THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST
HEBREWS 13:8
Jesus is not to us as Christmas is to the world, here today and gone tomorrow. He is immutable. The Scriptures declare that He is ever the same. As such Christ is unchangeable as....
I. The Theme of the pulpit
A. The central message of the Word of God is the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
C. 1 Corinthians 1:23 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;"
D. Yesterday ? Salvation was by faith in what Christ would do on the cross
E. Today ? Salvation is by faith in what Christ did on Calvary
F. Tomorrow ? Salvation will be by faith in what Christ accomplished on Calvary.
G. Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
H. Preach Christ, O Church of God;
Preach thro’ both time and space.
Break out, cast off,
Go forth, cry out,
Preach Christ in love and grace.
(Break Out O Church Of God Forbis, Wesley L. / Williams, Aaron © 1990 Broadman Press ARR Distributed by Genevox Music Group CCLI License No. 754427)
I. 1 Corinthians 2:2 "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."
II. The Confidence of the Saints
A. Proverbs 3:26 "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
B. Hebrews 7:25 "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
C. Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
D. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
E. Psalms 48:14 "For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."
F. 2 Timothy 1:12 "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
G. Hebrews 2:18 "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."
III. The Chief Shepherd of the Church
A. Hebrews 13:7 "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."
1. He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.
2. Hebrews 13:17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
B. John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep."
C. John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
D. 1 Peter 5:4 "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away."
E. Back when the sacred authors used the imagery of the shepherd to depict Jesus, they had a clear understanding of the job description. A shepherd is needed only when there are no fences. He is someone who stays with his sheep at all cost, guiding, protecting, and walking with them through the fields. He’s not just a person who raises sheep. Though our bishops consider themselves "tenders of the flock," most are nothing more than mutton farmers. They build fence after fence, keeping the flock within sight so they don’t have to dirty their feet plodding through the open fields. After all, the landowner frowns upon dirty feet.
F. Psalm 23 "A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
