A Jesus-Centered Church
Ben Johnson - July 5, 2026
Jesus isn’t just PART of our faith; He is the focus and
FOUNDATION of everything we are and everything we do.
Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT) – Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see… Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
Jesus is SUPREME or He is NOTHING.
“Jesus is either a LIAR, a LUNATIC, or LORD” - C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity
Matthew 19:16-26 (NLT) – Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
1. Jesus CONFRONTS the things that are COMPETING for the center of our lives.
Matthew 6:24 (NLT) – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
2. Whatever OCCUPIES the center resists SURRENDER.
James 4:1 (NLT) – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?
3. When Jesus BECOMES the center, He changes EVERYTHING.
Colossians 1:18 (NLT) - Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So, he is first in everything.
JOY – HONOR – GRATITUDE
EVERYTHING we do CENTERS on Jesus. His will, His way, for His glory.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: What is getting the majority of your attention, energy, or focus? How is it that good things can take so much space?
DIGGING IN: Read Colossians 1:15-18 and Matthew 19:16-26 together.
1. Paul says that Jesus is “supreme over all creation” and that “he holds all creation together.” How does seeing Jesus as supreme differ from simply seeing Him as important?
2. C.S. Lewis famously said that Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Why do you think Jesus leaves little room for simply admiring Him or treating Him as one option among many?
3. What do you think the rich young ruler was really seeking when he approached Jesus? What was Jesus exposing in his heart?
4. Jesus confronted the thing competing for the center of this man’s life. What are some modern “competing centers” that can take first place in our lives today?
5. If Jesus truly became the center of every part of your life, what might change? What is one area where you sense Jesus inviting you to trust Him more deeply this week?
BRINGING IT HOME: Before you wrap up, take a few moments to pray for one another. Share any needs, burdens, or situations where you need God’s peace and direction. Invite group members, if comfortable, to pray for one another as we seek to place Jesus first in every area of life.