Born King, Already the Resurrection: Unlocking Bold Faith in Jesus' 'I Am' Today
When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem they asked, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews?” Take note of their words born king. They did not say born to be king… but born king. In his gospel prologue John describes the Lord with these words: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” Life was present in Jesus from the beginning of His earthly ministry. When John the Baptist saw Jesus he proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” He did not say He will become the lamb but that He was the lamb.
Jesus' Identity Revealed
Before His atoning work on the cross Jesus reveals His mission and purpose with these “I am” statements: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the Good Shepherd.” And now He testifies, “I am the resurrection and the life.” These statements confirm Jesus knew from the beginning what His mission and purpose was to be. To others He would become known as the bread of life (and all the I am’s)…. But in His mind and heart He was already each of these! For Jesus each “I am” was a present reality. This reminds us of John 8:58 (ESV), where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a welcoming Baptist church in Mascoutah IL, we celebrate this eternal truth that empowers our daily walk, especially for military families near Scott Air Force Base facing uncertainties.
The Foundation of Boldness and Confidence
This understanding of life, self, divine mission and purpose was the solid foundation that provided Jesus with the boldness and confidence He demonstrated throughout His ministry. He was well aware from the very beginning of His earthly life where He had come from, what His purpose was and where He was going. Yes, there was a future context to His life and mission but also a present reality. What could this “I am” perspective provide for us as children of God? Do we fully understand our relationship in Christ Jesus? We are saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved. We are in process. We are justified, being sanctified, and will be glorified when we reach heaven… If our confidence is only in Christ Jesus and His atoning work on the cross. As 1 John 3:21 (ESV) states: “If our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” And 1 John 1:9 (ESV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Living in Present and Future Reality
“You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens.” Ephesians 2:5-6 (ESV) Therefore, be confident and bold! We are saved, raised, and seated with Jesus! It is a future and present reality! In everyday life, this means approaching challenges with assurance, knowing our identity in Christ is secure now and forever. At our Southern Baptist church in Mascoutah, we see this lived out in our community, from young families at Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah to those in Bible study groups in Mascoutah. Practical Steps to Embrace Your Identity in Christ
To live out this confidence as part of our church family at First Baptist Church Mascoutah:
Meditate on Scripture: Reflect daily on Jesus' "I am" statements and verses like Ephesians 2:5-6. Journal how they apply to your current situation.
Confess and Receive Forgiveness: Use 1 John 1:9 as a prayer prompt to confess sins and embrace God's cleansing, building confidence before Him.
Connect in Community: Join small groups in Mascoutah IL or a community meal in Mascoutah to share testimonies of God's present reality in your life.
Step Out in Faith: Consider baptism in Mascoutah if ready, or volunteer at our faith-based preschool, Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, to serve families near Scott Air Force Base and experience your purpose today.
Embracing Jesus' "I am" declarations helps us live boldly in our salvation—present and future. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a military-friendly church near Scott AFB, we invite you to join us in this journey of loving God, loving others, growing in faith, and sharing the Gospel. Whether you're exploring churches in Mascoutah IL or seeking a family church near Scott Air Force Base, come to our services, events like Oasis, or connect through our Christian preschool in Mascoutah IL. Discover the resurrection life in Christ today.
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
About the Guest Contributor
This guest post was contributed by Bro. Sherman Smith, a pastor with over forty years of faithful service. His reflections remind us of God's unchanging purpose in our lives. Thank you, Bro. Sherman, for sharing your story with our church family!
We welcome guest contributions that point others to Christ. If you'd like to share a testimony, devotion, or encouragement, contact us at First Baptist Church Mascoutah.
