I Believe in Jesus Christ
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I Believe in Jesus Christ
Pastor Jeff McNicol opens this sermon with a nod to Mother’s Day, sharing extraordinary birth stories—like Ines Perez performing her own cesarean, a woman giving birth at 70, and Amber Miller running the Chicago Marathon at 39 weeks pregnant before delivering her baby. These unusual births set the stage for the most remarkable birth of all: a virgin girl giving birth to God. In this installment of Pathway Church’s “I Believe” series, Pastor Jeff unpacks the church’s statement of faith about Jesus Christ, exploring who He is, what He did, and what it means for us today.
The Most Unusual Birth
The sermon centers on the fourth point of the church’s statement of faith: “We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one person in two natures. Jesus, Israel’s promised Messiah, was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our high priest and advocate.” Pastor Jeff uses three key questions to unpack this statement, guiding us to a deeper understanding of Jesus and His work.
1. Who Is Jesus?
The question “Who is Jesus?” has echoed since His time on earth. Disciples, Pharisees, and crowds in Jerusalem all asked it. Pastor Jeff highlights five truths from the statement of faith to answer this question, encouraging us to jot down references in our journals for future reflection.
God Incarnate
Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, left heaven to take on human form (John 1:14). This incarnation shows a God who isn’t distant but comes to dwell among us, as Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Fully God
Jesus never ceased being God, claiming equality with God (Colossians 2:9) and demonstrating divine power over nature, sickness, death, and sin (Isaiah 43:11). His divinity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient for humanity’s sins.
Fully Man
Jesus had a human body, grew, ate, and felt emotions like anger and sorrow (Hebrews 2:14, 17). His humanity makes Him a suitable representative for us on the cross.
Israel’s Promised Messiah
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, connecting the Old and New Testaments (Luke 24:44). He’s the eternal Messiah, present throughout Scripture.
Born of the Virgin Mary
Conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), Jesus’ virgin birth, prophesied in Isaiah 7:14, allows Him to be fully God and fully man without compromising either nature. Its scandalous nature in the first century underscores its truth, as early Christians wouldn’t have perpetuated a far-fetched story unless it was true.
These truths clarify that Jesus is one person with two distinct natures—fully God and fully man—not a hybrid like a mule or a “growler bear” (a grizzly-polar bear cross). Both natures are essential for our salvation.
2. What Did Jesus Do?
The second question explores the actions that define Jesus’ mission. Pastor Jeff outlines five key aspects from the statement of faith, supported by Scripture.
Lived a Sinless Life
Jesus was tempted like us but never sinned (1 John 3:5; Hebrews 4:15). His sinless life qualified Him to take our sins upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Was Crucified
Jesus predicted His death (Matthew 20:18-19), which historical records, including secular accounts of Pontius Pilate’s governorship (26-36 AD), confirm. Unlike others crucified for their crimes, Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Arose Bodily
Jesus’ resurrection was physical, not metaphorical. He invited disciples to touch His hands and feet (Luke 24:39), proving He was no ghost.
Ascended into Heaven
After His earthly work, Jesus ascended visibly (Acts 1:9), sending the Holy Spirit to empower believers (Acts 1:8).
Intercedes as High Priest
Now at God’s right hand, Jesus rules and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), actively caring for His people, not just “chilling out” waiting for His return.
These actions underscore Jesus’ purpose: to live perfectly, die sacrificially, rise victoriously, and intercede continually.
3. How Belief Behaves: So What?
Believing in Jesus isn’t just intellectual assent—it changes how we live. Pastor Jeff poses the question, “So what?” and offers two action steps for how this belief should shape our lives, supported by Jesus’ own words and actions.
1. Find Peace
Life brings discouragement and anxiety, as the disciples experienced, hiding in fear after the resurrection. Jesus appeared, saying, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19). His peace isn’t like the world’s, which depends on circumstances like health or wealth (John 14:27). Circumstantial peace pulls us from God and falters when life changes. Jesus’ peace, rooted in who He is, endures any storm. Pastor Jeff reminds us: “God is not too busy to trouble himself with your heartache.” Believing in Jesus allows us to rest in His unchanging presence through the Holy Spirit.
2. Embrace Hope
True hope comes from Jesus, not worldly sources or religions, which Pastor Jeff distinguishes from Christianity. Religions are human attempts to reach God; Christianity is God reaching us through Jesus’ incarnation. Hebrews 7:25 assures us, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” This hope is for those who trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pastor Jeff invites those who haven’t to pray, confessing sins and placing faith in Jesus, ensuring a relationship that brings lasting hope.
Living Out Our Belief
Pastor Jeff closes with a call to action: live in the peace and hope Jesus offers. Whether you’ve long trusted Him or are just now responding, this belief transforms us. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and intercession assure us of God’s love and presence. Let’s celebrate this truth, resting in His peace and embracing His hope, as we follow the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: I Believe
Sermon Title: I Believe in Jesus Christ
Date: May 18, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
John 1:14
Colossians 2:9
Isaiah 43:11
Hebrews 2:14
Hebrews 2:17
Luke 24:44
Luke 1:35
Isaiah 7:14
1 John 3:5
Hebrews 4:15
2 Corinthians 5:21
Matthew 20:18-19
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Luke 24:39
Acts 1:9
Acts 1:8
Romans 8:34
John 20:19
John 14:27
Hebrews 7:25
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