Sovereign Grace Chapel, located at 135 Annabel Lane in Beaver, West Virginia, invites you to listen to a gospel message concerning Jesus Christ our Lord. Welcome to the broadcast. I have one verse of scripture I want to read for the broadcast this morning. It's found in John chapter 1 and that one verse is verse 14 where John writes these words. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory. The glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

For today's broadcast, let's look at the splendor of God, this declared in the verse that I just read. First of all, John says this, and the word was made flesh. Do you see it? And the word was made flesh, that's what it says. And the word was made flesh. The word is none other, according to John, in this same chapter, the word is none other than God himself, the creator. And it says this, John wrote this in the beginning of this letter. John wrote in John 1 verse 1, in the beginning was the word, And the word was with God, and the word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. And then of course, having said that, having written that, John, then says in verse 14, and the word was made flesh. So we see this word made flesh is none other than God himself. God himself, the creator.

Also, we read that the word, according to Isaiah the prophet, and this was prophesied hundreds of years before the word was made flesh. And this is what Isaiah the prophet wrote. And he wrote this, the word, our God, you see, the word, our God was made flesh. That's what he would prophesy. In Isaiah 7, verse 14, we read these words from Isaiah, hundreds of years before John ever wrote, before Jesus of Nazareth ever came to this earth. It says this, therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name, Immanuel. Do you see that? Immanuel. Now that verse is quoted over in the New Testament and that word Immanuel means this, God with us. So you see it? Therefore, the Lord himself should give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name God with us." God with us, you see it? Emmanuel.

Also, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words in Isaiah chapter nine. He wrote this, in Isaiah nine verse six, for unto us a child is born. And we see this is true of Jesus of Nazareth. As a child, he was born. But look, for unto us, a child is born. This is a prophecy of Isaiah, hundreds of years before Jesus of Nazareth was born. But look, for unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. Do you see it? The son was given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, that is this child that was born, this son that was given, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, and upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever, the zeal of the Lord of hosts." You'll perform this, you see that?

So when John writes that the word was made flesh, clearly he's saying this word was God. This word is God the creator. This word is our God, whether you believe him or not, whether you serve him or not, whether you trust Jesus Christ or not, he is your God, he is the creator, and he was made flesh.

But we also see, according to the book of Hebrews, and this is what Hebrews says about this concerning the word made flesh. The word was made flesh He was, he was, and is, and shall ever be Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Hebrews chapter one, and listen to what it says in verse five. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. And if you look at the context, the preceding verses clearly let us know it's speaking of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. And again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. And again, when he bringeth the first begotten into the world, that is this word made flesh, when he bringeth the first begotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. Now nothing is to be worshiped but God himself. But here is God the Father saying about God the Son, let all the angels of God worship him.

But that's not all. And of the angels he saith, who maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire? But unto the Son he saith, that is, God the Father said to God the Son, that was the Word who was God and is God, who created all things, the Word who has made flesh, look. Look, but unto the son he saith, thy throne, O God. Do you see that? So here we even see the father speaking to the son and calling the son God himself.

Now, someone says, I don't understand that. It's not about understanding it. It's about believing the record God gave of his son. believing the record of God made flesh, the Word made flesh. But unto the Son, he saith, thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." Do you see it? So the Word Made flesh was is and shall ever be the Son of God

listen to what Matthew wrote in in his letter and in Matthew chapter 22 We read these words Matthew chapter 22 and let me begin in verse 41 These were this was Jesus Christ speaking to some Pharisees and listen to what he said Matthew chapter 22 verse 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, what think ye of Christ? Now that is the Messiah. That's that child that would be born, that son that would be given, the one to be called wonderful, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, remember? Saying, what think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? And they saith unto him, the son of David. Why? Because he was made flesh. He was after the lineage of David, King David from the Old Testament. They said, they say unto him, the son of David.

Now this is Christ speaking, verse 43. And he saith unto them, how then doth David in spirit call him Lord saying, the Lord said unto my Lord, do you see it? The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand till I make thine enemies thy footstool. If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? Now, we see how that is so. That the word who was God, is God, who created all things, that word was made flesh, you see it? And it was made flesh after the seed of David, after the lineage of David. If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. You see, he confounded them with the mighty truth of God, that is this splendor of God made flesh. They believed in a coming Messiah, but they didn't understand that that Messiah was and is and shall ever be God Almighty Himself, the Son, born in human flesh.

So here's the fourth thing. Remember, the Word, this is what John said in John 1 14, the Word was made flesh. And I want you to think about this. Listen to what Colossians says, what Paul wrote to the church at Colossae. And he wrote these words, but before I read it, listen to this. The word made flesh. that is this Christ, this Jesus of Nazareth. The word made flesh is sovereign over everything and sovereign over everyone.

Now in Colossians chapter one, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul goes on to say, speaking of him in verse 15 of Colossians one, who is the image of the invisible God, that is Jesus of Nazareth. The word made flesh, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Now listen, for by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible or invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. Now listen, all things were created by him and for him. and he is before, or that is, superior to all things, and by him all things consist, or that is, they are held together.

This word made flesh is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and he is sovereign over everything, and he's sovereign over everyone. And this is clearly what the whole testimony of scripture says. From the Old Testament prophets, all the way through the New Testament. The Word was made flesh, and this Word is our God.

There's a question. Does your pastor, does he teach this? Does your church, do they teach this? Do they speak of Jesus of Nazareth in these terms? Do they call him God Almighty, the absolute sovereign creator and ruler and sustainer of all that is? If not, they're preaching another Jesus. Even the Lord Jesus himself said there'll be false Christ. The Apostle Paul said they'll come preaching another Jesus in another spirit. Does your pastor teach that? Does your church teach that? Do they speak of Jesus Christ in these terms? If not, if not, it's an imposter they're preaching. It's a false Christ. It's a false Jesus. It's another Jesus. Beware of it. Beware of it.

But John goes on. He says, and the word was made flesh. And then here's the second thing. And dwelt among us. Isn't that a splendor? A splendor of God and dwelt among us. Think of it.

According to Luke, let me read this to you. In Luke chapter one, Listen to what Luke says about this word made flesh, this God, God, the one true living sovereign God of heaven and earth was made flesh and he dwelt among us. He was a child born in pain and sweat and blood, just like we are.

Listen to Luke, Luke chapter two, and just the first few verses. And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenus was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the," look at it, Because he was of the house and lineage of David. To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

Listen, and so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her firstborn son. Do you see it? This word made flesh did not just appear on the earth. He didn't, it wasn't just a poof and there he was. He was conceived in the womb of this virgin. She was still a virgin, conceived in the womb of a virgin. And for nine months or so, he grew and developed in that womb and she brought him forth in pain and blood and sweat and tears, just like each and every one of us came into this world.

He dwelt, he actually, the word that was made flesh, John said what? He dwelt among us, do you see it? And it says he grew up. Listen to what Luke said in Luke chapter two. And in Luke chapter two, I'll begin reading in verse 49 in just a moment. There was a time when... Mary and Joseph have taken Jesus to Jerusalem because that was the practice of the day at a certain time. And they had been at Jerusalem certain days and then they were in a great caravan and they up and left Jerusalem to go back to their hometown in Galilee. And they supposed that Jesus, that is the young boy Jesus, we found out he was around 12 years old, that they supposed he was in that group, that caravan they were in, so they took off. And after about three days, they realized he was missing. And here's what it says, they come looking for him in Jerusalem. And here's what it says in verse 49. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Wished ye not that I must be about my father's business? Do you see it? He wasn't talking about Joseph, we might say his stepfather. He wasn't about Joseph's business. He was about God the Father's business.

But remember his name is called what? Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. They're one. They're one. I can't explain it. It's just the fact of scripture. It's the record that God gave of his son. Now listen, do you not know I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the saying which he said unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them. But his mother kept all these things in her heart. She pondered about what this young 12-year-old son of hers was saying, but look, and Jesus, you see it? Now notice it doesn't say God. No, but it says Jesus, that child that was born. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

The word that was made flesh, John said what? He dwelt among us. He was born in pain and sweat and blood and he grew up just like all of us. We grow up, but not only that, I want you to turn to Philippians 2, if you're following along. Turn to Philippians chapter 2, and here's an amazing thing that's said about Jesus. Think about this, and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. He was born just like we're born, and he grew up just like we grew up. But here's the thing, and he lived as a man. But there's this caveat to him living as a man, way different, far different, superior to and above everything concerning us. Now, we're to try to copy him, imitate him, live like him, but listen to what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi. In Philippians chapter two, beginning in verse five, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. That's what we've been talking about. Look. and being found in fashion as a man. He humbled himself. Now, we ought to do this as well. We ought to humble ourselves. We ought to walk as the servants of God, but listen to this difference, this caveat in this word made flesh.

He humbled himself and became obedient unto death. But not just any death. Look at it. And became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. The name of Jesus. The name of his humanity. The name of his Him being the word, the name of his flesh, you see it? That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is what? He's Lord. You see it? He's God. He's the creator. He's the sovereign. He's the sustainer. He's the one that holds it all together that they should confess that He's Jesus, that Jesus Christ is Lord. What? To the glory of God the Father. Do you see that? You see this?

Christ the Word, the Word who has made flesh, He, according to Paul in Romans chapter 8 and verse 3, He dealt with the sin problem. He condemned sin in the flesh. That doesn't mean He preached against sin. That's not the point there. He condemned sin in His flesh. He bore the sins of His people, sinners, ungodly people, strengthless people, those who were His enemies. He bore their sins in His own body on the tree. And there, God Almighty, the Father, in the person of the Son, condemned sin in His flesh. Isn't it glorious? Isn't that a splendor of God that he was made flesh so he could condemn man's sin in his own flesh and he could pay the price for it? That's a glory, that's a splendor.

But notice, John doesn't stop with, and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. He actually says this, His actual glory was seen of some people. Do you see it? It was seen of some people. Let me turn back to my text. John 1, verse 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we beheld his glory. Do you see that? And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father. Do you see it? The glory as of the only begotten of the father. Isn't that amazing? That's a splendor of God, that God was made flesh. That God dwelt among us. And some actually see it according to John. And John wrote these words.

Listen to John chapter 2. I want you to listen. John chapter 2. Verse one, and the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus was called and his disciples to the marriage. And when they had wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Do you see it? As we'd say in our neck of the woods, she's starting to catch on now, huh? She's starting to catch on. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two to three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them fill the water pots with water and they filled them up to the brim Okay to the brim so nothing else could be added They were filled all the way to the top as we say and he saith unto them draw out now and bear unto the governor of the feet feast and And they did. But remember, they had no wine. They had run out of wine. And Mary had said to Jesus, we're out of wine. And there were six pots there. And they were filled all the way to the top. And he said, now, draw out the water. Now, look. And he says, he saith unto them, draw out now, and bear unto the governor the feast. And they bear it.

when the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine. Do you see that? He didn't have to do a hocus pocus. He did it by his power. He turned water into wine. You see that? Look. And when the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and knew not whence it was, but the servants which drew the water knew, the governor of the feast called the bridegroom and saith unto him, every man at the beginning doth set forth a good wine. And when men are well drunk, then that which is worse, but thou hast kept the good wine until now."

Now look at this phrase. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory. He could just think it and turn them full water pots into wine. Do you see it? Just made the water wine. Made the water wine. And his disciples, you see that? And his disciples believed on him. His glory was seen of them.

Matthew also recorded this when they brought this man who was crippled into him and Jesus said to him, before he even done anything for him physically, he said, your sins are forgiven you. People around began to complain, and it was recorded in Matthew chapter 9, verses 1 through 8, if you want to look it up later. And some of the people began to complain, well, who can forgive sins? And Jesus said, which is it easier to say? Which is easier to do? To say unto this man, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say unto this man, take up your bed, rise up and walk?

Now, bless God, somebody had better get up and walk, or Jesus was an imposter. But what did he say? When he said, thy sins be forgiven thee, he turned around and said, take up your bed and walk. And you know what that man did? That lame man, he took up his bed and walked. Jesus said I've done this to show you that the Son of Man had power on earth to forgive sins Why? Because he's God manifest in the flesh Because he dwelt among us and because his glory was actually seen of some and we have this recorded in this book According to John in first John 1 through 3.

He said he's the word of life That word made flesh that word it was God in the flesh We handled him We seen Him, we touched Him and our fellowships with Him. But not only that, what does John go on to say, and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. Now look at that, full, you notice that? Full of grace and truth in the word made flesh only. Is any grace and truth you see if he's full of grace and truth Then that means there is no grace and truth anywhere else if he's full of it If there is any grace or truth anywhere else it must have come from him It must needs have come from him.

You see first of all in summing this up. There is no grace There is no truth apart from Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He's God manifest in the flesh. It's not in the pastors. It's not in me. It's not in the Pope. It's not in the people. It's not in the deacons. It's not in the church. It's not in the world. It's not in society. It's not in government and on and on. It's not in finances. It's not in wealth. It's not in poverty. Grace and truth He's full of it. He's full of it. Any grace and truth, all grace and truth is found in Christ alone, of Christ alone, and by Christ alone. If you If I have any grace, if we have any truth at all, it must have come by Jesus Christ. Why? Because he was the word made flesh and he dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, John says, and the glory as of the only begotten of the father. You see it? Full, full of grace and truth.

Here's the second thought as I summed this up. Remember the word was made flesh. The word dwelt among us. His glory was actually seen. Witnesses testified to it. They wrote it down, and God's preserved that record for us today. But this word that was made flesh, that dwelt among us, that manifested forth his glory, he's full of grace and truth.

So here's the second thought. If and when Christ gives any grace and truth to us, now think about it. If and when, and it's up to him to give it to us, It's up to him. He's the one that dispenses that. He's full of it. If any grace and truth comes to us, it's given to us, think of it, he's still full of grace and truth. Isn't that a splendor of God? He can dispense it and dispense it and dispense it and it doesn't wire to hell. It doesn't run out. Just like that widow's oil. Remember Elijah and the widow that was starving to death and her kids were hungry and she had nothing but just a little bit of oil and he said, go gather in all these pots. Get your neighbors. Gather in all these pots. They need to be empty pots. And they brought in all these empty pots and the prophet told her, said, now start pouring out that one little vase you got into these others. Instead, it just kept filling and filling and filling. The more she poured out of the little one, the more it just filled up all the others.

He's full of grace and truth. He is not diminished in grace and truth once until it. So when he shows you or me grace and truth, he still has plenty more to give. He's got enough to get us all the way through and present us to God faultless before the throne of His glory. Now isn't that a splendor of God? Not a tiny spark or trace of grace and truth diminished in Him. And He can just dispense it and dispense it and dispense it. But He does it as His will. He does it on His prerogative. He gives it to whomsoever He will.

You see, this is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This is the one who is the Word made flesh that dwelt among us and some beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Amen.