Jesus has all authority
After Jesus rose from the grave, He spent time preparing the apostles for the great commission, the beginning of the New Testament church (Acts 2:47; Jeremiah 31:31-34). But before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He declared that “ALL AUTHORITY” had been given to Him by the Father (Matthew 28:18-20).
If you think about it, out of all the incredible claims of Jesus, this one is perhaps THE MOST AMAZING! The Greek word there is translated as “authority,” “power,” “right,” or “domain.” It means “the right to exercise rule.” Merriam-Webster defines it as the “power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” We could discuss it in terms of governmental, civil, corporate, or family – all of which are imperative.
But authority is even more important when it comes to spiritual matters. The stakes are very high. Souls are on the line. Eternity is forever. Authority is not something to play around with.
That is exactly what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 1:22-24 where he says “He [the Father] put all things under His [Jesus’] feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body.”
Like how our head directs what our body does and says, Jesus is the Head of His body. Not some man. Not some organization, but only Jesus. And the church is His body (not the head). Here is what that means:
Jesus has the right and power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior of the body “in all things” and His church must submit to the Head in all things. When it comes to the organization or structure of the church, it should be organized and directed by the Head (cf. Philippians 1:1b; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). When it comes to work the church does, it should be determined by the Head (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 3:17). When it comes to what worship the church offers up to God, it should be determined by the Head (cf. John 4:24; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 16:2). When it comes to what the church teaches, it should all originate with the Head (cf. Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 1:3, 6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Just consider a few other verses on Jesus having all authority.
Consider Mark 9:6. Jesus and three disciples hiked to the top of a mountain, where Jesus transfigured before them (revealing his majesty) and Moses and Elijah (the apostles’ spiritual heroes) appeared. Peter starts to suggest making three tabernacles there: one for Moses (representation of the Old Law), one for Elijah (representation of the prophets), and one for Jesus, but the Father interrupts Peter from Heaven by saying, “This is My Son, hear Him!” (Mark 9:6). When the apostles looked up, they only saw Jesus. No more Moses and Elijah. God was trying to teach something about Jesus’ authority.
Consider Hebrews 1:1-2. It says God had spoken a lot of different ways, like through the lawgiver Moses and prophets like Elijah. But now (today), God solely speaks through Jesus. He is the rightful Heir and Ruler of the universe. HEAR HIM!
Consider John 12:44-50. Jesus says: “If you believe in (see, reject) Me, then you believe in (see, reject) the One who sent Me. I speak, not with my own authority, but from the authority of the One who sent me. I speak, just as my Father has told me.” Jesus is setting a precedent for us, is He not? If Jesus did that, then why would we be any different? Why would anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus ever speak something that is not from God as if they were? Or pretend that something is from God when it is not?
Consider Philippians 2:9-11. God gave Jesus a name above every name. Who is your spiritual hero? Yourself? (For many of us). Your parents? Your grandparents? (Not that they are not good people.) Is it Moses or Elijah? (Like it was for the apostles.) Is it some preacher or pastor somewhere?
That is when God points at Jesus and says, “This is My Son. Hear Him! That excludes a lot of other people (and things). We live in a world (a religious world) that does not understand this very well, as it should, both churches and individuals. Let us make Jesus THE LORD of His church.
Here is the challenge for us: Find one that has made Jesus their clear Head in all things. Let us make Him the LORD of our life. Hear Him! And do what He says.
Visitors are welcome and valued. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 a.m. and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!
Be the first to comment on "Good News from the Stony Creek Church of Christ"