Our Light and Life: Identity in the Claims of Christ

We get so many messages from the world about who we are and what we should be. But what we really need is a word from God to shape our sense of self, which is just what this book provides. Our Light and Life takes readers deep into the pages of Scripture to see more clearly who Jesus is, and what that means for those who are joined to him by faith. 

NANCY GUTHRIE

author of Saints & Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus

Jesus said that if we want to find ourselves, we must first lose ourselves. And what better place to lose ourselves than in the identity statements of the Lord himself, with whom we have been united by faith. As we come to know him more deeply through the seven "I AM" statements, we not only come to know him, but also who we are destined to be in him. Becky has done a masterful job paving a path so that we can take this life-giving, transformative journey.

SCOTT SAULS

senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church and author of Jesus Outside the Lines and A Gentle Answer

With good questions and thoughtful commentary, Becky Kiern leads us through some of Scripture's most profound declarations—the “I am” statements of Jesus found in John’s gospel. Pointing us to the whole counsel of God’s Word, she leads us to observe, ponder, and apply the truths found. If you’re looking for a study that lifts your eyes to see more of Christ and helps you respond to his claims, this is it. I highly recommend Our Light and Life.

COURTNEY DOCTOR 

Coordinator of Women’s Initiatives, 

The Gospel Coalition

Author of From Garden to Glory: A Bible Study on the Bible’s Story and Steadfast; A Devotional Bible Study on the Book of James

Who does Jesus say He is? This interactive exploration of the identity statements Jesus makes in John’s gospel will encourage and strengthen the faith of Christians. It will also help deepen the reader’s appreciation for the Bible-wide scope which demonstrates how Jesus is the Yes! to every Old Testament promise. This accessible study could be used for personal study or in small group formats. I highly recommend this thoughtfully designed resource to you! 

DONALD C. GUTHRIE

Professor of Educational Ministries Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 

Becky brings you near to the heart of God in the heart of Jesus in this study on the “I am” statements of our Lord. Come journey with Becky through the “I Am” of Jesus and discover your own identity in fresh and deeper ways in the person and work of Jesus. 

PAUL HAHN 

Coordinator, Mission to North America Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) 

We live in a culture that entices individuals to curate their identities around paper-thin temporal facades. Our Light and Life: Identity in the Claims of Christ is an accessible Bible study that will have you referencing eternal truths from cover to cover. Its contents reflect upon the beautiful portraits of the I AM and remind us that He is our only reference point to figure out who we were truly made to be. 

KAREN HODGE 

CDM’s Coordinator of Women’s Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
Author of Transformed: Life-taker to Life-giver and Life- giving Leadership 

This curriculum uses multiple methods to engage us in deep study of gospel passages in light of the whole Bible and God’s redemptive story. Then, each lesson helps us respond anew to Jesus’s words in our daily lives. As a master educator, Kiern leads us not only to understand a passage well but also to learn how to study the Bible better in general. Unique strengths include the printed Bible passages with lots of space for marking observations on the text and the carefully worded questions to promote meaningful group discussion. 

TASHA CHAPMAN, PHD 

Professor of Educational Ministries Covenant Theological Seminary 

The invisible God has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus. But who did Jesus claim to be? How did He describe Himself to us? Our Light and Life is an excellent resource for diving deep into the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. To answer these questions, Kiern takes us not only to the Gospel of John but also back into the Old Testament. She shows us the significance of these statements and reminds us that Jesus truly is the fulfillment of all the promises of God. This study is rich and accessible, making it perfect for individual time in the Word as well as a helpful guide for group discussions. 

ABBY ROSS HUTTO 

Director of Spiritual Formation
Story Presbyterian Church, Westerville, Ohio
Author of God for Us: Discovering the Heart of the Father through the Life of the Son 

Using the searchlight of Jesus’s “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John, Becky Kiern’s Our Light and Life: Identity in the Claims of Christ guides us to see Him and ourselves with new clarity and depth. Old Testament background coupled with New Testament continuity and fulfillment in Christ lead us to see the big story of Scripture and our part in it. With searching questions that faithfully employ biblical study tools, individuals and groups who seriously engage with the Scriptures through this study cannot help but grow in their knowledge and love of the Savior. 

MARY BETH MCGREEVY 

Adjunct Professor, Covenant Theological Seminary Retreat and Conference Speaker 

The Christian subculture is cluttered with books and studies that pivot around the author or the reader. Our Light and Life resists this trend and encourages readers to begin and end with Scripture, and to stay close to the text when applying it to their lives. Using a mix of Bible study techniques, Becky Kiern ties Jesus’s “I am” statements into the warp and woof of redemptive history—from Genesis to Revelation—to remind readers of their own identity in Christ. 

PATRICK J. O’BANION 

International Trainer
Training Leaders International 

I am grateful for this study Becky has prepared on the “I am” statements of Jesus in John. She combines pertinent textual comments, insightful reflection questions, important cross references, and penetrating applications, all with a warm, encouraging style. She has made a real contribution to help all of us engage in these vital passages of Scripture. 

BOB BURNS, PHD 

Pastor of Spiritual Formation
Church of the Good Shepherd, Durham, NC 

Clear, concise, and deep―this is one of the most helpful resources for the personal study of Jesus’s “I am” statements in John. If you are looking for something to guide you through who Jesus is, and who you are because of Him, search no further. 

SIMON STOKES 

Reformed University Fellowship University of North Carolina