InimitableThis message is from Youth Pastor Daniel Hooper in week four of the sermon series “Inimitable”. Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Understanding the Inimitable God: What Jesus' 'I Am' Statements RevealDiscover the profound meaning behind Jesus' divine declarations and how they transform our understanding of God's nature. This message explores the concept of Jesus as 'inimitable'—having no equal or rival—and how His 'I am' statements throughout Scripture reveal His divine identity.Learn about the powerful moment in John 18 when Jesus simply said 'I am' during His arrest, causing armed soldiers to fall to the ground. This wasn't coincidental but a physical response to encountering divine presence, similar to other biblical accounts of people encountering God.Beyond the metaphorical 'I am' statements (bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, etc.), Jesus' simple declaration 'I am' connects directly to God's self-revelation to Moses as 'I AM WHO I AM' in Exodus 3, establishing His divine nature.

Important VersesJohn 18:5-6Exodus 3:14Isaiah 43:11Philippians 2:10-11Think about it!In the sermon, Pastor Daniel mentioned that 'Scripture does not teach us merely what to think, but it teaches us how to think.' How has your understanding of Scripture evolved over time?When Jesus said 'I am' to the soldiers, they fell to the ground. What does this reaction reveal about the power of Jesus' identity, even when he appeared to be in a position of weakness?How might having an incomplete or lopsided view of God's character affect how we live our daily lives?The sermon emphasized that 'God is never one attribute at the expense of another.' Which attributes of God do you tend to emphasize, and which ones might you need to better understand?In difficult times, how does your understanding of who God is shape your response to challenges?Pastor Daniel asked, 'Who do you believe God is?' How would you answer this question, and how has your answer changed throughout your faith journey?How does understanding Jesus as the great 'I AM' change how you approach worship, prayer, and your relationship with Him?Apply it!This week, take time to reflect on who God truly is to you personally. Write down the attributes of God that you most connect with and those you might struggle to understand or embrace. Then, choose one attribute you tend to overlook and intentionally study it through Scripture. Each day, look for evidence of this attribute in your daily life and journal about how recognizing this aspect of God's character changes your perspective on your circumstances. Consider how a more complete view of God might transform your decisions, relationships, and responses to challenges.Key TakeawaysJesus leads with full authority - even in his arrest, he was in complete control of the situation, stepping forward to identify himself rather than being captured.When Jesus declares 'I am,' it commands a response - the soldiers falling to the ground demonstrates the power of his divine identity being revealed.Jesus wasn't merely identifying himself but declaring his identity as Yahweh, the great I AM of the Old Testament.How we view God determines how we live - incomplete or incorrect views of God can lead to idolatry and lopsided living.God is never one attribute at the expense of another - He is always fully himself, perfectly embodying all His attributes simultaneously.