I Am the True Vine -- Concluding the Seven I Am Statements

2026-03-28 3 min read

Scripture References

Last of the seven “I Am” statements in John: “I am the True Vine.”
To surface the longings Jesus satisfies, six groups analyzed popular songs from six decades, each identifying the “cultural crisis” the lyrics reveal.

2026-03-21 4 min read

Opened with an invitation to serve in North Dallas (Friday or Saturday options, car-pooling encouraged, lunch/hang-out afterward).
Leader affirmed how much he learns from the group’s dialogue; encouraged honest reactions to the sermon on hell and the exclusivity of Christ.
Tonight’s “I AM” focus: Jesus’ claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), explored through the lens of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.”

2026-03-07 4 min read

Third session of a six-week series on the seven “I Am” statements in John.
Setting: Men’s life-group Bible study; Leader: Mark.
Ice-breaker: “If you were important enough to have a posse/entourage, who would be in it?”–led to discussion about bodyguards, counselors, hype-men, moral friends, etc.
Transitional point: Our choice of “posse” reveals who we are; likewise, Israel’s leaders revealed their hearts. Jesus contrasts Himself with every false leader by declaring, “I am the Gate” and “I am the Good Shepherd.”

2026-02-28 4 min read

Leader opens with a personal update: son (22, Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton) placed on higher-alert status; unit itself non-deployable but he could be re-assigned. Group thanks members for earlier texts and prayers.
Ice-breaker: “When you’re driving, would you rather be lost and moving or know where you’re going but be stuck in traffic?” – designed to explore control, patience, and adventure before linking to the Bible text.

2026-02-21 4 min read

New spring series: the seven “I AM” statements in John, running through Easter. Leader: Caleb.
Ice-breaker: each man completed “I am ___” (e.g., “cool dude,” “loved,” “so grateful,” “duck-hunter,” etc.).
Purpose: last summer’s seven signs revealed Jesus’ divinity; the seven “I AMs” show how that divinity meets human need.