Sermon Series Recap: Jesus Is/We are - GBC Bulletin Column #32

Over the past seven weeks we have been learning as a congregation more about Jesus from the seven 'I am' sayings of John. We have also learned more about ourselves, which has the effect of causing us to want to know still more about Jesus. Here is a recap of what we have learned.

Jesus is the bread of life. He satisfies humanity’s hunger for God and fulfils the Father’s will to feed whoever believes in him. Apart from Jesus, we are selfish grumblers who don't believe in Jesus and won't believe unless God sovereignly works in us by his Spirit. (John 6)

Jesus is the light of the world. Light transforms and tells the truth, and so is not always loved. But the darkness has not overcome it.  Apart from Jesus, we are darkness dwellers who will die in our sins and do not hear or speak the words of God. (John 8)

Jesus is the door of the sheep-fold. Those who enter God's flock by Jesus find belonging and enjoy blessing. Apart from Jesus, we are either violent thieves or vulnerable sheep who don't belong to a fold and aren't blessed in a pasture. (John 10:1-10)

Jesus is the good shepherd. As the bleeding, leading, and feeding Christ, he demonstrates his care and establishes his community. Apart from Jesus, we are either hired hands who run from danger, wandering wolves who are a danger, or scattered sheep who are in danger.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He is glorified through death, great over death, and is himself the gift of life. Apart from Jesus, we are fearful, foolish, and faithless slaves of the world, the flesh, and the devil, dead in our trespasses and sins. (John 11)

Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. As the perfect and pure Incarnate Word, he alone can bring us to the Father. Apart from Jesus, we are ignorant  of the way, we have not seen the Father, and we do not live the life. (John 14)

Jesus is the vine. He thoroughly nourishes his people, throws away fruitless fakes, and glorifies his Father, the vine-dresser. Apart from Jesus, we are barren and fruitless, we wither and perish, and we have no proof that we belong to Jesus. (John 15)

  

This was printed in the worship bulletin of Grace Baptist Church (Wood Green) on 01 December 2013.