Sermon Sketch for Sunday, July 20

The Firstborn Over All Creation
He is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all.

Text: Colossians 1:15-23

N.T. Wright—
“…the poem, and its deep roots in the ancient traditions of Jewish wisdom, both highlight the stupendous claim that the God who made the world, with all its parts and pieces, is now active in remaking it, restoring it, healing it, and renewing it; and that the means by which he has done the first and is doing the second is the person, the man, we know as Jesus Christ. He is the mirror in which we discover who the creator really is; he is the one through whom all things were made, and through whom, by his death and resurrection, all things are now being remade.”

The Maker of All
Colossians 1:15-16
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

I need Jesus in order to know my maker and my purpose.

The Sustainer of All
Colossians 1:17
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

I need Jesus to sustain my life and my world.

The Lord of All
Colossians 1:18
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.

I need Jesus for direction, new beginning, and the hope of eternal life.

The Savior of All
Colossians 1:19-22
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. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

I need Jesus to be reconciled with God and to renew my world.

Jesus Redeemer
You are my maker and my sustainer.
You are the Firstborn—Lord over all.
Show me the Father. Show me my purpose.
Raise me to new life. Reconcile all.

Fullness of God, Supreme over all things,
You suffered death to give life and peace;
Cleanse me and free from all accusation,
Renew my mind and sanctify me.

Jesus my Savior, Jesus my Master,
Lord over all things, to You I bow.
Jesus my Leader, Jesus Redeemer,
I pledge, in faith, to follow you now.
To the tune: Morning Has Broken
Based on Col. 1:15-23
Lyric by D. Burkum
© Copyright 2008 by D. Burkum (www.Sonoluma.com).