Christ the Image of the Invisible God

In this weeks Church Service from our Church in Clacton-on-Sea, we explore: Who is Jesus Christ really, and why does the answer matter for your salvation? In this opening message of the Colossians series, Pastor Stephen Clayden walks through Colossians chapter 1 to confront false teachings that were already attacking the church in the first century. The sermon shows how Paul responds by lifting up the glory, supremacy, and divine nature of Jesus Christ.

In this message, Pastor Stephen Clayden explains the background of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, written during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 60–62. After receiving a report from Epaphras about the church, Paul writes to encourage believers while correcting dangerous errors spreading among them. The sermon highlights Paul’s teaching that Christ is the image of the invisible God, the creator and sustainer of all things, and the head of the church. By examining key passages in Colossians, Hebrews, and John, the message defends the deity of Christ against false doctrines and shows why the gospel of grace must never be replaced by legalism or human works.

It also reminds believers that through the blood of Christ we have redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. Because Jesus is both fully God and fully man, he alone can mediate between a holy God and sinful humanity. The sermon challenges listeners to remain grounded and steadfast in the hope of the gospel, not drifting into false teachings or returning to a works-based religion. Believers are called to live as faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to them, remembering that Christ lives within them through the Holy Spirit.