February 18, 2015
THE COSMIC CHRIST IS THE COMFORTING CHRIST
In our sermon series through the letter of the Ephesians, we will be confronted with what many students of Scripture call the Cosmic Christ. Several times throughout Ephesians Jesus is described in cosmological like language. For instance, Paul declares:
“That [God the Father] worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (1:20-21).
In another place Paul says:
“[Jesus] who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things” (4:10).
Paul in Ephesians sees Christ in the “heavenly places” seated at the right hand of God. In Ephesians Christ rules from the Throne of God. This is not the image of the “foot-washing” Christ, but the Christ at whose feet we worship! Therefore, nothing in the cosmos, seen or unseen, can separate us from Christ who is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (1:21). Now in the age to come, God is clearly the name above all names. If Jesus Christ is the name above all names, then Jesus is God for no name is greater than the name of God!
Why would Paul want us to know Christ as this Cosmic Christ who is above all in this age and in the age to come? In short, so we may be comforted. Consider Paul’s words:
“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (1:22-23).
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (4:15-16).
As the body of Christ we are enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit, exercised by God the Father in the love of God the Son, to be redeemed from the darkness and pain inflicting our cosmos! A savior that rules the universe is not enough! We need the Savior who is greater than this universe! A savior who rules over just the depth, height, and width of the universe must maintain control through manipulative power alone. Jesus would just be one power among many powers of the cosmos. Jesus just happens to be the strongest power.
But recall, Jesus is “far above all rule and authority.” Jesus is not merely the strongest power among powers, he is the reason there is power. You cannot overpower the One who is above power and grants power. Now Jesus wields his power above power toward us in love! What an awesome truth!—Power that need not be feared, but power that we may embrace and be embraced. The Cosmic Christ is the comforting Christ. We stand free, loved, and forgiven in the name above all names in this age and in the age to come. Thank you, Jesus!
– Terry
Our Mexico Dinner and Auction will be this Saturday, February 21, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. This year’s project will focus on rebuilding the camp kitchen and men’s restroom facilities which are being torn down to make way for a road. If you have items to donate for the auction, please contact Valda Newton.
***Also, if you are planning to go on our Mexico Trip during Spring Break, March 21-29, please contact Valda or the church office for your registration forms. Forms are also located on the courtyard information center. You will need to have your money and registrations returned by March 1.
Baby Showers -- Come join us as we celebrate two upcoming baby showers on Sunday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room for Jed and Ashley Rennels (expecting Brynlee Ann) and Blain and Kelsey Rennels (expecting Brayden Alan).
Both couples are registered at Target. If you would like to contribute to a group gift, see Christi Olson. There will be a finger food fellowship that evening, so bring lots of your favorites to share. Everyone is invited to attend.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT -- This is the LAST WEEK to review your listing for our proof copy of the directory. Please initial it if everything is correct or make the necessary corrections or additions. If your name is not listed and you would like to be included in our directory, please add your information on the sheet posted for new names.
*Also, if you would like to be added to or removed from the Prayer Chain, please check that listing also.
Prayer Circle -- Please come join us each Wednesday Evening as we gather together in prayer for one another and the Lord’s church at West Main. We meet in the auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to pray, read scripture, sing and encourage one another. The prayer circle is for anyone of any age. The Prayer Circle is facilitated by one of our elders every week.
Camp Yamhill Men’s Retreat -- West Main will be hosting the men’s retreat at Camp Yamhill, March 6-8. The cost for the weekend is $88.00. You are encouraged to pre-register on the Yamhill website at www.campyamhill.org. or you may register when you arrive.
Daddy-Daughter-Dinner-Dance will be held on April 18, in the early evening. Space is limited to forty girls and their dates - registration will open this Sunday, February 22. The cost is $24.00 per couple and tickets will go on sale in mid-March. If you think that you will be coming - please register with Marcie Dixon. You may call her, e-mail her, or see her this Sunday. Payment will be due by April 5 and is non-refundable. There are many girls who have already asked if they may register and the spots will go quickly.
This will be a special evening - all girls ages 5-18 years old are invited to attend. This year’s theme is loosely based on Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Each young lady will get a special charm and special handmade photo folder with a 5x7 photo of herself with her date. Dinner and dessert is delicious and our evenings are always fun and memorable.
Contact Marcie if you have more questions or would like to register. More details to come.
College Boxes - Our college kids love our boxes that we send to them !!! We need items for our boxes here by Sunday, March 1, or you may donate funds for shipping and gift cards. Please give your donations to the church office, Denise Beeks, or put your donation in an envelope marked for college boxes.
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 13-17 this year. If you missed our planning meeting last week and would like to help in any way, please contact Denise Beeks.
Coffee Servers are needed for March. If you can help, please sign up on the list posted by the stairs. Thank You.
Prayer Requests . . . . For Terrie Becker as she continues to recover from surgery - it will be several more weeks before she gets her test results...Please continue your prayers for Ed Shipley who is still not feeling well...For Lee and Lilli Stapp as they travel to New Hampshire to take care of Lee’s father, Walter...Jack Spodnik requests prayers for his friend, Finn, whose grandmother is ill with cancer and doesn’t have long to live...For Jenny Way to have a clear mind...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
Calendar of Events
February 21: Mexico Dinner/Auction; 5:30 p.m.
FSR; Contact Valda Newton for details.
February 22: Baby Shower for Jed/Ashley Rennels and
Blain/Kelsey Rennels; 6:00 p.m.; FSR
Elder - Deacon Meeting Tuesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m.
in the Fireside Room. All deacons are encouraged to come.
