When life takes an unexpected turn, this can be the opportunity to do something unique and different. Due to the temporary suspension of in-person events at Westheights, it was decided to broadcast our Sunday message via YouTube. While in the empty church building early on Sunday morning, we felt the deep emptiness without our church community so it was wonderful to see so many come together on YouTube, even as far as Corpus Christie, Texas, during the live broadcast.
This Sunday’s message, continuing with our Getting to Know Jesus series, was broadcast on YouTube. You can either watch the video or listen to the podcast link below.
GETTING TO KNOW JESUS
Message by Joshua Mutter – March 15, 2020
I AM THE GATE
SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:1-10 NLT
Isaiah 40:11 NLT He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
THE TRUE SHEPHERD …
1. Enters the right way
John 10:1-2 NLT I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
2. Gets a response
John 10:3 NLT The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him …
3. Knows His sheep
John 10:3 NLT … He calls his own sheep by name …
4. Will be known by the direction He provides
John 10:3 NLT … and leads them out.
John 8:12 NLT “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
5. Is gladly followed
John 10:4 NLT After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.
TWO BLESSINGS
1. The presence of the shepherd brings salvation
2. The presence of the shepherd brings security
John 10:10 NLT The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
“The promise of a full life, full to overflowing, is as relevant for us today as it was then. The Western world has discovered how unsatisfying materialism really is, and is looking for something more, something beyond. Many thieves have told lies, and have deceived the sheep, stolen from them and left them for dead. The call today to Jesus’ true sheep is to listen for his voice, and to find in him and him alone the life which is overflowing life indeed.” (NT Wright)
APPLICATION
1. What does this mean for me today?
2. What does this mean for my relationships with others?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | RSS