This document is from the Linder Road Church of Christ and promotes an upcoming event from June 7-9 featuring Joe Brumfield. It discusses that Jesus is at the center of the universe because he is God, the creator and sustainer of all things, visible and invisible. It emphasizes that Jesus answers mankind's deepest needs by reconciling them with God and solving the problems of sin and death. Having Jesus at the center of one's life is presented as the most hopeful option both in this life and beyond.

1. Linder Road
Church of Christ

2. Helping families to grow and
survive in today’s world
a link to our past &
a bridge to our future COMING - JUNE 7 - 9
LINDER ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST
1555 N. Linder Road Meridian, Idaho
With Joe Brumfield Ed.D
For more information call – 887-4633
secretary@linderroad.com

4. Where would you say the center of the
universe is?
Who or what is at the center of your
universe?
To whom or what have you given the
right to determine what you believe, what
standard you are going to live by?

5. C O L O S S I A N S 1:15-22

6. MAP OF THE UNIVERSE
WE ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE WHEN:
• When we are in the presence of Christ.
• When we gather around the Lord’s table.
• When we pray.
• When we sing.
• When we listen to God’s Word.
• Matthew 18:20

7. Why is this important?
Because it is Jesus, who has the
answer to mankind’s most desperate
need.
 His grave problem
 His sin problem

8. JESUS IS

9. JESUS IS THE CENTER OF
THE UNIVERSE BECAUSE
HE IS GOD

11. Images convey meaning way
beyond what words can describe

12.  Jesus is not just a symbol of God; He is
God.
 Image: Greek “Eikon” = the exact
representation, likeness, figure,
manifestation or replica.
 Jesus is the visible image of the invisible
God.
 When you see Jesus,
you see God.

13. “No one has ever seen God at any time, but
the only begotten (unique) God, who is at the
Father’s side, he has explained Him.”
John 1:18known.”
Jesus accurately and fully
explains God.

14. • “Anyone who has seen me has seen
the Father.” John 14:9
• “The Son is the radiance of God’s
glory and the exact representation of
His being…” Hebrews 1:3¨
• Jesus is God
with skin on.

15. JESUS IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
BECAUSE HE IS THE

16. • Firstborn in this context has nothing to do
with the chronological date.
• Firstborn in this context has to do with
the STATUS of the firstborn.

17. Paul did not mean to imply that Jesus is the
first of many gods to be created by God, but
rather to give to Jesus the STATUS of the
“firstborn”.

18. So scripture uses the idea of firstborn as a
metaphor to describe one who occupies
the rank and privilege of being firstborn
(without literally being "firstborn")

19. God is stressing to us that Jesus is
PRE-IMMINENT over all creation in terms
of status!

20. JESUS IS

21. of the Universe.
Jesus is the Center of the Universe
because He is the

22. Why would Paul think it important for
his readers to know this?
Because from the beginning of time
man has always had the tendency to
think themselves as being the center
of the universe.

24. References to the doctrine of creation is widespread throughout both
Old Testament and New Testament, and is not confined to just the
opening chapters of Genesis. The following references may be noted:
Old Testament:
Is.40:26,28;42:5;45:18;Je.l0:12-16;Am. 4:13; in the Psalms,
33:6,9; 90:2; 102:25; also Job 38:4ff.; Neh. 9:6
New Testament:
Jn. l:lff; Acts 17:24; Rom. 1:20,25; 11:36; Col.l:16; Heb. 1:2;
11:3; Rev. 4:11; 10:6

28. You tell me, which one takes
more faith or at least, the least
faith?

29. Jesus is the creator of all things—those things we
can see (visible) and those things we cannot see
(invisible- physical and spiritual).
And all things fall under His rule

30. That there is ONE WHO IS AT THE
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE and it is not
any man.
 By virtue of who He is –God
 By virtue of His status – Pre-imminence
 By virtue as the creator – Omnipotence

31. He is before all things and in Him all
things hold together.
• This is true in terms of the universe.
• This is true in terms of society.
• This is true in terms of providing a
purpose for His creation.

32. Jesus is the center of the universe
because He answers man’s deepest
need, RECONCILIATION!

33. And takes care of two of mankind’s
most desperate problems:
• His grave problem
• His sin problem

34. WHO IS AT THE
BECOMES AN ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION

35. • The question is which one offers the most
hope?
• On this side of the grave?
• At the grave of a loved one?
• On the other side of life?

36. JESUS IS
He answers mankind’s most desperate
need on this side of the grave and on the
other. Who is at the center of your life?