Just Jesus - Creator

I'd like to invite you to open your Bibles with me to Genesis chapter one. You know, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for us in the year 2025. So many new opportunities and chances to see God move among us, in us, and through us. And speaking of excitement, can I share something that's been stirring in my heart? It all began in 2022. I was at a church planting conference with a friend, and during worship, we took time to pray specifically for vision. At that time, I was living in a season marked by the word 'prepare.' But then, two words were impressed on my heart: 'produce' and 'life.' In 2024, I leaned into that word 'produce' – which means to bring about, to give form to, to yield. Sometimes it means being twisted, turned around, bringing forth in pain. Like Paul writes about Christ being formed in you. And Genesis tells us, that the Lord God, Formed Man. To be formed takes adversity and transformation from one way to another. This led me to start 2024 anchored in Ephesians 3:17: 'Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.' It was God's reminder that I needed to be formed by Christ. To die to self, my ambitions, my desires, and seek God's will for my life. And honestly? I had to learn to let go. That truth became real on August 7th, 2024. I still have the journal entry, let me read it til you.. I wrote: 'My heart is being readied to let go... the work is coming to an end at Momentum and I am ready to say yes. My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but what now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body whether by life or death... Deo Volente.’ You might not know this, but I wrote that prayer during our district children's camp, just one day after talking with our district superintendent about interviewing here. That was the day I knew in my heart God was releasing me and sending me to you. You see, before there can be life, there must be roots.

There's this beautiful moment in Psalm 119 where David simply prays, 'Lord, give me life.' As I've journeyed here and processed everything, I've had to face a simple truth: my life is indebted. Because here's what I've learned: life is empty when it's just surviving. I don't want to just exist; I want to live. And real living? It begins by coming to Jesus as the life and living every moment in His presence. It's giving control to Him. It's embracing what my previous DS taught me – Deo Volente – which means, God willing, for His glory. Or simply stated in these words, Whatever God wants. And that's what I want to share with you for the next 52 weeks. I want to share with you life, which means Jesus. We're calling this year long series, 'Just Jesus.' Because that's exactly what it is – just Jesus, nothing added, nothing taken away. For an entire year, we're going to focus on seeing Him, hearing Him, living Him, and loving Him. Sometimes in the busyness of life, we lose sight of Jesus. We get caught up in our routines, our challenges, our plans, and even our new years resolutions – and yet,. we forget to simply... look to Jesus. And I mean, to Really look at Him. That's what this year is about. We're starting this new years journey together with a mini series called 'Vintage Jesus.' I love that word 'vintage' – it speaks of something that's been there from the beginning, something timeless, something precious. When I think of vintage, I think of something older than me…. But it has value in some way. You know, they say, 'You should never forget where you came from. If you do, you won't really know where you're going, and you won't know who you are when you get there.’ Now, I might shock some of you with this revelation. I haven't always been a pastor. I haven't always looked like this. It’s true. You need proof. There was a time when my ambition in life was to be Rambo. pause for laughter It's true! See that little guy? That's me when I was roughly 5 years old. And you know what's funny? That desire to be like John Rambo stuck with me even when I got older. This is Alicia and me at our first assignment at a church called Cornerstone. I was an associate pastor for 8 months before I became the Senior Pastor at Momentum. Looking at these photos gives you a little deeper understanding of me. They give you access into portions of my life that none of you were able to see. You see, you’ve only known me from the first time you met me.. you don’t really know my past. You’re not familiar with what made me into the person I am today. When I look at these pictures, they reminded me of times I had nearly forgotten. Sometimes we get so focused on what's ahead of us that we forget to remember where we've been. How God has shaped us. You know, just like these photos reveal different chapters of my story, in this series we want to uncover different glimpses of Jesus. Because when most people think about Jesus, they often picture this gentle figure in a white robe walking through Jerusalem. But the gospels are just one snapshot of who He is. There's so much more to His story. That's why we're calling this 'Vintage Jesus.' Over these next few weeks, we're going treasure hunting in the Old Testament. We're going to look for Jesus before He ever took on flesh and blood, discovering Him in places you might not expect.

Let's start right at the beginning. Would you read with me from Genesis chapter 1? Verse 1: 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.

Let's move down to verse 26…

Genesis 1: 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, In this verse and ½ we see the Spirit of God present hovering over the surface of the waters, you see God the Father and He speaks…….so where is Jesus. Well, Jesus is found in the very Word that proceeds from the mouth of the Father. How do we know this? I don’t see the name of Jesus.

Now, hold onto that thought for a moment, and let me take you to another passage. Look with me in John chapter 1, and look at verse 1. You'll notice something incredible here. John actually starts his gospel the exact same way Genesis starts: Look at it with me…. 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.’ You know what fascinates me? That phrase 'In the beginning was the Word.' John's doing something remarkable. He's not gradually introducing us to Jesus. He's not slowly building up to some grand revelation. No - right from verse one, he pulls back the curtain and shows us exactly who Jesus is. Think about it - John spent three years walking with Jesus, watching Him, learning from Him, Loving Him and seeing him do amazing things. It took roughly, three years to fully grasp who Jesus was. But he doesn't want his readers to wait three years, or even three chapters. Within three verses, he wants us to know the full reality of who Jesus is. It's like John is saying, 'Before I tell you anything else, before we get to any stories, before we see any miracles - you need to know this truth: Jesus isn't just another teacher. He's not just a good man. He is God. He is Creator. He has been there from the beginning.’ And Before Jesus walks on water, he’s there in the beginning, creating it. But here's what makes this even more amazing. Skip down to verse 14: 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ That same eternal Word, that same Creator who spoke galaxies into existence - He chose to step into this world with you and me. The same Jesus who laid the foundations of the earth is the same Jesus who would later attend weddings, who would stop to talk with a woman at a well, who meets us at our own crossroads of life. He didn't stay distant. He came close. He became like one of us, yet living without sin, and while never ceasing to be God. Church, Jesus wasn't just present at creation - John is showing us that, He was creation's architect, and that everything was made through Jesus. Now, let's hop back to the Vintage part of our message in Genesis 1:2.

'The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said…' Picture this with me - there's this moment where everything is just... chaos. It's empty, it's dark, nothing has shape. But then something incredible happens. This formless, empty darkness receives the Word - receives Jesus. And what happens next? Everything changes. The moment that Word breaks into the darkness, nothing stays the same. Look at verse 3: 'Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.’ You know how we often say Jesus is the light of the world? We're not just talking about something spiritual that happened 2,000 years ago. We're talking about something that's been true since the very beginning. Right here in Genesis, we see Jesus bringing light into darkness for the very first time! And then, John bridges this beginning with his gospels beginning. Remember what we read in John's gospel? Look at verse 4 with me: 'In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ You see, creation had no choice but to receive the Word. When God spoke light into being, the darkness had to give way. The formless void had to take shape. The emptiness had to be filled. Creation received the Word completely, immediately, totally. And look what happened - it was transformed into something new. Where there was darkness, now there was light. Where there was chaos, now there was order. Where there was emptiness, now there was life.

The question for you today is this…Just like how creation received the word, Will you receive him? Let me ask you something - what happened when Jesus spoke into that first darkness? Everything changed, right? And now He's speaking into our lives, but here's the difference - we’ve got to choose how we respond. I'm going to be really honest with you for a moment. My heart aches when I see people who know all the right words to say about Jesus, but their lives are still filled with shadows. Not because I'm sitting here judging - believe me, I'm not - but because I know there's so much more available to us. Trust me, theres more to faith than than just knowing. It's like having the most powerful light in the universe at our fingertips, but keeping the shades drawn.

Today we start this year together, I'm dreaming of something bigger. I'm dreaming of a time when we don't just talk about Jesus, but when we really encounter Him - when we see Him, hear Him, love Him, and live Him out in ways that change everything. We've seen Him today in creation - right there at the start, speaking everything into being. We can hear Him every time we open this Book - His words are alive, they're active, they're meant for us today. And can I be real with you? If you're not spending time in your bibles, you're missing His voice. Don’t let the only time you hear his voice be when I ask all of us to open the Bible together on Sunday mornings. And I hope you recognize how wonderful this moment is. That every Sunday, we open up the word of God together, to hear him and see him together. And do you know what gets me excited about coming together like this? When we gather, when we worship, when we open His Word not just here, but even in our house churches - it's like we're experiencing what creation experienced. That same presence, that same voice that spoke light into darkness is right here with us. But just like when Jesus told the disciples 'follow me,' following takes commitment. Real commitment isn't born from a New Year's resolution or a passing feeling - it comes from a heart transformed by His Word. Think about it - you can't truly love anything if your heart isn't in it. It's like my heart for my wife and kids... I'm all in. They get all of me. I don't give them just my Saturdays, or just when I feel like it, or just when it's convenient. They get my whole heart, my whole life, every day. And that's what Jesus is asking of us - not just our Sunday mornings, not just our good intentions, but our whole hearts. Because when our hearts are transformed by His Word, commitment isn't a burden - it becomes as natural as breathing. That's what happened at creation - when the Word spoke, everything responded from the inside out by receiving the word which gave life and meaning. Here's where the journey gets real - and honestly, where it gets exciting. Are we ready to love Him? Are we ready to love Him? Because this isn't about half measures. You know, I think about how I fell in love with my wife - it wasn't about just showing up for dates or knowing facts about her. It was about giving her my whole heart. That's what changed everything. Real change, lasting change, doesn't start with our willpower. It starts with receiving His Word into our lives, just like creation did. When Jesus speaks into our darkness, into our emptiness, into our chaotic life - that's when true transformation begins. So what does it really mean to love Jesus? Well listen to what Jesus tells us.. Jesus said, ’If you love me, obey my commandments.' Pretty straightforward, right? But here's what's amazing - when we choose to love Him like that, when we surrender to The Word, He shapes us the way it shaped creation, something incredible happens. start to change. Light starts breaking into those dark places in our lives. New things start growing where there used to be nothing. Can I ask you something personal? Are you seeing that kind of change in your life? When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you see someone who's being transformed by God's love? You know, I've only been here a couple months, but I already see Christ living in so many of you. I've heard your stories - where you've been, what God has brought you through. And now, I get to see what He's doing in your lives today. That's evidence of His transforming power. And did you know this… Mind blower.. ok… - if the same Word that created the universe is in our lives, shouldn't there be evidence of that on going creative power at work? Think about that for a moment. The same Voice that spoke galaxies into existence is speaking into your life., right now. You know what I've learned? Real love for Jesus isn't just a feeling. It's not just showing up at church or saying the right words. It's receiving Him do in us what He did in creation - bringing light, bringing order out out of chaos, bringing new life into our lives. That's the kind of transformation I'm seeing in this church, right now, today, and im anticipating whats to come. In the future within our community.. That's the kind of love that changes everything. "But there's one more vital piece to this puzzle. Listen, Church, Transformation isn't the end of the story. We often think our goal is to be transformed. And yes, thats a part of our faith. But it's not just about being transformed - it's about becoming carriers of that transformation.

We've talked about seeing Him, hearing Him, and loving Him. But you know what happens when we truly experience all of that? It naturally flows into something beautiful - living for Him. Living for Him. You see, when creation received the Word, it didn't just change - it became a display of God's glory. The stars don't just shine for themselves. The oceans don't just roll for themselves. They live for the One who spoke them into being. And the same is true for us. When we truly see Him, hear Him, and love Him, we can't help but live for Him. It becomes as natural as breathing. I don't mean just going through the motions - I mean really living like He's the creative force in our lives. It's funny - this time of year, everyone's talking about New Year's resolutions, right? And there's nothing wrong with that. But here's the thing - if we're just changing because the calendar changed, those changes won't last. They can't. Because when the excitement of January fades, so do our resolutions. Did you know the second Friday of January is known as quitters day? And it makes sense, right? When we try to change just because the calendar tells us to, those changes rarely stick. And often we quit… and guess what.. then we feel guilty. Shame sets in. The enemy of our souls begins to tell us, you cant do it. You never could. You’re a failure. Trust me I know. I’ve failed Jesus many times, but he has never failed to forgive, and show me mercy. But what if Jesus was the reason for our change? Remember what He promised in John 14? 'If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.’ See the pattern here? It's the same pattern we saw in Genesis. The Spirit hovering, the Father speaking, Jesus present in every Word. And when that happens - light breaks through. Change happens. Real, lasting change.

"So here's my question for you today: What parts of your life are waiting for God's creative Word to speak into them? Where do you need His light to break through?

Do you know what amazes me most about light? The moment it appears, darkness has to give way. Not just a little, but completely. When God first spoke light into the darkness of creation, it didn't politely take up a small corner. It couldn't. Light, by its very nature, spreads. It reached into every void, touched every corner, transformed everything it touched. And when Jesus, the very word of God speaks light into our lives, it works the same way.

As Peter comes up, I want you to think about this: That light in you? It's not meant to stay in you. Just like creation couldn't contain it, we can't either. When Jesus begins to transform us, He's not just changing our story - He's giving us a part in His ongoing creation story… I want all of us to realize that in 2025. We're a part of this vintage story. The same Word that spoke light into darkness at creation is still speaking today - through you, through me, through His church. We're not just reading an ancient story - Church... we're living in it, and carrying it forward, and letting His light spread through us. Because that's what light does. It spreads. And you know what's beautiful? That's exactly what we're getting the opportunity to do as a church family... we're spreading it to the next generation. Just like someone shared and passed on this light to us, we're passing it on to our children, our grandchildren, our neighbors, our community. You're sharing it and spreading it into the dark places in this world. And I hope that gives you meaning and purpose - because you're not just hearing about creation's story today, you're living it out. You're carrying His light forward.

So Church, in 2025, let's be more than just believers - let's lean in together and be what God had intended the newness of our lives to be, in Christ… we’re called to be bearers of His light. Let's let Him speak through our lives in ways that help others see Him, hear Him, love Him, and live for Him. Because that's what light does. It spreads.

"I woke up this morning with this word on my heart. Relationship. And now, we come to this table - the most profound expression of relationship we have with Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

"The Communion Supper we share today was instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's more than a tradition - it's a sacred moment that proclaims His life, His sufferings, His sacrificial death, and resurrection. Every time we gather at this table, we're not just remembering - we're participating in the relationship He established. In unity with the Church throughout all ages, we confess: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” "Holy God, We gather at your table, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Beloved Son. The One who showed us what perfect relationship looks like. The One who established this new covenant through His body and blood. On the night He was betrayed, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said: 'This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ After supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.’ Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and these gifts. Make them by your Spirit to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we might be the Body of Christ for the world.” Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen "The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, broken for you, preserve you blameless unto everlasting life. Take and eat - remembering that Christ died for you, and be thankful.” "The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, shed for you, preserve you blameless unto everlasting life. Take and drink - remembering that Christ died for you, and be thankful.” "Lord Jesus, thank you for this intimate moment of communion with you. As we've shared these elements, we're reminded that you don't just love us from a distance - you live within us. Help us to carry this reality into our world, being bearers of your light and love. In your name we pray, Amen." Benediction. And now, hear these words from Colossians: 'For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ Go now as bearers of His light, creators of His peace, and witnesses to His power. May the creative Word that spoke the universe into being speak new life through you this week. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen*