Sermons

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5. Pastor Jose Rodriguez.

1 Peter 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

A God-Centered View of the Bible

For our Advent series we’ve been looking at the offices of Christ. Realities of his person, position and purpose. We’ve seen that he is Prophet, the Word of God give to the people, Priest, the mediator between God and man, and King, he rules and reigns and He is coming again. Tonight we are looking at Jesus as Christ the Lord.

There is coming a day when the extension of grace from God to man is over and instead wrath is extended. This is why we have a great urgency in preaching the gospel. Because there is coming a day when the opportunity to cross that bridge is over. So, in light of the return of Christ, how are we to think? How are we to live? What should we consider in light of the fact that the return of Christ in the second advent will look very different from the first advent of the coming of Christ?

Today, we’re going to talk about how Jesus is the ultimate King who rules over God’s people. He isn’t just king of the Jews; He’s the King of all nations & I’m going to challenge you to submit everything in your life to His reign/rule.

This Advent season I want to help you better understand who Jesus was/is by looking at His 3 offices. Last week we looked at how Jesus was/is the ultimate prophet to the people. Next week we’ll look at how Jesus was/is the ultimate king. Today, we’re going to look at how Jesus was/is the ultimate priest for the People. Hebrews 2:17 - Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

So what does it mean that Jesus is a prophet? It means that he has a prophetic ministry, in other words, he speaks the truth and applies it to men and women on behalf of God. Jesus was the ultimate prophet, for he revealed most clearly (both in his words and his life) God’s character, saving purposes, and will for our lives. As Prophet, Jesus pronounced an end to all our sin. In the Old Testament, the prophet was the mouthpiece of God to the people. In fact, the prophet often prefaced his words by saying, "Thus says the Lord." As God's mouthpiece, the prophet spoke the words of indictment against the people for their sin (Isa. 1:4) and called them to repentance (v. 18). The prophet pronounced the forgiveness and pardon of God (Isa. 40:1–2). Jesus, as the final and sufficient Prophet, has done all of these for us. He came not just proclaiming the Word of God; He is the Word of God (John 1:1). He came to the world because of sin (Matt. 1:21). He proclaimed our need to repent and believe on Him (Mark 1:15). And He proclaimed our pardon and forgiveness for sin (Col. 1:14).

Money is one biblical indicator of spiritual health. In our culture, it’s easy to talk the talk...but few walk the walk. One indicator that someone is real is what we do with our money. The bible says your wallet will call you a liar before anything else. It reveals what you truly worship/value.

Part of our mission statement here at FB is to Declare the Gospel to all peoples. What I don’t want you to think that means is only evangelism through gospel sharing. Declaring the Gospel also includes stewarding every area of your life for God’s glory & your good...relationships, job, marriage, hobbies, etc. So, we talk about stewardship of life each week. Today/next week are the two Sundays/year we talk specifically about stewarding your money for God’s glory.