MARCH APRIL 2024

Who Is Jesus

Knowing Christ – Knowing God

March and April Series

Do you really know Jesus? 

Are you sure? In one of the many conversations and teachings between our Lord Jesus and the disciples, they came to the point where He asked about His identity. Our Lord asks them who the people say He is and then asks who the disciples say He is. (Matthew 16:13–19). There are two general questions that the Lord asked.

First is the view of other people about him. Who do the people say "I am"? The disciples responded to the Lord's question, saying that the people thought that He was one of the former prophets, and they named three very famous prophets who may have come back from the dead: Elijah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist. Some even say he might be a different prophet. Sadly, even today, there are hundreds of answers about the identity of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can ask ten people about the identity of the Lord Jesus, and you will get ten different answers.

The second question is the most important one: “But what about you? " He asked them, “Who do you say I am?” Remember that they walk with the Lord every day; they saw the miracles and the ministries He has done, so this is the most important question that needs a right answer from them and from us as well, because how we view the Lord Jesus and His involvement in our life touches every part of who we are. The knowledge of the Lord Jesus in our life has an impact on everything in our life, including our goals, motivations, attitudes, words, and activities.

God's selfless act of love for us is the central principle of the doctrine of Christ's deity. God, who took on human form to atone for our sins, is the source of our salvation, not a man like us. The Lord Jesus followed up his question about "Who do people say that I am?" with an even more important one: "But who do you say that I am?" Each person must determine for themselves what their personal response to this question is. Who is Jesus to you? Is he your Lord?

For this reason, as we were given the task of preaching and teaching about the good news of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, not just what He has done and is still doing in our lives and in this church, and as we continue the mission of launching new churches as the Lord leads us, we have to make sure that our people are grounded even in the very basic foundation of WHO the Lord Jesus is, as we glorify God and make disciples.

Series Title      :   Who is Jesus?

Main Thought:  The Seven “I AM” of our Lord Jesus found in the Book of John   

Goal               :   Knowing and teaching the Basic “I AM” of the Lord 

Main Event    :   The Resurrection Sunday   

Key Verses     :   John 8:58 & Colossians 2:9-10 

John 8:58 NIV

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Colossians 2:9-10 NIV

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

These two truths are the center of revelation and the very foundation on which the entire Bible is based. They are as follows:

Jesus Christ is God.

We are complete in Christ.

Introduction 

The Lord Jesus’ “I Am” statements were particularly important to the Jewish listeners within the context of when He said them or where He said them. He was continually pointing their eyes toward Himself as God in light of the Old Testament Scriptures that prophesied His coming. When our Lord Jesus claims the title "I AM," everyone listening knows exactly what He means: that He is God. Just consider the reaction of the religious leaders to His words; they are so enraged that they attempt to stone the Lord Jesus right then and there. (John 8:59). But not only for them, but also for us, who have been given the opportunity to look backward and experience these “I AM” in real time, provided that we have already put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The term "I am" originated from Exodus 3:14, in which God says to Moses, "I am who I am." This declaration became a means of establishing a personal relationship with God and was used throughout Israel's history to signify that God has always been, always is, and always will be.

In Exodus 3:14, God made a very important statement to His servant Moses about who He is, the great "IAM," revealing who He is and was. Then others gave Him names that defined His true nature, adding "I AM"—which is also translated as Yahweh, Jehovah, or LORD—to His name throughout the Old Testament. jehovah-Jireh (the Lord, My Provider), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord Heals), Jehovah Nissi (the Lord, My Banner), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord, Our Peace), Jehovah Raah (the Lord, My Shepherd), and other titles are declared by the Bible.

Our Lord Jesus said many important words that are recorded in the Gospels. Yet, there are seven statements the Lord made in the book of John that were particularly crucial to His ministry, Old Testament prophecies, and His claims of who He is. It was important to the first-century Jewish listener, who would’ve better understood the context of what He was saying as it is also important to us now to understand its meaning, purpose, and application.

The 7 “I Am” Statements of the Lord Jesus in the Book of John?

Jesus made these seven resounding statements throughout the Gospel of John:

“I am the bread of life.” He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus also reiterated this statement in John 6:41, 48, and 51.

“I am the light of the world.” He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“I am the door of the sheep”. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9).

“I am the good shepherd.” The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:11, 14).

“I am the resurrection and the life.” He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

“I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser…” I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5).

March 03 2024 

Kick-off Sunday

Jesus, the Great I AM 

John 8:58 NIV

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM!”

Have you ever been in a debate with a person who belongs to another religion, and when the topic started to touch on their core beliefs, they started to get angry, insult you, and even ask you for a fist fight? I did it many times in my Christian walk. But that is in no way compared to the Lord Jesus Christ as He talks to hostile Jews. The Lord Jesus Christ claimed to be the “I AM," which is the personal name of the God of the Old Testament (Exodus 3:13–14). As our series suggests, on many occasions it is recorded that the Lord Jesus used the “I AM” statement in attesting to His deity. He claimed to be the LORD God, Jehovah, and Yahweh.

In the prior verse, the Lord Jesus referred to Abraham, noting that even he looked forward to the coming of a promised one. That person, according to Scripture and evidence, is the Lord Jesus Himself. As the Lord answered the questions of the Jews about “who He really is, "he said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.’ ‘In response, they said, You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham!'' Then the Lord Jesus answered them, "I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I AM.”

When the Jews heard this, they 'picked up stones to stone him' [8:59]. They fully understood the seriousness of this claim, but they denied him the right to use the name "I AM" for himself. They thought he was just a man and that no man was entitled to that most holy of names, a divine name. That was almost an act of blasphemy to use it that way, unless, of course, God was the one using it. In this statement, the Lord Jesus claims to be the Eternal One—the One who is ever-present and ever-living.

Important Truths to Ponder

If Jesus is not God in the flesh, then we are of all people most to be pitied.

If Jesus is not God in the flesh, then he cannot satisfy the requirements of God for sin and salvation.

Suggested Teaching Points

Jesus claimed equality with God.

Jesus claimed divine authority.

Jesus did what only God can do.

Jesus is our only hope for salvation.

March 10 2024 

Week 1

Jesus, the Bread of Life 

John 6:35-38 NIV

35 “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

One of the strategies we usually use when we are launching new House Churches or helping people during calamities is feeding. We know that we have to touch the physical needs before touching the spiritual needs. Feeding really draws a large number of people, and it is a great avenue to share the love of God and the salvation that they need through our Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Lord fed over 5,000 people, the crowd yearned for more free food. However, the Lord Jesus desired to stop feeding their hungry bodies. He desired for them to realize that although food may satisfy their hunger momentarily, only He could provide them with spiritual satisfaction. He claimed to be the bread that gives life.

The Lord brings them back to the time of Moses, where God provided for them Manna from heaven. This passage reminds us of how God provides his people with manna, or bread from heaven, on a daily basis in the Book of Exodus. They were maintained by God's provision, which kept them alive. This time, the true bread—that is, the Lord Jesus—arrives on the scene. Christ provides for all of our spiritual needs. Life is given to those who believe in Jesus. Those who consumed the manna in the desert eventually died, although it provided momentary relief from hunger. Jesus offers the bread of life, which leads to eternal life.

Important Truths to Ponder

While food and medicine can serve as temporary relief, it should not be the ultimate objective.

There are two kinds of hunger and two kinds of food – physical and spiritual. The Lord tells us not to work for the food which perishes, but for food for eternal life. (verse 27).

Maybe for the first time, the crowd that was feed the bread and fish dinner had all they wanted to eat, (verses 11-12). So when the next day came and their hunger returned they looked again for the Lord Jesus.   

Suggested Teaching Points

The primary idea of the statement, "I am the bread of life," is derived from the fact that, miraculously, the Lord Jesus gives life to those who believes in Him. (35)

Our physical and spiritual needs are met by the Lord, but this is a conditional blessing; take note of the word "whoever" that is mentioned twice, though some people even question this. (36).

Like the Old Testament Manna, the Lord Jesus came from heaven, but with an eternal purpose, making Him the living bread that grants eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. And those who follow Christ, in truth, may stumble into darkness, but they will never continually "walk" in it. (38)

The Lord came NOT to give bread but to be the bread.

John Piper

March 17 2024 

Week 2

Jesus, the Light of the World.

John 8:12

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. 

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

According to Wikipedia, "as one of the two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia, the Philippines celebrates the world's longest Christmas season (Filipino: Kapaskuhan); Christmas music is played as early as August." The tree and house lighting are the main attractions during the celebration; they make the environment happier and cheer up anyone who sees them. But there is only one who gave the people a true light, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1:9)

The background to our passage is the Jewish Feast of Tabernacle (John 7:2). The setting is the temple treasury (8:20), which is where the Lord Jesus made this statement. At this feast, a huge “Candelabra” was lit in the women’s court of the temple. It reminded the Israelites of the pillar of fire that guided their ancestors during their wilderness wanderings. But importantly, the Lord Jesus made this statement just after forgiving, rather than condemning, a woman caught in adultery that the Pharisees had brought before Jesus in the middle of His teaching.

The Lord Jesus was teaching us that, although there is darkness in the world due to sin, He remains holy (His light dissolves the darkness) and provides light and direction to those who are stumbling in their sin. By nature, we live in darkness without Jesus; the extent to which we are able to understand ourselves or the world around us is limited, so we need the light of God to lead and guide us. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory" (Psalm 84:11). In that instance, the Lord Jesus was representing the character of God as a sun (which provides light), a shield (which protects), and grace (which forgives) for the glory of God.

Important Truths to Ponder and Suggested Teaching Points

“I am the light of the world. “The Lord Jesus claimed to be THE light not a light. The claimed is exclusive.  He is the single, solitary source of "light."

“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The treasury in the Court of the Women is the most public part of the temple, so this light is open to the public to see. These were lit on the first night of the Feast of Tabernacles at the first ceremony called “The Illumination of the Temple," and everyone is welcome to experience it. - Bruce Barton

Will have the Light (phos) of life (zoe)- The phrase "light of life" refers to the light that emanates from and arises in life—a fruitful life, as God intended for humans created in His image. Following Jesus will not only result in seeing the Light of Life, but we will also experience His supernatural life both now (Col 3:4) and in the future (John 3:2).

March 24 2024 Week 3

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

John 10:11

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control. Wherever you may lead, I will follow. We loved to sing this song when we were still in youth ministry. And now God, by His grace, has given us the responsibility to shepherd His people in this church. The basic responsibility of shepherds was to safeguard their flock from harm, ensure its safety from predators, and lead them to be productive.

In our third week of this series, our Lord’s Jesus’ statement about being a good shepherd described His sacrificial love for you and me, who are part of His flock. He was letting His hearer know that, unlike a hired man who will run and leave their flock unprotected in order to save their own lives when danger threatens the sheep, the Lord Jesus will not abandon His sheep but will keep watch over them.

The background of this statement goes back to chapter 9, where the Pharisees were investigating a blind man healed by the Lord. The Lord indicates that those who are supposed to lead the people of God are blind to their own laws, traditions, and jealousy. He is the true guide that can lead people to life. Even though the phrase "good shepherd" only appears in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus purposefully used these words to refer to the Old Testament, where God has words of strong rebuke and warning for bad shepherds and prophecies of a good shepherd that is to come (read: Ezekiel 34:1-6). The Lord Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, who claimed to be knowledgeable about the scriptures, when he made his claim to be the good shepherd.

Important Truths to Ponder

The Good Shepherd – (kalos poimḗn) - shepherd of the people: pastor, teacher that were overseers for the people of God. The Bible compares God’s people to sheep and the leaders of God’s people as shepherds.

As pastors (poimen) we are given a responsibility of the Chief Shepherd to take care of the sheep that was entrusted to us. 

Suggested Teaching Points

Linking It to Psalm 23 & John 10

He provides contentment and peace. (Verse 2).

He provides restoration. He restores my soul; ... (verse 3).

He provides guidance. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (verse 3)

He is good

He Protects

He nurtures

He lays down his life.

The Lord Jesus will not run to save Himself when there is danger.

 He will not leave you nor for forsake you.

March 31 2024 

Week 4 

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Jesus, The Resurrection and Life. 

John 11:25-26 NIV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

One of the most difficult ministries that I always encounter is during necrological service, because to some they are dealing with loss no matter how much we encourage them that their loved one is already with the Lord. Usually, talking about death is the last thing we want to do. It causes us to feel awkward and uneasy because we haven't been able to overcome it despite all of our medical advancements.

This week, our Lord Jesus spoke this greatest statement of hope to His grieving friend, Martha, after her brother, Lazarus, had died. In the next verse, He clarified His statement by saying, “And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? "(John 11:26).

Death brought a sense of despair, hopelessness, and finality until the Lord Jesus spoke those glorious words and then demonstrated them by bringing His dead friend back to life.

Just like any other "I am statements" of the Lord, He doesn’t just talk about what he can do or give, but who He is. He doesn’t just give bread (like Moses), but he is the bread. He doesn’t merely reflect light; he is the light. So also, in John 11, Jesus says I am the resurrection and the life. Not only did He do it to other people, but He also triumphed against death. The Lord Jesus showed the world that He had conquered the grave when He, Himself, rose to life three days after His death for the sins of all who would believe. He is the resurrection and the life.

Important Truths to Ponder

By believing in Him. Why is faith and belief required? Faith is necessary because of the nature of salvation which deals with two creations – the old and the new. The OLD are dying away, everyone who live will die. The NEW is with purpose and set for eternal life in Christ. Faith and belief in Christ is required because we are dealing GOD’S ONLY WAY FOR SALVATION.

This was Martha’s great confession that entitled her to all the benefits and blessings which flow from salvation, even seeing her brother alive again. Faith and believed express in confession. (Romans 10:10)

Suggested Teaching Points

The resurrection is central to the Christian faith and therefore never to be disregarded or taken for granted.

The foundational doctrine of Christianity is the conviction that Jesus rose bodily.

There would not have been any church at all in the absence of the resurrection.

We can be certain that Jesus will personally return to reign and judge the world because of his resurrection.

Our gospel preaching's lack of effectiveness may be related, in part, to our neglect of our Lord Jesus's resurrection emphasis. 

April 07 2024 

Week 5

Jesus, the Door of the Sheep

John 10:7-10 ESV

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

A door or a gate protects; it also indicates boundaries that one can or cannot enter, and when you enter it without permission, you can even be sued for trespassing. But if you go to my house, you will be welcomed by a rusty gate and a temporary structure I made to protect my car, which can easily be trespassed by dogs and even a person.

Sheep were commonly herded in a walled enclosure, mostly open to the sky, called a sheepfold (where sheep slept overnight), attached to their home, and it’s a protection from the worst elements, from robbers to beasts. The Lord Jesus is the door of the sheepfold. As "the door," the Lord Jesus made it very clear that there is no other way to reconcile with God except through Him. There is no other way to join God's people but through him. There's no other option. You may go "in and out" of the "door" (10:9), where you will discover an abundant existence that is full of freedom and fulfillment. (10:10)

Important Truths to Ponder

Our Lord Jesus highlights for us the unique character of salvation in this "I am" declaration by stating that He is "the door," not just "a door."

The Lord Jesus is not just our Shepherd who guides us into the "sheepfold," but He is the only door through which we may enter and be saved (John 10:9). There is NO alternative.

Suggested Teaching Points

After a day of feeding, Jewish shepherds used to return their flocks to the sheepfold for safety. Wolves and other animals were among the predators that actively pursued the sheep, especially during the night.

If the Lord Jesus is the door of the sheepfold, then we should take His statement in today's passage to mean that He is the only point of entry for protection from the enemies of God's people.

There is only one way for us to become members of God's family. Being part of the sheepfold of the Lord requires us to pass through Christ. There is no hidden passageway or side entrance—He is the only door.

April 14 2024 

Week 6

I am the way, the truth, and the life.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through Me”

I was reminded of the story of a priest in the airport looking for the comfort room and asking the little boy for direction, and the boy gladly pointed where it was. Then the priest was so blessed with the boy and told him that he would help the boy go to heaven, and the boy gleefully said, sir, you don't even know the way to the comfort room; how much more to heaven!

When the disciples were confused about the Lord Jesus’s statements about heaven, that He will go and prepare a place for them and then come to get them so that they will be with Him, Thomas asked what all of them must have been thinking: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way? ”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:5–6). The Lord Jesus is saying that all roads do not lead to heaven.

There is no other way to forgiveness, no other source of knowledge about God, and no other means to eternal life except through the Lord Jesus alone. The Lord Jesus offers those who are spiritually dead the very life of God. Additionally, this is important to us now because there are a lot of different religions and beliefs that claim to be the only path to God, eternal life, and favor, apart from the Lord Jesus.

Important Truths to Ponder

Personal faith in a personal God brings personal strength and courage. (v.1)

In a time where it's simple to question the statements made by the majority, Jesus is not only is everything He says true, but He is the very embodiment of truth.

Suggested Teaching Points

The Lord Jesus does not simply teach the way or point the way; He is the way.

The Lord Jesus is not one version of the truth; He is the truth.

The Lord Jesus is not a version of living; He is life itself.

April 21 2024 

Week 7

Jesus, the True Vine

John 15:5 NIV

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and me in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Roman Payne quotes, “A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, and one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander." Meaning, A person is not a part of a piece of land; they do not grow from the earth like a vine or tree. Because humanity is mobile, they can go anywhere. God does not want us to wander because remaining in the vine will give us reasons and purpose to live, grow, and bear fruits.

Still in the upper room, the Lord Jesus said this to His disciples on the night of His arrest and impending death: By abiding in or attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father. In this metaphor, he is the gardener. In Him, and in His nurturing, tending, and pruning, you and I can grow to our potential and bear much fruit. Jesus was saying, “Stick close to me, and you will be able to accomplish much for My Father’s glory.”

Important Truths to Ponder

This entire passage is for believers only. The Lord Jesus is talking about intimacy that only believes in Him can experience.

The main subject is abiding. The Lord Jesus uses this image of fruit not that of a seed taking root.

The Result of abiding is fruit bearing. Apart for Christ we can do nothing.

Suggested Teaching Points

The Vine. The Lord Jesus is only source of spiritual life and He is the only one responsible for the fruit that we, as Christian bear.

 The Branch. If we abide in Christ we bear fruit; if not we become barren or fruitless. 

The Abiding. Abiding in Christ should be as natural as a tree abiding on the soil, firmly planted.

April 28 

Culmination Sunday

Why Are Jesus' Statements Important?

Going back to our introduction a couple of months ago, “The Lord Jesus’ “I Am” statements were particularly important to the Jewish listeners within the context of when He said them or where He said them. He was continually pointing their eyes toward Himself as God in light of the Old Testament Scriptures that prophesied His coming. When our Lord Jesus claims the title "I AM," everyone listening knows exactly what He means: that He is God. The first four were proclaimed in public formats; the fifth was privately said to Martha, the sister of Lazarus; and the final two were said to only the 11 disciples on the night He was betrayed, known as the Upper Room Discourse, and describe the evening and early morning hours before He was crucified. It is the most intimate of settings and the most somber of moments.

Important Truths to Ponder

For the first-century Jews, who knew God's own definition of Himself, the Lord Jesus was revealing to them that He was, in fact, God incarnate, the long-awaited Messiah, the Most High God manifest in human form.  (John 1:1-2,14)

Through these words, our Lord Jesus confirmed and fulfilled many of the Old Testament prophesies about Himself. It's crucial to remember that He was aware of whom He was and that He desired for us to be mindful of it as well.

We must teach our people that our Lord Jesus is so much more than just our "ticket to heaven"; rather, we need to view Him as our source of daily nutrition, guidance, protection, and selflessness, as well as our conqueror of death, means of entry to the Father and eternal life, and source of strength and power.

Final Thought 

Make this teaching simple and applicable. This is a very challenging series that magnifies the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is our main intention. Like any other teaching method, lecturing can be overused. We often spend time on the dos and don’ts but miss modeling. Our goal for this series is to let our church people see our Lord Jesus in their daily lives. Do this to the best of our ability. God blessed the team.