Tuesday, October 14, 2014

“ I am the good shepherd, The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (Gospel John 10:11)




 Shepherding sheep was very much part of life in Christ’s day. A Shepherd led his flock to places where grass was abundant and water plentiful. He protected the sheep from wild animals and sought out those going astray. It was not unusual for a shepherd to spend extended periods of time with the flock and remain with them through cold harsh nights. Their needs were always met. They were always safe, always at peace.

In Psalm 23, God is likened to a Shepherd who leads, protects and cares for His flock. “The LORD is My shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Ps 23:1-3a) The image of the shepherd caring for his sheep is a beautiful picture of God’s loving care for His own. The needs of all in His flock are met. There is never cause for alarm. Each one receives His personal attention. So it is for all who have been born again into God’s family. Jesus knows each of His own by name! (John 10:3) Each experience the blessing of His personal attention. Such is the wonderful reality enjoyed by all under Jesus’ care. There is no place for fear, concern or anxiety. None are ever forsaken by this Shepherd! None are ever lost and none ever will be (John 10:28). 

Jesus’ care far exceeds that of any other shepherd. He died on the cross that His sheep might have forgiveness. He died that His sheep might live with Him forever. His care never end and His sheep know it!

Is Jesus Christ your Shepherd? He leads His own though the Word of God, the Bible and only by the Bible. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:3). Do you want to follow Him? 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples (John 20:30)



“And Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;  but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (Gospel of John 20:30,31)

Jesus performed many miracles but John only records seven of them in his gospel account. These seven signs, or miracles, point to something of His deity (His is God) or His work to accomplish salvation. These are given that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. “Life” is given to the one who will believe. This is eternal life, the very life of the Lord Jesus. A life that we do not possess naturally. The one who has this life will spend an eternity with God and never again face death.


“Belief in Christ” is the one demand that God makes of us and He is most in earnest about it. Earlier in John’s gospel account he wrote, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (Gospel of John 3:36). Eternal life or eternal condemnation hinge on “belief in Christ.” To believe in Christ is to have eternal life. Not to believe in Christ is to face eternal condemnation. My eternal destiny, according to the Bible, is based on “belief in Christ”!

How could something of such incomprehensible consequence be based on something so simple? So simple that a child could do it! It’s because God is testing the heart not the head. To believe in Christ is to trust what the Word of God declares concerning Christ. God gave the Bible that you might know the Son of God. He gave the Bible that you might trust His Son and receive forgiveness, that you might receive eternal life.

A Beginner’s Bible Study is now running on Monday evenings. Call 087 934  0892 for details. If you would like to receive the class notes then txt your email or home address to 087 934  0892.