To church leaders a) Be willing shepherds (not under compulsion) …the difference between ‘a leader of a church’ and ‘a shepherd of God’s people’. …the sheep belong to God not to them. … to be vigilant for things that will attack God’s sheep. b) Be eager to Serve (not after shameful gain) … you should not be in it for the money.…
The best question in the world What must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30 Truths to die for … … absolute truth exists. Why this truth matters Firstly, it affects what is central in gospel ministry. Secondly, it affects what the bible says about the gospel being a free gift, a gospel of grace. Thirdly, because it will affect who we…
Who are the ‘lost’ In Ezekiel: God’s people gone astray In Luke: The son who has rejected his father The problem that this creates: insider/outsider language We can create an unhelpful (and unbiblical) barrier between those who ‘belong’ and those who don’t. In one sense, the lost and the saved are no different Coins, sheep, sons… they’re all the same ‘ontologically’ (in…
Shepherding with a difference! ‘Shepherd’ metaphor Ezekiel 34:11-16, “I will tend them”, “I will bring them to good pasture”, “I will shepherd my sheep with justice”. 1. The Owner John 10:1-5 2. The Gate if the sheep enter through him then he will “save” them. John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no one comes to the Father…
Back into John – John 20:31 Recent encounter with Nicodemus Time to move on – 4:1-6 1. Jesus and the Tainted Woman – v7-18 2. True Worship – Spirit and Truth – v19-26 3. Testimony, belief and action v27-42 Overflowing with Satisfaction in true worship of Jesus
The Big Question is – What is the effect of being born again? 1. You see the Kingdom of God v1-3 2. You are born of water and the spirit and can enter the kingdom of God v4-5 3. The Spirit is at work within you and does what he wants to do, and its effect can be seen. v6-8