October 5, 2014
At Ellerslie we desire to have one focus: Jesus and Him crucified. In the early church it is said as the disciples were “daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” We want every message to be about Jesus: exalting Him, glorifying Him, and increasing our faith in Him. Charles Spurgeon called it being a man of “one subject.” The Majestic Jesus is a message focused on the amazing reality that Jesus is God! Starting with the preservation of the God-ness of the Bible, Pastor Eric Ludy builds a case to show Jesus as the incarnate Word, the “I Am” throughout Scripture, and the “divine condescension” that wrapped itself in human flesh. Become awed at the beauty and majesty of Jesus as we see Him afresh throughout the Word of God.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
SERMON NOTES
SESSION ONE
THE HILL TO DIE ON
Understanding the Battle Over the Person of Jesus Christ
THE DETERMINATION OF THE EARLY CHURCH
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
PREACH CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ
ACTS 5:42
SPURGEON’S FIRST SERMON IN THE TABERNACLE
March 25th, 1861 – 27 years old
It appears that the one subject upon which men preached in the apostolic age was Jesus
Christ. The tendency of man, if left alone, is
years, during and after the apostolic era, Christ Jesus was preached, but gradually the
Church departed from the central
also have fallen into the same error, at least to a degree, and have gone from preaching
Christ to preaching doctrines about Christ, inferences which may be drawn from His life,
or definitions which may be gathered from His discourses . . . In the days of
It was Christ Jesus. Had you asked
and the life.
Charles Spurgeon
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (singularity of focus) that is in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2-3
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?
The Ache for Purpose
If by the age of 30 you don’t have anything worth dying for, then you don’t have anything worth living for.
Anonymous
THE HILL TO DIE ON
If you are looking for a “Hill” to die on, I highly recommend you check out the hill of Calvary – where you will find the singular Man and the singular work that made all things new.
Arius, the Priest of the Church at Baucalis
Alexandria, Egypt – circa 320 AD
THE LIE OF ARIUS
And the diminishment of the Person of Jesus Christ
The Lie: Jesus is a created being, not a co-equal with God, but merely an adopted son. !
Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria
Athanasius Contra-Mundum
THE COUNCIL OF NICEA 325 A.D
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things
visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins
THE FOOTNOTE OF THE NICENE CREED
[But those who say: ‘There was a time when he was not;’ and ‘He was not before he was made;’ and ‘He was made out of nothing,’ or ‘He is of another substance’ or ‘essence,’ or ‘The Son of God is created,’ or ‘changeable,’ or ‘alterable’—they are condemned by the holy catholic and apostolic Church.]
PRESERVING THE GOD-NESS OF JESUS CHRIST
For as God, and only as God can He Save, Atone, Forgive, Clean, Justify, Redeem, and Sanctify
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Preserving the God-ness of Jesus Hinges on Preserving the God-ness of the Bible
The God-Ness of the Bible
The Bible is, in fact, God’s Word
The God-Ness of Jesus Christ
If the Bible is, in fact, God’s Word, then . . . Jesus is, in fact, God’s Word made flesh
In the
John 1:1-4, 14-15, 18
If . . . Then . . .
LOGOS
A word, speech, or reason; a ground, a plea, an opinion, or an expectation
- It’s more than a human word, it’s a Divine word.
- It’s more than human speech, it’s God’s revelation.
- It’s more than earthly reason, it’s the logical syllogism of the Creator.
- It’s more than
a ground , it’s a rock foundation. - It’s more than a plea, it’s a divine command.
- It’s more than an opinion, it’s Heavenly reality.
- It’s more than an expectation, it’s a solid hope.
- It’s more than a Greek word, it’s very God of very God.
LOGIC
Reasoning as if the Logos is both True and Divine
THE LOGOS
The If/Then Logic of Heaven
IF the Bible is, in fact, God’s Word,
THEN Jesus is, in fact, God’s Word made flesh
IF the Bible is, in fact, God’s Word,
THEN what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) in John chapter one is true
IF what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) in John chapter one is true,
THEN Jesus is not just a man born 2,000 years ago, but, in fact, He is from before Creation.
IF what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) in John chapter one is true,
THEN Jesus IS, in fact, God.
the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God
John 1:1 (emphasis mine)
IF what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) in John chapter one is true,
THEN Jesus IS, in fact, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
All things were made by Him
John 1:2
IF what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) in John chapter one is true,
THEN Jesus IS, in fact, the revelation of the Father – we know the Father by beholding Jesus Christ.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him
John 1:18
THE APOSTLE JOHN PRESENTS THE LOGIC OF HEAVEN
Jesus is Pre-existent
Jesus is God
Jesus is Creator
Jesus is the full
Therefore, He is fit to be the Lamb that was slain to take away the sin of the world
The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I
John 1:29-30, 34
THIS IS THE HILL WE WILL DIE ON
In the days of
Charles Spurgeon
SESSION TWO
Jehovah in Human Skin
The Astounding Incarnation
INTRODUCING THE I AM
the unspeakable, Proper Name of God – Jehovah, Yahveh, Yahweh, Adonai, LORD
The I AM in the New Testament?
But He held his
Mark 14:61-65
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken t
John 5:18
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up stones to cast at Him: but Jesus hid
John 8:58-59
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and
John 10:31-33
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our
John 19:7
PREEMINENCE
The fact of surpassing all others, superiority
THE BATTLE OVER PREEMINENCE
Who matters most?
And HE IS the head of the body, the church: WHO IS the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18
THE FALSE NOTION OF THE MODERN CHURCH
I must increase that Christ may increase
THE APOSTLE JOHN’S PROCLAMATION
He IS!
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He
Hebrews 11:6
Egō Eimi – I AM
- Matthew – 4
- Mark – 1
- Luke – 1
- John – 44
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee AM He . . . if ye believe not that I AM [He], ye shall die in your sins (8:23-24) . . . Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM [He
THE STATEMENT OF THE FRIEND
I am not … but HE IS!
John the Baptist
And this is the record of
John 1:19-20, 27-28
SESSION THREE
VERY GOD OF VERY GOD
Attending to Comprehend the Divine Condescension
DIVINE REASONING REGARDING JESUS
10 Building Blocks of Awe
IF what God’s Word says about God’s Word made flesh (Jesus Christ), throughout the entire Bible, is true, THEN Jesus IS…
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #1: HE IS FROM OLD, FROM EVERLASTING
He has no beginning and no ending
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2
[Melchizedek resembled the Son of God in] . . . having neither beginning of days, nor end of life . . .
Hebrews 7:3
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #2: He is very God of very God
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten
In the
John 1:1
For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily . . . For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) should all fullness dwell . . .
Colossians 2:9; 1:19
(Christ Jesus) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Mark 2:5-7
I and my Father are one.
John 10:30
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because He not only had broken
John 5:18
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #3: HE IS THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH Jesus Christ, by whom all things were made
All things were made by him (Jesus)
John 1:3
For by Him (Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
John 1:3
For this man (Jesus) was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, in as much as He who hath
Hebrews 3:3-4
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath
Ephesians 3:9
(God) hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
Hebrews 1:2
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #4: He is, um, HE IS
He is, in truth, Jehovah God, the I AM, that WAS, IS, AND IS TO COME The Revelation of the Father
He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father . . .
John 14:9
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.
John 8:58
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and
Hebrews 13:8
I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord (Jesus), which IS, and which WAS, and which IS TO COME, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
THEREFORE…
Jesus is the manifold revelation of the God of the Old Testament
- Jesus is El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) Genesis 17:1
- Jesus is El Elyon (The
Most High God) Genesis 14:18 - Jesus is Adonai (Lord, Master) Genesis 15:2
- Jesus is Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) Genesis 2:4
- Jesus is Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle) Exodus 17:15
- Jesus is Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Psalm 23
- Jesus is Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Exodus 15:26
- Jesus is Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Ezekiel 48:35
- Jesus is Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jeremiah 23:6
- Jesus is Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy) Exodus 31:13
- Jesus is El Olam (The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days) Genesis 21:33
- Jesus is Elohim (God, Judge, Creator) Genesis 1:1
- Jesus is Qanna (Jealous) Exodus 20:5
- Jesus is Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Genesis 22:14
- Jesus is Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Judges 6:24
- Jesus is Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers) 1 Samuel 1:3
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #5: He is the Word of God Made Flesh
He is the Bible brought to life – breathing, walking, talking, healing, and rescuing
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . .
John 1:14
And He (Jesus) was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.
Revelation 19:13
By the Word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
Psalm 33:6
The Word of God in Letter is now the Word of God in Life
The Word of God in Law is now the Word of God in Spirit and Truth
The Word of God in Proverb is now the Word of God in Person
- Jesus is the Law of God
become Flesh - Jesus is the Sacrifices, the Feasts, the Sabbaths, The Jubilee, and the Tabernacle/Temple become Flesh
- Jesus is the Wisdom of God
become Flesh - Jesus is the Prophecy of God become of Flesh
- Jesus is the Histories of Israel become Flesh
- In other words, Jesus is the Word of God
become Flesh
AWESTRIKING THOUGHT #6: HE IS THE PERFECT FULFILLMENT OF ALL THE PROPHECY AND PROMISE OF THE CHRIST
Jesus is the Sacrifices, the Feasts, the Sabbaths, The Jubilee, and the Tabernacle/Temple
With Divine Right to Rule and Control
- He proved the Son of God – Psalm 2:6-9; Luke 1:30-35
- He proved the Seed of the Woman – Genesis 3:14-15; Galatians 4:4
- He proved the Seed of Abraham – Genesis 17:7-8; Galatians 3:16
- He proved the Seed of Isaac – Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:17-19
- He proved the Seed of David – Psalm 132:11; Acts 13:22-23; Romans 1:1-4
- He proved to be born of a virgin. And He proved to be Immanuel, God with us – Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:7; Matthew 1:18-23
- He proved to be born in Bethlehem Judea – Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-6
- He proved that Kings fell down before Him offering gifts – Psalm 72:10-11; Matthew 2:1-11
- He proved to be called out of Egypt – Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:13-15
- He proved that Elijah came before Him – Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 3:1-3; Matthew 11:9-15; Matthew 17:10-12
- He proved anointed with the Spirit – Psalm 45:7; Matthew 3:16
- He proved that His ministry commenced in Galilee – Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-19
- He proved to have ascended – Psalm 68:18; Luke 24:51-53
- He proved to enter Jerusalem riding upon a colt – Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-5
- He proved undesirable to many – Isaiah 53:1; Mark 6:3
- He proved meek – Isaiah 42:1-3; Matthew 12:14
- He proved to be without guile – Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:21-25
- He proved to be consumed with zeal for God’s House – Psalm 69:9; John 2:13-22
- He proved that He bore the reproach – Psalm 22; Romans 15:3
- He proved betrayed by a friend – Psalm 41:9; John 13:18-19
- He proved that His sheep were scattered – Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31,56
- He proved to be sold for thirty pieces of silver and the Potter’s field purchased with the money – Zechariah
- 11:12-13; Matthew 26:15; Matthew 27:3
- He proved to be numbered with the Criminals – Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 15:27-30
- He proved to go silently as a Lamb unto Slaughter – Isa 53:7; Act 8:32
- He proved to make intercession for His murderers – Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34
- He proved that lots were cast for His clothing – Psalm 22:18; John 19:24
- He proved to die – Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:50-54
- He proved that none of His bones were broken – Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20; John 19:33-36
- He proved to be pierced – Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34
- He proved risen again from the dead on the third day – Psalm 16:10; Luke 24:6-8
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #7 – HE IS OVER ALL
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
[The Father has set Jesus] at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 1:20-23
. . . God also hath highly exalted Him (Jesus
Philippians 2:9-11
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of
Revelation 17:14
And he hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name
Revelation 19:16
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #8 – HE IS THE ONLY SAVIOR
Outside of Him, No Man Can be Saved
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
Neither is
Acts 4:12
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.
Hebrews 7:25
Having
Hebrews 10:19-22
THERE IS THE SIGN GIVEN
That we might recognize the arrival of His Majesty
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you . . .
Luke 2:10-12
WHAT IS THE SIGN?
Brace yourselves for this Awe-striking Thought #9
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #9 – HE … THE ONE WHO IS … THE ONE WHO CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH … GOD HIMSELF .. HE … UMMMM … LET’S JUST READ THE SCRIPTURE
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:10-12
HE…
The One Who IS . . .
The One Who Created the Heavens and the Earth . . .
God Himself . . .
The One who is Holy, Holy, Holy . . .
The One who has measured the waters of this earth in the hollow of His hand . . .
The One who meted out heaven with a span . . .
The One who comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure . . .
The One who weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance . . .
The One to whom the nations are as a drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust of the balance . . .
The One who when He heads off to war, there
The One who sits as King between the mighty cherubim, above all,
The God of all the kingdoms of this earth . . .
The One who can bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, and
The One who can set the dominion of His ordinances in the earth. He can send forth lightning, number the clouds, and stay the bottles of heaven . . .
This One was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a filthy animal feeding box.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eats my flesh, and drinks My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by Me.
John 6:53-57
AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #10 – WE ARE THOSE SWADDLING CLOTHES
The Almighty Has Condescended to Be Wrapped In Us
. . . Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 1:27
BONUS AWE-STRIKING THOUGHT #11 – I KNOW HIM, THE VERY GO DOF VERY GOD, PERSONALLY
He calls me friend, brother, son, bride, His beloved, the sheep of His pasture