The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians 1:15-20.

It was in the middle of an artificial intelligence (AI) class when one of our professors presented that although the human brain may be slower than the slowest computer in computation, it remains the single most complex object in the universe. The way it adapts, learns, predicts, and makes decisions can never be replaceable by an AI.

In similar and much greater grandeur, Paul writes on the supremacy of Christ:

His supremacy in creation
- He is the firstborn of all creation (15). For by him all thing were created (16).
His supremacy in the new creation - the Church
- He is the firstborn from the dead (18). For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (19).
He encircles all things
- He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together (17).
He reconciles all things
- And through him to reconcile to himself all things...making peace by the blood of his cross (20).

I'm often wowed and more wowed into singing my heart out; other times, it's quieter, haha. I wonder what joys and depths we could know from reflections on the greatness of Christ.

Reflect & Pray

What aspects of God's creation frequently reminds you of the greatness of God? How does Christ's supremacy as Firstborn from the dead bring hope to you?

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

Disciples are Blessed

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV. [Series on: The Blessed] How would you describe a blessed and happy life? One of my friends believes there’s only one happy person each week, the lottery winner, and the rest of us just have make-believe happiness. Maybe you share my friend's view or have your own picture of happiness. The Bible also has its own picture, and in this short series on the Blessed we'll see who are the blessed of Scripture. In today's passage, Jesus gathers His disciples to the mountainside, away from the crowd and teaches them what a truly blessed and happy life—beatitude—looks like. Jesus shows that a blessed life is the life of a disciple, those who are: Poor in spirit (v3, Psalm 42:1; 63:1): who depend on God in everything. Mourning (v4, Isaiah 61:2-3): who seek God’s rescue/forgiveness by repentance. Meek (v5, Psalm 37:9-11): who humbly wait for the Lord amidst life’s ...

In trials, Be Holy!

1 Peter 1:13-2:3 NIV. Knowing the joyful truths from the last session about our faith, Peter then goes on to say, therefore...be holy! (v13). Being holy means to live a God-centred life. It looks like not conforming to ungodly desires (v14, 2v1) but setting our minds on the eternal things of God (v13, 2v2), living in reverent fear of God (v17) and loving God's people (v22). This cuts against the grain of the me-centred worldview of life. It is, therefore, no surprise that every trial and distraction in life combats any attempt at living a God-centred life. So how do we respond? Peter's encouragement in verse 15 is: be holy in all you do — keep being holy, continue (2 Timothy 3:12-13). In trials, be holy for three profound reasons - all based on the very nature of God. In trials, we are to be holy (keep being, continue to be) because: God is holy. Verse 16 says "Be holy, bec...

In trials, Rejoice!

1 Peter 1:1-12 NIV. Have you ever been in a situation where you've been mistreated or made to feel awkward because you're a Christian? Or you're aware of a worldly pattern in your circle - maybe with work or peers - that makes it hard to live as a Christian. These and similar are examples of trials. The challenge of trials is to lose heart or give in. So Peter writes in his epistle to encourage persecuted Christians in his day and us today. Peter addresses believers as God's elect exiles (v1), chosen by God but exiles to the world, facing all kinds of trials (v6). And in the face of trials, what do we do? Rather than lose heart or give in, Peter says Rejoice! Rejoice and be thankful to God because of the kind of new birth - the kind of faith - He gave us. When you undergo trials, rejoice because: Your faith is awarded! (v3-6) Peter begins by praising God for our living hope,...

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