This week marks the start of a new series examining the core values, focus, and vision that fuels EDFBC. It all starts with "Jesus First."

The supremacy of Christ demands that He be central in every aspect of life. As the image of God and creator of all things, Jesus holds authority over all creation and sustains everything through His power. When He takes His rightful place at the center of our lives, our values and actions align properly, leading to genuine transformation and positive impact on others. This alignment requires regular evaluation of priorities, intentional time with God, and practical steps to ensure Jesus remains preeminent in all areas of life.

When Jesus spoke His final words on the cross, 'It is finished,' He was declaring the completion of God's divine plan for humanity's redemption. The Greek word 'tetelestai' carried significant meaning in ancient culture, often used to mark completed tasks, ended military service, or fully paid debts. Through His sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled three crucial aspects: complete obedience to the Father's plan, full revelation of God's heart for humanity, and total redemption from sin and death. This wasn't a partial victory - it was absolute and final! Understanding the completeness of Jesus' work transforms our relationship with God. We no longer need to strive to earn our salvation or approach God through religious rituals. Instead, we can live in the freedom of Christ's finished work, accessing His resurrection power in our daily lives. This truth challenges us to stop trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts and instead trust fully in what Jesus has already accomplished!

Complete trust in God transcends surface-level confidence, requiring us to place our entire lives in His hands. Jesus demonstrated this perfect trust throughout His ministry, culminating in His final moments on the cross. The supernatural darkness that covered the land during His crucifixion and the miraculous tearing of the temple curtain were powerful demonstrations of God's sovereign control and the removal of barriers between humanity and God.Jesus' unwavering trust, even in His most challenging moments, teaches us vital lessons about faith. His example shows that we can trust God completely, even in our darkest times, and that God is trustworthy with every aspect of our lives. Through this level of trust, we can accomplish more than we imagine and inspire others to seek God. This kind of faith challenges us to identify areas where we're holding back and surrender them completely to God's control.