CENTER-POINT: KEEPING JESUS AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Romans 14:8-9, Philippians 2:9-10<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, good morning! It\u2019s so great to see you all this morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I missed you last week — I was actually in New York City with my brother and sister. We were celebrating my sister\u2019s 50th birthday. And we couldn\u2019t have picked a colder weekend to go…but it was so much fun. I thought I might show you a few pictures of our trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We had a great time together…just growing closer and sharing our love for each other. I will say, I missed you though — and it\u2019s great to be back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know that last week Pastor Lee <\/strong>kicked-off our newest series we\u2019re calling BETTER TOGETHER: Elements of great relationships!)<\/em><\/strong> In that message, he addressed the fact that — Our relationship with God is deeply important if we want to have healthy relationships with others.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And this morning, I really want to pick-up where he left off with this message I\u2019ve called: CHRIST @ THE CENTER!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And, the main point I want to make today is: We must be diligent to put Jesus in that place He belongs…at the center of our lives — and then we must be sure to bring Him into the center of each and every relations we have…because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf He ain\u2019t in it — it ain\u2019t gonna be good!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To begin, I want to show you a quick clip from a well-known TV commercial from the late 60\u2019s. See if you remember this one?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n (SHOW: THE TOOTSIE ROLL COMMERCIAL)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How many of you remember that one? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the official Tootsie Rol<\/strong>l website, over 50,000 children<\/strong> have written in since the launching of the commercial in 1970<\/strong>, claiming they know how many licks it takes. Their responses have ranged from 100 to 5,800.<\/strong> Well, I showed you that to emphasize the importance of knowing what\u2019s at our center. <\/em>Or as it\u2019s often described today — our CORE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This question really seems to determine our identity and therefore, all relationships we\u2019ll have in life as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your center is right — if it\u2019s settled and strong, then your relationships have the potential of reflecting that strength and solidarity. But, if your core is weak…if you\u2019ve not established your identity and center in Christ, I submit to you that all other relationships in your life will be unsettled and unstable. Because you were designed (first and foremost) to be connected to God (thru Christ) — and then be connected to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, Pastor Lee shared a verse with you where Jesus was asked about the most important responsibility in life…and He said, \u201cLove the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…and the second most important thing is to love others as yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His point was first to settle the question of who\u2019s at the center of your life…and then build all other relationships upon that foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In essence, <\/em>Jesus<\/em><\/strong> says that all of life comes down to this — to <\/em>LORDSHIP<\/em><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, I know that\u2019s somewhat an outdated word in our culture…but L<\/em>ordship was at the very heart of everything Jesus had to say and do. In fact, it was this issue of LORDSHIP that ultimately lead Him to give His life for you and me on the cross. The apostle Paul<\/strong> makes this clear in Romans 14:8-9<\/strong>. Look at it with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here Paul<\/strong> writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf we live, it\u2019s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it\u2019s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. <\/em>Christ died and rose again<\/em> for this very purpose\u2014to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Romans 14:8-9 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTherefore, God elevated <\/em>him<\/em><\/strong> to the place of <\/em>highest honor <\/em>and gave him <\/em>the name above all other names<\/em>, that <\/em>at the name of Jesus <\/em>every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Philippians 2:9-10 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n R. G. Lee<\/strong> spoke of the sovereign authority of Jesus\u2019 name in a sermon entitledThe Name Above<\/em>Every Name<\/em>,<\/em> from Philippians 2:9-10<\/strong>. He said, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe transcendence of the name of Jesus and its everlasting glory depend upon the work accomplished at the place called Calvary and at the open grave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is because of that, dear friends, that He stands out today the First Begotten from the dead, \u2018that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.\u2019 \u2018His name shall endure forever.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen the names of earth\u2019s benefactors are no more remembered, when the achievements of science are no longer of value, when the guesses of philosophers are seen to be in vain, when time shall be no more \u2013 multitudes, in praise of Him in gratitude for salvation through His name — JESUS, will still sing the song of Moses, and of the Lamb of enduring name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen the Caesars and Charlemagne, the Napoleons and Wellingtons and their so-called splendid victories are forgotten, the multitudinous trophies of His saving power, in enjoyment of His endless fruits of His blood-bought victories, will sing the praises of His peerless name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere never was a name like the name of Jesus \u2013 so representative of sacrificial love at its best. And someday, \u2018every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord <\/strong>\u2026 to the glory of God the Father.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the lordship<\/strong> of<\/strong> Jesus<\/strong> is a settled issue in the Christian\u2019s life, all other issues are settled. It is my privilege and responsibility to teach the members of my congregation what the Bible says about serving God; witnessing and soul winning; stewardship of time, talent, and treasure; faithfulness to God\u2019s work; missions; and many other aspects of Christian responsibility. I contend that if the Christian has settled the lordship issue, then all other issues in his life are also settled. When Jesus is Lord of a person\u2019s life, he will fulfill his duties, obligations, and responsibilities with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with this…when Jesus is the Lord of your life — then you will keep Him at the center of your relationships as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n S.M. Zwemer <\/strong>makes a sobering statement about the lordship of Jesus<\/strong> Christ<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUnless Jesus is Lord OF all, He is not <\/strong>Lord AT all<\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Folks, this is a challenge to all Christians to bring every area of our lives under the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ. In our lives there should be no rivalry for His throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lordship of Jesus<\/strong> has both future and present relevance in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, let me remind you of the words of Philippians 2:9-10<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTherefore, God elevated <\/em>him<\/em><\/strong> to the place of <\/em>highest honor <\/em>and gave him <\/em>the name above all other names<\/em>, that <\/em>at the name of Jesus <\/em>every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Philippians 2:9-10 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This passage has both future and present application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is coming a day when every person who has ever lived will bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But for the Christian that great confession should be an everyday reality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Christian should live moment by moment in faithful submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because, that\u2019s the central message of the Bible — \u201cJesus Christ is Lord!\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I must say again that the most important truth in relation to the Christian experience is the lordship of Jesus Christ. If this is true, and I do believe that it is, should it not compel us to make the proclamation of this message a matter of priority and urgency? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Could it be that the source of defeat, discouragement, and despair in the lives of some Christians is, in large part, the fact that they are attempting to live the Christian life in their own strength and power? They have not yet discovered the truth taught by Paul<\/strong> in Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI can do all things <\/em>through Christ<\/em><\/strong> who strengthens me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, it involves a recognition of His lordship, for the Savior who saved us when we received Him by faith is the Lord Jesus Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot and do not receive Him as Savior<\/strong> only. We receive Him as Lord<\/strong> and Savior<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. SO, WHAT DOES IT MEAN<\/strong> TO CALL HIM LORD<\/strong> OF OUR LIVES?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, for Jesus to be Lord of your life — it means that He is the ruler, the boss, the master <\/strong>of your whole life.<\/strong> He cannot be Lord of a part \u2013 He must be given control of everything – your whole life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In <\/em>Colossians 1:18<\/em><\/strong>, Paul describes who Jesus is, by telling us:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChrist…is the beginning, <\/em>supreme<\/em> over all who rise from the dead.<\/em>So he is first in everything.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This word SUPREME means — to be 1st! Or to hold 1st place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only way our lives fit and work correctly is when Jesus has that supreme place of pre-eminence in our lives!<\/p>\n\n\n\n But let me show you another picture of what it means to call Jesus<\/strong> LORD<\/strong>! In Matthew 26<\/strong>, the story of Jesus<\/strong> and the impending betrayal is told. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lordship<\/strong> — if it means anything, it means to belong to Jesus<\/strong>! The actual Greek<\/strong> word that is used by the writers of the New Testament is the word kyrios<\/strong> (to possess — or own…in reference to the ownership of Jesus over your life).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now I tell you this is important — because if you\u2019re sold out to Jesus (if He is your Lord) then it will impact the way you live…and your response to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this story in Matthew 26<\/strong>, we\u2019re told:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20 <\/em><\/strong>When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. <\/em>21 <\/em><\/strong>While they were eating, he said, \u201cI tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.\u201d <\/em>22 <\/em><\/strong>Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, \u201cAm I the one, <\/em>Lord<\/em>?\u201d <\/em>23 <\/em><\/strong>He replied, \u201cOne of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. <\/em>24 <\/em><\/strong>For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!\u201d <\/em>25 <\/em><\/strong>Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, \u201c<\/em>Rabbi<\/em>, am I the one?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you catch the significance of LORDSHIP in this passage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the committed disciples<\/strong> — they recognized Jesus as their OWNER! One by one they asked, \u201cAm I the one, <\/em>Lord<\/em>?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n But when Judas<\/strong> questioned Jesus on this subject — (knowing he was the one), he asked, \u201c<\/em>Rabbi<\/em>, am I the one?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For the <\/em>disciples<\/em>, they reveal their loyalty to Jesus <\/em>LORDSHIP<\/em><\/strong> — <\/em>but for <\/em>Judas<\/em>…he never allows Jesus to be anything more than just a teacher — or influencer<\/em>. But Jesus desires to do <\/em>SO MUCH MORE<\/em><\/strong> than just influence you! He wants to <\/em>OWN YOU<\/em><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul<\/strong> addressed the subject of ownership in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, <\/em>20 <\/em><\/strong>for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.\u201d<\/em> (NLT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n HIS POINT: <\/strong>We are not our own. We were bought at a price. We belong to Jesus. We are His purchased possession. When we yield to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we acknowledge His ownership and give up all personal rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2.<\/strong> AND, WHAT DOES IT <\/strong>LOOK LIKE TO MAKE HIM LORD<\/strong> OF OUR LIVES?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If Jesus Christ <\/strong>is really the Lord<\/strong> of your life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n This involves taking your hands off the controls of your life and allowing Him to be in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Jesus is our Lord, then we will be submitted to Him in every way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The late F. B. Meyer <\/strong>(former pastor of Christ Church<\/strong> in the heart of London<\/strong> during the nineteenth century)<\/em> at a time when he was experiencing great public success, that something was lacking in his life and ministry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One author recounts his story, writing: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDr. Meyer…in…his early Christian life was marred and his ministry paralyzed just because he had kept back one thing from the bunch of keys he had given to the Lord. Every key save one! The key (to one of the rooms of his life) was kept for personal use, and the Lord shut out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The effect of the incomplete consecration was found in lack of power, lack of assurance, lack of joy and peace. The joy of the Lord begins when we hand over the last key. We sit with Christ on His throne as soon as we have surrendered our crowns, and made Him sole and only ruler of our life and its possessions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n F. B. Meyer experienced the lordship of Jesus Christ when he handed over the last key area of his life! He had kept back the key to one room in his life and it brought great defeat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, if He is not Lord of all<\/strong> (of every room), then He is not Lord at all<\/strong>. Have you yielded keys to every room in your life? Does He have the key to every room in your private life? Does He have the key to every room in your physical\/ public life? Is there a room marked \u201cprivate \u2013 keep out?\u201d If so, you must be willing to submit that key to the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, according to independent research studies which have been done, the answer does vary. Engineering students at Purdue University<\/strong> devised a “licking machine” that showed an average of 364 licks<\/strong> are needed to get to the center. A human<\/strong> study of volunteers, reported it to be 252 licks<\/strong>. And a study from the University of Michigan<\/strong> came up with an average of 411 licks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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