(Col 1:18)  "And he is the head of the body, the church."

Introduction:   Jesus is the head of the Church! He is the Founder and the Foundation! He is the Author and the Authority! Every Church needs Jesus…Dark Churches need the Light of Jesus…Defeated Churches need the Love of Jesus…Drifting Churches need the Leadership of Jesus and Dead Churches need the Life of Jesus! Did you know that there are times the church can meet and Jesus not be there? A sign out front of a building doesn’t mean that Jesus is there any more than carrying a Big-Ol King James Bible means you’re a Christian. But, when Christ comes to Church there is a difference. Here are some ways to know when Jesus is in the house:

I.          THE SERVICES WILL BE EXCITING (VV.19-20)

            A.        They Were A Congregation Of Confusion (v.19)

·         The night after the resurrection.

·         The report of the two with Heavenly Heart-Burn didn’t change their minds.

            B.        The Meeting Turned Into A Miracle

That’s what happens with Jesus shows up!

·         “Glad” = ecstatically happy / to rejoice. There is a transformation when Jesus shows up!

·         When Jesus is in the place of preeminence our focus will change (focus on a special Special)

·         Confusion will turn to celebration!

II.        THE SPIRIT WILL BE EXHIBITED (VV.21-23)

            A.        The Spirit’s Provision

·         “Breathed” = to blow with force (Gen.2:7). God’s Church is to Spirit Filled and Spirit Led!

            B.        The Spirit’s Power

·         The Anointing = God on you! (This is His Show…)

·         When the power of His anointing is on the Church then we’ll know that Jesus is in the house!

III.       THE SAINTS WILL BE EXPOSED (VV.24-29)

When Christ comes to Church there is not only celebration, but there is also conviction.

            A.        Thomas’ Condition (vv.24-25)

·         When Jesus showed up, Thomas wasn’t there. He missed the evening service (v.19).

·         His lack of faithfulness led to faithlessness in his life (v.25 big deal…I will not believe).

·         Doubters here tonight? Serving God with doubt is like driving your car with the brakes on!

·         Possessing genuine faith is not enough; genuine faith must possess us!

            B.        Thomas’ Confession (vv.26-29)

·         What a confession (v.28). Lord you are on the throne of my heart. God you are on the throne of the universe.

·         You are My Lord and My God…It gets even better in verse 29. We need not seek for proof; we have His Word!

IV.       THE SAVIOR WILL BE EXALTED (V.30)

·         All eyes are to be on Jesus!

·         When Jesus is in the house folks won’t take apart the sermon, they’ll talk about the Savior!

V.        THE SINNER WILL BE EVANGELIZED (V.31)

·         ETERNAL LIFE!

Conclusion:     “Just As I Am” Jesus wants you just the way you are. He will bring the changes into your life that you need. He will make the difference in your life. Would you let Him have His way with you?