Who Are You!!!

A Series on the “I Am” statements of Jesus
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
John 7:53-8:12 

[Moses encountered God at the burning bush where the Lord gave His name as “I Am”. Jesus used that same name for himself, thus claiming to BE God. In this series, we’re looking at the “I Am” statements of Jesus to learn about him and about God.]

 

Networking. I hate it. Basically, you immerse yourself into a group of people of whom you might know one other person. The idea being that you mix and mingle to get to know who the other people are. Or, at least get to know their name, who they work for and what they do.

 

Generally, people aren’t so blunt as to say, “Who are you anyways”? But that is pretty much the idea. To find out who in that room of strangers might provide a mutually beneficial relationship. A relationship that might bring “Cha-Ching” to both of your businesses. “Who are you”?

 

Despite rumors of Jewish leaders plotting to kill him, Jesus decided to attend the Festival of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. During this annual celebration which required all Jewish males to attend, Jesus taught in the temple. This led to discussions between Jesus and the religious leaders about who he was.

 

In an attempt to trick Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman to him who had been caught in adultery. They asked Jesus if the Law, which prescribed death by stoning, should be adhered to with the woman.

 

Jesus didn’t fall into their trap but countered with, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” When they had all left without lifting a hand, Jesus told her, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

 

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”            NLT

 

Clearly, he had brought life-giving light to the woman caught in adultery. But he also brought light to the religious leaders. Light that they didn’t want. This led to more arguing which escalated to the point where the Jews demanded an answer to this question, “Who are you?”

 

The argument between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes continued to increase to the climactic point where Jesus finally claimed to be God.

 

⁵⁸ “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!”       NLT

 

For those attending the Festival of Tabernacles, the big question that seemed to be on everybody’s mind was, “Who is Jesus”. Some believed he was just a rabbi from Galilee; some thought he was demon possessed; some thought he was the Messiah. Yet the question persisted. “Who are you?”

 

To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as the light… and the truth… and the I AM. His claims don’t allow us to be neutral. We either find grace and forgiveness, like the woman caught in adultery; or we pick up a stone to kill him.

 

Which will you choose?

 

Copyright 2022 Joseph B Williams

 

 

Christmas Lights

(This is the 1^st of a 4 part series on “Memories of Christmas”.)

John 1:1-13

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A1-13&version=NIV;TLB

One of the things my wife and I enjoy during the Christmas season is to drive around and look at all the lights. We love driving through a random neighborhood to see how we might be surprised by some outstanding light display.

 

Over the years there have been some “professionally” done displays that have really stood out for us. One that we enjoyed was the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, WV. Another was the St. Nicholas Light Display sponsored by Domino’s Pizza in Ann Arbor, MI.

 

But locally, none compare to State Auto’s Christmas Corner located in downtown Columbus since 1932. Featuring a life-sized Nativity scene, it is recognized around the world for its beauty and attention to artistic and historic detail. Fridays and Saturdays include three choir performances and hot chocolate. Life doesn’t get any better than that.

 

Christmas lights are a timed tested tradition to enjoy and create wonderful memories, but they have a much more significant meaning than a family activity and entertainment.

 

^1-2 Before anything else existed there was Christ, with God. He has always been

alive and is himself God. ³ He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make. ⁴ Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. ⁵ His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it.           TLB

 

Not only is Jesus the Light of the World, but as believers and followers of Christ, we carry his light within us. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount.

 

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your

light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.      Matthew 5 NIV

 Because of this, it is our privilege to share that light, not only at Christmas time but throughout the year. So go ahead and make some memories while looking at Christmas lights. Then share the Light of Jesus who is the True Christmas Light.

  

(If God has spoken to you through this blog, please feel free to share the link with others on social media.)

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Purging Mammoth Cave

1 John 1:1-10

 

  

^5 “This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. ⁶ If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim.”      MSG

 

John lived continuously with Jesus for three years. Although he and his brother were known as the “Sons of Thunder” because of their temper, he was also referred to as the “one whom Jesus loved”. He had a very special relationship with Jesus; maybe closer to him than any of the other disciples.

 

It is from this dichotomous perspective of anger and love that he wrote the letter of 1 John which addresses a heresy of the day known as Gnosticism. It was a heresy that threatened the entire first century church.

 

In a tour of Mammoth Cave, when you are in the belly of the cave, your guide will turn

off all the lights. As a result, it is pitch black. There is no light in the darkness. In fact, you can put your hand so close to your face that you can feel your breath, but not be able to see your hand.

 

During the same tour, in the midst of the darkness, the guide may strike a match. That single match emits enough light for you to find your way along the trail. That small light eliminates the darkness that had surrounded you; it illuminates your path so that you won’t stumble.

 

This is a metaphor for your life. God is light; there is no darkness in Him. Yet, the dichotomy of living the Christian life is that there is a struggle between darkness and light in us. The darkness is a constant threat, but the light is always with us, ready to exhume the darkness.

 

Therefore, what can we do when darkness enters our heart our mind? We can strike a small match, and the light will purge the darkness.

 

 

 

^9 “On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”                MSG