05-11-11 Update
| 11 May 2011
John 10 (NKJV)
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
Some Other Way...
Have you ever heard someone say, "there must be some other way?" I am sure we can say that about many things, often things that are difficult or perhaps hard for us to handle. When it comes to a person entering the presence of God the Father, I know that many believe "there must be some other way."
Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, clearly tells his disciples that, "he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber..." is not only indicating something in regard to salvation and entering the kingdom of God, but more importantly is speaking of those who are trying to steal the sheep away from the True Shepherd. It is easy to apply this to salvation, but the gist of the first portion of the story is not so much about salvation as it is about those who are trying to approach God's flock and steal them away from the Good Shepherd.
Has the "thief and the robber" been trying to steal you away from the safety of the fold? Has your heart been turned away by the thief or the robber named grief, dispair, anger, hatred, envy, lust, power, control, self-centeredness? Has your ear been bent by a false teacher or your eyes dimmed by the seeming brightness of this world in which we live?
Do you not realize, that your ONLY hope is the one who enters by the Door and who is Himself THE DOOR? Your only Hope is Jesus. If you truly want to lie down in green pastures and drink from the still waters, then your only Master, Guide and Shepherd is Jesus. Do you TRULY know His voice? Is His Word the source of what comforts, convicts and convinces you? Have you allowed some outside "stranger" to replace the Good Shepherd?
Are you dull of hearing and or understanding as those in v. 6 who, "did not understand the things which He spoke to them?" Listen clearly to the Scripture. Be sure that you truly ARE one of the Sheep in the fold, and beware of the theif , robber and stranger that seeks to steal you away from your LORD.
Upcoming Events
• Sunday @ 5pm - Financial Peace University - Lesson 6 - Buyer Beware
• Saturday May 21st @ 8am - Church Workday - we need help to get the exterior projects moving along
I hope to see you at Bible Study this evening - John Chapter 8 - Don't be Late!
By His Spirit,
Pastor Matt