Even though under-shepherds do not always perfectly emulate Christ, He has nevertheless established their roles and has gifted them to serve in this way.

If sheep choose to become 'without a shepherd,' they reject one of Christ's major gifts to His flock, taking themselves outside of His established order.

When our lives change, we do not have to fear that things are out of control. As the Good Shepherd, Christ changes our circumstances for our benefit.

God's people are often compared to sheep, yet some question whether they need a human shepherd. How does one know whether a minister is a true shepherd?

In John 10, Jesus characterizes Himself as the 'Good Shepherd' who loves and cares for His sheep. This is shown in His providential leadership of His church.

We are cautioned to test the spirits contained in what a shepherd says to see whether they come from God. The world is not able to understand this message.

Christ shows His compassion and concern for those who have become distracted and fallen into error, providing an example to us to show mercy to others.

The closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.

Do Christians need a church? With all the church problems in recent years, many have withdrawn. Yet the church—problems and all—serves a God-ordained role.

A major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.

The shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.

In Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.

In most biblical contexts, 'spirit' refers to the invisible, internal activating dimension of the mind. Synonyms include heart, mind, and thoughts.

God's calling is personal and individual rather than general, opening otherwise closed minds, replacing spiritual blindness with spiritual understanding.

The voice of God, whether expressed through thunder, events of His providence, handiwork of creation, or the preaching of His truth, is recognizable to His flock.