8-1-2006
WGBC
Who is Jesus?
I. The Pre-incarnate Christ
Exodus 3:14-15 - The "I AM"
The name by which Moses was to identify his sender was "I AM". The Hebrew word is derived from the root word meaning "to be". It signifies the creative sustaining power of Almighty God. The implication is that without Him there would be nothing.
John 8:48-58 - The "I AM"
Jesus in this statement not only proclaimed His eternal nature but identified himself as the same God who sent Moses. He proclaimed Himself to be the "I AM".
John 1:1
The "Logos" - In the Greek mind, the Logos was the driving creating force of the universe. It would be similar to the Hebrew concept of "I AM". John identifies the Word, Jesus, as the founder\creator of the universe. It was he that spoke all things into existence.
II. The Emptying
Philippians 2:6-11
Paul explains the depth of the love of God in redeeming man. He literally gave up the glory of heaven, all power, authority, and glory to become a new born helpless baby.
False belief: Jesus was just a good man. It takes away the deity of Christ.
III. The Birth of Jesus
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-7
John 1:14
Jesus could have miraculously been conceived as a full grown man. Instead he chose "to suffer all things" just like you and me. He was born a helpless child. He grew and matured like all of us except without sin.
IV. The Life of Jesus (The Gospels)
Luke 2:41-52
Luke 4:1; 14-21
Jesus proclaimed His mission from scripture. He came to "seek and to save that which is lost". He lived His life so that those who saw Him saw the Father. He was the true revealer to humankind of who God is. Most of all He paid the price on the cross for our sin so that all who believe in Him are forgiven and receive everlasting life.
False belief: Jesus was all spirit. Flesh is evil thus could only be all God. So, He really didn’t live like you and me.
V. The Resurrected Lord
Revelation 1:12-16
He is awesomely powerful and ready to return to claim all that is His. Most people prefer the cuddly baby Jesus instead of the Lord of all. It is much easier to deal with and leaves room to control your own life. Trouble is, Jesus wants it all.
Philippians 2:9-11
False belief: Jesus death and resurrection was faked.
