Both Lord and Christ

This is the manuscript for the sermon preached at Christ Church the first Sunday after Easter

In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36 NIV)

There is probably no other word in our religious vocabulary that has experienced greater misrepresentation of meaning than the word Lord. This is a word that flows off our tongues as though it were nothing more than a given name. In reality Lord it is a title that carries with it great authority. If we use it just as a given name, we misrepresent its meaning.

In Greek the word translated “lord” is kurios which was the normal word of personal address to a person who was respected. It is similar to the word sir in English. Kurios was a term used to describe someone who served as a guardian. Kurios was the regular title given to Roman emperors. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, kurios was the word regularly used in reference to Israel’s God.

We need to understand the meaning of the title Lord so that we can respond appropriately to the Christ who conquered death and the grave.

‭Acts 2:29-39 NIV‬ [29] “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. [30] But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. [31] Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. [32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. [34] For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ [36] “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”           

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was a great shock not only to those who put him to death, but even to his beloved disciples. 

In Luke 24 there is an account of Jesus walking with and having a conversation with two disciples 3 days after his crucifixion.  They didn't recognize Him until they were sitting down to eat

‭Luke 24:30-32 NIV‬ [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [32] They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and hurried back to Jerusalem where the disciples,  were hiding and I believe that this group included the eleven Apostles.  

Let’s start at  

‭Luke 24:33-39 NIV‬ [33] They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together [34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” [35] Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.  [36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [38] He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

The resurrection revealed that in a mysterious and miraculous way the purposes of God were at work in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. 

This substitutionary atonement refers to Jesus Christ dying as a substitute for sinners. The Scriptures teach that all men are sinners (Romans 3:9-18, 23). And the penalty for our sinfulness is death. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus Christ died in our place when He was crucified on the cross. We deserved to be the ones placed on that cross to die because we are the ones who live sinful lives. But Christ took the punishment on Himself in our place—He substituted Himself for us and took what we rightly deserved. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, you don’t have to work to be good enough. Christ’s goodness makes you acceptable to God. 

It was only over a period of time, under the strong leadership of the Holy Spirit, that the disciples of our Lord came to understand that Christ was indeed the High Priest of good things to come and that by his death on the cross he had offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of a guilty human race.

‭Hebrews 9:11-15 NIV‬ [11] But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. [12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. [13] The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. [14] How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! [15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

He became the Mediator of the new covenant and thus made it possible for God to be both just and merciful in dealing with our sins.

By raising Jesus Christ back to life, the eternal God was appointing him to a position of authoritative lordship as well as recognizing his redemptive work on the cross.

In our text for  today;  Peter declared that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ

(Acts 2:36 NIV) “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ”.

There is probably no other word in our religious vocabulary that has experienced greater misrepresentation of meaning than the word Lord. This is a word that flows off our tongues as though it were nothing more than a given name. 

In reality Lord it is a title that carries with it great authority. 

                  

We need to understand the meaning of the title Lord so that we can respond appropriately to the Christ who conquered death and the grave. 

In Greek the word translated “lord” is kurios which was the normal word of personal address to a person who was respected. It is similar to the word sir in English.                 

               

I. Kurios was a title recognizing authority. 

This term kurios was used for someone who had the right to command. It would signify the authority of the captain of a ship or the commanding officer of a military base. It is comparable to the authority of a chief of police.   

                

 “Chief executive officer”, “CEO” or “boss” is a title everyone can understand, and this is the indication of the position to which God appointed Jesus following his resurrection.

                                       

Responding to Jesus appropriately requires that we acknowledge him on more than a sentimental basis. We need to recognize his sovereignty and his right to be our “boss.”

                     

This means he has the right to demand our time, talents, energies—everything. 

                  

II. Kurios was a term also used to describe someone who served as a guardian. 

                  

In the ancient world, women were denied legal rights. If women were to engage in business, they had to do so through the services of a guardian, someone like a husband, father, or brother or some other male relative. By means of a guardian, women and children enjoyed a great degree of protection. God has named Jesus Christ to be our protector. 

That’s why our guardian has given us and teaches us how to use the armor of God.

‭Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV‬ [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

He wants to protect us from the schemes of the devil and from the possibility of spending eternity away from God.

III. Kurios was the regular title given to Roman emperors. 

                  

A. By this title the emperor was recognized as the ruler of the empire.

B. By this title the emperor asserted authority. 

In a world that resents authority and rebels against the establishment, we need to be careful that we do not fail to respond properly to the lordship of him who came because of God’s love for us. 

‭John 3:16-17 NIV‬ [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

V. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, kurios was the word regularly used in reference to Israel’s God. 

                  

God was powerfully declaring the deity of Jesus Christ by raising him back to life again. This was no mere demonstration of power. This was a divine authentication of the God-man, Jesus Christ. 

                  

                  

Conclusion

Saul of Tarsus, who we know as Paul Apostle was on his way to Damascus, to arrest those who were followers of Jesus, when he was confronted by that same Jesus, and Paul asked a question that is very appropriate for us today.

‭Acts 9:6 NKJV‬ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

                

Jesus Christ deserves the utmost respect. Because of his authority, we need to relate to him in a submissive but loving relationship, 

                     

Because he is our CEO, we need to acknowledge his right to demand our time, talents, energies—everything. 

                     

Because he is the one whom God has assigned to be our guardian, we should be grateful to him. 

                  

Because Jesus is the one who serves as the king, the emperor in the kingdom of God, we should give him our loyalty and faithfulness. 

Because he is the God-man, we should bow before him in worship.

‭John 20:24-28 NIV‬ [24] Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [28] Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Prayer

We will praise You, Lord, with all that we are, and we will never forget the good things You have done for us. You are the One who forgives all our sins, heals us from diseases, redeems us from death, and crowns us with love and tender mercies. We honor You as our Lord and Savior.  Your majestic Name fills the earth.  Your glory is higher than the heavens!

Guess Who Came to Church This Morning?

This Easter, Sunday we continue our series“That All Might Believe through Him (which was to be only three sermons however the Holy Spirit has added to it and at this time I don't know how long it will go). In this series we will emphasize who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us.

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it. He sent his Son so the world might be saved through him. God sent his Son into the world to reveal his all-inclusive love. God sent his Son into the world to save people from perishing. God sent his Son into the world to provide a simple way of salvation. 

Easter is the one Sunday out of the year in which we celebrate in a special way the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is not a surprise that a lot of people come to church on this day. If a person could attend church on only one Sunday out of the year, it’s not a surprise that they choose Easter Sunday.

Today we need to recognize and respond to the promise of this living Lord to meet with his people when they come together for prayer, praise, confession, and proclamation. My desire today is that you have ears to hear and eyes to see the spiritual reality of his presence. Our Lord is alive from the dead and He came to church today, to commend us, to correct us, to cleanse us, to comfort us, and to commission us.

Scripture

‭Revelation 1:9-20 NIV‬ [9] I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. [10] On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, [11] which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” [12] I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. [14] The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. [15] His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. [16] In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. [19]  “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. [20] The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

                        

Introduction

        

Easter lets us know that Christ’s death on the cross was not a disaster. Easter tells us that love is stronger than hate and life is stronger than death.

Today we recognize that Easter is what gave us a living Christ, who is with us in our hearts all of the time; and he is to be with us in a special way when we come together for worship. He told his disciples; 

‭Matthew 18:20 NIV‬ [20] For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 

Our scripture this morning came for the book of Revelation which was given to the Apostle John, while he was in exile on the Isle of Patmos and he wrote what is our text for today 

‭Revelation 1:10-13 NIV‬ [10] On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, [11] which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” [12] I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 

The word translated “among” in verse 13 of our text is the same Greek word translated with them in the scripture we read where Jesus said ;

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (‭Matthew 18:20 NIV‬)

Easter is not some memorial to a nice, good religious teacher who lived 2,000 years ago. It’s a celebration of the fact that he is alive today!

Today we need to recognize and respond to the promise of this living Lord to meet with his people when they come together, for prayer, praise, confession, and proclamation, just like us today.

Jesus is here as the Holy Spirit, who is in everyone who believes. 

The New Testament teaches that the indwelling of Holy Spirit is something that takes place immediately upon believing in Christ as Savior. All those who believe in Jesus Christ instantaneously receive the Holy Spirit. 

‭1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV‬ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

‭Romans 8:9 NIV‬ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 

‭Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV‬ [13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 

It is my desire today that you have ears to hear and eyes to see the spiritual reality of Jesus’ presence.  

Because

                     

I. Our Lord is alive from the dead. 

‭Luke 24:1-7 NIV‬ [1] On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. [2] They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, [3] but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. [5] In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? [6] He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: [7] ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ 

Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure to whose great deeds we look back with admiration. He is alive, and we call him Lord and Master. He is alive and has authority over death and the grave. 

‭Revelation 1:17-18 NIV‬ [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Jesus is the one who was, but he is also the one who is.  Jesus Himself said

‭Revelation 1:8 NIV‬ [8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 

His time on the earth was only one part of his existence. His life did not start in Bethlehem,

‭John 1:1 NIV‬ [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

and it didn't end when he died on the cross. 

‭Luke 24:5-7 NIV‬ … Why do you look for the living among the dead? [6] He is not here; …

Yes, Jesus is the Living One. 

                  

John, in his vision” saw our Lord “among” the churches.

‭Revelation 1:10-13 NIV‬ [10] On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, [11] which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” [12] I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 

He is not separated from us by a wide canyon., He is right among us, quite near to us; he is accessible every second. He can see our every action. In the fullest sense, he is with us. 

‭Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV‬ [5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” [6] So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

John saw Jesus among the churches as the ruling Lord. During his earthly ministry he exercised authority over disease, over the demonic, death, and natural events. Today we need to recognize the sovereignty of our Lord who displayed Himself as love, and we should become the channels for that love to reach others. 

                  

II. Yes, our living Lord came to church today. 

                  

As we read the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor that John wrote after his vision of the Lord, we can discover the purpose Christ has for coming to church today.  I urge you to read these letters in Revelation chapters 1-3.

                     

A. Christ came to church to commend us. 

‭Revelation 2:1-3 NIV‬ [1]  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. [2] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. [3] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Christ wants to commend you in every area in which you are seeking to do good. He wants to affirm you and encourage you. He sees and knows about your faithfulness and endurance, your generosity, kindness, and helpfulness. 

                  

B. Christ also came to church to correct us. 

He wants to correct us, not condemn us.

‭Revelation 2:4-7 NIV‬ [4]  Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. [5] Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. [6] But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7]  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. 

All of us need to make adjustments in our attitudes, ambitions, and actions. Jesus wants to help us do that. 

‭John 3:17 NIV‬ [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

C. Christ came to church to cleanse us. 

‭Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV‬ [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 

Jesus grants forgiveness to those who believe. Remember I said a couple of weeks ago that believing equals salvation and eternal life. 

Every time we come to God’s house, we need to do some heart searching and put forth a sincere effort to confess and turn from our every sin because Jesus is more eager that we experience the joy of cleansing than we realize.

‭1 John 1:8-10 NIV‬ [8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.                    

                

D. Christ came to church to comfort us. 

‭2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV‬ [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. [5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 

The idea of “comfort” implies at least two parties: one who gives the comfort and one who receives it. It also implies a need—one that Scripture speaks of exclusively for humans. Animals have no capacity to receive spiritual comfort. The holy angels have no need for comfort. Satan and his demons are eternally beyond it. Only humans, were created with the capacity to receive and give comfort, and we live in a world where we need it.

Some of us are greatly discouraged today. Some of us are lonely. Some of us are experiencing the pain of grief. Jesus Christ will comfort us today if we will listen to him. 

                                    

E. Christ came to church to commission us. 

He has work for us to do, ministries for us to fulfill. 

‭Matthew 28:18-20 NIV‬ [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

A needy world needs to know about the love that took our Savior to the cross 

‭John 15:13-17 NIV‬[13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

And the world needs to know about the power that raised him from the dead. 

‭Romans 8:11 NIV‬ [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Conclusion

Yes, Christ came to church today. and if you have already trusted Christ as Savior, he is here not only to minister to you, but to use you in ministering to others. 

If you have not yet trusted him as Lord and Savior,  he is here to come into your heart and bring you the gifts of forgiveness and newlife.                   

It’s time to stop living your life trying to be acceptable to God and to other people. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are acceptable. 

A personal relationship with God is not as hard to find as we might think, and there is no mysterious formula for getting it. As soon as we become children of God, we receive the Holy Spirit, who will begin to work on our hearts.

‭Romans‬ ‭10:9‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬ [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

Let’s pray:

Jesus,

Thank you for Easter. Thank you for a yearly reminder of your death, burial, and resurrection. Thank you for Winter and how it shows us the death necessary for Spring and new life. Lord, you know how desperately we need reminders because we often get fixated on temporary circumstances. We allow things that don’t go as planned to zap our joy and belief and cause us to despair. But that’s not what you want for us! You re the God of hope. Lord, forgive us when we forget and unbelief takes over. Or when we make having hope insignificant. Jesus, renew us with your hope. Fill us with your joy and peace. Lord, this Easter, may the significance of the gospel become the best news to us again in a fresh way. May we never grow weary of hearing and sharing what you did for us! Lord, may we abound in real hope despite all circumstances. Teach us to be okay, even when it looks like things are not okay. In Jesus’ name, amen.