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The Preeminence of Christ
The apostle Paul wrote, "And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent (Colossians 1:18).
Christ has preeminence when children of God believe and obey Him (Luke 6:46). He has first place when members of His body manifest a zeal according to knowledge and continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers (Romans 10:2; Acts 2:42). Christ is Lord when brethren are content to be simple New Testament Christians, members of His church, wear His name, work and worship according to the New Testament pattern in a congregation organized according to that pattern (Acts 2:47; Acts 11:26; Romans 16:1, 2; Philippians 1:1). And Christ has preeminence when His disciples deny themselves and take up their crosses daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Shouldn't Christ have the preeminence in His church? After all, He is the One who loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). He built His church and is its Head and Savior (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23). Christ purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb through obedience tot he Gospel make up that blood-bought institution (Colossians 1:13, 14). And to the extent Christ has preeminence in our lives individually, to that extent He has preeminence in His church. What a joyful privilege should be our to give Him preeminence.
- Delbert L. Turner, Jr.
Christ has preeminence when children of God believe and obey Him (Luke 6:46). He has first place when members of His body manifest a zeal according to knowledge and continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers (Romans 10:2; Acts 2:42). Christ is Lord when brethren are content to be simple New Testament Christians, members of His church, wear His name, work and worship according to the New Testament pattern in a congregation organized according to that pattern (Acts 2:47; Acts 11:26; Romans 16:1, 2; Philippians 1:1). And Christ has preeminence when His disciples deny themselves and take up their crosses daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Shouldn't Christ have the preeminence in His church? After all, He is the One who loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). He built His church and is its Head and Savior (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23). Christ purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb through obedience tot he Gospel make up that blood-bought institution (Colossians 1:13, 14). And to the extent Christ has preeminence in our lives individually, to that extent He has preeminence in His church. What a joyful privilege should be our to give Him preeminence.
- Delbert L. Turner, Jr.