Jesus Is: Living as a New Creation in Christ

This past Sunday, our congregation embarked on a journey through the text of Colossians, exploring the profound theme of Jesus's supremacy and sufficiency. It became apparent that Christ is not only the foundation of our faith but also the Lord over every aspect of our lives, especially our relationships. Today, I wish to share some reflections and insights from our service.

We began by acknowledging the fullness of life that Jesus offers and the immense privilege it is to gather, partake in communion, and witness the transformation of baptism. These sacred practices remind us of our connection to Christ and each other. They challenge us to live out our faith authentically, grounded in love, humility, and community.

During the service, we revisited the creation narratives in Genesis and examined how sin has distorted God’s original intent for human relationships. Recognizing this brokenness allows us to strive for redemption and renewal in our interpersonal interactions. As new creations in Christ, we are called to transcend societal norms that promote hierarchy and domination.

The teachings of Aristotle, which were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, suggested an inherent hierarchy within household relationships. However, the Apostle Paul offers a revolutionary approach in Colossians by reframing these interactions under the lordship of Jesus. Husbands and wives, parents and children, and even masters and slaves are invited into relationships marked by mutual respect, love, and dignity.

For many of us, words like “submit” and “obey” can feel uncomfortable, but they must be understood within the context of Jesus’s radical love. Paul’s words weren’t just for the early church—they are a blueprint for us today. They challenge us to reflect on the dynamics within our marriages, families, workplaces, and communities. Are we acting as arbiters of Jesus’s love and grace? Are our interactions characterized by the humility and service that Christ exemplified?

Our response is crucial. We must continually ask ourselves if Jesus is truly Lord of our relationships. Are we living lives that reflect his transformative love? This self-examination is not just an opportunity for personal growth but an invitation to embody the kingdom of God in our everyday lives.

The highlight of the service was witnessing Sonny Hernandez’s baptism. This powerful testament to faith served as a vivid reminder of our new life in Christ. As Sonny emerged from the water, we were reminded of the beauty of dying to our old selves and rising as new creations. It was a moment of collective celebration, a symbol of hope that propels us forward in our spiritual journeys.

Let us hold onto these truths as we continue to navigate our lives. In doing so, we can align our relationships with God’s kingdom, presenting Christ’s compassion, peace, and justice to a world in need.

Blessings in Christ