New Freeport Church Of Christ

Jesus stated on many occasions that He and God were One since before the beginning of time. In Exodus 3:13, Moses asked God a question. He asked when the children of Israel ask what is the name of He who sent him, God answered “I AM”. Jesus paraphrased this later in John 8:58 in which is stated “Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Of course after He stated this the Jews attempted to stone Him, because they knew what He was claiming. Jesus later gives us a list of “I AM” statements to show that He came to bare the sins for all mankind and the only way to heaven is through Him. In the following paragraphs we will take a look at some of these, “I Am's”

First, most of these “I AM” statements are found in the Book of John. We will begin by looking at 6:35,41,48. In these Jesus states He is the bread of life, to go along with this statement in verse 50, we are told that Jesus is the Bread of Heaven. In verse 51 we read the Bread gives eternal life, and in verse 53 we are told that there is no life for those who will not eat. The next “I AM” we will look at is in 15:1-5, in these Jesus stated He is “the true vine”, lets take a closer look at Jesus' statement. In verse five and six we learn that we are branches of this Vine, now this does not mean that each branch is a denomination, rather each branch represents an individual. Also in verse four notice if you will, that we are to abide in the Vine. To coincide with that notice in verse seven if we abide in Christ his Word will abide in us. Thirdly, we will look at 8:12 Jesus stated “I am the light of the world”. A closer look at this verse would reveal that if you follow Christ you will be in the light. In Psalms 119:130, we find that God's words are light. And in 1 John 1:7 we find that the light cleanses us.

Next, 10:9 in which Jesus said “I am the door”. Back in verse one we find that He is the only Door and that any other door used would be fatal to you. One could say that when baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27), we are going through the correct door. Fifthly, in John 14:6, Jesus stated “I am the way, the truth, the life.” We find that the only way to approach God is through Jesus. Also according to 1 John 3:24 those that obey and abide are in him. Moving along, we next focus on 10:14 in which Jesus said that He is “the good shepherd.” As a Shepherd He is responsible for the flock, and Jesus cared for and loved His flock, He loved it so much that He gave his life for the flock (John 10:15). He also knew His sheep and His sheep knew Him (John 10:14). He is also the door for His sheep (John 10:7).

Next, we will take a look at the Book of Revelation for this next “I AM” statement. In 22:16, Jesus said that he is “the bright and morning star.” In Matthew 2:9, we find that a star guided the wise men. This coincides with John 14:6 in that Christ guides us. Now, look a Revelation 2:23 a passage in which Jesus said that He is the One who “searches the minds and hearts.” He does so because He knew the hearts of the Apostles (Mark 2:8), and He knows what is in every heart (John 2:24-25). Furthermore, in John 11:25, Jesus stated “I am the resurrection and the life”. In 1 Corinthians 15:23 we are told that resurrection is pledged to us, also in John 11:25 we are told that if we believe we will live. Lastly we will look at Revelation 1:11, here Jesus stated “I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.” Jesus clearly stated that he existed before the beginning, as pointed out in John 1:1-2. It is mentioned earlier in John 8:58, Jesus said that “before Abraham was, I AM.” All this proves that Jesus is what He claims to be, first He and God were one since before the beginning of time. Second Jesus' claim that the only way to heaven through Him is correct.