We will never experience the abundance of PEACE we were created for until JESUS is first in our lives. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. 18 He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20 (CSB) 7 reasons to put Jesus Christ First He DISPLAYS to us the Father The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3 (CSB) Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9 (CSB) He is altogether DISTINCT Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? – Exodus 15:11 (CSB) Lord, there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, as all we have heard confirms. – 1 Chronicles 17:20 (CSB) He is the MAKER of all things He is UNRIVALED “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (NIV) He is ETERNAL He is SUSTAINING Us Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 He is CONQUEROR over death They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:3-4 7 Reasons Why to put Jesus Christ First (1) He DISPLAYS to us the Father (2) He is altogether DISTINCT (3) He is the MAKER of all things (4) He is UNRIVALED (5) He is ETERNAL us (6) He is SUSTAINING us (7) He is CONQUEROR over death F - Focus I - Income R - Relationships S – Security T – Time