Praying to Jesus

Intro:


“Just a Little talk with Jesus”
This song caused an uproar in the church – anger, division

Anecdote:
Elder opposed (not what we do) then supported – experienced it and found nothing wrong with it.

 

1. The supremacy of God (Jehovah)

Eph 4:1-6  —  Heb 1:8-9  —  1 Cor 15:27-28  —  1 Cor 11:1-3

2. Jesus second only to God (right hand)

Psalm 110:1  —  Acts 7:54-56  —  1 Peter 3:21-22

3. Equal

  1. Power to forgive sin
    • Jehovah – 2 Samuel 12:1, 5, 7, 13-14
    • Jesus – Matt. 9:1-7
  2. Creation
    • Jehovah – Psalm 33:6-9
    • Jesus – John 1:1-3, 14
  3. Resurrection
    • Jehovah – 1 Cor. 6:14
    • Jesus – John 6:40, John 10:17-18

4. That equally extends to Prayer

Tabernacle Heb. 9:1-5  —  (types and shadows)
      • Christ our High Priest
      • Exodus 30:1, 6-8  —  Rev. 8:3-4
      • Christ continually presents our prayers in Heaven
      • To pray to One is to Pray to Both

5. Scripture authorizes pray directed to Jesus

  • Necessary Inference –  Matt. 9:1-7  —  Matt 28: 18-20
  • Approved example  – Acts 7:59-60  —  Rev 22:20-21
  • Command or Direct  – 1 John 5:13-15  —  John 14:13-15

Conclusion:

Anecdote one:  Discussion with J.W. in mission field
 
Anecdote two:  Discussion, Jesus prayed “father” – Lord’s prayer
Jehovah is our father but Jesus is also
Matt 1:1 – Jesus – Joseph, David, Abraham
(lost) – Isaiah 9:6

 

For clarity, I generally pray “father” but sometimes I pray “God” or “Lord”.  I understand I am talking to them both and I understand they will be in total agreement with each other on how to respond.