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Jesus + Nothing = Everything

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The statement is simple, yet profound:

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Stop and think about that. Chew on it. Say it to yourself with unction: “Jesus plus nothing equals everything.” The statement comes from Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham and pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. It was the title of a sermon series he delivered last year on Paul’s letter to the Colossians (you can listen to, or watch, the series here).

Tchividjian (rhymes with ‘religion’) expounds on Paul’s letter, reminding us that Jesus Christ is supreme over all things. Consider Paul’s words in Colossians 1:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
(Colossians 1:15-23)

Don’t you love that? Paul helps us see the all-sufficiency and superiority of Jesus Christ, the fullness of His preeminence and beauty, so that we would be zealous to turn from our idols and human ideals and turn to Him alone for our freedom and grace that we so desperately long for.

It’s not “Jesus + gifts” or “Jesus + blessings” or “Jesus + job” or “Jesus + family” or “Jesus + religion“… It’s Jesus + nothing = everything. Yes, for the believer, He really is everything; He really is enough. And I pray that for you today, reader. That Jesus would be more than enough, His grace would be more than sufficient, and that no matter what circumstances life brings us—good or bad—we would be able to confess, along with Job, “Blessed be the name of the LORD!” (Job 1:21)

Comments

  2. First time on your blog (or any blog), great stuff. Thank you.
    Additionally, I occasionally notice typos throughout every category offered on this wonderful website. Need a proofreader?
    Lastly, like all good teachers, Spurgeon mentions cross references in his devotionals. Would it be possible to indicate where those scriptures are (a la Bob Hoekstra’s teachings)?

    • Hi, Rex! And welcome.

      Thank you for offering your help in proofreading. Unfortunately, any typos you might see are probably due to a limited amount of time, rather than the ability to proofread. I just need to be more careful to read it over, instead of skimming it over.

      Regarding cross references – I’m a little confused as to what you mean. Everytime a scripture is mentioned, it is cited. Are you referring to something else?

      Thanks again, Rex!

      • Dearest Chris,
        The cross references I mentioned to be cited /highlighted were specifically in regard to Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening devotions. He always quotes complimentary scriptures to the present topic but those particular quotes are not specifically cited. I was hoping that someone at BLB could improve those devotionals by inserting/citing the cross references. It would take some additional work but I am sure it would be a considerable blessing to many. Just a suggestion.
        As always, thanks again for maintaining this wonderful website. Until I am once again employed I will support you with my prayers. God bless you.
        Yours in Christ,
        Rex Cleveland
        P.S. I’m not sure if I even have a URL.

  3. he delivered last year on Paul’s letter to the Colossians (you can listen to, or watch, the series here).
    Your link is not working, when I clicked on the link it gave me a page not found.
    I enjoy so much your blog info and music.
    Martha

  4. Christians cringe any time someone even hints at the idea that there are things God wants us to do—that He expects us to do. For them, this somehow turns God’s gift of salvation into a legal list of works which must be accomplished. What they do not realize is that, while Yahowah has facilitated our salvation, and while He delineates the means to being saved throughout the Towrah, the preponderance of His Teaching isn’t focused on salvation, but instead upon His Covenant relationship.
    Like any meaningful engagement between individuals, both parties have to engage for it to have any value. Imagine trying to live in a marriage where you did nothing together, and where your husband or wife never responded to anything you did or said. Such a relationship would be a sham, and a source of enormous frustration.
    When it comes to His “beryth – Family-Oriented Covenant Relationship,” Yahowah is our Father, and we are His children. As a Father, it is God’s responsibility to teach His children how to act, to instruct His children regarding what they should do and what they should not do. And while you and I are free to ignore His advice, to reject His advice, to oppose His advice, or to accept His advice, if you choose any of these options save the last, our Heavenly Father will have every reason to ignore you, reject you, or even oppose you. It’s His Covenant, His family, and His home. They exist, and we enter, under His rules.
    The Covenant’s blessings are a gift; they represent our inheritance from our Father. But to receive them, you have to agree to God’s terms, of which there is a prerequisite and four requirements. And I dare say, it is impossible to listen to and observe Yahowah’s terms and conditions in the context He has presented them, and then accept them, while at the same time rejecting the rest of His advice. You either accept Yahowah and His Word as being true, trustworthy, reliable, and beneficial, or you, for whatever reason, don’t.
    The Towrah Teaching continues to read…“…for the intent and purpose (ma’an – in order that and for the reason that) you really come to revere and respect (yare’ – very highly regard, value, and admire (scribed in the qal stem which conveys that this reverence and respect is actual, real, and relational in nature, imperfect conjugation, telling us that it is something which will endure over time and have unfolding and continuing results, and in the second person singular, speaking to you as an individual)) Yahowah, your God (Yahowah ‘elohym) by observing (shamar – closely scrutinizing and examining, carefully exploring and considering, and thoughtfully investigating and evaluating) all of (kol) His clearly communicated prescriptions and decrees (chuwqah – His rules and prescribed ordinances; from choq – shared and nourishing thoughts regarding an allocation of something from one who is set apart), and (wa) His commandments, terms and conditions (mitswah – His authoritative directives and written legal conditions), which (‘asher) I (‘anky) have instructed and directed (sawah – guided) you individually (‘atah), your children (wa ben), and your children’s children (wa ben ben) all (kol) of the days (yowmym) of your lives (chayym – as a promise of, and as means to, nourishment, renewal, restoration, growth, prosperity, blessings, and continued existence), and for the purpose of (ma’an) elongating (‘arak – lengthening) your days (yowmym),…” (Dabarym / Words / Deuteronomy 6:2)

  5. Love you Jesus, it’s that simple. AAAHHHHHHH I wanna scream out loud for your love!