If you ever took the time to read the Bible, you will notice a diverse group of writings that sometimes say some tough stuff. How then do we interpret such passages that tackle controversial subjects: women in ministry, levitical food laws, election, etc. The Bible contains a variety of genres of writings that are important to consider when reading God’s word. As followers of Jesus, we must be equipped to rightly handle and divide the word of God. Beginning April 11, I will be leading a five week study on how to best study the Bible and ascertain truth. This study will help us to gain the most from our times of Bible study. We’ll be using Robert Stein’s 1994 book, “A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible,” as a guide to our study. Email me at pastorclark@cashcreekbaptist.org if you would like to purchase a copy for your reference. Remember to join us each Sunday night at 6PM at Cash Creek Baptist Church in Henderson, KY beginning April 11. You will not want to miss this study!
Don’t forget to check out Pastor Clark’s audio sermons on the “Sermons” link to the right!
The Incomparable Christ
Last week we considered the exaltation of our resurrected Lord and this week we are looking at the uniqueness and sufficiency of Christ. On Sunday we will examine the second in a series of three passages about the biblical “Hymns of Christ,” as we consider Colossians 1:15-20. Paul uses this opportunity to refute the errorists who denied the deity of Jesus arguing that divinity cannot exist in a flesh body. In fact, we will discover that Paul argues the Lordship of Jesus with respect to His creation and His church.
So how does this apply to our world? Our world is such that truth has become an anathema. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses take the position of the first century errorists in denying the sufficiency of Christ and claiming that He was a creation of God as opposed to Jesus being Lord of creation. Christians today need to be aware of the world’s attempts to bring down the name of Jesus and group Him with other religious icons. Such attempts should embolden our proclamation of the Gospel that offers peace and freedom to a world that vainly searches for something authentic in the temples of universities, the halls of government and the synagogues of the religious. However, the name of Jesus, whose yoke is light, offers sinners the only, true way to reconciliation with God.
In essence, He is the incomparable Christ.
As Christendom prepares to mark the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, much of the Church will consider the implications of Christ’s incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension. This week at Cash Creek consider with us the perfect example of humility involved in Christ’s lowering of Himself and his subsequent ascension to not just heaven, but to a state of exaltation that supersedes His pre-incarnate state all for the purpose of glorifying our heavenly Father.
This Sunday we will study Philippians 2:5-11. This set of seven verses comprises the first of a series of “hymns” that focus upon the mighty work of Christ. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, it is crucial that we more fully grasp the Gospel by encountering the one, true Christ by the authority of His revealed word. The context of what the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2 is one of exhortation to be more Christ-like. It is in this framework, that we begin to see how this gem of a passage communicates truth that should impact individual believers and the Church in a meaningful way.
One of the things that stand out in this “hymn,” is the notion that Christ emptied Himself. From what did He empty Himself? His deity? Never! Christ provides the ultimate example for His Church in His humiliating act of service and love. He emptied Himself not of His divinity; rather, He forsook His glorious position and face-to-face unity with His Father. Only when we begin to contemplate how low Christ thrust Himself (even to the point of death on a cross), will we begin to understand the awesome impact of the Gospel on sinners. When we see Jesus’ humility played out in the larger narrative of redemptive history, we begin to understand the impact upon the unity of His Church. His example should be reflected in the character of His bride (self – denial, -giving, and -sacrificing).
The second thing we must consider as we look at this passage is the exaltation of Christ. When Jesus ascended to heaven, did He take back a greater glory than when He left? Many will argue, and I shall concur that yes, indeed, the wonder and glory as great as it was when Jesus voluntarily humiliated Himself, was still not as majestic as after His ascension. The power of the resurrection and his subsequent coronation supersedes that of the pre-incarnate Jesus. “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Come to Cash Creek this Sunday to hear the full exposition of this passage or listen to it at this site next week. Soli deo gloria!
Stayed tuned for a preview of a new series of sermons entitled, “The Hymns of Christ,” as we look forward to celebrating Easter in a few weeks. This series will introduce (or re-introduce) ourselves to some of the great Christological passages of God’s Word as we seek to have a genuine encounter with Jesus. Check back soon and often!
