Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ

by Warren W. Wiersbe, Maurice England (Narrator)

In Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explores the “I AM” statements of God—from His burning bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’s startling claim to be the Light of the World.

 

Many Christians find themselves mired in past regrets or future fears, but the name of God itself reminds readers that God wants them to live in the present. The more readers understand and apply God’s I AM statements from the Old and New Testaments, the more they will realize God’s peace and joy. Then they will be free to live, serve, and know God more richly in the present tense—which is just where He wants them to be.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Thomas Kuhn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for a help in prepping a teaching series on the "I am" sayings in John. I don't know what to say other than it's just not very good. Almost every application boiled down to "therefore you should spend time in private devotions." Yes and amen, read your Bible... But isn't there more to say? Just felt like eisegesis.

[jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this book took two years to finish is a reflection of the reader, not the author or the quality of the book. I loved it. I do wish I'd read it more quickly so I could think of it as a whole more, but each chapter was able to stand alone for me whenever I read it over the last two years. I highlighted a lot and will hopefully come back to this book in the future.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

God is in the Present. Are You? In Jesus in the Present Tense, Warren W. Wiersbe intimately and extensively expounds on all the I AM statements made by Jesus. I AM is a present-tense title, indicating that Jesus is alive and with us at all times.

The Great I AM statements include: 1) The Bread of Life, 2) The Light of the World, 3) The Door, 4) The Good Shepherd, 5) The Resurrection and the Life, 6) The Way, the Truth, and the Life, 7) The True Vine, and The great I AM in John 8:58.

The Bread of Life encompasses compassion. The Light of the World touches on being in the light or in darkness spiritually; life or death. The Door has numerous analogies that reach into our inner being. The Door is not just a means of getting from place to another, although that is an important issue. The Good Shepherd is about intimacy, being cared for, and being part of the flock. The Resurrection and the Life is about eternity, being a new creation, and a living hope. The Way, the Truth and the Life is about where we walk, Who we trust, and eternal life. The True Vine incorporates fruit bearing, abiding, and obedience and the source of power to help us in each of these areas.

Warren’s discourse is thorough and encompasses areas that one may not always associate with the I AM titles. They will touch you and convict you. They can give you peace and a sense of belonging. They are truth, something you cannot pick and choose from.

Warren describes the settings for each I AM statement made by Jesus for context, to help us incorporate these great truths into our lives. He uses examples about the earth that we can easily identify with to help explain the meanings more in-depth.

The book is completed by exploring the process of living and serving in our everyday life according to the works God has ordained for us to do. I have only covered a very minute overlay of Warren’s discussions. And minus a couple of doctrinal issues I do not agree with, this is a very well-written and researched book. It’s great for Bible study group, Sunday school or personal use.

I highly encourage you to pick this book up and ponder on each statement slowly, as it’s chuck full of spiritual truths. Based on reading Warren’s book, I believe he has a close relationship with the great I AM. He extends that invitation to you in his book!

Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.

[Josh Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).

Over the past few years, I have come to deeply appreciate the value of living in the present and not always the future. When I came across Warren Wiersbe's Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ, I was very intrigued. I've always loved hearing the various names of God and their significance. Using them as a devotional to see God around us all the more is awesome.

The book starts out great, emphasizing the importance of names, including that of God. I particularly loved the exploration of people who know God but have not known God's name for various reasons (this could be a full separate conversation).

In the preface, Wiersbe that Jesus "is alive and says, 'I AM.' He can meet our needs today. He is alive this very moment and offers us a satisfying spiritual life in the present tense" (p. 11) He explains that the simple statement, "I AM," emphasizes the present nature of Christ, which is a reflection I had not noticed, but think is powerful.

Unfortunately, the rest of the book does not really seem to focus on the present nature of Jesus. The names of Jesus and subsequent exploration of their meaning is fine, but they're not that significant. Most of the time, it simply feels like a new way to present conservative evangelical theology. It's a much more organic way of doing so with some devotional elements, but it honestly feels more didactic than devotional.

Ironically, halfway through the book, Wiersbe states, "As important as doctrine is, it isn't enough for us simply to affirm what we believe. We must realize that Bible doctrine is incarnated in the Son of God and that He through the Spirit makes each doctrine real and active in our lives" (p. 103). This is an amazing statement that I think really is the motivation for the book. While we need to know what we believe and why we believe it, our faith is not living or effective if it is not vibrantly present in our daily life in the context of relationship. Again, though, this book just seemed to miss this focus consistently.

Just prior to the above quote, Wiersbe states the following, already in italics: "He moved the resurrection out of a statement of faith and into a person, and out of the future and into the present" (p. 103). This is a great reflection that we should all remember!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review (with no obligation for a positive review).

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Dr. Wiersbe begins the preface of this book, "There is no substitute for Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can save us from our sins and give us the grace to live for Him. If you want fullness of life, you have to go to Jesus." Hope for the hopeless which, sometimes, finds many christians always looking backwards into a past that can't be changed and feeling hopeless because they can't change that past. But is this what God truly desires for His child(ren)? Dr. Warren Wiersbe does an excellent job in his latest book, JESUS In the Present Tense, The I AM Statements of Christ. It's not wrong to look back but christians need to give up the past and look forward into the "present tense." The definition present tense is a verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking. In layman's terms - Jesus is here.now.
The I AM statements that our Lord makes are for us.now. But we must apply them to our lives by faith. Dr. Wiersbe shows us nine places in the Old Testament, where the name I AM is used to reveal more fully His divine nature and His gracious ministry to His people.

· Yahweh-Jire – The Lord who provides (Genesis 22:14)

· Yahweh-Rophe – The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)

· Yahweh-Nissi – The Lord our banner (Exodus 17:15)

· Yahweh- M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:8)

· Yahweh-Shalom – The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)

· Yahweh-Rohi – The Lord our shepherd (Psalm 23:1)

· Yahweh-Sabaoth – The Lord of hosts (Psalm 46:7)

· Yahweh-Tsidkenu – The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

· Yahweh-Shammah – The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35)
As one looks these scriptures up and applies them to life, the Lord's I AM statements will begin to root and the understanding that our Lord is a Lord of peace and joy should begin to fill our souls. Then the joy of life will be in serving through love and peace. That's a wonderful promise from serving our Lord and Savior! Whether you're struggling with a past full of emptiness or want a future full of the present tense this 5 star read will encourage you and fill you with hope!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: JESUS IN THE PRESENT TENSE
Author: Warren W. Wiersbe
Publisher: David C. Cook
January 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0487-7
Genre: Inspirational/Christian living

God doesn’t want us to ignore the past. He wants to use it as a rudder to guide us. Not an anchor to hold us back. Nor does He want us to neglect planning for the future, so long as we say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will’… The better we understand the Lord’s I Am statements, and by faith apply them, the more our strength will equal our days.

If you are living in memories, imaginations, and fears more than in the current moment, then JESUS IN THE PRESENT TENSE is a book that you will want to read. Dr. Wiersbe writes, “My past may discourage me and my future may frighten me, but the life I now live today can be enriching and encouraging because ‘Christ lives in me.’”

In JESUS IN THE PRSENT TENSE, Dr. Wiersbe takes the I Am names to reveal more fully the Lord’s divine nature and His gracious ministry to His people. The more we understand God’s I Am statements, the more we will realize God’s peace and joy. Then we’ll be free to live, serve and know God more richly in the present tense.

Jesus matters forever—and who He is is vitally important. I enjoyed reading –and learning more about who God is in this book as Dr. Wiersbe explored the names of Jesus, from Yahweh-Jire—the Lord who provides, Yahweh-Rophe—the Lord who heals, Yahweh-Nissi—The Lord our banner, and others, some of which I never heard of before. I’ll want to read this book over more fully now that I finished it for review, and study it more extensively. This is a wonderful book. A study guide is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 200 pages

[Amber French · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The way we relate to the Lord determines how He will relate to us.” By reading His “I AM” statements in the Bible, we’re better able to understand who He is. When Moses asked God who he should tell Pharaoh who had sent him, God replied: “I AM WHO I AM.” Moses told the Israelites, “I AM has sent me to you.”’ God’s I AM statements:
- Yahweh-Jireh: The Lord will provide or see to it
- Yahweh-Rophe: The Lord who heals
- Yahweh-Nissi: The Lord our banner
- Yahweh-M’Kaddesh: The Lord who sanctifies
- Yahweh-Shalom: The Lord our peace
- Yahweh-Rohi: The Lord my shepherd
- Yahweh-Saboath: The Lord of hosts
- Yahweh-Tsidkenu: The Lord our righteousness
- Yahweh-Shammah: The Lord is there

When we begin to grasp who God wants to be in our lives, we can start living a life that reflects that. “Christians possessed by the “living hope” will experience “hopeful living,” and this hope will give them the faith and strength they need to fight the battles, carry the burdens, and keep going when life is hard.” Each I AM statement is a promise from God to us and those promises are ultimately fulfilled through Jesus. “When God gave us the gift of His Son, He gave us His very best and in Him everything we will ever need to live a successful Christian life! “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” We live by promises, not by explanations; and when through the Spirit we claim a promise and say “Amen – so be it,” God fulfills the promise in Jesus Christ!

[Nicki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to listening to this audio but it been a bit of a mixed experience for me. As this is a theological book there are an awful lot of scripture references. When you are reading a print copy you can skip the chapter and verse references, but obviously with an audio you can’t do that. Its made listening quite hard going, because it splits up the narrative too much, and you lose the thread. On occasion I’ve had to give up as it was just too frustrating. I have persevered though, as it is really challenging in parts. The cultural and historical information is interesting and the author makes it relevant to today’s world, with situations he has personally experienced.
This is definitely for someone who wants to do an in-depth study of this particular subject, as you’d probably want to have your bible to hand whilst listening.
Thanks to christianaudio.com’s Reviewers Program for this copy.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to reading anything this author writes. I think he is one of my favorite bible teachers and commentators of this time. This book is about the I AM statements of Christ. It is absolutely powerful and compelling. If a person can read this and be totally unaffected I would wonder how. An experience with Christ demands a response - and this book brings the reader face to face with the great I AM! From the old testament all the way through the new Dr Wiersbe exposes these life-changing statements and exposes the foundational truths found in them. By doing so he enables the reader to become fully grounded in truth of Christ. This enables them to be consumed by this mighty God and to be changed, free to live and serve the way you were created to.

Excellent for personal growth or group study.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent a few years as a biblical studies major in college, i can tell you this is one of the BEST books on Jesus that I have read, backed by scripture at every turn. It is easy to read and understand and yet stands completely on the biblical word as nothing is just the author's ideas but him basically connecting the dots for everyday Christians and those who know nothing at all. I am halfway through and I can't wait to share it with others.
It was a fantastic read. I felt closer to the word and to the Lord. I recommend this for young Christians but for older Christians, I honestly wish i could buy every one of them a copy!

[The Book Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a world filled with hungry people who are searching for reality and cannot find it.
"They are spending their money on that which is not bread and their labor on that which does not satisfy." - Isaiah.55:2
Why? Because we who are ENJOYING the feast have not told them about Jesus, the bread of life, or have not helped to make it possible for others to tell them.
One day they will say to us, "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink"-Matthew.25:42,
and our Lord will say, "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink" -Mathew.25:45
And what will we say?

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read one of Wiersbe's books from his 'Be' series years ago and enjoyed it, so when I saw this on sale I downloaded it. As the title says, he examines the various I AM statements of Christ by chapter and then relates how their biblical meaning can be relevant to our lives today. Hoping to show us that Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, if you get my drift. It was a fairly easy read, only about 208 pages and his in depth explanations had a number of scripture references as well as personal anecdotes. I liked it.

[Patricia C Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Forevermore

There's so much information in these pages. There's so much to learn. We could, and probably should, read it more than once. We were created to worship God and glorify Him. If we thought more about eternity, we would acknowledge that life is not a solo enterprise. This guide reminds us that what we are in ourselves is not as important as what we are in Christ. Seek the Lord NOW while you can.

[Miriam Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the detailed studies of the "I am" statements. The author helps the reader think more fully and gain a better understanding and appreciation.

I found this book to be a good tool in my daily Bible study time.

[Rev Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wiersbe presents the Christian with an enjoyable meditation in the person of Christ through Jesus' I am statements in John. There is always value in looking at the Lord's presence in our lives through His own words. Wiersbe sticks to the text and brings out the glory of the great I AM.

[Lydia Nkutha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It makes one re-evaluate their relationship with God, and appreciate the gift of God's grace even more. Most importantly, living each day at a time, in the present tense, trusting in God's guidance & grace.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the I AM statements of Christ, reminding us that Jesus is alive and with us--in the present tense--today. He didn't say "I was the Bread of Life." He said, "I AM the Bread of Life;" "I AM the Light of the World;" "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Wiersbe Read

So glad to read the full version of this book as our class studied an abridged version in LifeWay's MasterWork series. Practical applications paired with spiritual truth.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

The book is truly inspiring helping the individual to live a life of faith. The book can be summed up by the last line in the book "we must live in the present tense, abiding in Christ. "

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the I AM statements of Christ, reminding us that Jesus is alive and with us--in the present tense--today. He didn't say "I was the Bread of Life." He said, "I AM the Bread of Life;" "I AM the Light of the World;" "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

[Elisha]

http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...

[Jared Totten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coming soon...

[James Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Wiersbe's books and commentaries.

[Becca]

He's just on a different level and I really had a hard time following.

[Arleen Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading the book.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent exposition on the I AM Sayings of Jesus. Full of practical wisdom, illustrations, and application.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple truth

I have been very encouraged by Wiersbe's book. I was expecting something more technical when I began, but I was surprised when it was much more devotional.

[Joshua Foote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book

I did Lots of highlighting about life and Times of Jesus and what Jesus is and said he was also how it is shown in prophecy in the ot

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing – love the references concerning shepherds - great

[Karmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book that speaks a lot about who he is and what those I am statments present.
WORTH reading!