C u rrent Worsh ip Se rie s
Our questions. Jesus’ answers. What happens when despair is pervasive? Who pierces this darkness? Jesus said, “I AM the Light of the World” (John 8:12).
by Dan Anderson, Congregational Care
I
t was an ordinary day for a shepherd named Moses. He was tending ordinary sheep in an ordinary wilderness pasture, when, suddenly, everything became extraordinary. A bush was on fire yet not burning up! A voice called out from this flaming shrub — the voice of God! “Moses, I have a job for you,” the voice said. “Here is what you are to do . . . .” Moses listened to the instructions and then asked what he should say if someone asked who sent him. God replied, “If they ask, say, ‘I AM has sent me.’” (Exodus 3). Centuries later, when people asked Jesus about His identity, He replied with these words: “Before Abraham was born, I AM!” (John 8:58). Still today, we find ourselves asking, “Who is this Jesus?” Jesus also answers our question with two compelling words: I AM. There are many ways to know people. One approach is to watch their actions. How do they behave? How do they relate to others? How do they respond in challenging circumstances? Another way to learn about people is to listen
to what others say. What have others observed? What are the encounters and experiences of other people? What have they come to believe is true? A third way to find out about people is to listen to their own declarations about themselves. Do they speak with confidence and authority? Are their words trustworthy and reliable? Can their assertions be validated?
As God said to Moses, and Jesus said to His followers, Jesus still says to us: “I AM.” This fall at CPC, we consider what Jesus has to say about Himself. As God said to Moses, and Jesus said to His followers, Jesus still says to us: “I AM.” This month our sermons and Sunday Community teachings will focus on the seven “I AM” sayings of Jesus from the Gospel of John. We encourage you to be present in worship and participate with an interactive Sunday Community as together and individually we discover more about Jesus, the Great I AM.
GO DEEPER: JESUS’ “I AM” STATEMENTS SMALL GROUP
Wednesdays, October 3-November 28 from 6:00-7:30PM in a nearby home Go deeper into the October worship series in an eight-week small group. Discuss I AM: Discovering Who Jesus Is and also learn tips on how to effectively study the Bible. Register: cpconline.org/register.
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OCTOBER 2012
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CPC LIFE
Where does one turn for soul satisfaction? How does it feel to be content? Jesus said, “I AM the Bread of Life” (John 6:35).
How does it feel to be an outsider? How does it feel to belong? Jesus said, “I AM the Gate, the Good Shepherd” (John 10:9-11).
Who answers the question, “Is that all there is?” Jesus said, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25).
What is life like when we are stagnant? What is life like when we are vibrant and growing? Jesus said, “I AM the Vine” (John 15:1).
What does it mean to flounder, to be directionless? What happens when life becomes purposeful? Jesus said, “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).