The halfbaked Bard

Jn:15:1. I am the true grapevine vine and my Father is the gardener. You are the branches. The purpose of the branches is to produce fruit. If not, the gardener will cut it off. If yes, then the gardener will prune. Only if you remain in the main vine, will you be able to produce much fruit. Remain is a restful word. Just remain in Him. Be one with Him. Imbibe from Him. Be in constant touch with Him. Being reminded of His presence always. The xylem and the phloem are continuous with the main vine. The nutrients that the branches get, is from the main vine. Connected always. The main vine is the strength and support for the branches. Be aware and sure of the glorious presence of the Almighty always. Abstain from things which He abhors. Love things which He loves and pursue it. Focus on knowing and seeking Him all the time. For that is what you have been created for. Therefore make every second count. Make every opportunity to know Him. Do not focus on bringing forth fruit. T...

I am the way, the truth and the life Jn:14:6 I am the way. I am the only way to reach unto the Father. I am the only way of salvation. I am the only way of forgiveness of sin. And without forgiveness of sin there is no access to God. I am the truth. I am the true God. There is no lie in me. Whatever I say is true. For my nature is truth. God is true. God alone is true. So when I say, I am the truth, it proves my diety. I am the life. In me alone is life. The abundant life which I promised is only through me. Unless you believe in me there is no part in the life that I offer. Living life to the fullest is only through me, because it is I who created this life. And I will enable you to live that life to the fullest capacity in this fallen world. Not only in this world, but in the world to come as well. Image courtesy: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/christian-bible-verse-way-truth-1740972008?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

I am the resurrection and the life. Jn:12:25 Who can claim this? I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me will live even after they die. I am the life. Everyone who believes in me will never die. Through Me alone, Jesus claims, you will resurrect one day. But more importantly, the new, eternal, abundant life in you will continue in you even if you physically die. Right on the cross, we have Jesus echoing this to the sinner who just believed. You will be with me in paradise today. If you believe. Just believe. Not evidentially. Not circumstantially. But just believe, then this life that is promised is yours forever. Eternal life is not something you will get once you die and reach the other shore. Eternal life is now, as you believe in Jesus. Physical death is just a stepping over to a fullness that Jesus promised. Image credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image-film?phrase=baby+shadow+dark

I am the good shepherd Jn:10:11 The only characteristic of the good shepherd is that He lays down His life for the sheep. He loves the sheep so much. That He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on the cross. He willingly lays down His life so that those whom He loves can be with Him for eternity. He calls them His children. Rebels as they were He made them His children, made them seated on the right hand side of the Father. And He is concerned of other sheep, who are not in His pen. He longs to bring them also in.  Undeserving as we are, He gave us the privilege. In this context read further;  The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Eventhough I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I fear no evil. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepar...

I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. Jn:10:9 'The' is definitive - which means the only. For salvation, Jesus is the only way. Anyone who enters through Jesus shall be saved from eternal bondage and slavery that they are stuck in. And only though Jesus. All others are like thieves and robbers who have come to steal kill and destroy. But in Jesus there is fullness of life - abundant life. All others give priority to rituals. But Jesus says only believe. All others say to do certain things. But Jesus says I have already done. Listen to His voice and follow. Knowing your beloved's voice. There is fullness of life in Him. Image credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image-film?phrase=sheep+gate

I am the light of the world Jn:8:12 The world is in darkness. And Jesus is the light. He is the solution to the brokenness of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you have the light that leads to life. You being in this dark world, are walking in darkness. To come out of this, is to follow Him. To listen to Him, who is the light. If you follow Him, there won't be any need for you to continue to gropple in darkness, because you have the light. Your path is clear. Your decisions will be sure. Your choices will be obvious. All directed towards one thing - the Father God. Not your self satisfying, self gratifying rat race that the world is after. Image credit: https://centeredonchrist.substack.com/p/what-did-jesus-mean-by-you-are-the-b88

Jn:6:35. I am the Bread of Life. The first of the I am statements of Jesus. "I am" reflects the name of God. Bread is something to be eaten, to be internalised. So, unless you internalised the very nature of God, eternal life is far from you, says the Son. His very nature is to be consumed and internalised, so much so that it becomes your very nature. His love, His patience, His kindness, so that He would be reflected perfectly. Any other things that you try to do, would not satisfy you, would not quench your longing. This gives abundant life, life to the fullest, as He promised. Image courtesy: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/perfect-sandwich-bread