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Let’s Put Christ Back…

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

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This is the “Christmas season”.  A cry for decades now has been, “Let’s put Christ back in Christmas.”   It is certainly a well-intentioned call by professed believers in Jesus, who see the commercialization of this holiday into a materialistic and worldly occasion.  For most, this holiday is more about getting than giving.  The call to remember the holiday was established to celebrate the birth of Jesus is certainly more noble than what the day is to far too many.  They want people to pause and consider Jesus.

The problem with this is that Jesus never was in Christmas.  It is a manmade “religious tradition” designed to put emphasis on the birth of Jesus.  That His birth is certainly important should not be minimized.  Matthew 1&2 and Luke 1&2 both tell of His birth and surrounding events. We ought to study these texts like we do the rest of the gospels and the Bible as a whole.  There are many lessons to be learned and sermons to be preached based on His birth.  IF it were not for His birth, He would not have lived, died and arose again the third day.  Last year, I presented a lesson entitled, “Why did Jesus Come to Earth?”  In that lesson we noted that which is emphasized in scripture: Jesus came: 1) Ultimately to save us; 2) To reveal the Father to us; and 3) To give us an example of how we ought to live.

In scripture we are called upon to remember His death, burial and resurrection.  We do so as we obey the gospel (Romans 6:3-4), each Sunday as we partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Acts 20:7), and the fact that we assemble on Sunday – the day He arose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-2, Mark 16:1-2, Luke 24:1 & John 20:1, etc.).  We have specific instructions associated with each of these.  But NOWHERE in scripture do we find authority for a collective, binding, religious observance of His birth – either by command, example or inference (what you choose to do privately, provided you understand accurately, is between you and God, cf. Romans 14:5-6).  That is why what we are doing today and this week is no different than any other Sunday or week of the year.  We believe that if God had wanted a special, annual observance of His birth, He would have given us direction of what He intended.  But the Bible is completely silent on the subject, and we ought to respect His silence (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:6).   Furthermore, history reveals that the birth of Jesus was not formally observed until ~336 AD, and then there was much disagreement as to when and how it was to be observed.

So as we can see, no matter how noble the thought, Christ never was in Christmas, at least from God’s perspective.  However, the thought of putting Christ back where He belongs IS worthy of consideration.  Sadly, there are many areas where Christ has been lost or put on a back burner.  So, for the focus of my lesson, let’s discuss our need to put Christ back into every aspect of our lives and faith.  There are many areas of life where we many need to see if Christ is there.  He ought to be in EVERY aspect of our lives.  If He is missing, let’s put Christ back in…

 

1. Establishing authority
   1. Jesus has all authority.
      1. Matthew 28:18 – Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven on earth…”
      2. Matthew 17:5 (& throughout the gospels) finds that God gave Him this authority – Matthew 17:5).
      3. Hebrews 1:1-3 declares that in these last days God has spoken to us through Him.
      4. Colossians 1:18 – in all things He has preeminence. There are so many other passages that declare the authority of Jesus.
   2. Yet, for far too many, that authority has been removed. Of course, there is the world that rejects Him.  But there are many professed followers of Him who have rejected His authority to govern their lives.
      1. They live semi-devoted lives to Him, following only when convenient.
      2. Others, follow Him except for some area of their lives that they refuse to surrender to Him.
      3. Still others render only lip-service to Him while living worldly & materialistic lives.
      4. Titus 1:16 – Paul spoke of those who “profess to know God, but in works they deny Him…being disqualified from every good work.”
   3. The Bible teaches that Jesus is to be at the forefront of everything you do in life.
      1. Colossians 3:17 – whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord.
      2. Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” Philippians 3:7-10 describes the sacrifices Paul made for Him.
      3. Summarized, such passages emphasize that in everything we do, we appeal to His authority over us.
   4. If Christ’s authoritative words are not governing your decision, you need to bring Him back.
2. His church
   1. The Bible is clear that the church belongs to Him – Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23.
   2. Its purpose is ultimately to glorify God and Christ –
      1. 1 Peter 2:4-5 – we are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
      2. Ephesians 3:21 – to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations…
   3. The church is about relationship with God, Jesus and one another – Ephesians 4:16, etc.
   4. But, far too often today, Christ has been lost in the church. While many admit the church belongs to Christ, they have created their own versions of what the church ought to be.  Much like, Jeroboam, they have created religions of convenience.   The church is more centered on what they want than what God’s word teaches about it.  People want to “chose the church of THEIR choice” and come with conditions – entertainment, social activities, materialistic pursuits, tolerance of their sinful lifestyles, etc.   They have created churches of convenience, and many are very forward about that.  But in essence, in such churches Christ has been lost.
   5. Everything about His church is established in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:10-11 reminds us that the church was part of His eternal plan and a manifestation of His wisdom.  Many of Paul’s letters were written to churches and preachers who were interacting with churches.
   6. Within the New Testament we find teachings and examples concerning the church.
      1. We find how each congregation was autonomous (self-governing and answering to no super-organization). Each congregation answered directly to the Lord through His teachings (cf. Revelation 2 & 3).  When there was cooperation, either benevolently or in evangelism, their autonomy was maintained.
      2. They worshipped following a pattern – John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 14:15, etc.
      3. Their work was spiritual and designed to build up its members, as well as support the preaching of the gospel both locally and abroad (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16).
      4. Each congregation was organized locally with qualified elders who oversaw their own flock (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-3).
   7. If a church is to be considered faithful to God, Christ MUST be at her focal point. If we have made her ANYTHING except what scripture teaches, we need to put Christ back.
3. Our homes
   1. Psalm 127:1 – Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. While primarily a reference to the temple, the principle applies to any “house”, including the home.  It is even emphasized in vs. 3-5 of the psalm.
   2. It is clear that Christ is not at the center of most homes. Many homes are shattered because they are not what they ought to be – divorce, abuse and neglect are present.  In other homes, materialistic goals are at the forefront – success is viewed FIRST by financial goals, and God is placed somewhere further down the line.  Some homes render lip-service to God, but hypocrisy is present and observed by the family.
   3. God’s word gives instruction about godly homes.
      1. The husband/father is to be the head of the house – Ephesians 5:23-24, 6:4.
      2. Wives and children are to be in submission to him, “as to the Lord” – Ephesians 5:24.
      3. Children are to be obedient and honoring of their parents – Ephesians 6:1-3, etc.
      4. Love is to govern every relationship therein – Husbands – Ephesians 5:25-28 – even to the point of sacrifice, Wives – Titus 2:4, Children – Ephesians 6:2 (honor).
   4. This is so important because the home is the foundational unit of society. As the home goes, so goes society AND the church.
   5. IF Christ is not at the center of your home, it’s time to put Him back.
4. Our personal lives
   1. We have already noted that Jesus needs to be at the foundation of everything we do. This means that He is going to have an impact on every area of our life – what we do, how we talk, where we go, who we associate with, how we use our resources, etc.
   2. Sadly, for many, like in churches and homes as mentioned above, the Lord has been compartmentalized in their lives. There are certain things they do for Him, perhaps even consistently – they might attend the worship services, participate, etc.  But once they leave the building, they live a different life.  They serve the Lord, but they are not fully devoted to Him.
   3. Again, the Bible is clear that God demands our all.
      1. Romans 12:1-2 – we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices to Him, not conforming to this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (as we have often discussed, the mind is where real change takes place).
      2. Colossians 1:10 notes that we are to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…”
      3. Jesus taught in Luke 14:33 that whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be His disciple.
   4. If we have areas of our life that are not in line with His will, we need to put Him back!
5. Our example before others
   1. Related to the previous point, we are called upon to be godly examples. The reality of life is that we ARE an influence to others, whether we desire to be or not.  We have greater influence on those closest to us.  So how are we doing?
   2. Some, live a double-life when it comes to their example. Again, they may attend services on Sunday, but they are found at places they should not be, using ungodly language, associating with the wrong crowds and living worldly lives.  So may not be caught up in ungodly things, but their faith is “a secret”.  Those they associate with have no idea they are Christians.
   3. A part of being godly men and women is letting our light shine, EVEN in “the midst of a crooked and perverse generation”. Philippians 2:14-15, Matthew 5:14-16.  Our ability to win others to Christ depends on this. And it WILL have an impact on the future of the church within a given community.
   4. Do others see the light of Christ shining in you? If not, you need to put Him back!

These are some areas where we need to pause and take an honest look and ask ourselves if Christ is where He ought to be in our lives (2 Corinthians 13:5).  If He is not where He ought to be, let us resolve to make changes.

In conclusion, I want to state that there is a sense in which I am glad some are advocating a return to the intent of Christmas and remember Jesus, even if misguided.  Consider that during this time of year, one CANNOT escape the reminder that Jesus DID come to this earth to live and die to accomplish His real purpose.  Much to the chagrin of those who want every mention of Jesus during this season removed.  And perhaps, in some small way, that will provoke some to examine their lives and seek Jesus according to His word.  In so doing they will find that to follow Jesus is not just about a season, but a daily, lifelong commitment that will put Christ FIRST in every area of their lives.  That is what I desire.  What about you?  WHERE is Christ in your life?  Is He a passing reminder 1 or 2 times a year, or is He Lord of your life?  Think about it!