Sermon nuggets for Mon June 22
Theme The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses- In John 10:27 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me.
HIS LISTENING SHEEP
There are people such as Rich Little, who have made it big in entertainment by imitating other people's voices. They can make their voice sounds and intonations so similar to some well known personality that we can hardly tell them apart.
People have unique voices. We learn and know each other's voices. That's why a friend or loved one can call you up on the telephone and you can begin talking without having to identify themselves because you recognize their voice. Don't you want to know the voice of God when He calls? What He says may not always be good news. It may not always be comforting. But it will be truth and it will be right. How do we hear the voice of the Shepherd as His sheep. Certainly part of that answer is the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we read Scripture and pray. But there are other circumstances that make a difference if we are willing to listen and obey the voice of the Shepherd.
I am not very mystical seeking special signs and interpreting them from God. There are lots of abuses with that type of activity. However, I have experienced the direct leading from the Holy Spirit that has impressed something deep on my heard or conscience and it was a real as if I had heard it. It was certainly in keeping with the revealed Word of God, but it was for me. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17) When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, there is a communication and a closeness that is from above. I believe being in tune with the Lord means desiring to know Him better. It is wanting His will in your life. It is desirous of leaving and repenting of known sin, and desiring holiness and clean living. It is reading the Bible, and being faithful in serving Him with the gifts He has given.
Last week we discussed the Good Shepherd. This week I want to think about the listening sheep and our relationship with Jesus. There are some considerations to be given for Christ, Christians, and some of his claims.
We must take him seriously when we realize what it was He taught and said and spoke of Himself. Jesus didn't stop with the witness of His words, but His works as well. The more we know of His clear word (the Bible), the more we talk with Him daily (in prayer), the more we worship Him in the company of believers and in our private devotions, the better we hear the voice in our daily walk as His spirit communicates with our spirit. IT begins with this question- do you really want to get to know Him more closely? Are you willing to follow where He leads you?
“Let him who has ears to hear, let him hear.” - Jesus
Pastor Dale.
