Introducing: The I AM Series
A seven-week study series on the Gospel of John
Hi there,
We’re entering a new season over here, and I hope you’ll be able to join us for it.
John: The Gospel of Belief
Written by an eyewitness so close to Jesus that he confidently refers to himself as “the beloved disciple,” the Gospel of John offers a unique perspective on Jesus’ life and teachings. Unlike the other Gospels, John focuses on previously unrecorded events, discourses, and miraculous signs. This fresh presentation reveals Jesus as the Messiah, filling in details omitted by the Synoptic writers and inviting readers to believe in Him as the Son of God, and through that belief, to have life in His Name.
The Apostle John uses the verb “believe” 98 times but never the noun “faith.” He frames the Good News as a clear choice between believing in God and succumbing to darkness. This straightforward choice underpins the recurring contrast of light and darkness found throughout his Gospel and letters, particularly 1 John. When Jesus entered the world, His people did not believe in Him (1:11-13), and it was revealed that His promises extended to the Gentiles. Chapter 3, detailing Nicodemus and the new birth, serves as a prime illustration and declaration of this pivotal choice.
This central theme underscores the validity of believing in Jesus' name, as John consistently highlights His divine nature. Various translations of John 1:18 refer to Jesus as "only begotten Son" (KJV), "God the only Son" (NCV), "only begotten God" (NASB), "only Son, who is himself God" (NLT), and "God the One and Only" (NIV). Similarly, in John 6:69, Jesus is identified as the "Holy One of God" (NIV, NASB), "Holy One from God" (NCV), and "Son of the living God" (KJV). Furthermore, Jesus directly proclaims Himself to be the Messiah (4:26) and God (8:58).
At the burning bush, God commissioned Moses for service. Moses, seeking to know who to tell the Israelites had sent him, asked for God's name. God revealed His name in Exodus 3:14.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
The "I AM" series introduces the profound significance of God's name, "I AM," a designation well-known to the Jewish nation. Jesus boldly claims this divine name for Himself, notably in John 8:58, a declaration that the Jewish people immediately recognised as a claim to Deity, prompting their attempt to stone Him for blasphemy.
However, Jesus expands upon this assertion in John's Gospel. Just as the Old Testament employs compound names for God to reveal His character, Jesus uses seven "I AM" sayings to convey specific aspects of His Person. These sayings not only affirm Jesus's divinity but also illuminate the very nature of God.
I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
I am the gate (John 10:7, 9)
I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5)
Structure
Synopsis
A seven-week teaching series working through these “I AM” statements in the Gospel of John.
Dates
Sunday 6th, July 2025 – Sunday 17th, August 2025
Frequency
Weekly
Platform
Google Meets
Time
19:00 – 20:30 (WAT) or 13:00 - 14:30 (CST)
Other Details
All participants will receive:
Access to the study recording after each session
Additional study materials to enrich their devotional lives
If you can’t participate, I will still be sharing teaching notes every week over here, and I hope these resources can be useful to you.