end would land him at the beginning. England stood against Nazi Germany because she believed it was wrong for Germany to capture her. Likewise, Germany felt it her duty to rid the world of Jews because of belief in an idea. We could spend hours talking about actions people have taken, both good and bad, because of their beliefs, instead let's talk about the first important Christian Belief - Scripture is inspiration by God.

The belief that the Bible is Inspired (Authoritative) is based on the conviction that God is self-disclosing. God wants to communicate with humanity. We are invited to know a God who speaks, to understand what He says and live accordingly. It says in Hebrews 1:1-2, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.”

God has been speaking to humanity for a long time in a variety of ways. There are three main categories to think about when we say God speaks: Through Creation, Through Conscience, and Through Words. We will discuss all three of these ideas on Sunday. The third is most important because of its objective nature and its ability to bring correction in our lives. Paul writes Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” 2 Timothy 3:16.

However, it is the third category of God’s conversation with us that is often hard to understand and thus believe. We find it agreeable to hear God in creation or through conscience but how does God speak through human authors? And can we trust them? This is what sets Christianity apart from other world religions – the claim of the Bible as ultimate authority.

There are a few misunderstandings about inspiration that I want to identify here because I will not have time in my sermon. First, when we talk about inspiration (God speaking verbally), we are not talking about what has been called Mechanical Dictation. This idea holds that God spoke through human beings to the extent that their individual personalities were suppressed. This is not a correct view of inspiration. We see in every book of the Bible the author’s personality, word choice, and grammar ability. The Bible gives us a little picture of the process of inspiration when it says, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:17-21

This Scriptures speak of the prophet (author) being carried along by the Holy Spirit. The Word’s origin was not from the prophet, but God. He delivered it in writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Second, we are not talking about what is known as Dynamic Inspiration. This view claims the Bible is not intended to present absolute truth about God, because God is unknowable. Said another way, the Bible only discloses how we are to live. Again, if we look back at our scripture in 2 Peter, then we find that the prophets did not speak from their will, but God speaks about Himself. Romans 10:14 talks about people believing in God, yet the question is asked, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?” The problem is solved in Romans 10:15 (or the question is answered) - by the preaching of the Word. The Bible is inspired by God to say something about God, so that you and I can know what we are to believe about God and how to live in a way that pleases Him.

Thinking of the Bible as Inspired from this advantage point changes everything. As Christians, we don’t make choices and conduct business through human reasoning (what I think is right or wrong) but through the authoritative Word of God. It is a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).