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Parable of the Good Shepherd (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOld Testament prophecies prepared people to envision the Messiah as a Shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock. Jesus Christ, in John 10:1, describes the shepherd entering by the gate, the rightful way into a sheep pen, distinguishing Himself from false messiahs who deceive and seek control over the people. As the legitimate Heir of the chosen seed, He fulfills these ancient promises. Jesus Christ personifies the Good Shepherd, dying for sinners who, like sheep, have gone astray. His goodness is not merely physical but reflects a morally beautiful, noble, and true nature, perfecting godly attributes in others. He guides, supports, and sacrifices Himself for His sheep with unmatched benevolence. As the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ was sent by the Father, receiving His authority, purposes, and power with full acceptance and zeal. He sacrificed Himself, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, where He now intercedes for His sheep, united with the Father in Their love for the flock. Jesus Christ embodies the Ruling Shepherd, set to return and reward His faithful under-shepherds. Combining the roles of shepherd, parent, and ruler, He declares with authority, "I am the Good Shepherd," reflecting the ideal kingship of ancient times. A good shepherd must own his sheep, as seen when Jesus refers to them personally as His own. Each shepherd separates his flock with a unique call, leading rather than driving them, guiding them to beneficial pastures and protecting them from danger. As the Creator through whom all was made, His sheep are familiar to Him, bearing the mark of ownership through unconditional obedience and submission.
Parable of the Good Shepherd (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn 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.
The Shepherd's Guidance (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEven though under-shepherds do not always perfectly emulate Christ, He has nevertheless established their roles and has gifted them to serve in this way.
The Shepherd's Voice
Article by Mike FordGod'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?
Knowing a True Shepherd
Sermonette by Mike FordWe 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.
Sheep Rustling
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSheep are being lured, not with good food, clean water, and peace, but with promises of being a part of something big and of protection from the Tribulation.
Life as a Shepherd
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWhat would it be like to live the life of a shepherd 3,000 years ago in Bethlehem, tending the flocks from pen to pasture?
Parables of Luke 15 (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' discourse in Luke 15 is essentially one distinct parable with three illustrations. He reveals that He came into the world to seek and save the lost.
Psalm 23:3
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamCasting takes place when a sheep falls over and its weight causes it to get stuck on its back until the shepherd intervenes.
Psalm 23:4
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamContinuing the exploration of the most famous Psalm in the world, Psalm 23, we get to the important fourth verse that symbolizes the faithful's relationship with God as we navigate the dangers of the world. The valley is symbolized as the location the sheep pass through to get to the mountain where safety and nourishment are found. The main emphasis is trusting the guidance of the Shepherd and His tools, namely the rod and the staff, as they safely lead the sheep away from danger. The staff gently moves the sheep from hazards, and if a sheep does fall, it is able to lift the poor sheep up. The rod keeps away predators and provides correction for the herd. A major heresy out in the world is that God is completely about love and no correction. However, the rod of correction is an essential part of being guided safely. Faith and trusting in the methods of God to lead us out of this society and to the mountain is what we should constantly remember.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.
Psalm 23 (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOf all animals, sheep need the most care and are extremely vulnerable to predators, pests, and fear, leading to extremely dependent and trusting behavior.
Psalms: Book One (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 23 depicts the gratitude we should display from a sheep's point of view, as the animal boasts of blessings and marvels about the care of his Shepherd.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's life and death were supernatural in that He had God's Spirit from the beginning, giving Him power over things, as well as undeniable logic.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
'I'll Never Follow Another Man!'
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThis is an oft-repeated refrain in these days of distrust of the ministry. But is it a godly attitude? What does the Bible say about human leadership?
Psalm 23 (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSheep are the most dependent on their owner for their well-being. From the viewpoint of the sheep, the quality of care of the shepherd is of utmost importance.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.