THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

Scripture reading - Colossians 1:18-22

Who is the head of the Church? This question often brings conflict believe it or not. Men have claimed (and still do) that it's their church. But is that correct? Churches have split over this question. Denominations have been formed because of man's response to this question. Paul gave us the answer. Paul declared Jesus to be head of the Church!

Why is Christ called the Head of the Church? Why does He merit this position? How should this affect local assemblies? Let's explore some of these questions in this blog post.

First of all we find in our text that Jesus is to have the preeminence in the church (Vs 18). Is Jesus the center of the average institutional church today? It it all about Him or is it all about the various programs or people? Is He before all things? He is to be before all things – He is eternal. He is the living one – the firstborn from the dead. His resurrection proves His deity (Romans 1:4). It proves His Lordship over the material world. I don't know of any man in history who could do what Jesus did? You see Jesus was more than a mere man. All who trust and accept Jesus will also defeat death and rise again to live eternally with Him.

His resurrection is also the sign of His authority (John 2:18-22). Because of His death on the cross Jesus is elevated to the status that was rightfully His. He sits on the right hand of the Father ever making intercession for you and me. No earthly office even approaches His position. Not the pope, the bishops, pastor, evangelist, deacon, elder trustee – not a one!

Jesus has given gifts to the church (Ephesians 4:11). These gifted individuals serve Him in the church. They serve God's people who comprise the church. Too often we see spiritual abuse by so-called leaders of institutional churches. Local church authority must be carried out in love (1 Corinthians 13). Church leaders ought to be Christ-like in serving Jesus. How Christ-like are we? That's a probing question we ought to ask ourselves often.

Jesus has made peace for the church (Vs 20). How did He do that? Jesus made peace for us at the cross. His blood paid for our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19). He bought the church with His blood. We have been bought and paid for by the precious shed blood of Jesus Christ! Jesus has reconciled us to Himself. This is made personal by faith (Romans 5:8-9). This faith brings peace with God. Paul, the apostle, wrote in Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

The reconciliation made at the cross has affected all things. This includes all things on earth and in heaven - both experience and expectation. Nothing on earth or in heaven can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). I find that exciting. Again, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus! How amazing is that?

Jesus presents the church perfect in heaven (Vs 21-22). No one is good enough to save himself. It doesn't matter how good you've been or how many good things you've done. We cannot save ourselves – nor do we have to. The price has already been paid! We must depend totally on God's grace. Apart from Jesus there is no way for our sin to be removed. Our perfect Savior presents us perfect! We have been made part of God's family.

Enemies have become the recipients of His grace. Wicked ones have been reconciled to the God. Sinners are presented unblamable by the Head of the Church! Faulty ones are presented unreproveable before the throne of God! Who can measure such grace or measure such love?

Does Jesus have first place in your church? I mean in deed not in speech. Is He first in our worship? Does Jesus have first place in your life? Is it all about Jesus with you? Or are there other things that have nudged Him out of His rightful place in your life? If it's not all about Jesus with you, why not? This is your chance – your opportunity – to make it ALL ABOUT JESUS!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.