Podcasts about Good Shepherd

Mark 6:30-44 (NKJV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the compassion and care of Jesus the Good Shepherd.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23116The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Scarcity tells a loud story—work harder, hold tighter, go faster. We push, we pour out, and end up empty. But there's a better story.In this episode, we slow down and rediscover God as our Shepherd—the One who guides, provides, protects, and comforts. From Psalm 23 to John 10 and Revelation 7, we trace how true abundance flows not from striving, but from abiding.Through a simple picture of an overflowing cup, we unpack the shift from self-reliance to surrender, from control to trust. You'll hear how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, frees us from a scarcity mindset and leads us into rest—spirit, soul, and body.If you're ready to trade hurry for presence and hustle for overflow, this conversation will meet you with comfort, clarity, and courage.

2 Chronicles 8 told of Solomon's accomplishments in the administration of his realm. Verses 1-2 tell us that 20 years were spent in the building of Solomon's own house and the Temple of the LORD. Verses 3-10 describe king Solomon's industriousness in providing for his kingdom. Verse 11 states that king Solomon built a separate palace for Pharaoh's daughter who seems to have been the love of his life and the wife spoken of in Psalm 45 and in the Song of Solomon. Verses 12-15 says that at the beginning of his rule Solomon was active in promoting the worship of Yahweh his God. Verse 16 returns to king Solomon's greatest accomplishment in the building of the Almighty's House. Verses 17-18 tell of the great golden wealth that came annually to Solomon. In Ezekiel 43 we have the climax of the prophecy with the King of Glory coming to his temple through the East Gate from whence it had left in chapter 10 verse 4. Also read Psalm 24 which was originally composed by David as it spoke of the glorious arrival of the ark in Jerusalem: see also Psalm 132 and 1 Chronicles 16. It is likely that this Psalm may be sung to celebrate the arrival of the King of Glory via the eastern gate as the temple is inaugurated. This eastern gate of the Sanctuary is reserved for the Messiah. We also have the arrangements for the altar, as there will be animal sacrifices in the kingdom. Animal sacrifices in the Kingdom, pointing backwards to Christ just as those under the Law of Moses had pointed forwards to him. In John 9 we have the 6th sign in the healing of the blind man. The discussion in this chapter is similar to the pattern established in chapter 5. Both the blind man and his parents are persecuted by the rulers for accepting Jesus. The formerly blind man gives a remarkable and compelling testimony that Jesus must be from God. The religious leaders spitefully cast out the man who has dumbfounded them with scriptural logic. Our Lord later finds this man in the temple so as to complete his restoration. These events most likely happened at the feast of the Dedication. John 10 is the magnificent account of Jesus being the door and the Good Shepherd. Christ had come that believers might have life and have it more abundantly verses 10-11. Our Lord by laying down his life for his sheep secured for believers that wonderful hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Once again the theme of chapter 10 contain echoes from and are an elaboration of chapter 5 i.e. that his sheep will recognise his voice. In the purpose of bringing salvation to believers he and his Father are one i.e. united - but our Lord's power is derived from his Father. The Jews reacted to our Lord's words and by claiming that he was speaking blasphemy. Jesus proves from Psalm 82 that the judges of Israel were called "god" as they spoke God's Word. The chapterfinishes with Jesus going across the Jordan for some months - in Perea - where he remains until the events of chapter 11 would bring him back.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

All of us are quick learners when it comes to fear and trauma, and because of this, have developed strategies to survive the landscapes of our childhood. Some of us anxiously protect our relationships while others avoid connection and become self-reliant. Thankfully you can follow the Good Shepherd into a new landscape — the pasture of secure attachment. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi chat with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw — teachers, podcasters, and authors of Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. You'll discover how to integrate intimacy and independence under Jesus' care to cultivate the same healthy attachment he experienced with the Father and others.Resources for this Episode:Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and ConnectionAttaching to God SummitDeeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

What do Genesis, manna in the wilderness, and Jesus' miracles all have in common?In this episode on the Jesus Everyday Podcast , Ethan Callison, Ken Nienke, and Andrew McPheron look back over John chapters 1–6 — connecting the dots between creation, covenant, and Christ's call to believe.

Joshua – Session 2: Faith, Obedience, and the Word Text: Joshua 1–2 ; Romans 6 Theme: Living by faith and obedience through the Word of God I. The Foundation – God's Word at the Center Joshua 1:8-9 – Prosperity and success come from meditating on and obeying God's Word. Key truth: The Word must have the final say in every decision. Personal principles: God's Word overrules opinion. Don't go to bed angry. Handle family issues within your own household. Application: Blessing follows submission to Scripture, not cleverness or culture. II. Obedience, Stewardship, and Accountability Israel prepares to cross the Jordan; obedience brings unity and victory. Lesson: God owns everything — we are stewards. Disobedience forfeits blessing; stewardship invites favor. Moral call: Stand for truth and life — repentance restores, but sin must still be named as sin. III. Rahab's Faith – The Scarlet Thread of Salvation Joshua 2: Rahab hides the spies and hangs a scarlet cord — a symbol of Christ's blood. Faith requires action; belief is proven by obedience. Everyone under the scarlet cord (inside the house) is saved — stay in the house (fellowship, worship, presence). Hebrews 10:25 – Do not forsake assembling together. IV. Faith and Focus in a Distracted World Joshua and Caleb believed God despite giants. Faith stands on truth, not visible results. Warning against information overload — believers must fix their eyes on Christ, not chaos. Application: Maintain joy — “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). V. From Law to Grace – Faith That Works by Love Romans 6: Crossing Jordan pictures salvation — leaving Egypt (sin) for the Promised Land (new life). The Law is an X-ray — reveals sin but cannot heal. Christ is the Physician — He heals through grace. Faith and obedience are married; faith without works (obedience) is dead. Love produces obedience: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) VI. Dead to Sin, Alive to Christ Romans 6:6-11 – Believers are crucified with Christ; position overrules condition. No longer slaves to sin, but servants of righteousness. Reckon (logizomai): The ledger is settled — Christ paid it all. Our identity is not in failure but in our position in Christ. VII. The Shepherd Who Found Us Jesus is not a hireling — He stays in hard times. We didn't find God; He found us. The Good Shepherd rescues His sheep and never forsakes them. Application: Trust His leading, rest in His faithfulness, and respond with daily surrender. Key Takeaway: “Our position in Christ overrides our condition in life.” Faith acts, love obeys, and the Word sustains.

Josiah Grauman • John 10:11–10:30 • Sermon Notes (Video)

I. Pastoral Humility. II. Pastoral Integrity. III. Pastoral Proximity.

Pastor Dru encourages us to spend our time following the Good Shepherd and fleeing from the thief who comes to distract us with the things of this world.

October 12th, 2025 | Standalone | John 10:1-15In this thoughtful and timely message, Luke Ludwig walks us through Jesus' powerful words in John 10: “I am the Good Shepherd.” This isn't just a comforting metaphor—it's a call to recognize who truly leads us, loves us, and lays down His life for us.We explore three life-shaping truths from this passage:Imposters will come – Voices that promise life but only steal, kill, and destroy.Jesus is the Good Shepherd – He leads us to freedom, knows us fully, and protects us faithfully.Living as His sheep – We're invited to know our need, follow His voice, and rest securely in His care.This message invites both believers and seekers to reflect: Am I following the Good Shepherd—or an imposter? Whether you feel close to God or far from Him, Jesus is calling you by name.He's not here to control you. He's here to love you. Come to the Shepherd.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠

https://anchorbaptist1611.com/

John 10:7-18,So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”I wonder what comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “abundant life.”David Livingstone (1813–1873) was a Scottish Christian and physician and pioneer missionary, who sailed for Africa in 1840. He spent 16 years in the African wild and returned to London as a hero in late 1856. He had spent the prime of his life encountering physical difficulties and spiritual darkness. And soon he would go back for more.While on furlough, Livingstone spoke to students at Cambridge and explained why he left the comforts of England to serve as a missionary. It had not been easy, and he acknowledged the costs: anxiety, sickness, suffering, frequent danger. He spoke of “foregoing the common conveniences and charities of this life.” But, very memorably, he insisted that this was no sacrifice, but a privilege: “I never made a sacrifice.”The gain of godly sacrifice so outweighed the pains that, in hindsight, it did not feel sacrificial. The sacrifices were real, but the privilege, and joys, far greater.Livingstone embraced the hard life in Africa not just because he found life in Jesus, but because he had found abundant life in Jesus. He wasn't just saved; he was satisfied. He found life to the full. Not minimal life but over-the-top life, more-than-enough life — life spilling over in such joy that he would risk great pains to bring others that great joy.For Livingstone, abundant life didn't mean a comfortable, easy life. It meant he had enough in Jesus, more than enough, to embrace difficulty and discomfort.More Than Just LifeWe come this morning to John 10, and this amazing declaration of Jesus to us in verse 10:“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”I want you to hear Jesus speaking that to you this morning:“I came that you may have life and have it abundantly.”Not just life. Jesus says “have life and have it abundantly.” What is he adding when he adds “abundance”? Why not stop at life. Why say abundant life? That's our focus this morning.As many of you know, I greatly appreciate Don Carson, and named a son after him, and want to give you this preliminary word from him about this abundant life offered to us in John 10. Talking about the image of the shepherd and the sheep, he says that “abundant life” means contented, flourishing sheep, not terrorized by [thieves]; outside the narrative world, it means that the life Jesus' true disciples enjoy is not to be construed as more time to fill (merely ‘everlasting' life), but life at its scarcely imagined best, life to be lived. (Gospel According to John, 385)That is the life Jesus is offering you this morning. Not just more time to fill. Not just getting out of hell. Not just being unstained from the world and watching clean videos or NFL or keeping up with the news. You are invited into “life at its scarcely imagined best.” You are offered “life to be lived,” life worth living.Let me be clear: the main point of this passage is the greatness of Jesus. He is the good shepherd. He enters by the God-appointed door (and doesn't climb in another way, like the Pharisees). He calls his sheep by name, and they hear his voice, and follow him. He leads them out into a life of abundance. And he is the one who genuinely cares for his sheep and willingly lays down his life for them.The main point is the greatness of Jesus.And, get this, the abundant life of the sheep demonstrates the greatness of the shepherd. When the sheep thrive, their shepherd looks great. The shepherd gets the glory in the flourishing, abundant life of his sheep. Jesus is glorified in the satisfaction of his people — and that not apart from him, but in him, conscious of him, recognizing him.Ultimately, we're talking about people here, not sheep. Happy sheep, full of green grass, beside still waters, don't look up and say, “Isn't my shepherd great?” But Christians aren't animals. We're not actually sheep. We're meant to consciously enjoy our shepherd, through his care for us, and say out loud, “Isn't he great?”So, we want to know and experience this “abundant life” that shows the greatness of Jesus. How might Jesus's very words in John 10 help us with what this abundant life is, and is not?I see at least five aspects of this abundant life that Jesus offers us.1. The Abundant Life Is a Rescued Life.The story of our quest for abundance began in a lavish, abundant garden, but quickly came the reality of sin. In a world of yes, our first parents sinned against God's one no and plunged us all into sin and its curse and its misery. We all are born into sin, and we all sin. Ecclesiastes 7:20,“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.”Everyone in this room has sinned, and sins. And that's the gravest danger in every life in this room: your own sin, my own sin. The biggest threat is not what others have done or might do to us. And not even what Satan himself might do to us. The greatest threat is our own sin, which separates us from a holy God, and deserves his righteous wrath. We have to get this first to be able to move forward in the story of abundance.So, we begin with the Shepherd's rescue. Verse 11, Jesus says,“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”Why would he lay down his life? Because the sheep, his people, deserve to die. We have sinned against him. We deserve eternal separation from him, and eternal condemnation from him. Except that, again in verse 15, “I lay down my life for the sheep.”And that he “lays it down” means that he does it willingly. Intentionally. Purposefully. Jesus wasn't the victim of a first-century accident. Nor was Jesus's life merely “taken from him.” We often grieve the tragic “taking of life,” and we should. And there's a sense in which Jesus was killed unjustly. These same Pharisees he confronts in John 9 and 10 increasingly want to get rid of him and soon will conspire with the Jerusalem elite. In one sense Jesus's life would be taken by sinners.Yet in another, more fundamental sense, no one would take it from him. Look at verses 17–18:“I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”Who can talk like this? Anyone can choose to lay down their life, but who — who but God himself in human flesh — has authority to take it up again? Oh the greatness of Jesus.The reason Jesus's perfect, sinless life can be effective for the rescuing of his sinful, hell-deserving people is that he lays down his life willingly, on purpose, and he takes it up again.And so, first, the abundant life is a rescued life. Jesus died to rescue us from our own sin. From our sin nature. From past sins. And he is continuing to rescue us from the misery of indwelling sin.That leads us to a second aspect.2. The Abundant Life Is a Relational Life.Forgiveness gets the penalty of sin out of the way that the rescue might lead to a real, personal, life-giving relationship with the Shepherd. To be related and relate to him as persons. To know him and be personally known by him. To love him, and be loved by him, who calls his own by name.Church, this is stunning. This is the heart of the real life, the abundant life. This is the single most important thing to say about “abundant life.” Number 1 was just life. We are sinners; we deserve death. Jesus lays down his own life that our sins might be covered, that we might be forgiven, that we might have life, eternal life, and not misery, forever.But then, to that life, Jesus adds these precious words: “and have it abundantly.” Now we get to the very heart and bottom of this passage: verses 14-15, which is the most important statement in the passage. Look at verses 14-15. Jesus says,“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father . . . .”Did you get that? Let's start with verse 15 and work backwards. Jesus says, The Father knows me, and I know the Father. Amazing. The eternal divine life of the Godhead (talk about abundant!) — Father knowing and loving his Son, and Son knowing and loving his Father.Then see that “just as” at the beginning of verse 15? Jesus makes a claim about an experience of “mutual knowledge” in verse 14 and then he compares it to the “mutual knowledge” between him and his divine Father. And he compares them by saying “just as.” He doesn't say “contrary to” or “unlike.” He doesn't contrast these relationships but says “just as.” He compares them positively. He says they are alike:“Just as my Father knows me and I know my Father, so I know my own [people] and my own know me.”Church, this is the heart of the abundant life. The abundant life is not food and drink and splendid clothes and fancy cars and mansions of glory, and endless hours on devices. What makes this life abundant is knowing and enjoying the Shepherd, and being known and enjoyed by him.Which is why the voice of Jesus is so prominent in John 10. Voice is the medium of relationship. Did you notice how many times his voice in mentioned? Verse 3: the sheep hear his voiceVerse 3: he calls his own sheep by name (how personal!)Verse 4: the sheep follow him, for they know his voiceVerse 16: other sheep too will listen to his voiceHave you ever reflected on how important voices are to relationships? How well could you get to know someone without words? You can see what's on the outside. They can gesture and use facial expressions to try to communicate. But words reveal with clarity what's on the inside. The voice and its words are the primary medium of relationship.And this morning Jesus himself, risen, reigning, glorified, alive, is speaking to us through his words in John 10, saying, in essence, Where are you trying to find life? Your human soul was not only made to live but to live abundantly — lavishly, richly, contentedly, fully. Where are you going for life? Come to me.So, the full-to-overflowing life, the life worth living, life at its scarcely best imagined, abundant life at its height and at its bottom is: Jesus knows his own and his own know him — just as the Father knows him and he knows the Father.The point is this: Come to the Good Shepherd and keep coming. Hear his voice in his word. Enjoy the privilege of prayer. Follow him. The abundant life is life in and with the Good Shepherd. But it is not life with him only. There's a third aspect here.3. The Abundant Life Is an Expansive Life.Life in Jesus expands to include others. It is full to overflowing, and spills over to draw others in. First, other sheep who are fellow believers. The abundant life is not a solitary life. It is a life in relationship with others who have found abundant life in Jesus.And it expands to include “other sheep” not yet in the fold. Verse 16 starts with such an important “and”:“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”Now we need to clarify a few things about this image of the sheepfold and the gate and the shepherd coming and calling to his sheep. Picture a large, fenced-in, fold, shared by multiple families. The sheep are kept safe in the fold; a gatekeeper guards the one gate, so no one can access the sheep except the owners. When a rightful shepherd comes, he opens the gate, and the shepherd comes in and lifts up his voice. His own sheep know his voice and come to him, and he leads them out to green grass and live the abundant life of sheep, and come back in for safety.But remember, Jesus is here confronting the Pharisees. The sheepfold is the Jewish people. Jesus comes, and lifts up his voice, and his sheep, not the whole pen, but just his sheep follow his voice, and the rest remain.Then in verse 16, Jesus introduces “other sheep that are not of this fold.” That is, not Jews. The Son of God has come; he has entered the fold through the gate as a rightful owner and shepherd. He has lifted up his voice and his sheep are coming to him, not all the Jews, but those who are his. And Jesus says he has “other sheep” not of this Jewish fold: Gentiles.So, there is not only a narrowing when the good shepherd comes, but also an expanding. He keeps calling to Jews, and he calls to Gentiles. And as many “other sheep” as are his, he brings. And the one shepherd makes “one flock” of his Jewish and Gentile sheep.So, the abundant life is not just me and the shepherd, but it is expansive.If anything in us balks at that, we need to know this: Jesus is the kind of shepherd in whom joy increases as other sheep join. Resist the scarcity mindset that would say, If more come, that means I get less of Jesus. It's the opposite. The more that truly come, the more who are truly changed and made holy, the more we see of Jesus, the more we enjoy him, the more he's glorified, the more we're amazed at him, the more we praise him.The reason I began this sermon with David Livingstone is verse 16 brought him to mind. It appears on his gravestone, in the voice of the Shepherd: “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring.”So, the abundant life is a rescued life, a relational life, an expansive life, and fourth, it's embattled.4. The Abundant Life Is an Embattled Life.Embattle means opposed. Challenged. As Jesus calls out his “one flock” from among Jews and Gentiles, his people are drawn out from others, and various tensions and divisions are inevitable. We see it right here in the very context where Jesus is teaching:9:40: “Some of the Pharisees near him . . .”10:19: “There was again a division among the Jews because of these words . . .” So, tension up front with the Pharisees; division among Jews at the end, right on cue. And Jesus mentions robbers and thieves and wolves — that is, opponents and threats. For now, abundant life does not mean an unopposed life. Abundant life is not an easy life, comfortable life. Yes, it is truly abundant life already, in knowing Jesus, but also it is not yet in its fullness, with every enemy defeated and every tear wiped away.There are costs to be counted in this abundant life. Divisions and tensions come. Don't be surprised by them. They will come. We don't need to provoke them unnecessarily. Make Jesus the issue, not your own immaturity. And when divisions come because of him, be careful about how quickly you rush to smooth over tensions. Often unbelievers need the relational tension and felt sense of division to ponder the real issues in life. Don't give in too quick just to keep the artificial peace. Let it sit, and pray. And be ready for them to come around and receive them humbly; be the kind of person in humility that people can expect will receive them back humbly.Life now in Jesus is already abundant, but not yet fully so. Greater abundance is coming. Ephesians 2:7: “in the coming ages [God will] show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” But this life in him even now is abundant enough to be enough in sorrows and pain and suffering.So, abundant life is rescued, relational, expansive, embattled, and finally secure.5. The Abundant Life Is a Kept Life.Abundant life is kept by the good shepherd. He guards his sheep. He keeps us. He keeps us secure, even in the tensions and divisions and many sufferings and sorrows. His ultimate protection is a vital part of what it means to have a good shepherd. Verses 12-13:“He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”But not Jesus. He cares. He says, “I am the good shepherd.” When he laid down his life, he didn't stay dead. If the shepherd's dead, the sheep are goners. But Jesus took up his life again. And he always lives to intercede for us and keep us. His resurrection life is invincible, and he sits in victory on heaven's throne, knowing and protecting (from ultimate harm) every sheep who is his own.Which brings us once more to his Father. What does Jesus mean in verse 17 when he says, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again”? Is Jesus saying that he earns the love of his Father by laying down his life for us? The point is more subtle.What does a loving father do when his son accomplishes something great? He is overjoyed. He rejoices abundantly. He delights in his son. He loves his son. He's always loved his son, and he feels a special surge of love for his son when he achieves something great.Do you know what is the greatest single achievement in the history of the world? It's this good shepherd laying down his life for his sheep, and taking up his life again in victory, in conquest, in triumph over sin and death and Satan.Which brings us to the Table.Great in the Blood of the CovenantWe worked through Hebrews in 2023, and we finished with that great shepherd doxology in Hebrews 13:20-21. Listen for the connection to John 10:Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.Here the shepherd is great — did you catch that? And the reason he is great, says Hebrews, is “the blood of the eternal covenant.” Jesus shed the redeeming blood. Remember this is about the greatness of Jesus. He did not die by accident. He was no mere victim. No one took his life from him. He laid it down of his own accord. And he took it up again. And so at this Table we remember his greatness.

Send us a textWhat if assurance isn't fragile optimism but the settled outcome of a promise older than time? We walk through the bold claims of Ephesians and John 10 to trace redemption back to the counsel of God's will and forward to the unbreakable grip of the Good Shepherd. Along the way, we tackle the distinctions many avoid: sheep and goats, love and rejection, mercy and justice, and why Jesus' “I never knew you” is a verdict about covenant, not information.We start with redemption and forgiveness “according to the riches of His grace,” then follow the thread into predestination, adoption, and inheritance established before the foundation of the world. If God's will is the eternal now, salvation isn't a moving target; it's a decree carried out in time and secured forever. That frame refracts John 10 with sharp clarity: the sheep don't heed thieves because identity precedes response; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His own; and to be known by Christ is to be loved by Christ in a way that creates faith, endurance, and hope. We also face the hard edge of fairness and reprobation, not to provoke despair but to recover the weight of divine justice and the wonder of sovereign grace.From imputation to resurrection, we show why “eternal life” means exactly what it says. Jesus stacks assurances—“I give them eternal life,” “they shall never perish,” “no one will snatch them out of my hand,” “no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand,” and “I and the Father are one”—so that tired hearts can rest where logic and love meet. If you've wrestled with losing salvation, this conversation offers a different anchor: not the steadiness of the sheep, but the strength of the Shepherd. If it stirred your thinking or strengthened your assurance, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the show

What do shepherds and Arowana Fish daddies have in common? They both give up their own comfort in order to protect their little ones. This week we see how Jesus is the good shepherd who always searches for us. Mem. vs Luke 15:6.  Child helpers: Dylan, Emma, Eliza, and Heidi. Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. Larson Don't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.com The Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317. If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=). Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little Lessons All Bible verses are from the NKJV. Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy Nelson Editing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh Larson Music Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy Hall Coloring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie Rodriguez Theme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com  God: who gives talents for us to use for Him

JOHN 10:1-21 - I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.Jesus the Good Shepherd7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Corrupt shepherds devouring their own sheep - it's a jarring image that cuts straight to the heart of spiritual leadership gone wrong. When those entrusted with caring for God's flock instead exploit them for personal gain, they face divine judgment.Ezekiel chapter 34 delivers this powerful warning through a scathing indictment of Israel's leaders who had abandoned their sacred duty. Rather than strengthening the weak, healing the sick, or seeking the lost, these shepherds were feeding themselves at the expense of their flock. God's response? "I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out." Eleven times God declares what He will personally do to rescue His scattered people.This ancient message resonates profoundly today as we examine modern church leadership. While many pastors serve faithfully - some barely able to support their families despite full-time ministry - others have transformed spiritual authority into lucrative empires. We share heartbreaking stories of ministers forced to leave ministry because they couldn't feed their children, alongside troubling examples of churches targeting wealthy demographics while abandoning ministries to those with limited financial means.The episode explores how Jesus's claim to be "the Good Shepherd" directly references this Ezekiel passage, creating a powerful contrast between corrupt leadership and His own sacrificial care. When Jesus spoke these words to the religious authorities of His day, He was making a deliberate connection they couldn't miss - identifying Himself as the fulfillment of God's promise to personally shepherd His people.Whether you're a church leader, congregation member, or spiritual seeker, this teaching offers wisdom for discerning authentic spiritual guidance from exploitation. Join us as we uncover this often-overlooked passage that challenges us to examine what true shepherding means and reminds us that when human leaders fail, the divine Shepherd remains faithful to His flock.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Are you walking through a valley? Nancy explains that shepherds lead their sheep through valleys on purpose, so that they can get to higher ground. According to Psalm 23, the Lord is with you in your suffering, leading you out to deeper joy.

“God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    Pilar joins us once again to discuss Positive Discipline and share practical tools that can help us uphold both freedom and limits—whether in the atrium or at home.    Pilar Bewley is an AMI-certified guide for Primary and Elementary levels and a Positive Discipline facilitator. After spending over a decade teaching in Montessori classrooms, Pilar began homeschooling her children in 2019.  Her passion for making Montessori education accessible inspired her to create Mainly Montessori, where she mentors parents who choose to homeschool using Montessori principles. Connect with Pilar on Instagram at @mainly.montessori.homeschool or visit her website at www.mainlymontessori.com.    Purchase Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelson and Chip DeLorenzo  For more information about Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, newsletter articles, or to register for the online PDMC course please go to the link below. If you register for the course, please indicate CGS as your group affiliation.   Pdmc-montessori.org  Positivediscipline.com    Types of Parenting Chart       Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:   Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia   Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita   Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child   Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child   Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni   Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita  Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles for Development with Pilar Bewley  Episode 145 – Psychic Deviations with Maggie Radzik  Episode 146 – Tools for Freedom and Discipline  Episode 147 – Development of the Will    The Religious Potential of the Child  CGSUSA Store      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER        AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

Send The Parable Podcast a TextEver wonder why God doesn't just reveal his whole plan for you right away? I've been there. I think the same thing from time to time. Today you're going to meet community care coordinator Mandy Loh who shares about how she needed to trust the Good Shepherd to see things a little differently. Mandy shares her insights on balancing fun with responsibilities, the cultural differences in faith between Asia and the US, and her passion for community service. The conversation highlights the importance of being open to God's plans and the adventures that life brings.TakeawaysGod's guidance is about trusting Him daily, not knowing the end plan.Mandy learned to be open to God's plans rather than her own.Connect with Mandy | FaceBookReflection Questions:Are you at a crossroads, wondering about your purpose, or maybe you're just kind of feeling rushed and flustered, just take a minute to just settle in. I'd love for you to just think about God as our good shepherd and visually immerse yourself in that picture and just take your time. If you were walking in Central Park today and a stranger told you, hey, it's just a chance to look at things differently. Maybe today is the day that you can shake things up, maybe take a walk, reflect in silence, or go talk things out with a trusted friend. Sometimes sharing your thoughts really help things readjust and our perspective can really open up.Want to Enhance Your Conversations? Before you go, could you do me a favor and take my Listener Survey, and then in doing so, I will send you "10 basic Tips to Enhance Your Conversations." It will be sent straight to your inbox, and you can keep it on your phone and refer to it anytime you need a little help. Ways to Support The Parable Podcast#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event?  Contact Danielle to learn more. Keywords: Mandy Lowe, Parable Podcast, success, childhood memories, faith, community service, cultural differences, life lessons, personal growth, family dynamicsSupport the showWays to Support The Parable Podcast #1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify). #2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation. #3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

1 Chronicles 24 deals with the division of the 24 orders of priests arranged by Samuel and David. Chapter 25 deals with the orders of the singers and musicians for the temple choirs. Why were the musicians and singers so arranged? It is because divine worship is sacred and not haphazard. It is related to the "worshiping of Yahweh in the beauty of holiness" Psalm 96:8. There were 24 appointed divisions of the singers and this surely takes us to the 24 elders who praised the LORD's appointed king Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 4 verse 8-11; 5 verses 8-14. Heman and Jeduthan were the chief arrangers of the choirs and the musicians. Asaph was the one who oversaw the process and who also wrote several magnificent Psalms. Asaph's legacy to the nation lasted 450 years. Ezekiel 34 tells of the disgraceful behaviour of the cruel and greedy shepherds of Israel. The primary sin of those shepherds was selfishness: they looked after themselves and not God's flock. It was true in the days of the prophet. Even more true at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yahweh would not tolerate the treatment of His sheep by these corrupt and profligate leaders. God would care for them. Israel's Sovereign will provide for them and seek out pasture for His people. And by His Son the Almighty would restore and feed them. The Lord Jesus Christ in John 10 is the Good Shepherd; in 1 Peter 5 he is the Chief Shepherd; and in Hebrews 13 he is the Great Shepherd. According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provides the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi., where his preaching awaits "hearts opened by God" in Lydia and the Philippian jailor and others. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle describes his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city. Philippi was a colony which was heavily Roman in every way. Paul tells the believers in Christ in that city of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all 'brethren' were happy - there was a group of false believers (known as Judaizers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed, would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that by continuing to live he would be of greater benefit to the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every faithful saint. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone yet he suffered as a servant in his death on the cross. Christ is now exalted at the Father's right hand and having his Father's name the of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45): compare with Revelation 14 verses 1-5. Believers bear the responsibility of shining as lights to this twisted world. The Apostle shows that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrate Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. The two faithful and indefatigable labourers own lives were put behind them in the course of their own efforts to advance the gospel.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Ruthie Kim teaches from Psalm 23 on the rest and care we find through communion with our Good Shepherd. Slides available at https://bit.ly/3WoKErr

Ann Hampton Callaway is a Musical Star and a remarkably gifted artist. She's a leading champion of the Great American Songbook, and she's known for her work as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, actress, TV host, and producer.Her resume is off the charts. Ann was voted by Broadwayworld as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist”. On Broadway she was nominated for a Tony award for her performance in the hit musical “Swing!” On TV she was the one who wrote and sings the theme song for the hit series “The Nanny.”  In film she starred opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in “The Good Shepherd”. As a songwriter she is a multi-platinum artist whose songs have been featured on seven of Barbra Streisand's CD's, and her songs have also been recorded by Michael Feinstein, Carole King and Liza Minelli. As a recording artist she has released 83 CDs. And she's won just about every award that there is out there. On top of all this she has a new album now called “Finding Beauty, Originals Vol. 1” which features 16 of her songs.My featured song is “No One's Fool” from the album East Side Sessions by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH ANN:www.annhamptoncallaway.com—----------------------------------------ROBERT'S NEWEST SINGLE:“SUNDAY SLIDE” is Robert's newest single. It's been called “A fun, upbeat, you-gotta-move song”. Featuring 3 World Class guest artists: Laurence Juber on guitar (Wings with Paul McCartney), Paul Hanson on bassoon (Bela Fleck), and Eamon McLoughlin on violin (Grand Ole Opry band).CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKSCLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEO—-------------------------------------------ROBERT'S NEWEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's new compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com  

Listen as Pastor Paul shares 4 roles Jesus has as a Good Shepherd to His sheep

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I talk about how deep the love of the God of understanding goes.  In these times of anger, hate, fear, and reactivity...I offer a quick and free way to connect to that loving energy.  I truly believe that love wins.....let's go deeper and connect to that love. Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!

Scott Howard10-5-2025Life Church MobileCheck out our app, Life Church Live:Available on Google Play & App StoresGiving: life-church.org/givingBaptism: https://www.life-church.org/ihavedecidedYouTube ChannelMobile Campus FacebookHurley Campus FacebookInstagram

Micah 6:9-7:17 moves from darkness to light, from cursing to blessing. And the road between these contrasts is one of repentance. Through words of judgment, we feel the chill of sin; yet within the remnant of God's people, signs of life begin to spring forth. These verses unfold to show the nation restored, a new exodus led by the Good Shepherd, and the nations of the world bowing in worship to the One True God.

Love Lives Here – Week 5The Fear of Danger (John 10:11–18)Fear often shouts “danger,” but Jesus' perfect love calmly replies, “You are secure.” In John 10, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sacrifice secures our souls, whose shelter ensures our safety, and whose shepherding steadies our steps. When we believe that we are fully accepted and fully loved by Him, we find the peace and confidence that fear can no longer take away.

What if God doesn't just cover our struggles—but meets us where we are, even in our brokenness? In this final message from our sermon series The Good Shepherd, Pastor Adrian Crawford from Engage Church Tallahassee explores how God sees us beyond the masks and fig leaves we use to hide our pain. From Genesis to Jesus on the cross, God invites us into healing, not just temporary fixes. In this sermon, you'll learn:- Why hiding our wounds doesn't bring true healing- How God meets us in our brokenness, not just our “fig leaves”- The difference between shame-driven covering and God-given restoration- How faith and guidance work together to transform our livesKey Scriptures:- Genesis 2:25 — “Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.”- Genesis 3:7 — “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked…”- Isaiah 53:3 — “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.”- John 19:30 — “It is finished.”Search Keywords:God meets us in brokenness, fig leaves and shame, Jesus heals our wounds, faith and therapy, Psalm 23, God sees beyond masks, healing in Christ  You don't have to cover your pain alone. God's love sees, meets, and restores you completely.Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs to experience the freedom of God's presence.

Are there limits to your trust? Of course there are! We live with people who are not always trustworthy, and this has taught us to question and guard against trusting things outside of ourselves. This is no different when it comes to our trust of God. Though He has never been untrustworthy, He often seems to lead us into places that feel risky, difficult, and unwanted. Instead of trusting Him, we run. Instead of following Him we try to lead. Instead of submitting to His strength and will, we look at the circumstances and lean on our own understanding. Gideon was just like us. He had grown up in a time where trust with God was broken. Israel was under constant attack from the Midianites, and it seemed as though God had fully abandoned them. So when God showed up to call Gideon to follow Him into battle, it makes sense that Gideon was doubtful. I would have been too! Even in his doubt God was the Good Shepherd who lead him through, and helped him learn how trustworthy The Lord actually is. Gideons faith didn’t start radical, but God did radical things through Gideon’s willingness to trust just a little more with each step. Join us this weekend for a worship service as we dive into what it looks like to be more radical in our faith! - Pastor Ben Key Verse: Judges 7:2 (NIV) - "The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’" For this week's Scripture and notes: https://bible.com/events/49496615

I AM Series by Pastor Jason Duff The post I Am the Good Shepherd – John 10:11-16 appeared first on Calvary Vista.

Discover how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us to follow His trustworthy voice into a life of radical love and true purpose from John 10:1-21.

The coming destruction of Nineveh is full of woe for Assyria as a consequence of their idolatry and sin. The LORD is against them and will leave them with nothing but shame because they have rejected Him as their comforter. As the Egyptian city of Thebes was once powerless before Assyria, so Nineveh will now be powerless before the LORD, as will anyone who rejects the gift of faith in Christ. Though the kings of Assyria could not keep the people of Nineveh safe, the LORD as the Good Shepherd will gather His people into His holy Church.  Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nahum 3:1-19.  To learn more about Our Savior, visit oursavior-gr.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The Gospel of John Week 14 Scripture: John 10:1-28, Psalm 118. In our text today, Jesus talks of being the Good Shepherd. He talks of His sheep. He talks of being the Gate. He tells us He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. And He tells us that He brings life to His sheep. Pastor Dodge shares a personal testimony and experience along with many personal photos expounding on what God taught him about the difference between sheep and goats.  Pastor shares how powerfully this revelation has impacted him personally, impacted his teaching on God as the Good Shepherd and given him insight into us as God's sheep.  As Jesus continues, He makes it known that salvation is through Him alone. We see His heart for His people to recognize Him as their Messiah. Jesus doesn't offer us a bunch of rules and regulations - what He offers us is Himself. What He offers us is real life. Life that matters, life that has purpose and significance and life that will never end!  Compare what Jesus gives us to what the enemy brings.  The enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus brings life, abundant life, life to the full! Jesus wants us to experience the joy of knowing Him, of knowing the Father through Him, of knowing we will live forever. As our Shepherd, even in the toughest of times our lives have meaning and purpose. He is there with us and He will use all things together for our good because He loves and cares for His sheep. Jesus knows us by name - We are precious to Him. 
He is our Good Shepherd.  We can trust Him. We can rely upon Him. Jesus tells the group He's speaking to that He will lay down His life for his sheep. He says after He lays down His life, He will take it up again - death cannot hold Him, He will rise! He is speaking of all that is coming in the next months ahead.
 We see many coming to faith in Jesus after hearing what He said about being the Good Shepherd - but there were many that hearing what He said wanted even more so to get rid of Him. As the class draws to a close, Pastor shares the story of Hanukah - the Festival of Dedication - mentioned in John 10:22. As we finish with today's text, Jesus goes on to retell the people that His sheep hear His voice, they listen to Him, and He gives eternal life to them and no one will snatch them out of His hand. These are powerful and reassuring words for every believer.

Jesus IS the Good Shepherd.  Jesus is OUR Good Shepherd! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Abide in His Love: Gospel of John, Part IVJesus tells us He is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. This week, we'll lean into the humility and trust required to follow His voice. We'll rest in the truth that He knows us by name, cares for us tenderly, and leads us safely where we need to go.Join us next Tuesday for Part 5 at 1pmET on our YouTube channel!

In this episode, we'll focus on Psalms 22 through 24—three powerful chapters that capture the depth of David's emotions and experiences. These psalms not only reflect his personal journey but also point forward to Christ as the fulfillment of his every prayer and longing. We'll see Jesus foreshadowed as the Righteous Sufferer, the Good Shepherd, and the King of Glory.To deepen our understanding of these well-known scriptures, we'll explore related passages throughout the Bible. Along the way, we'll highlight the all-sufficiency of Christ as we consider the humanity and brokenness of biblical voices—people whose struggles and hopes we can likely relate to.Scriptures: Psalm 22:1, 6-7, 16, 18Matthew 27:35-41, 46Hebrews 12:3Psalm 23:1-6John 10:10-151 Peter 5:41 Samuel 21:11Psalm 24:1, 7-8John 1:14Revelation 19:16Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus says that he is the Good Shepherd in John 10. In this description Jesus' gives of himself is a call for each believer to know and discern the voice of Jesus in order to follow him.

This week Mike explores the reality that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Gate for His sheep. Those who know Jesus know and obediently follow his voice.

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I talk about The Middle Way, and how we Episcopalians use the 3 legged stool, (Scripture, Tradition, Reason) to navigate through our lives with each other and with the God of our understanding. Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!

Pastor Larry Powers shares a message through Psalm 23 titled "Jesus Our Amazing Shepherd." He highlights 5 points in this passage which show us the character of Jesus, our Lord and Good Shepherd. He emphasizes Jesus's loving nature, and closeness to us through any circumstance.

A sermon from John 10:1-21 by Dr. Chris Parrish.

The truth is, we are all like sheep. We all have a tendency to wander and repeat our mistakes. We need guidance. We need protection. We need a Good Shepherd. This dramatized parable takes us through the cold, wintry forest where a shepherd lays it all on the line for his sheep. This story reveals the depth of God's love, and the lengths he'll go to rescue you.  Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus.Today's Bible verse is Mark 16:6 from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership Seminar

“Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    Stephanie and Maris dive into the huge subject of communication and how we can see it's importance deep in our CGS roots, the value of good communication among the catechists and assistants in the atrium, as well as between different CGS church communities.    Maris Wimberly began the work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2008 and is a Nationally Recognized Formation Leader in Levels I, II, & III. She has a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Birmingham-Southern College and is a former preschool teacher. Maris is the coordinator of CGS at Our Lady of Sorrows Church and School in Homewood, AL, and a catechist in all 3 atrium levels throughout the week.  She also works with 7th and 8th graders in preparation for Confirmation.    Stephanie Diethelm has been a catechist since 1998. She completed her Level 1 training with Tina Lillig, Barbara Searle and Carol Nyberg in Chicago in 1999 and says that it changed her life.  She has been a formation leader for the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2005. She has worked extensively with children and adults in a variety of settings and now works with children in an atrium both at Red Mountain Community School and All Saints Episcopal Church in Birmingham, AL. She also completed the Education for Ministry (EfM) Seminar course through Sewanee: University of the South School of Theology in 2019 and has been a trained mentor for EfM Groups since 2020. She resides in Birmingham, AL and has two children, Catherine (33) and Christopher (30).       Facets of Joy  The Religious Potential of the Child  CGSUSA Store        BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

All of us long to have a flourishing relationship with Jesus — experiencing his bottomless love for us as we walk through life with him. Yet it's easy to get discouraged when going deeper with Christ doesn't look or feel like we assumed it would. Thankfully you can learn the ways of authentic intimacy through empathy practices with God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss their unique journeys to cultivating a deep connection with Jesus. You will learn how you can develop heartfelt closeness with the Good Shepherd by meditating on his emotions in the Gospels, agreeing with his grace through self-empathy, and embracing his loving care for you through others. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

As part of our Living Stones series, Pastor Olu explores the story of the Good Samaritan and what it teaches us about becoming Compassionate Neighbors. Genuine spiritual growth isn't about busyness or religious checklists—it's about having a tender heart, taking action when others are in need, and making space in our lives for those on the margins. Ultimately, the story points us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who heals, carries, and restores us.

Pastor Dru Rodriguez reflects on Psalm 23:1, reminding us that when the Lord is our shepherd we truly lack nothing. He encourages trusting God's care, protection, and provision as the Good Shepherd.