"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
This is the seventh and final of the great "I AM" statements recorded by the Apostle John, which Jesus, The Christ, spoke to His disciples. Here Jesus said "I AM The Vine." He said that only those who believe in Him, are connected to Him, and they will be productive and bear good fruit.
We know that only branches which are connected to the main vine will continue to thrive and bear fruit. Those branches which are cut off from the main vine will perish. Jesus is The main vine, without our connection to Him, we are powerless, and unable to do or produce anything. Belief in Jesus and abiding in Him is proof of our salvation. To abide in Him means to have a continuing and ongoing daily personal relationship with Him that involves faith, trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. (John 15:10-11) If we abide in Him, then we will be productive and do a good work. (Ephesians 2:10 & Hebrews 13:16) We will bear much fruit and glorify God if, and only if, The Word of God is within us. (John 15:8) As believers, we need to read and study The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:15) The more that we do this, the more good fruit we will bear.
Showing posts with label I am. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I am. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Way The Truth And The Life
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through Me.' " John 14:6 (NIV)
This verse is the sixth of the seven great "I AM" statements which was spoken by Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John. Here Jesus was answering a question posed by the Apostle Thomas. Although He was speaking directly to Thomas, He was in the process of speaking comfort to His disciples regarding His impending departure, and also speaking indirectly to us, and all who read and hear The Word of God. Jesus said, "I AM The Way and The Truth and The Life." He is "the only way" to salvation. He is "the whole truth" and nothing but the truth. His is life and "the giver of life".
We need to believe, understand, and tell people that Jesus, The Christ, is The Way. He is the way to God (John 10:9), the way to escape temptation (1 Corinthian 10:13), the way to holiness (Hebrews 9:12), the way to a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the way to the right way (2 Peter 10:15), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21). Jesus, The Christ is The Truth. He is the truth of God. (John 1:14) Jesus, The Christ is The Life. He is the life of God. (John 1:4 & 11:25) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to salvation and eternal life with God in heaven. (Acts 4:12) Only by believing, seeking, and following Him can we find the way, the truth, and the life.
This verse is the sixth of the seven great "I AM" statements which was spoken by Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John. Here Jesus was answering a question posed by the Apostle Thomas. Although He was speaking directly to Thomas, He was in the process of speaking comfort to His disciples regarding His impending departure, and also speaking indirectly to us, and all who read and hear The Word of God. Jesus said, "I AM The Way and The Truth and The Life." He is "the only way" to salvation. He is "the whole truth" and nothing but the truth. His is life and "the giver of life".
We need to believe, understand, and tell people that Jesus, The Christ, is The Way. He is the way to God (John 10:9), the way to escape temptation (1 Corinthian 10:13), the way to holiness (Hebrews 9:12), the way to a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the way to the right way (2 Peter 10:15), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21). Jesus, The Christ is The Truth. He is the truth of God. (John 1:14) Jesus, The Christ is The Life. He is the life of God. (John 1:4 & 11:25) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to salvation and eternal life with God in heaven. (Acts 4:12) Only by believing, seeking, and following Him can we find the way, the truth, and the life.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
The Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11 (NIV)
As Jesus continues His discourse about the sheep and the shepherd, the Apostle John records these words. This is the fourth of the seven great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. He said "I AM the good shepherd". Because He cares for His sheep, "the good shepherd" will die to save the sheep. This is a reference to His death on the cross at Calvary.
Jesus could have been referring to Himself as "good" in comparison to the "bad" and "evil" leadership of His chosen people, who were seeking personal gain. However, in keeping with the parable of the shepherd and the sheep, a good shepherd leads, guides, directs, protects, provides for, cares for, fights for, and will die for his sheep. Jesus, "The Good Shepherd", did all of that and He was willing to, and did, lay down His life in order to save us, His sheep. He later repeats the statement, "I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:14), and adds that He knows His sheep and they know Him. He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and they know the sound of His voice (John 10:4-5). This phrase can also mean that Jesus is THE Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd, the Supreme Shepherd. He is The Head of the Church, and The Head of all principalities, the ultimate leader, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. Believers can say, The Lord in my Shepherd. (Psalms 23:1-6)
As Jesus continues His discourse about the sheep and the shepherd, the Apostle John records these words. This is the fourth of the seven great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. He said "I AM the good shepherd". Because He cares for His sheep, "the good shepherd" will die to save the sheep. This is a reference to His death on the cross at Calvary.
Jesus could have been referring to Himself as "good" in comparison to the "bad" and "evil" leadership of His chosen people, who were seeking personal gain. However, in keeping with the parable of the shepherd and the sheep, a good shepherd leads, guides, directs, protects, provides for, cares for, fights for, and will die for his sheep. Jesus, "The Good Shepherd", did all of that and He was willing to, and did, lay down His life in order to save us, His sheep. He later repeats the statement, "I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:14), and adds that He knows His sheep and they know Him. He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and they know the sound of His voice (John 10:4-5). This phrase can also mean that Jesus is THE Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd, the Supreme Shepherd. He is The Head of the Church, and The Head of all principalities, the ultimate leader, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. Believers can say, The Lord in my Shepherd. (Psalms 23:1-6)
Saturday, April 13, 2013
"I AM The Gate"
"Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.' " John 10:7-9 (NIV)
Here the Apostle John records the third of the great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. After He had given sight to the man who was born blind (John 9:1-7), Jesus told them a parable about the shepherd and the sheep. Then He said "I AM the gate for the sheep." He repeated and clarified what He meant when He said "I AM the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." He clearly stated that He is the entry way to salvation.
We are His sheep, and He is "the gate", the entry way to safety, security, protection, and salvation. Gates block the entry of the undesirable and allow only chosen ones to enter. Jesus said that He is the way to salvation and spiritual eternal life. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is through Him. (Matthew 25:34) It is only by belief in Him, that through Him, we can be saved. Through Him we will be blessed as we come and go, and His "pasture" will supply all of our needs. Through Him we have salvation, and we can enjoy God's presence, God's protection, and God's provisions. Jesus said that He came that we might have life, eternal life, and have it more abundantly, better than we have it now. (John 10:10)
Here the Apostle John records the third of the great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. After He had given sight to the man who was born blind (John 9:1-7), Jesus told them a parable about the shepherd and the sheep. Then He said "I AM the gate for the sheep." He repeated and clarified what He meant when He said "I AM the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." He clearly stated that He is the entry way to salvation.
We are His sheep, and He is "the gate", the entry way to safety, security, protection, and salvation. Gates block the entry of the undesirable and allow only chosen ones to enter. Jesus said that He is the way to salvation and spiritual eternal life. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is through Him. (Matthew 25:34) It is only by belief in Him, that through Him, we can be saved. Through Him we will be blessed as we come and go, and His "pasture" will supply all of our needs. Through Him we have salvation, and we can enjoy God's presence, God's protection, and God's provisions. Jesus said that He came that we might have life, eternal life, and have it more abundantly, better than we have it now. (John 10:10)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The Bread Of Life
"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.' " John 6:35 (NIV)
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the crowd. This is the first of the seven great "I AM's" which Jesus spoke referring to Himself and His purpose. Jesus is "the bread of life", The Living Word of God. Jesus was using a metaphor and He was speaking of a spiritual implication, while the people could comprehend Him literally and physically. Remember, "I AM" is how God referred to Himself when He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. (Genesis 3:14)
When Jesus taught His disciples and the people, He frequently used parables and metaphors. He knew that those who did not believe would not understand. (Matthew 13:13, Mark 4:12, & Luke 8:10) We know that wisdom and understanding come from God. (Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 2:6 & Proverbs 9:10)
As we come to Jesus, and accept Him as our Savior, we take of Him, we consume Him, we begin to digest His Word, and His Holy Spirit indwells us and we become a part of Him. When three times He told the Apostle Peter to "feed My sheep", He meant for Peter to share The Word of God with the people of God. (John 21:15-17) We need to be fed "the bread of life", and we need it on a regular basis. That will sustain us and The Lord will provide all that we need. We need to eat "the living bread" (John 6:51) and drink "the living water (John 4:10-11) as part of a healthy diet for our soul.
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the crowd. This is the first of the seven great "I AM's" which Jesus spoke referring to Himself and His purpose. Jesus is "the bread of life", The Living Word of God. Jesus was using a metaphor and He was speaking of a spiritual implication, while the people could comprehend Him literally and physically. Remember, "I AM" is how God referred to Himself when He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. (Genesis 3:14)
When Jesus taught His disciples and the people, He frequently used parables and metaphors. He knew that those who did not believe would not understand. (Matthew 13:13, Mark 4:12, & Luke 8:10) We know that wisdom and understanding come from God. (Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 2:6 & Proverbs 9:10)
As we come to Jesus, and accept Him as our Savior, we take of Him, we consume Him, we begin to digest His Word, and His Holy Spirit indwells us and we become a part of Him. When three times He told the Apostle Peter to "feed My sheep", He meant for Peter to share The Word of God with the people of God. (John 21:15-17) We need to be fed "the bread of life", and we need it on a regular basis. That will sustain us and The Lord will provide all that we need. We need to eat "the living bread" (John 6:51) and drink "the living water (John 4:10-11) as part of a healthy diet for our soul.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
His Name Is "I AM"
"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.' " Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
In the record of Moses of his encounter with The Lord at the burning bush, Moses wanted to know what name should he say is the name of The God of their fathers who sent him unto them. God's reply to him was tell them "I AM" has sent him.
God referred to Himself as "I AM" at least eighteen times in the book of Exodus, but none of them is more emphatic than here in verse fourteen of chapter three. God said to Moses, "This is My name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation." (Exodus 3:15) The name of God is powerful. When Jesus, The Christ, said "I AM" in the garden at Gethsemane, the solders who had come to arrest him all fell down backwards. (John 18:6) Grown men were knocked off of their feet and onto their backsides when Jesus said, "I AM". That, in and of itself, should be enough to prove that there is power in His name. No other person and not other name could do that. All praises to His holy, righteous, and powerful name.
In the record of Moses of his encounter with The Lord at the burning bush, Moses wanted to know what name should he say is the name of The God of their fathers who sent him unto them. God's reply to him was tell them "I AM" has sent him.
God referred to Himself as "I AM" at least eighteen times in the book of Exodus, but none of them is more emphatic than here in verse fourteen of chapter three. God said to Moses, "This is My name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation." (Exodus 3:15) The name of God is powerful. When Jesus, The Christ, said "I AM" in the garden at Gethsemane, the solders who had come to arrest him all fell down backwards. (John 18:6) Grown men were knocked off of their feet and onto their backsides when Jesus said, "I AM". That, in and of itself, should be enough to prove that there is power in His name. No other person and not other name could do that. All praises to His holy, righteous, and powerful name.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Who Are You Connected To?
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." John 15:1-8 (NIV)
Just before the passover feast, Jesus was with His disciples, telling them of things to come. After He had washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and predicted Peter's denial, He sought to comfort them. He encouraged them to remain in Him, to be true to His word, and He would remain in them.
The analogy of a fruit bearing branch is so clear. If a branch is not connected to the main vine and its roots, it cannot receive the sustenance it needs to remain alive and bear fruit. Likewise, we can do nothing if we are not connected to Jesus. He is the source of our strength and our life. We cannot bear fruit or continue to exist without Him. If we are not connected to Jesus, then we are like dead branches, good for nothing but to be cast into the fire.
Just before the passover feast, Jesus was with His disciples, telling them of things to come. After He had washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and predicted Peter's denial, He sought to comfort them. He encouraged them to remain in Him, to be true to His word, and He would remain in them.
The analogy of a fruit bearing branch is so clear. If a branch is not connected to the main vine and its roots, it cannot receive the sustenance it needs to remain alive and bear fruit. Likewise, we can do nothing if we are not connected to Jesus. He is the source of our strength and our life. We cannot bear fruit or continue to exist without Him. If we are not connected to Jesus, then we are like dead branches, good for nothing but to be cast into the fire.
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