Introduction
In his enlightening sermon series titled “Jesus,” Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), unveils profound theological truths about Christ, as seen in the Gospel of John.
The first part of this series, subtitled “The Word,” examines John 1:1, emphasizing Jesus’ identity as both the Word and God.
The Unique Approach of John’s Gospel
Pastor Otabil begins by contrasting John’s Gospel with the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
While these focus on Jesus’ earthly ministry, John opens with a theological declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Pastor Otabil highlights how this introduction distinguishes Jesus as more than a historical figure, portraying Him as the pre-existent and divine Word.
“John approaches the story of Jesus very differently,” he states, underscoring that John delves into Christ’s eternal nature before creation itself.
Understanding Logos: Jesus as God’s Expression
A central theme of the sermon is the exploration of the term “Word” or Logos. Pastor Otabil explains that Logos signifies an “expressed thought,” extending beyond verbal communication to embody God’s essence and purpose.
“Logos is not just about something you say; it even goes to something you express in other ways,” Otabil explains. This portrayal of Jesus as the expressed thought of God brings deeper clarity to His divine mission and purpose.
Jesus: Self-Existent, Eternal, and Distinct
The pastor emphasizes the significance of the word “was” in John 1:1. “It means something is present,” he clarifies, affirming Jesus’ self-existence and eternal nature. Unlike created beings, Jesus has no origin—He simply exists.
Otabil then draws a striking parallel between John’s introduction and Genesis 1:1, pointing out that John reveals what existed before creation: the eternal Word, Jesus.
He also unpacks three profound truths about Jesus as the Word:
1. Self-Existence: Jesus was not created but exists independently.
2. Eternality: Jesus has no beginning or end, standing outside time.
3. Distinct Nature: Jesus is divine yet distinct from creation.
The Weight of Invoking Jesus’ Name
In conclusion, Pastor Otabil challenges believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ divine nature.
He cautions against casual references to Christ and emphasizes comprehending His significance when invoking His name in prayer.
“It’s not just a way you end prayer… it comes with the weight of understanding,” he asserts.
Through this series, Pastor Otabil illuminates Jesus’ role as the eternal bridge between God and humanity, urging believers to delve deeper into Scripture and recognize the profound power of the eternal Word.
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