Sheep follow the Good Shepherd, and that is what distinguishes those who follow Jesus on the narrow path from those who take the broad road of the world. Jesus speaks to us about this narrow road. Matthew 7:13You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its …
The refusal to believe in Jesus is sad because the consequences of not having faith are eternal. Perhaps you have friends or loved ones you have been praying for to come to faith, but they haven’t taken that step yet. Don’t give up praying for people to come to Jesus. Intercessory prayer involves praying on …
The “I am” statements created a controversial identity of Jesus. The Jewish scholars were well aware of the name that God had given Moses. Exodus 3: 14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.[1] To this point, Jesus had said: …
Jesus spoke about bringing other sheep into the fold. John 10: 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. [1] Who were these other sheep? They were the Gentiles. Jesus, as a …
Jesus describes the failure of the hireling or false shepherd as harmful to the sheep. John 10:12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired …
What is satan’s purpose on this earth? Jesus tells us. John 10:10a The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.[1] We first see this thief in Genesis chapter three, where he seeks to deceive Adam and Eve, whom God had created. Genesis 3:1The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the …
The thief’s purpose is to get, but Jesus’ purpose is to give. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.[1] Here life is the Greek word zoe. This means the absolute fullness of life, life real and genuine, a life active …
You may wonder why a loving God prunes us. Jesus provides insight into the importance of pruning. John 15:1 I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even …
Jesus came to fulfill the law, a truth profoundly declared in His teachings. Matthew 5:17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even …
You are chosen for a purpose! Sometimes, we think the Lord chooses only those significant in God’s Kingdom, like Abraham, David, or Paul, but not ordinary people like me. God chose you for a purpose only He can reveal as you follow Him. God revealed the purpose He had for Abram. Genesis 12:2 I will make …