'I Have Jesus Christ'
The sermon emphasizes the uniqueness of the Christian faith, which is centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the significance of the Incarnation as a core belief in Christianity, highlighting the attacks on this doctrine from both external and internal sources within the Church. He addresses the skepticism towards the virgin birth, miracles, and physical resurrection of Christ, often perpetuated by liberal theological institutions. Hughes contrasts the uniqueness of the Christian faith, centered on Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh, with the diluted teachings of comparative religions. He underscores the essential message of the gospel and the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ.
Text
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son . . ." (v. 4)
For reading & meditation:
Galatians 4:1-8
The Incarnation, we are saying, is one of the chief distinctives of the Christian faith. But there are some within the Church today who cast doubt on this and many other aspects of Christianity. The Christian faith is being attacked not only from the outside but also from within. The source of these attacks can be traced to those theological seminaries and training establishments which adopt a liberal approach to Christianity. Christ was not born of a virgin, they say, the miracles can be accounted for psychologically, and though Christ died on a cross His resurrection was not a physical one but a spiritual one. A theological student, who is taking a course in comparative religions, said: "If I were to accept what I am being taught, then I would leave college with the idea that the Christian faith has slightly higher moral teaching than other religions, is a little more consistent in its view of God and man, and is a little better in general, but not unique." Is it any wonder that so many students graduate from such institutions with few or no convictions and with nothing to preach - no gospel, no good news-nothing except philosophical arguments or a moral code? How sad that from so many pulpits one hears nothing more than a word become - moralism, philosophy, and so on. In a radio interview the interviewer asked me: "You go around the world preaching. What do you have that other religions do not have?" It was a good question and valid. The answer was simple and simply given: "I have Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh."
O Father, though we see You faintly through the lattice of nature, that would never have been sufficient to satisfy the longing of our hearts. You have come to us in the Person of Your Son. Now we are satisfied. All praise and glory be unto Your worthy Name. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- 'The Incarnation: A Distinctive of the Christian Faith'
- The Consequences of Liberal Theology
- 'The Answer to the Question: What Do We Have?'
- The answer is Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh
- He is the unique gift of Christianity
Key Quotes
“I have Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh.” — Selwyn Hughes
“The Christian faith is being attacked not only from the outside but also from within.” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- We must hold fast to the uniqueness of the Christian faith and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
- We must be careful not to replace the good news of the gospel with moralism and philosophy.
- We must proclaim the gospel with conviction and passion, just as Jesus Christ is proclaimed.