We are now “The Way”

Recap Jesus is The WayJesus is The Way To the FatherTo the Father To the Holy SpiritTo the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIVUK)Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIVUK) “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” “The Holy Spirit ceases to be a movement in the people of Israel and becomes a reality in the new church”

Jesus makes a difference Radical approachRadical approach Challenged conventionChallenged convention Spoke with authoritySpoke with authority Demonstrated powerDemonstrated power Wisdom and understandingWisdom and understanding Claimed relationship with GodClaimed relationship with God Changed livesChanged lives Sold/gave away property and other possessionsSold/gave away property and other possessions No-one in needNo-one in need Lived in the power of the Holy SpiritLived in the power of the Holy Spirit

Think about it When did Jesus become aware He was the Son of God?When did Jesus become aware He was the Son of God? At what point in His life did He realise what was expected of Him?At what point in His life did He realise what was expected of Him? How could He live life in such a way that He didn’t sin?How could He live life in such a way that He didn’t sin?

Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus didn’t have special privileges Hebrews 4:15 (NIVUK) “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin” Hebrews 7:25 (NIVUK) “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them”

We are now the Way Called to communityCalled to community Called to communicateCalled to communicate Called to compete and completeCalled to compete and complete “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” 1Peter 4:11 (NIVUK) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2Timothy 4:7 (NIVUK)

The Challenge To what extent are we demonstrating Jesus?To what extent are we demonstrating Jesus? “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” – Hebrews 1:3 (NIVUK) “If it doesn’t look like Jesus, it isn’t God”