In addition to the seven I Am statements that Jesus Christ gives in the book of John (e.g., the bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, gate, resurrection, way truth and life, vine) we also have several occurrences where Christ declares to be THE I AM, that is God. Since Jesus was in fact God incarnate, how then shall we live in response to that?

On this Easter Sunday as we celebrate the victory that was won at Calvary we consider the last proclamations by John the Baptist about Jesus Christ. We see a humble man who knew his role was to decrease so Christ could increase, that Jesus is above all and from above with all things under his authority. Finally he boldly proclaims, the one who believes has eternal life!

Did John the Baptist loose faith or doubt who Christ was? It's hard to say for certain but we do know he asked for confirmation and received glorious works and healings by Christ that fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. Today we can join John in examining Christ, his actions, and his claims to know 'are you the one'?

Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. This point marks the beginning of his ministry on this earth and is the point at which the Spirit of God rests on him. John witnessed to these things explaining that God had told him to look for these signs which fulfill many of the prophecies by Isaiah and others. We also see all three parts of the Godhead active at once with unity in purpose.

John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus Chris as the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! Today we consider how Christ is able to take up and take away our sins and pardon and cleanse us from our sin once and for all through the power in his blood as a perfect sacrifice.

John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight. God sent John to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ and to preach repentance. Today we learn great lessons from John's message to straighten our walk, remove obstacles, and fill in the dips so we are ready for what the Lord wants to do with us.

Today we consider, mercy. It denotes an underserved pardon. We know that God is rich in mercy, that he gives freely, daily, and without reserve to those who approach him in faith. Let us call upon the name of the Lord and seek the mercy He gives.

Are we too quick to pass over the grace of God? Do we understand our state before the Holy one and our need for grace? The grace of Christ is what saves us and disciplines, comforts, and helps us throughout this life.

What does it mean to be a man? Our society seems to be at war with the idea of manhood. It could be because men have been too often absent or abusive. What is needed today is for men to be on guard, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong. And just as important to do all that in love. Today we challenge boys and men to choose to develop strength, courage, character and to live as a warrior, provider, protector, leader and with the purpose that Christ modeled and commanded, to be manly.

What can we learn from the parable of the ninety-and-nine sheep and the one who went missing? We learn that Christ, the great Shepheard, loves us and is wiling to come find the one who is lost so we can be found!