Who is Jesus Really?

Today we begin our journey through the book of Colossians.  Here is a little background on Paul's letter.

 The Setting of Colossians

Date: A.D. 62

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians while in prison, probably in Rome. The church at Colossae was likely established during Paul’s third missionary journey as he ministered for three years in Ephesus. It appears that Paul did not personally plant the church there, but instead a Colossian named Epaphras traveled to Ephesus, responded to Paul’s gospel message, and returned to share the good news in Colossae.

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
One of the big themes in Paul's letter to the Colossians is the power we have in Christ.  In chapter one he gives a great description of the power of Jesus, the Son of God.  He gives specific emphasis to the divinity of Jesus.  He says all things were Created in Jesus through Jesus, and for Jesus.  He is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the supreme being in the universe and Lord of heaven and earth.  In Jesus God dwelt in all His fullness, so that His invisible qualities were made known through Jesus.  Finally, God reconciled and made peace with all things including us through Jesus' blood shed on the cross.  In short, in Jesus we have everything we need.  We have power, authority and peace with God to carry out our mission here on earth in Jesus' power.  
Since Paul has never visited this church, and had only heard of its effectiveness, he wants to make sure their view and teaching about Jesus is correct.  There will be equal and opposite errors in the church about the person and work of Christ.  He will be either human without all the power of the invisible God.  Or, he will only appear to be human but in reality he was a spirit being inhabiting a human body.  This was later called "Gnosticism" the greatest heresy to threaten the early church.  
This reminds us that if we are going to get anything right, let's get Jesus right. Jesus was with God in the beginning.  He came to earth to fully reveal God's love to all humankind, and set an example for us of how to live in God's power.  When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will be able to withstand a world that is ruled by the evil one.  Without Jesus, we have no power and will be working only in our human strength.  
But with Jesus as Paul says to the Philippians in chapter 4, "I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me."  Do you spend time with Jesus?  Do you know him and live in His power?  Do you live as He would if he were you?  Remember guys we are Christ-ians. We are Christ's body and presence in a dying and dark world.  Let's be the body of CHRIST!

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