The life of a shepherd is not an easy one, but it is vital for the life of the sheep. Without the shepherd, the sheep have little hope for survival. They will wander aimlessly searching for water but likely will not find it. They will be harassed and killed by wild beasts. Sheep need a shepherd. In our study through the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” and that we are the sheep of His flock. Today, we’re going to explore what it means for Jesus to be our Shepherd and how He cares for us.

First Christian Union

I Am - The Good Shepherd

Why do we lock pour doors at night? Or during the day? Why are we guardians of our homes? We do this for two reasons: 1) to keep bad people out and 2) to allow those certain people in… family and friends. And while we are all sinners saved by grace, Jesus is the good shepherd that protects his flock. In the John chapter 10, Jesus continues to reveal his character and nature as the God man. As the “I Am.” Today we will take a look at Jesus as the door or the gatekeeper and discover why this is crucial and important for the believer. It will help us understand God’s love for us in Christ and how we truly can live the abundant life (John 10:10).

I Am - The Door

Identity has a tremendous impact on what we do and why we do it. As we continue our series I Am, Christ in His Own Words, we will be taking a look at John 8:48-59, and perhaps the clearest and most profound statement from Christ concerning His identity and the implications it carries with it for you and I today.

I Am - I Am

People thought they knew who Jesus was when He was venturing out around the Sea of Galilee and down into the area surrounding Jerusalem. “We know who He is! He’s the carpenter’s son from Nazareth. He’s the boy that grew up in our synagogue and community.” However, they were sadly mistaken. He was no more the carpenter’s son than I am a child of George Washington. In our message today from John’s Gospel, we’ll discover that Jesus isn’t even from this world, but He’s from above with the ability to trace His heritage all the way back to before the creation of the world.

I Am - From Above

In our text today, we’ll explore the story of Jesus after He fed the 5,000 and how they went in search for Him the next day. They believed Him to be the Messiah and were hoping that his miraculous feeding was their clue that He was ushering in the Day of the Lord, and they wanted more of the manna from heaven which He could share. But the bread which He would give was more than they could swallow at the moment; for Jesus truly was the Bread of Life.

I Am - The Bread of Life

Jesus, though He spent much of His time around the Sea of Galilee and would often be found sailing in a vessel across the waters, also had a keen understanding of who He was. And true to Himself, He becomes our hero, not only for the moment or the day, but for eternity. Beginning todday, we are going to travel through the Gospel of John and allow Jesus to tell us in His own words who He really is. The apostle John shares with us the “I yam” statements, I mean the “I am” statements from Jesus as He reveals His identity to the world.

I Am - The Messiah

In our final message on 2 Peter, we’ll discover that the end is near, and judgment is coming. How we will stand before the judgment seat is impacted on how we live in the present. Don’t buy into the lies that are being told around the world that “You’ve got all the time you need. So, live it up, and satisfy your desires, there’s plenty of time before Christ comes again, if He’s really coming.” Instead, you ought to live a life of holiness, righteousness and peace.

2 Peter - One of These Days

We live in a world where counterfeit preachers and teachers run rampant. Some are on your televisions in the morning, some are on the radio in your car, many have popular books on the bestseller list, and many creep their way into the church. In the second chapter of 2 Peter, the Apostle reminds the ancient church (and the modern church) to be on guard against these teachers. They are deceptive and subtle, yet as dangerous as roaring lions. So what should we do about it? How do we discern between false and true teachers? Friends, this is of eternal value. As we will see in our text, we always have to go back to the authority and truth of the Word of God and remember that He will rescue the godly.

2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and a Faithful God

In our text in 2 Peter chapter 1, we will discover that the Word of God isn’t just some fairytale to believe. It isn’t a myth filled with mystery and intrigue. Rather, the Word of God is actually that, the very Word of God. It has a way of changing lives and redeeming souls that no other book or study can. Peter writes not simply from life’s experiences, instead, he writes from inspiration from the Holy Spirit. When you approach the Word of God with an open heart and an open mind, you’ll find there is power within its pages that will change lives eternally.

2 Peter - Trust Me, Would I Lie to You?

As we open the second letter of Peter today, we’ll discover that we must intentionally make every effort to grow in our faith. Christians must always be striving against the currents in this life. The tide of the temptations and deceptions in this world can sweep us away. In this first chapter of II Peter are several actions that we all need to take to strengthen us to be able to stand against the powerful currents of this world.  Don’t drift away.

2 Peter - Are You Floating Away?

In our walk with Christ, we are challenged to finish strong in our faith, even in the midst of chaos and persecution. Peter wants us to know that it is through the wonderful Grace of Jesus that enables us to overcome and finish strong. Today, we will be wrapping up our study through the book of 1 Peter. You’ve made it this far, let’s finish strong together.

1 Peter - The God of All Grace

Ever since Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the garden, our world has been stained by the affects of sin. What started out as paradise in the presence of God has turned into a struggle. From our first breath until our last, we will struggle to create a life free from the pains of suffering. In fact, everything in our being fights against any type of suffering, discomfort and pain.  But what if we learned to embrace suffering? What if it is God’s gift to us? What if we have missed the goal and opportunity that suffering presents? What if we understood suffering as a way that God is at work IN us and even THROUGH us for His glory? In this text, we will explore Peter’s understanding on why we suffer, how to suffer and how God is at work in the midst of it all. And when e begin to embrace it, it becomes a beautiful means of His grace.

1 Peter - Suffering Well

The person who comes to know Christ Jesus as Lord is changed from their former sinful self to reflect more the image of Christ in the manner in which they live. As Peter continues his challenge to his readers to prepare themselves for persecution because of their faith, he wants them to understand an important reason why: they no longer look or act like the world. Today, we’ll be examining 1 Peter 4:1-11 as we listen to Peter’s encouragement to live a life that reflects the glory of Christ rather than the debauchery of this world.

1 Peter - Out of the Cocoon

These are the sermons from First Christian Church in Union, MO. We pray that you are built up in Christ by listening to these teachings of the Word.