Christ, the "I Am"

The Apostle John recorded seven "I Am" statements made by Christ as He spoke metaphorically of who He is in relationship to mankind. The focus of this book begins, in Section One, with brief essays that explore each of these seven statements within the literary context of the texts themselves, and within the historical context of Jesus' ministry in that time and place. "Discussion Questions" are included at the end for use in either individual or group readings.During the research and study of these seven statements, it became clear that there are various interpretations particularly of the first and last of these statements, some of which stemmed from misinterpretations of the Scripture passages that contain those statements. The writer sensed a need for providing more extensive essays within this book, focused on those two statements in particular.Therefore, Section One is followed by two sections that explore in more detail the first and seventh of the "I Am" statements, and the introductions to each of those sections will explain why we should consider them more extensively. Section Two, entitled "The Bread of Life: A Consistent Sense of John 6," presents a more detailed commentary on John 6:26–69. Section Three, entitled "Branches of the Vine: A Fresh Look at John 15," then presents a more detailed commentary on John 15:1–17.Thank you for considering these metaphors of Christ's character. This book is also now available in print (through Xlibris Publishing), and it is also being translated as e-books in Spanish, French, and German, as well as Hindi. Dr. Kenneth P. Lenz has served for over twenty-five years in church ministries and as a chaplain. He has also served on the religion faculty and Bible/theology faculty of several colleges. Courses Ken has taught include "Understandings of Religion," "History of Christian Thought," "Survey of the New Testament," and "New Testament Epistles," among others. He has also taught "writing intensive" courses to help students in their writing skills. His earned Ph.D. included an emphasis in Eastern Orthodox Church history and liturgy, and he excels in the area of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). Ken and his wife, Helen, have three grown children: Carrie, Evan, and Bryce.Books by this author include a trilogy published by Xlibris (offered in print and as e-books), which include:- Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism: As Taught in the Scriptures (398 pages)- Confession and Communion: As Taught in the Scriptures (108 pages)- God's Son "Forsaken," His Sacrifice "Finished!" (136 pages)E-books by this author published through Smashwords, include:- The Orthodox Church: An Evangelical Perspective- Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism: Expanded Edition- Branches of the Vine: A Fresh Look at John 15- The Bread of Life: A Consistent Sense of John 6- Christ, the "I Am" (in both English and Hindi)- Lordship Salvation: An Evangelical Perspective- Biblical SalvationFor more information, visit www.KenLenz.com Christ, the "I Am" is a book that explores the seven metaphorical "I am" statements of Christ that reveal aspects of His character and relationship to mankind. This biblical book is being translated into various languages and made available as e-books. As they become available they will be included in this series.The book is organized in three sections, the first of which explains each of those seven statements and how they relate to us. Section Two offers a fuller commentary on John 6, regarding Christ as "the Bread of Life," maintaining a consistent interpretation that has been needed. Section Three then offers a deeper commentary on John 15, regarding Christ as "the true Vine," with a refreshing study of words and phrases as recorded by Jesus' beloved disciple, John.This book presents a most excellent series of commentaries on the seven "I am" statements of Christ. A sequel book entitled God's Son "Forsaken," His Sacrifice "Finished!" explains the seven statements Christ uttered from the cr