***And you shall know the truth. And the truth will set you free!!!***

(1) I am the bread of life (John 6:35).
There is an unmistakable parallel to God’s covenant name-Yahweh- by which He revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” Jesus made the pronouncement “I am the bread of life” three times (John 6:35, 48, 51). He is the real heavenly bread, the true life-sustaining power. Anything else is an inadequate substitute.
(2) I am the light of the world (John 8:12).
The world is in darkness apart from Christ. And as a follower of Jesus reflecting the light that comes from Him, you too are “the light to the world.”
(3) I am the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-9).
The imagery contrasts Jesus’ protection of the sheep in the fold with all other false prophets past and present. Entering the sheepfold through Jesus is a saving action and provides the sheep with abundant life and provision.
(4) I am the good shepherd (John 10:11-14).
The good shepherd is genuinely concerned for his sheep. He gives His life for His sheep. But to a hireling, his only interest is self-preservation.
(5) I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
More than giving resurrection and life, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Final death is impossible with Him. Death will never triumph over those who believe in Him.
(6) I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Jesus is not one way among many, He is the only way to the Father. He is the truth about God and the very life of God. As such, He reveals the truth to you and gives life to you.
(7) I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5).
It describes the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. When you abide in Christ- the true vine- our prayers will be effective (John 15:8); you will demonstrate your discipleship (John 15:8-10); and your joy becomes full through experiencing Christ’s own joy within you (John 15:11).

Unique to the Gospel of John, there are seven pronouncements Jesus made to describe who He really is as our Savior. Invite Jesus to become the “I am” of your life, your every moment, as He fills you with His presence.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8

The kingdom of God is the divine rule in human hearts, lives and situations. While the disciples were still thinking of the messianic kingdom in terms of political power, Jesus corrected their misconception (Acts 1:7). He declared that the kingdom of God is currently spiritual in character, international in its membership, and gradual in its expansion. The kingdom of God was a prominent theme in all of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels. Jesus taught about the kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18-19). Here in Acts 1, He was about to transfer that power and responsibility to His disciples by baptizing them in the same Holy Spirit that had anointed His ministry. The disciples were not to attempt ministry without the empowering of the Spirit.

Jesus then makes three points about the Holy Spirit:
(1) The Holy Spirit is a person and He brings with Him a power that will enable you to be a witness.
(2) The Holy Spirit’s power has to be “received”; it is not an automatic experience. As surely as the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer, so surely will HE fill and overflow each who receives Him in childlike faith.
(3) When the Holy Spirit fills you, you will know it. Jesus said this and His disciples found it to be true on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4). You don’t have to claim the Spirit by faith alone. When He comes, you will experience Him in a Tangible way. You will know that He has “come upon you.”

Jesus makes it clear that the ultimate purpose of the empowering of the Holy Spirit is so that you can fulfil the Great Commission- by being an effective witness for Christ. You need God’s supernatural power to minister effectively, to heal the sick, cast out demons and work miracles and wonders. But more than that, the Holy Spirit has come to convince you to o.

As you OBEY that call to go, He will give you:
(1) The power to find the lost
(2) The authority to boldly declare Jesus as the Son of God
(3) The endurance to be strong in times of weakness and suffering
(4) The power to establish His Church- locally and worldwide

The intended borders of expansions are clear: Jerusalem (local), Judea (national), Samaria (cross-cultural), and “the end of the earth” (global).

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