Grace Covenant Church of Vista
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Google Map/Contact Us
  • Services
  • Ministries
  • Sermons (Text/Audio)
    • Sermons 2018 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Hope: Promised, Practiced and Perfected 1 Peter 1:10-16 >
        • April 15, 2018 Notes
      • Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection 1 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • April 8, 2018 Notes
      • There is No Plan B 1 Corinthians 15:17-28 >
        • April 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Procession of the King Psalm 24:1-10 >
        • March 25, 2018 Notes
      • Confronting Little "gods" Acts 17:16-34 >
        • March 18, 2018 Notes
      • As for Me, I will call upon the Lord. Principal scripture Psalm 55:22
      • Turned Of or Turned On Acts 17:1-15 >
        • March 4, 2018 Notes
      • Concessions Without Compromise Acts 15:19-35 >
        • February 25, 2018 Notes
      • The Dilemma of Grace Acts 15:1-18 >
        • February 18, 2018 Notes
      • The Model of God's Church at Work Acts 14:21-28 >
        • February 11, 2018 Notes
      • Election Is For Gentiles Too! Acts 13:38-52 >
        • February 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Spirit-Led Church Acts 13:1-12 >
        • January 28, 2018 Notes
      • What God's Church Should Look Like Acts 11:19-30 >
        • January 21, 2018 Notes
      • God Will Carry Us Through 2018 and Beyond Isaiah 46
      • Victory in Christ Psalm 98:1-9 >
        • January 7, 2018 Notes
    • Sermons 2017 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Yes! It's All Good!!! Psalm 73
      • What Love Is This? Psalm 89:1-4; 19-37 >
        • December 24, 2017 Notes
      • Advent: The Light of Joy Psalm 126:1-6 >
        • December 17, 2017 Notes
      • Christmas Story Psalm 85 and Matt. 1:18-25
      • Advent: The Light of Hope Psalm 80:1-7 >
        • December 3, 2027 Notes
      • Thanksgiving: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 26, 2017 Notes
      • To God Be the Glory Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 19, 2017 Notes
      • Christ Alone 1 Timothy 2:5-6 >
        • November 12, 2017 Notes
      • Justification: The Way God Forgives the Guilty Romans 3:21-26 >
        • November 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura - the rallying cry Selected Scripture Verses
      • Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church Galatians 2:1-16 >
        • October 22, 2017 Notes
      • Grace Trumps Race Acts 10:1-23 >
        • October 15, 2017 Notes
      • God's Amazing Transition Plan Acts 9:10-31 >
        • October 8, 2017 Notes
      • God's Strategic Conversion Acts 9:1-9 >
        • October 1, 2017 Notes
      • The Process of Evangelism Acts 8:26-40 >
        • September 24, 2017 Notes
      • Philip: The First Evangelist Acts 8:1-25 >
        • September 17, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: The First Dead Martyr Acts 7:1-60 >
        • September 10, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: God's Servant Leader Acts 6:8-7:53 >
        • September 3, 2017 Notes
      • Pride the Greatest Sin and Humility the Greatest Healer Selected Scripture Verses
      • Wednesday Meeting, No Pie
      • The Model for Servant Leadership Acts 6:1-7 >
        • August 13, 2017 Notes
      • Man Proposes But God Disposes Proverbs 16:1-9 >
        • August 6, 2017 Notes
      • Truth or Consequences Acts 4:32-5:11 >
        • July 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Witness of Prayer Acts 4:23-37 >
        • July 23, 2017 Notes
      • The Irrationality of Unbelief Acts 4:1-14 >
        • July 16, 2017 Notes
      • The Healing Power of Jesus Acts 3:1-11 >
        • July 9, 2017 Notes
      • June 18, 2017 Notes
      • The Marks of Christ's Church Acts 2:42-47 >
        • July 2, 2017 Notes
      • No Other Option Acts 2:34-41 >
        • June 25, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus: The Resurrected and Exalted King Acts 2:24-33
      • The Message of Pentecost Acts 2:14-24 >
        • June 11, 2017 Notes
      • What A Feast Acts 2:1-13 >
        • June 4, 2017 Notes
      • The Work and Words of the Spirit John 16:5-15 >
        • May 28, 2017 Notes
      • Our Love/Hate Relationship John 15:18-27 >
        • May 21, 2017 Notes
      • Rooted In Christ's Love John 15,:9-17 >
        • May 14, 2017 Notes
      • The Purpose Driven Spirit John 15:1-8 >
        • May 7, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Promise John 14:23-31 >
        • April 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Truth John 14:15-24 >
        • April 23, 2017 Notes
      • Song That the Angels Can't Sing 1 Peter 1:3,4:10-12 >
        • April 16, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus' March to the Cross John 12:12-19 >
        • April 9, 2017 Notes
      • THE IMPACT OF WORSHIPPING JESUS JOHN 12:1-11 >
        • April 2, 2017 Notes
      • The Reactions to Jesus John 11:45-57 >
        • March 26, 2017 Notes
      • The Compassionate Power of Jesus John 11:28-44 >
        • March 19, 2017 Notes
      • What kind of Retaliation is Best??? Matthew 5:28-42
      • The Focus of Faith John 11:17-27 >
        • March 5, 2017 Notes
      • The Hope of God's Glory John 11:1-16 >
        • February 26, 2017 Notes
      • Soli Deo Gloria: The Glory of God Alone >
        • February 19, 2017 Notes
      • Solus Christos: Through Christ Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 12, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Fidi: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 29, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura: Why It Matters Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 22, 2017 Notes
      • Doing What is Good Titus 3:8-15 >
        • January 15, 2017 Notes
      • The Quest for Wisdom Proverbs 4:5-9 >
        • January 8, 2017 Notes
      • REDEEM YOUR TIME Ephesians 5:15-21 >
        • January 1, 2017 Notes
    • Sermons 2016 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE GLORY OF THE INCARNATION Galatians 4:4-7
      • THE ANGEL’S SONG OF PEACE Luke 2:8-14
      • Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:10 >
        • December 11, 2016 Notes
      • Do We Have Joseph's Faith?
      • A Panoramic View of Hope Romans 15:4-6;13 >
        • November 27, 2016 Notes
      • Who You Say We Are 1 John 3:1-3 >
        • November 20, 2016 Notes
      • Living Water John 4:1-42
      • Spiritual Oxygen in a Political Cesspool Titus 3:1-8 >
        • November 6, 2016 Notes
      • The Fruit of Justifying Faith Romans 5:1-11 >
        • October 30, 2016 Notes
      • Waiting for the Son Titus 2:11-15 >
        • October 23, 2016 Notes
      • Applying Sound Doctrine: Discipleship Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 16, 2016 Notes
      • The Beauty of the Church Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 9, 2016 Notes
      • Zero Tolerance: The Way of Sanctification Titus 1:9-2:1 >
        • October 2, 2016 Notes
      • BE FOR TRUTH AND AGAINST FALSEHOOD TITUS 1:5-16 >
        • September 25, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Faith Titus 1:1-4 >
        • September 18, 2016 Notes
      • September 11, 2016 Notes
      • Remember What is Always Important 2 Timothy 4:9-22
      • Finishing Well 2 Timothy 4:5-8 >
        • September 4, 2016 Notes
      • THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 4:1-5 >
        • August 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Work of God's Word 2 Timothy 3:14-17 >
        • August 21, 2016 Notes
      • THE LOVE OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 3:10-17 >
        • August 14, 2016 Notes
      • How long must the faithful live by sight? Habakkuk 2:4
      • RIVAL ATTRACTIONS 2 Timothy 3:6-17
      • Confronting Reality 2 Timothy 3:1-17 >
        • July 24, 2016 Notes
      • The Useful Christian 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • July 17, 2016 Notes
      • Should I Stay or Should I Go Selected Scripture Verses
      • Resurrection Perspective 2 Timothy 2:10-19 >
        • July 3, 2015 Notes
      • Our Strong Stand for the Gospel 2 Timothy 2:1-10 >
        • June 26, 2016 Notes
      • Our Confidence in the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:13-18 >
        • June 19, 2016 Notes
      • Our Courage From the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-12 >
        • June 12, 2016 Notes
      • Use What God Gives You 2 Timothy 1:1-7 >
        • June 2, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Godliness 1 Timothy 6:1-10 >
        • May 8, 2016 Notes
      • Be Good Stewards 1 Timothy 6:17-21 >
        • The Courage of Our Confession 1 Timothy 6:11-16 >
          • May 22, 2016 Notes
        • May 29, 2016 Notes
      • The Fight of Faith 1 Timothy 6:6-11 >
        • May 15, 2016 Notes
      • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 >
        • May 1, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry - Part. 2 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • April 24, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • Know Your Mission; Keep the Faith 1 Timothy 1:18-20 >
          • January 31, 2016 Notes
        • April 17, 2016 Notes
      • Spiritual Diligence 1 Timothy 4:9-16 >
        • April 10, 2016 Notes
      • THE EXERCISE OF TRUTH 1 Timothy 4:1-8 >
        • April 3, 2016, Notes
      • The Glory of the Cross Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 27, 2016 Notes
      • The Triumphant Entry
      • The Conduct and Confession of the Church 1 Timothy 3:14-16 >
        • March 13, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-13 >
        • March 6, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-7 >
        • February 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Principle of Authority and Submissions 1 Timothy 2:11-15 >
        • February 21, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship Service: Regulative or Relative? 1 Timothy 2:7-15 >
        • February 14, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-8 >
        • February 7, 2016 Notes
      • Know Yourself 1 Timothy 1:8-17 >
        • January 24, 2016 Notes
      • Contend For the Faith 1 Timothy 1:3-11 >
        • January 17, 2016 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL LEGACY 1 Timothy 1:1-2 >
        • January 10, 2016 Notes
      • God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year Selected Scripture Verses >
        • Audio - God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year
        • January 3, 2016 Notes
    • Sermons 2015 (Click for Teasers) >
      • For Christmas God wants…you! Selected Scripture Verses
      • PROMISES KEPT: LOVE 1 Corinthians 13:13
      • PROMISES KEPT: JOY Matthew 1:21 >
        • December 13, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: FAITH Romans 10:13-17 >
        • December 6, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: HOPE Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 29, 2015 Notes
      • Change: Proactive or Reactive? Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 22, 2015 Notes
      • REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! Psalm 33 >
        • November 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS Psalm 32 >
        • November 8, 2015 Notes
      • THE “C’S” OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 2 Cor. 5:17 >
        • November 1, 2015 Notes
      • SOLA FIDE: BY FAITH ALONE Romans 1:16-17 >
        • October 25, 2015 Notes
      • OUR GOD REIGNS Psalm 24 >
        • October 18, 2015 Notes
      • THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED Psalm 19 >
        • October 11, 2015 Notes
      • A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS Psalm 16 >
        • October 4, 2015 Notes
      • RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER: A LIFE OF INTEGRITY Psalm 15 >
        • September 27, 2015 Notes
      • PERSUASIVE SANCTIFICATION 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • September 20, 2015 Notes
      • WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? Psalm 11 >
        • September 13, 2015 Notes
      • A PRAYER FOR DIRECTION Psalm 5 >
        • September 6, 2015 Notes
      • THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: LIVING IN CHRIST Psalm 1 >
        • August 30, 2015 Notes
      • GOD’S FOREIGN POLICY Psalm 2 >
        • August 23, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 16, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 9, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 2, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 26, 2015 Notes
      • THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 19, 2015 Notes
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • Still Trusting Selected Scripture Verses
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 28, 2915 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 21, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE WILL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 14, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 7, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 31, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 24, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE; CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 17, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT; BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 10, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S SON AND OUR LORD Romans 1:1-6 >
        • May 3, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 26, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE FATHER ALMIGHTY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 19. 2015 Notes
      • WE BELIEVE AND WE KNOW: THE APOSTLES CREED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 12, 2015 Notes
      • THE PUPROSE AND GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION Hebrews 13:20-21 >
        • April 5, 2015 Notes
      • THE ANGER OF PALM SUNDAY Matthew 21:1-13 >
        • March 29, 2015 Notes
      • THE BOOK OF HEBREWS REVISITED >
        • March 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE Hebrews 13:15-19 >
        • March 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR UNCHANGEABLE SAVIOR Hebrews 13:7-14 >
        • March 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 13:1-6 >
        • February 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE WAY OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 12:22-29 >
        • February 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS Hebrews 12:18-24 >
        • February 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE RACE Hebrews 12:12-17 >
        • February 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOURNEY OF FAITH HEBREWS 12:1-11 >
        • January 25, 2015 Notes
      • Tolerance or is it Intolerance: the word(s) for our age
      • THE DISCIPLINE OF FAITH Hebrews 11:39-12:3 >
        • January 11, 2015 Notes
      • THE DIVINE CONTENTMENT OF GODLY ACTION Phil 4:11-14 >
        • January 4, 2015 Notes
    • Sermons 2014 (Click for Teasers) >
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: GOD’S GOSPEL Romans 1:1-6; 16-17 >
        • December 28, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: CHRIST Selected Scripture Verses
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: ANGELS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • December 21, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 >
        • December 14, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: BETHLEHEM Selected Verses >
        • December 7, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: PROPHECY Luke 2:25-35 >
        • November 30, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH TAKES A VISION Hebrews 11:32-39 >
        • November 23, 2014 Notes
      • THE CHOICES OF FAITH - Hebrews 11:17-31 >
        • November 16, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNCERTAIN CERTAINTY OF FAITH Hebrews 11:8-19 >
        • November 9, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Hebrews 11:1-7 >
        • November 2, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STOP BELIEVING Hebrews 10:32-39 >
        • October 26, 2014 Notes
      • APPROACHING JUDGMENT Hebrews 10:25-31 >
        • October 19, 2014 Notes
      • “HOW TO” LIVE HOLY Hebrews 10:19-25 >
        • October 12, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS Hebrews 10:11-18 >
        • October 5, 2014 Notes
      • THE BODY OF CHRIST Hebrews 10:1-10 >
        • September 28, 2014 Notes
      • NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS Hebrews 9:15-28 >
        • September 21, 2014 Notes
      • THE REAL THING Hebrews 9:1-14 >
        • September 14, 2014 Notes
      • GOD’S COMMITMENT TO SAVE SINNERS Hebrews 8:1-13 >
        • September 7, 2014 Notes
      • Me and My Pain Selected Scripture Verses
      • ACCESS TO GOD Hebrews 7:20-8:6 >
        • August 24, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PRIEST MAKES US PERFECT Hebrews 7;11-22 >
        • August 17, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEW PRIESTHOOD Hebrews 7:1-11 >
        • August 10, 2014 Notes
      • THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISE - Hebrews 6:13-20 >
        • August 3, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STAY A BABY Hebrews 5:11-6:12 >
        • July 27, 2014 Notes
      • THE WAY TO ASSURANCE Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 >
        • July 20, 2014 Notes
      • OUR EFFECTIVE HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 5:1-10 >
        • July 13, 2014 Notes
      • THE CONFIDENCE OF TRUE COMPASSION Hebrews 4:14-16 >
        • July 6,2014 Notes
      • OBEY GOD’S WORD Hebrews 4:12-16 >
        • June 29, 2014 Notes
      • RESTING IN CHRIST Hebrews 4:1-11 >
        • June 22, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNREST OF UNBELIEF Hebrews 3:7-19 >
        • June 15, 2014 Notes
      • OUR FAITHFUL AND PERFECT SERVANT Hebrews 3:1-6 >
        • June 8, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS STANDS FOR US AND WITH US Hebrews 2:14-18 >
        • June 1, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PERFECTS THE IMPERFECT Hebrews 2;10-18 >
        • May 25, 2014 Notes
      • THE DESTINY OF REDEMPTION - HEBREWS 2:5-9 >
        • May 18, 2014 Notes
      • LISTEN TO THE SON - Hebrews 1:10-2:4 >
        • May 11, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS: BEGOTTEN, NOT CREATED - Hebrews 1:1-9 >
        • May 4, 2014 Notes
      • THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST - Hebrews 1:1-4
      • HE IS RISEN - Matthew 28:1-20
      • Jesus Washes the Disciples's Feet - John 13:1-15
      • THE PURSUIT OF GREATNESS - Matthew 20:17-28
      • THE EQUALITY OF GOD’S GRACE - Matthew 20:1-15
      • Childlike Humility - Matthew 18:1-14
      • Job : A Man for our Times and all Times - Selected Verses from Job
      • A Hard but Happy Chain of Events - Romans 5:3-5
      • The Divine Confession - Matthew 17:1-13
      • The Reason for Discipleship - Matthew 16:13-28
      • The Blessed Confession - Matthew 16:13-20
      • The Food of Faith - John 6:22-29
      • Our Divine Focus - Matthew 14:22-33
      • Kingdom Patience - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
      • A Sure Comfort - Psalm 91
      • Purpose Driven Parables - Matthew 13:10-17
      • Relevant Resolutions -- Philippians 3:12-14
    • Sermons 2013 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Our Savior Speaks At Advent - Hebrews 10:5-10
      • The Praise of Advent - Luke Chapter 2
      • The Peace of Advent - Micah 5:2-5
      • The Proclamation of Advent - Isaiah 12:1-6
      • The Preparation for Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
      • The Promise of Advent - Jeremiah 33:14 – 16
      • Jesus: The Servant Who Saves - Matthew 12:15-21
      • Kingdom Authority - Matthew 8:23-27
      • Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-14
      • Resting in the Truth - Matthew 11:28-30
      • Rest for the Repentant - Matthew 11:20-30
      • Standing Upon Grace Romans 5:1-2
      • Prospecting For Sinners - Matthew 9:1-13
      • It’s easier to Covet than be Content - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Moved by Compassion - Matthew 9:35-38
      • Feasting Not Fasting - Matthew 9:14-17
      • Testimony to God's Grace - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
      • The Case for Following Jesus - Mathew 8:14-22
      • Two Foundations - Matthew 7:21-29
      • The Danger of Deception - Matthew 7:15-23
      • Jesus' Call to Enter the Kingdom - Mathew 7:13-14
      • Influence or Influenced? - Matthew 5:13-16
      • The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12
      • Persistent Prayer - Matthew 7:7-12
      • Right and Wrong Judgmens - Matthew 7:1-6
      • Freedom From Worry - Matthew 6:25-34
      • Choices of the Heart - Matthew 6:19-24
      • Biblical Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
      • The Responsibility of Forgiveness - Matthew 6:12,14,15
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Content of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Approach to Prayer - Matthew 6:5-8
      • Bad Actors - Matthew 6:1-4
      • The Power and Shame of Divine Love - Matthew 5:38-48
      • Speak Truth - Matthew 5:33-37
      • Murdering Marriage - Matthew 5:27-32
      • The Indictment and Restitution of Anger - Matthew 5:21-26
      • Affirming God's Standards - - Matthew 5:17-20
      • The Happyness Quotient - Matthew 5:3-12
      • When Glory Meets Our Suffering - Isaiah 53:10-12
      • The Conundrum of Palm Sunday - Matthew 5:10-12
      • The Call and Challenge of Peacemaking - Matthew 5:9-10
      • Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:8
      • The Way of Mercy - Matthew 5:7
      • The Pursuit of the Kingdom - Matthew 5:6
      • The Choice is Ours - Philippians 4:1-9
      • Be Meek, not Weak - Matthew 5:5
      • Kingdom Esteem - Matthew 5:3-5
      • A Sermon For the Ages - Matthew 5:1 - 7:29
      • Experiencing God's Kingdom - Matthew 4:12-25
      • You Said Yes, I Said No - Matthew 4:1-11
      • Salvation Through Sorrow - Matthew 2:13-16
    • Sermons 2012 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Standing Orders For A New Year - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Glory of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Love of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Joy of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Sufferinng: The Peace of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Hope of Avent - Selected Scpriture Verses
      • Thanksgiving for God's Compassion - Psalm 103:6-19
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • We Proclaim Christ! - Colossians 1:28-29
      • Crazy Days and Crazy Doctrines - 1 Timothy 4:1-10
      • The Good Reaper vs. the Grim Reaper - Galatians 6:7-10
      • Fact of Fiction? - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Tangled up in Blue (or red) - 2 Timothy 2:4
      • Order or Ordo - Salutis - Selected Scripture Verses >
        • sermons 2009 (Click for Teasers) >
          • The Gospel of Peace - Luke 2
          • He is Peace: The Peace of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is the Lamb of God: The Lamb of Advent - John 1:29-36
          • He is the Purifier: The Purifier of Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
          • He is our Shepherd: The Shepherd of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is Light: The Light of Advent - Isaiah 9:1-7
          • An Anniversary Charge - 2 Timothy 4:1-8
          • Jars of Joy - John 2:1-11
          • Always Remember God's Word - Psalm 119:169-176
          • Reformation Reflections - Romans 1:16-17
          • A Strong Defense - Psalm 119:153-168
          • Getting Things Right - Psalm 119:137-152
          • Divine Intervention - Psalm 119:121-136
          • Am I a Credible Witness - II Corinthians 13:1-6
          • Our Primary Source - Psalm 119:105-120
          • A Passion for Perfection - Psalm 119:89-96
          • Deliver Us From Evil - Psalm 119:73-80
          • The Discipline of Contentment - Psalm 119:57-64
          • Blessed are the Bold - Psalm 119:41-56
          • Understanding and Accepting God's Ways - Psalm 119:25-40
          • The Strength of My Life - Psalm 119:9-24
          • A Tribute to the Word of God - Psalm 119:1-8
          • The Greatness of Our God - Psalm 48
          • Love One Another (Part. 2) - 1 John 4:7-21
          • Love One Another - 1 John 4:7-21
          • John Calvin: Servant of Christ and His Church - Various Scripture Verses
          • Live Free; Not Fake - Galatians 5:1-11
          • The Trouble With the Truth - Acts 17:1-15
          • The Glory Road - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
          • The Work of the Word - I Thessalonians 2:10-16
          • Model Church: Motive and Manner - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
          • The Impact of Pentecost: Then and Now - I Thessalonians 1:2-10
          • Change You Can Really Believe In - Acts 2:37-41
          • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25
          • The Testimony of David - Acts 2:25 -36
          • The Explanation of Pentecost - Acts 2:14-24
          • The Spirit of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-13
          • Preparation for Impact - Acts 2:12-26
          • After the Resurrection - Acts 1:1-11
          • Hope That Never Disappoints - Romans 5:1-5
          • Passover: Revisited and Revised - Mark 14:12-26
          • Presence, Power and Persecution - Acts 5:17-41
          • Watch Out! - Mark 13:1-37
          • Close to the Kingdom - Mark 12:28-32
          • Greatness in God's Eyes - Matthew 20:17-27
          • The Wrong Side of Mercy - Mark 11:12-33
          • Making the Impossible Possible - Mark 10:17-22
          • Commitment, Not Convenience - Mark 10:1-16
          • The Sabbaath and the Superbowl - Isaiah 58:13-14
          • The Work of the Shepherd - John 10:1-21
          • Celebrating Life - Psalm 139:13-18
          • Jesus: Friend of Sinners - Mark 2:13-22
          • Pointing People to Christ - Mark 1:1-13
      • The Lord Reigns - Zechariah 14
      • The Lord Reigns - Zechariah 14
      • The Striking Blow For Sinner's Forgiveness - Zechariah 13
      • Two Types of Sorrow - Zechariah 11:12-13:1
      • A Crisis of Leadership - Zechariah 11
      • Sheep, Shepards and a Savior - Zechariah 10
      • War and Peace - Zechariah 9
      • Culture and You Today: How can we live? - Various Scripture Verses
      • You Can Count On God - Zechariah 8
      • A Deadly Substitute - Zechariah 7
      • Access to Peace - Zechariah 6:9-15
      • Vision Alignment - Zechariah 6:1-8
      • The Reality of Sin and Judgment - Zechariah 5
      • The Work of God's Gospel - Zechariah 4:1-13
      • A Cleansed Priesthood - Zechariah 3:1-10
      • Thy Kingdom Come - Zechariah 2:1-13
      • The Fruit of Repentance - Zechariah 1:7-21
      • Restoration Through Repentance - Zechariah 1:1-6
      • Caught In A Trap - John 8:1-11
      • Pentecost: A Feast Like No Other - Acts 2
      • Christ's Ascennsion: What Jesus Left Behind - Acts 1:1-11
      • The Equality of God's Grace - Matthew 20:1-16
      • The Source of Truth and Spiritual Growth - 2 Peter 3:15-18
      • Preparing For Our Future - 2 Peter 3:10-14
      • Time is on God's Side - 2 Peter 3:1-9
      • The Rejection of False Teachers - 2 Peter 3:4-22
      • The Presence, Practice and Punishment of False Teachers - 2 Peter 2:1-40
      • The Worst News Becomes the Best News - Acts 13:26-41
      • The Best and Worst Sunday in History - John 12:12-46
      • It's Not Fair! - Various Scripture Verses
      • The Certainty of the Gospel - 2 Peter: 19-21
      • Remembering God's Truth - 2 Peter 1:12-21
      • Blessed Assurance - 2 Peter 1:10-11
      • Our Faith: Irreplaceable and Active - 2 Peter 1-11
      • The Roar of Satan: Standing Frim in a Noisy World - 1 Peter 5:8-14
      • Living in the Joy of Humility - 1 Peter 5:5-9
      • The Strength of Humility - 1 Peter 5:1-7
      • Surprised by Suffering - 1 Peter 4:12-19
      • Practical Eschatology - 1 Peter 4:7-11
      • Done With Sin? - 1 Peter 4:1-6
      • Christ's Victory March - 1 Peter 3:18-22
      • Immanuel: God With Us - Selected Scripture Verses
    • Sermons 2011 (Click for Teasers) >
      • What Child Is This? - Selected Scripture Verses
      • God's Love Secured - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Joy of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Pieces of Peace - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Advent: The Renewal of Hope - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Celebrating Our Sue Hope in Christ - 1 Peter 3:15-18
      • Loving Life - 1 Peter 3:8-14
      • The Beauty and Strength of Submission - 1 Peter 3:1-7
      • The Sufficiency of Christ's Suffering - 1 Peter 2:24-25
      • The Suffering of Service - 1 Peter 2:21-25
      • The Service of Submission - 1 Peter 2:13-25
      • Significant Strangers - 1 Peter 2:9-12
      • A Stoned Church - 1 Peter 2:4-8
      • The Holiness Diet - 1 Peter 2:1-3
      • Redeemed Living - 1 Peter 1:17-35
      • When Towers Fall - Luke 13:1-5
      • The Focus of Our Hope - 1 Peter 1:10-16
      • The Joy of Hope Refined - 1 Peter 1:3-9
      • Holy Hope - 1 Peter 1:1-5
      • Our Covenent Connection - Hebrews 10:19-25
      • Our Spiritual Debt Crisis - Matthew 18:21-35
      • The Work of God's Word - Hebrews 4:12-16
      • No More Shame - Hebrews 2:10-18
      • We See Jesus - Hebrews 2:5-13
      • The Savior Seeks Sinners - Luke 19:1-10
      • Freedom: Automony or Theonomy - Luke 15:11-24
      • The Right Kind of King - Psalm 110
      • The Greatest Father's Day Ever - Hebrews 1:5-13
      • Jesus Christ: The End of the Story - Hebrews 1:1-6
      • Never Read a Bible Verse -- Selected Scripture Verses
      • A Life of Hope -- Romans 8:18-39
      • The Pride of the Gospel - Galatians 6:12-16
      • Don't Spoil the Fruit - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Self-control - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Hannah: Obedience and Faithfulness - 1 Samuel 1 & 2
      • The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Surprised by the Obvious - Luke 24:1-8
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Meekness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Kindness and Goodness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Patience - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action - Joy - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action - Love- Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of Freedom - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Advantage: Holy Spirit - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Freedom of the Gospel - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Controversy Over the Grace of the Gospel - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Guarding the Gospel of Grace - Galatians 2:1-10
      • The Call of Grace - Galatians 1:11-24
      • Wisdom in Action - Proverbs 2 and James 3
      • Words Matter - Selected Proverbs
      • Wisdom: Found and Applied - Proverbs 3:13-35
      • Old Truths for a New Year - Proverbs 3:1-12
    • Sermons 2010 (Click for Teasers) >
      • The Day After - Matt 2:1-18
      • The Angel's Message to the Shepherds - Luke 2:10-14
      • The Angel's Message to Joseph - Matt 1:18-25
      • The Angel's Message to Mary - Luke 1:26-38
      • The Angelic Message of Preparation - Luke 1:11-21
      • Angels of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
      • Identity Crisis - 1 Peter 2:9-12
      • The Heart of Tradition - Mark 7:1-23
      • Who we are (or should be) as Christians - John 17:13-26
      • THE “TREAT” OF THE REFORMATION - Various Scripture Verses
      • Fatherly Guidance - Various Scripture Verses
      • Children of the Heavenly Father - Various Scripture Verses
      • God Keeps His Promises - Hebrews 6:13-20
      • Signs of God's Covenant Grace - Various Scripture Verses
      • Emotional Rescue - 3 John 2-4
      • Certain Truths for Uncertain Times - Various Scripture Verses
      • Two Words From God: Law and Gospel - Various Scripture Verses
      • Amazing Grace: Common and Saving - Various Scripture Verses
      • Philemon & Onesimus: What a Pair - Philemon 12-25
      • Philemon & Onesimus: What a Pair - Philemon 1-11
      • Methodology Matters - Various Scripture Verses
      • Pictures of Faithful Service - 2 Timothy 2:2-7
      • A Prayer of Faith - Habakkuk 3:1-19
      • Living by Faith - Habakkuk 2:4-20
      • Lessons on Faith - Habakkuk 2:2-4
      • The Struggle of Faith - Habakkuk 1 - 2:4
      • Battle Accessories - Ephesians 6:16-17
      • The Good News of the Battle - Ephesians 6:14-15
      • The Illusiveness of Truth - Ephesians 6:13-14
      • Prepared for the Battle - Ephesians 6:10-13
      • Authority that Liberates - Ephesians 6:1-9
      • The Model of Marriage - Ephesians 5:21-33
      • God's Design for Marriage - Ephesians 5:21-33
      • The Movement of Love - Ephesians 5:8-21
      • Imitator or Imitation? - Ephesians 5:1-7
      • Kindness in Action - Ephesians 4:29 - 5:2
      • Truth Exchange - Ephesians 4:25-29
      • Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ -- Romans 13
      • The Rejected, Yet Resurrected Savior - Acts 4:8-12
      • The "Off and On" Christian - Ephesians 4:20-24
      • Delivered From Depravity - Ephesians 4:17-24
      • God's Building Project - Ephesians 4:7-16
      • Theology is Practical - Ephesians 4:1-6
      • Prayer and Praise - Ephesians 3:14-21
      • God's Surprise Ending - Ephesians 3:1-13
      • Becoming a Legal Alien - Ephesians 2:14-22
      • Faith That Works - Ephesians 2:8-13
      • Our First Resurrection - Ephesians 2:1-10
      • Eye Opening Prayer - Ephesians 1:15-23
      • Our Inheritance in Christ - Ephesians 1:11-14
      • God's Eternal Resolution Accomplished - Ephesians 1:5-10
      • God's Eternal Resolution - Ephesians 1:1-6
  • Quotes
  • Links
    • You Tubes
    • Photos
    • Resources/Articles/News
  • Members
    • Calendar
JESUS: BEGOTTEN, NOT CREATED          Hebrews 1:1-9

Pastor Dennis Bone

 5-4-14

 Last week as we studied together the introduction to the book of Hebrews, we looked at this presentation of Jesus as divine in the first three verses; and in our passage for this morning the writer continues to make this biblical case for the deity of Christ, specifically in His relationship to the angels.  Since the first century the church has faced challenges to the person of Christ and His divinity, from within and without, and the faithful church continues to stands firm upon the truth of God’s Word as revealed to us in the Scripture.

In recent years the Jehovah Witnesses have popularized the lie that Jesus is not God, but a “god” and join the long line of false teachings that view Jesus as simply a great prophet or top-notch angel, who at best helps us out in our efforts to get to God.  The book of Hebrews addresses some of the earliest forms of false teaching regarding Jesus, and in this the first chapter of Hebrews 1 the writer uses a multitude of Old Testament passages to prove that Jesus is not only greater or superior to the angels, but that the reason for this is that Jesus is divine: He is God.  So please follow along as we hear what he says beginning in verses 4 – 8 of Hebrews chapter 1:

    So he (the Son, who sat down at the right hand of God the Father – vs. 3) became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.  For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you (or, become your Father)?”  Or again, “I will be his Father and he will be my Son?”  And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”  In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, his servant flames of fire.”  But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.”

The major theme of this book is the superiority of Jesus over the Old Testament or old covenant system.  He is superior because He is God the Son, who came in the flesh to fulfill this old system by accomplishing salvation for His people through His work of redemption – His birth, death, resurrection and exaltation back into heaven – and by faith in Him both Jews and Gentiles receive forgiveness and salvation.  This is the Christian gospel.  Yet from the early days of the church, and still today, there has been questions and even controversy over the nature of Jesus as God, and the role of Jesus as Savior and King.  Our passage speaks to both of these things, specifically in contrast with the angels.

What makes Jesus superior to the angels?  The answer is in verse 4: “So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”  The name of Jesus is divine; it’s His divinity or deity that makes him superior to the angels.  The rest of the chapter goes on to prove this point, and to explain what the name of the Son means and why it is true that He is divine.  In the minds of most Jewish people angels were messengers from God.  They were created beings, which played a significant role in revealing revelation from God in the Old Testament.  The serious issue dealt with here, and in other places within the early church, was the danger of seeing Jesus as just another prophet or created being, thus undermining His authority. 

Thus the most important point and key truth set forth throughout this book is that Jesus is not just another prophet; He is the final prophet; He is not even an angel, He is greater than the angels; He is not a created being, He is the eternal Son of God.   It’s this great truth that gives Jesus the authority to say, “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me.”  Thus as we look back at our text from Hebrews 1, we see that the reason Jesus’ name is divine is rooted in the fact that the Son is preexistent and eternal. 

In other words, Jesus existed before the angels, and before anything that was created.  As the apostle John writes in his gospel: “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and was God; and through Him (Jesus) all things were made.”  The one who was in the beginning with God is eternal – He has no beginning or end – and as we read later in Hebrews: “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

This confirms what was said in verses 2 and 3 of Hebrews 1, that through Him the universe was made and that He – the Son – is the exact representation of His being.  So we see first that it is the name of Jesus as the preexistent and eternal Son that sets Him apart, and sets Him above the angels.  This is reflected in verse 5, where the first of seven verses from the Old Testament are quoted to support the superiority of Jesus.  This one is from Psalm 2: “For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you (or, become your Father)?”   The answer is of course “None” and the point is that Jesus is unique; He is begotten, not created.  The Psalmist refers to Jesus’ eternal Sonship and the role He will assume when He comes into the world. 

The word “begotten” comes from the Greek word “to generate” or to bring forth, not to create.  The “only begotten Son” is generated by the Father as they existed in eternity.  This establishes a Father-Son relationship in the Godhead and the role of the Son in redemption.  In an early church creed – the Nicene Creed – we read and confess this clear truth: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God . . . very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father.”

The point of the writer here in Hebrews is to show Jesus’ superiority over the angels by proving His deity and this divine relationship that He has with God the Father.  This continues in verse 6 as we read: “And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”   Secondly we see that Jesus is “firstborn” in terms of preeminence, not chronology.  The word “firstborn,” much like begotten, has at times confused people, but it has nothing to do with being created; rather it refers to rank.  It comes from the Greek word meaning premier or prominent; and refers to the preeminent one or highest one, which is exactly the role of Jesus even as He comes into the world.

Paul uses the same term in Colossians 1 when he says: “Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”  As the preeminent one, He created all things and is before all things and is over all things – He is supreme.  Paul goes on to say that Jesus is not only the firstborn over creation but He is the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.  You see, Jesus has the preeminent role in creation and in redemption.  The third point in the outline as it relates to the name of Jesus as the “firstborn” is that He is the firstborn from the dead in regard to His resurrection and redemptive role as the Son.  God brings Him into this world for this very reason, and when He does according to verse 6, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

A fourth point then is that Jesus is worshipped because He is divine, and the angels serve Him.  Only God is worthy of worship, and we hear this worship in Luke 2 when Jesus is born; and we see it again in Revelation 5 after His resurrection and exaltation.  One of the primary roles or functions for the angels is to worship God, thus this again speaks to Jesus preeminence as the Son and that the angels serve Him; and this service proves that Jesus is divine.   And then a fifth point is the contrast made in verse 8.   The angels are servants of Jesus the King – verse 8 – “But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.”  The angels are created servants; Jesus is the eternal king.  The angels worship Jesus the divine king. 

In the context of His eternal throne, Jesus is referred to as God in verse 8, but it’s in the context of His coming into the world that Jesus is exalted based upon His divine work of redemption.  It’s important to see that the argument that the writer is making here.  Jesus was always superior to the angels, as the Creator and as God the Son; but He has now become better in a different way through His role as the Redeemer. 

Jesus did what no angel or created being could ever do.  He came to fulfill the words of Psalm 45, as quoted in verse 9 as the divine, yet human Savior – the God-Man – who for a time was made a little lower than the angels in order to achieve salvation for sinful man.  We read in verse 9: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”  This refers to the life and ministry of Jesus, first on earth, and then in the joy of His resurrection and exaltation, where He now rules over all things, including the angels.  The eternal throne is Jesus’ throne; and He sits on this throne not only as the sovereign creator, but now, by virtue of His coming into the world He sits upon the throne as the Sovereign Redeemer, who sat down after making purification for our sins.

This is why Paul says in Philippians 2: “Therefore (on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work upon the cross) God exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”  The name of Jesus is divine and it has been revealed to us through His work of salvation for us.  It was not the role of angels to redeem sinners; it is the role of the Son; and in fulfilling His role He now rules as the Risen King.  And so not only is the name of Jesus divine, but the rule of Jesus is divine as well.

The final verses of the chapter support this same theme of Jesus superiority because He is God.  Beginning with verse 10:  He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.  They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.  You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.  But you remain the same, and your years will never end.  To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?”

 The answer to this question, as the one before is simply “None.”  No angel is sovereign and no angels rule, they serve, so once again we are directed to the sovereign and eternal nature of Jesus the Son.  The summary is this; as I will have to get to the specifics of the second half of the outline next week:  The one who was in the beginning with God and who created the heavens and the earth is eternal, and this eternal one entered into the world to conquer the enemies of sin and death, and after conquering them sits down at the right hand of God and reigns until He puts all of His enemies under His feet.

This one is Jesus: our divine Savior and King.  So why is this so important for us to believe and be reminded of as Christians today?  First, Jesus is the divine Head of His church.  His work as Redeemer is finished and He sits on His eternal throne, but the work of His church continues through the message of redemption as proclaimed in the gospel.  We worship Jesus as our God when we honor Him as our King.  It does not honor Him or benefit the church to accept a message that questions His deity or teachings that undermine His Word.   Second, Jesus is the divine priest for His church.  Only God can forgive sins; and Jesus as God the Son does this for those who trust Him by faith. 

Sinners cannot turn to angels or prophets or religious alters or simply “higher powers” to remove the guilt of sin or to pay the penalty of disobedience to a holy God.  Only Jesus has the authority and ability to do this for us, because only Jesus is the divine and perfect Son of God.

The divinity of Christ is what gives us comfort and clarity as believers; and it’s this comfort and clarity that we offer to others in His gospel:  Believe and trust fully in the divine person and work of God the Son, Jesus Christ our God and Savior. 

©You’re welcome to recycle these resources for your church free of charge. However, if you find them useful, please consider making a donation to the ministry of GCC.


Our Church

Home
About Us 
Services
Ministries
GCC Pastor's Blog

Support

Pastor
Contact us
Bible Search
Search our Site

Members

Calendar
RSVP


Picture
✕