I AM

Did Jesus ever say the exact words “I am God?”

“Now please understand that anyone can say the words “I am” and it does not mean that he is claiming to be God. Someone could say, “I am over here.” That is not claiming the divine name. Likewise, someone could say, “I am hungry,” or “I am sick.” Neither example is claiming divinity, because the use of the term “I am” in context clearly shows us that is not what is occurring. But, in John 8:58 when Jesus said “before Abraham was born, I am,” the Jews knew exactly what he was saying. Notice that he says before Abraham was born (using the past tense) and then he switches to the present tense when he says “I am.” Jesus switches tenses of the verbs on purpose so that when he does so in the context of referencing Abraham, Jesus is clearly drawing the Jews’ attention to the Old Testament Scriptures and then using a present tense form of the verb “to be” by saying “I AM”.  Someone who says “I am hungry” is not drawing attention to the Old Testament Scriptures for context.

Jesus was clearly causing the Jews to reflect upon the divine name “I am” that Jesus used for himself. We know that they understood this because as is said above, they said, “You, being a man, make yourself out to be God,” (John 10:33)

The Muslims agree with the Jews

But what is noteworthy is that the Jews, like the Muslims, deny that Jesus is God in flesh. Therefore, the Muslims are united with the Jewish people in denying who Jesus claimed to be, the “I am.”

Conclusion

It is not necessary that Jesus say a certain phrase in order for the truth of who he is to be made clear. The issue is not if he speaks a certain sentence that we construct in present terms in order to satisfy our theological demands. The issue is what did Jesus say in the context and culture of the time in which he spoke.

Finally, we know that Jesus is God in flesh because the Bible tells us so.

John 1:1, 14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 20:28-29, “Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
Heb. 1:8, “But of the Son He says, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.'”

Above article: Via http://www.carm.org by Matt Slick
http://carm.org/religious-movements/islam/did-jesus-ever-say-exact-words-i-am-god

I AM

Jesus was clearly causing the Jews to reflect upon the divine name “I am” that Jesus used for himself. We know that they understood this because as is said above, they said, “You, being a man, make yourself out to be God,” (John 10:33).

Jesus said,  “Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am”, which means that Jesus existed before His human life on earth. John 8:58

1.  Bread: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.” John 6:35

2.  Light: “I am the light of the world; he who fallows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12 

3.  Gate: “I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

4.  Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” John 10:11

5.  Resurrection and Life: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25

6.  Way, Truth, Life: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6

7.  True vine: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1

Obviously not all have faith. There are those who require a bit more evidence. So I encourage who ever needs to see more to read the following in order to provide you with evidence so that you may see that the Bible is in fact true and how science actually affirms that which is written in the Bible and if it is in fact true as Paul states it is in 2 Timothy 3:17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” then I pray you surrender your life to Christ! Because there is no doubt about the Bible being true!

Via AnswersInGenesis.org
Astronomy
• Stars are innumerable (Genesis 22:17; Jeremiah 33:22)
• Stars differ in glory (1 Corinthians 15:41)
• Stars follow a predictable pattern (Jeremiah 31:35)
• Earth is round, not flat (Isaiah 40:22; Psalm 103:12)
• Earth hangs on nothing (not built on pillars) (Job 26:7)
• Scientific evidence of a young universe:
1) Spiral galaxies
2) “Missing” supernova remnants
3) Short-lived comets
4) Moon moving away from Earth

Geology
• Water cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7; Isaiah 55:10)
• Sea currents (Psalm 8:8)
• “Fountains of the deep broken up” (Genesis 7:11)
• Scientific evidence of a young earth:
1) Continents erode too fast
2) Too much mud on the sea floor
3) Too much sodium in the ocean
4) Too rapid decay of earth’s magnetic field

Biology
• Blood circulation (Leviticus 17:11)
• Scientific evidence of a recent creation:
1) DNA programming for irreducibly complex protein sequences
2) Lack of missing links in the fossil record
3) Dinosaur blood vessels in fossils

Be Transformed!

A changing of the mind or worldviews will never compare to the renewal of the mind through the work of the Holy Spirit. You may change your thought process and/or worldviews in either of two ways. There is no middle ground. The Prosperity gospel teaches you to change your thought process and you will see the difference in your life, while Paul teaches you to test and “that by testing you may discern the will of God.” Of course, we test all things according to the scriptures, which is the inspired word of God and not by our own understanding or twisted interpretation of what we desire the will of God to be.

Sooner or later we will give into one or the other. “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”. Romans 6:16 One, produces life and the other death, though by choosing the one which gives life may mean that your life now may end due to its opposition, depending on what part of the world you presently live in. However, in the long run life as we know it means nothing if life eternal is not ours to look forward to.

We can choose either a change toward depravity which is what we are often seeing publicized from the top of our rulers even in America to the least of us in our work place, local church and even our own homes or we can choose the regeneration which includes the less sought after perfect will of God, even by those who claim to be “Christians”.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Let us be Bold!

There are many reasons why people may choose to be bold. Some because of their personal acheivements, others because of an earthly inheritance, others because of a social status, good looks and so on. However, how many do you know of being bold because of a hope they hold on to?

Not just any hope for we know that there are many who’s hopes end up frustrated and undersatably so, for we know that trusting in man to be perfect is, well, hopeless.

The hope I speak of is that of the followers of Christ. The hope that our King and Savior will soon return for His people. A hope founded on the life of an obedient son, who endured suffering, blessings, cursings, dying as a man on a cross, deafeating death, satisfying Gods wrath, raising from the dead, ascending to the Father, sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding for His people and awaiting the day in which we will all be reunited as one in His glory to come!

Our hope is not merely a wish or a prayer, it is the word of God spoken and declared by God the Son to His followers; “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2-3

So if we are bold let us be bold in our hope, our savior, our King! If we are to be bold let us be bold in sharing this power which we find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us be bold to death if need be that if even one sinner turn his back on sin or if none, it is all to the glory of Christ. For truth divides that which is from that which is not.

Let us be bold in preaching the Gospel which has the power to loose any man from the power of slavery to sin and death!

Let us be bold not only due to knowledge but because we too experience the power of the saving grace of our Lord for if we attempt it only upon our mere understanding we are sure to face defeat. We must know our savior, we must experience such grace, we must testify of it not only in word but also in deed for what good is faith without action?

Let us be BOLD in all humility for we boast not in ourselves but in Christ alone!

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Cor 3:2

Christians, Q?

Christians; what determines whether or not you accept what is shared with you as the “Word of God”? Do you simply accept it because it mentions God in it or do you search the scriptures to see if it coincides with God’s written word? Do you go on emotions? Do you go according to the character of the person sharing the word? Does it depend on anything other than GOD?

There are many so called “Television Evangelists” running around using God “their product” to get what they want out of people, taking God’s word and twisting it teaching perverted gospels and many unfortunately are being fooled. Ephesians 5 states that “all things exposed by the light are made visible, for everything made visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Wake up, sleeper and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil.”

I am sure many will fight against the truth but Christ who is Truth will always prevail! Many will hate you for standing for the truth but they hated Jesus first. Stand firm in the word of God and fear not man who cannot kill your soul! Those who suffer with Christ will also glory in Christ! Church, Stand UP!

They may hate you for speaking the truth but never allow their hate to shut you up! Take courage our redeemer lives!

I believe; help my unbelief!

Sickness is not indicative that God has turned His wrath against you! Growing up I remember discussions amongst adults and how they would say God is punishing the sick person because they were in sin. Thank God I am free from that way of thinking.

Sicknesses can be due to many different reasons, one being obviously being sin. However, it isn’t Gods wrath but consequences of certain lifestyles and/or behaviors. Their is undoubtedly forgiveness available for a repented sinner however their is no assurance that physical healing will take place. That does not mean that God cannot or will not heal but that it Is entirely up to our sovereign God to determine whether or not He wills it.

We should take on the responsibility of presenting ourselves through faith in prayer before Him. Putting our faith into action. Though we may pray as the boys father in Mark 9 when he said to Jesus; “I believe, help my unbelief!” The important part is showing up in prayer.

It seems confusing and it may very well be just what he was feeling, confusion! Clearly the father believed that Jesus could do it but maybe he doubted that He would do it? Which would explain the unbelief. There are times when I find myself in prayer knowing that their is nothing impossible for God yet wondering if it is Gods will to do so at that very moment in what we call time.

What ever his unbelief was I am sure Jesus seen his faith, enough faith that he would take his son to where Jesus was for healing/deliverance, in hopes that He would be moved to heal the boy. Clearly the choice to do so was Jesus’, just as it would be today for you if He decided to heal you. But please know if He does not heal you it does not mean He does not love you. On the contrary He gave His life so that no matter the outcome after death LIFE Eternal will be waiting for us all. That saints is the greatest HOPE of ALL!

So, be persistent in prayer. Do not give up and remember to always pray for His will to be done, for the glory of His name! Amén!

Faith, Hope and Love

Faith, Hope and Love….These remain while all else fades away.

Faith, Hope and Love….Heaven and earth will pass away but His words will still remain.

Faith, Hope and Love….Seasons will come and go but these three are hear to stay.

Faith, Hope and Love….Though in part we now see, the perfect is on it’s way.

Faith, Hope and Love….They remain, they remain, they remain!

Faith, Hope and Love….The greater being Love!

The greatest which is Love….You can find it in the book of John in it’s 3rd chapter 16th verse!

Because of that Love, you may know love have faith and hope and together with them remain!

All else will fade away……………………….

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV)

Surrendered Life

December 25th has gone into being a part of history and soon to join it is 2012. This question confronted me and I wonder if it would you as well. The question was;

How much of yourself do you truly give to God?

Before you answer the obvious, please know I don’t pretend to know you or assume you will struggle with the same confronting feeling I did, which was… “That’s obvious, all of me” but is it the truth? Can we honestly say we give all ourselves away for His Purpose and Glory?

You may come up with a higher percentage of surrender than I and I encourage you to continue the course and help anyone else you see in need of encouragement, so that 2013 would be a year of greater surrender. A year in which we willingly attribute all glory to God. That we would not think of ourselves more than we aught to. That in fact will be my first step toward accomplishing this surrender…what is yours?

I mean if we profess to be in HIM and we are not surrendering to His will then we most likely are not producing good fruit and if He is the vine and we are not connected branches, chances are we will be cut off and thrown in the fire. Although, the Father will receive His glory, unfortunately, those thrown in the fire will not partake of the Fathers Love! John 15:5-8 We must understand that He is The One who chooses us and sanctifies us, however, we also as Paul says and I often quote must work “OUT” our salvation with fear and trembling. Phil 2:12

So again I ask What do you need to surrender in order for your life to produce good fruit? Chances are if we have not surrendered that “sin” we may run the risk of being burned. Read what the Word of God says about sin and those who practice it.

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9

What is your first step toward a more surrendered life?

The End/El Fin

“In a twinkling of an eye” It seems the detail which many tend forget is that no one knows the day or the hour. However, in the meantime we have the opportunity to live according to our faith in God through His grace. If your faith is frail, feed it, if it is robust, share it but if you find you have none then you have this moment to obtain it through a repented heart, which He will never refuse! On that day it will not matter how much knowledge you have acquired but more importantly where your faith if any were obtained, that it would be so rooted in God and in the hope that His Grace reached us and saved us! Jesus Christ is the only way man is reconciled with God the Father. Outside of Him we are lost!

“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor 15:52

““But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matt 24:36
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“En un abrir y cerrar de ojos” El único detalle que muchos del cual muchos se olvida es que nadie sabe el día ni la hora. Pero por mientras puedes vivir conforme tu fe en Dios atreves de su gracia. Si tu fe fuese flaquita, aliméntala. Si fuese robusta, entonces compartirla. Pero si no tuvieses fe, siempre tienes este momento para obtenerla atreves de un corazón arrepentido, El nunca lo rechazara! En ese día no importara la cantidad de conocimiento que obtuvimos sino en que nuestra fe si tuviésemos alguna, fuese tan arraigada a Dios y en la esperanza que su Gracia nos haya alcanzado y salvado! JesuCristo es el único que reconcilia al hombre con Dios Padre. Fuera de EL estamos perdidos!

“en un momento, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, a la trompeta final; pues la trompeta sonará y los muertos resucitarán incorruptibles, y nosotros seremos transformados. 1 Cor 15:52

“Pero de aquel día y hora nadie sabe, ni siquiera los ángeles del cielo, ni el Hijo, sino sólo el Padre.” Mat 24:36

“Genius” The Movie

Who was John Lennon?

SLIMplifying

The last few days I’ve been eating less portions than I normally do. Believe it or not I have seen the difference. They are what I call seasons of SLIMplifying and of course on purpose. Well, likewise the same difference is noticeable, when we dose down on the word and prayer. We Slimplify our spirit. Yes I meant “our” spirit. The human spirit! The part of us which should be in control of our Soul and Flesh! The part of us which should be in constant contact with the HOLY SPIRIT, constantly, lest we become weakened and not for God’s glory!

Consider this verse; “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV) Granted the context of what Paul regards in this verse speaks of temptation in eating something which was offered to Idols. However, in the same I believe we are able to view this verse in the spiritual sense, that we would not allow ourselves to partake of that which is offered to Idols as well. (I could type out a lot of examples but I am sure you have already thought of some.) It is understandable, that many would view this as a little to extreme and say that it does not apply to us today but I urge you to continue reading 1 Corinthians 10. In verse 23 Paul states; “All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.” Meaning, chances are you will not be prevented from doing or not doing but is it beneficial? He proceeds with; “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”

Back to the SLIMplifying. So, Paul stated that “God is faithful” and that He will provide a way out of every temptation and that God would not let us be tempted beyond our ability. That being said, how would we know what God desires of us or that God would provide ways out or even the ways He will provide, so that we may endure? We need to be in His word, we need the word of God in us. We need to be in communication with our Father! Otherwise, we may not hear His voice until it turns into the chastising voice of God! And we know that the Lord disciplines those HE loves! Heb 12:6

This relationship isn’t seasonal, it’s permanent and we should cultivate it as such!

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)