Jesus Is: God

Welcome to the Real Life Overtime Podcast! In this episode, we dive deeper into the first message of our Christmas series, Jesus Is..., exploring the foundational truth that Jesus is God. Join Sam Meredith and Titus Leger, Josh Austin, and Blake Whiteman as they unpack this essential doctrine and discuss its significance for our faith, our lives, and this Christmas season.
 
Key Points
1. Understanding Jesus as God
The pastors clarify the doctrinal foundation of Jesus' divinity, rooted in the Bible’s teaching of the triune God.

Jesus' divinity is evident throughout Scripture, affirmed by His claims, His acts, and His acceptance of worship.

Believing Jesus is God should transform how we celebrate Christmas, worship, and live.

2. Seeing Jesus Clearly

Josh illustrated how our view of Jesus might be blurry, like a pixelated image, until we truly grasp His identity as God.

He challenged listeners to answer the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” emphasizing the life-changing impact of that answer.

3. Jesus: The Eternal Word

Titus emphasized that the story of Jesus begins not at the manger but in eternity, as the eternal Word who created all things.

John 1:1-5 was central in unpacking Jesus' divine attributes: eternal, Creator, and life-giver.

4. Why Jesus’ Divinity Matters

Without Jesus being God, Christianity loses its foundation. His divinity is crucial for:
   The power of His sacrifice to atone for humanity’s sin.
   The reality of the resurrection and the hope it provides.
   Transforming lives through His divine authority and grace.

5. Practical Applications for the Christmas Season

Advent Traditions: Engage in family activities like Advent calendars, reading the Gospel of Luke, or baking a Jesus-themed birthday cake to focus on Him.

(Find the Real Life Advent Calendar here: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/jesus-is/ )

Knowing God’s Word: Spend intentional time in Scripture to deepen understanding of who Jesus is.

Being Witnesses: Live out the truth of Jesus’ divinity in work, family gatherings, and community interactions.
 
Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth that Jesus is God change how you view and celebrate Christmas?
2. What steps can you take to clearly articulate why you believe Jesus is God?
3. In what ways can you model Mary’s humble response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” this season?
4. How can you share the evidence of Jesus’ divinity with gentleness and respect, especially during family gatherings?
 
Actionable Next Steps

• Study the Bible: Read through the Gospel of Luke (one chapter per day) as a countdown to Christmas. Reflect on what it reveals about Jesus.

• Engage in Apologetics: Visit https://realliferesources.org/ to explore materials that help answer questions about Jesus’ divinity.

• Practice Intentional Living: Look for ways to reflect Christ in your interactions, whether at work, home, or holiday events.

• Family Focus: Start a Christ-centered tradition, like baking a symbolic birthday cake for Jesus or discussing His significance during family time.
 
Closing

This Christmas season, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the eternal Word who became flesh. He is God, and His divinity transforms everything about our faith and life. Stay rooted in the Word, serve the Lord with humility, and shine His light in every corner of your life. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to check out Real Life Resources for more tools to help you grow in your walk with Christ. Merry Christmas!