HELL

           Hell is real and it is something that many Christians don’t like to think about or many preachers discuss on the pulpit. Jesus spoke about hell to his disciples and his disciples mention it in other chapters of the Bible. John speaks about hell also in Revelation when he received the visions on the island of Patmos. Other religions don’t speak about hell and sometimes speak about reincarnation. Some believe, when we die it is the end of our existence. But as Christians we know that our soul is eternal and one way or another our only two destinations is Heaven or Hell. Whether you believe or not we will all end up in one of these two places at the end of our lives.  

            Luke 16:19-31, There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was lying at his gate. He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man’s table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. “Father Abraham!” he called out, “Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!” “Son,” Abraham said, “remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.” “Father,” he said, “then I beg you to send him to my father’s house, because I have five brothers – to warn them, so they won’t also come to this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” “No, father Abraham,” he said. “But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” But he told him, “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”   

            We never really learn much about Lazarus or why/how/when he ended up at the rich man’s gate. All we can understand from the passage was that he is suffering and the rich man ignored him. Lazarus, right after his physical death was taken to Abraham’s bosom (NKJV) by angels. It does not mention if he was even buried like it was mentioned for the rich man. But we learn that the rich man is currently in Hell and is being tormented. It seems the rich man can also see Lazarus and Abraham from afar and is able to speak to them. This seems to tell us that we are able to remember things from our earthly life as he calls out to Lazarus and recognizes him. The rich man also mentions his five brother’s still living on earth as well. He wants someone to go back and warn them. It is not till he is in agony from the flames of Hell does he call to Lazarus to dip his finger in the water and cool his tongue. There must be mental torture as well in Hell because the rich man is thinking about his family and that their fate is going to be the same as his when they die. Also imagine having eternity to think about all the things you could have done to avoid this fate, like helping Lazarus who was at his front gate every day. He must have had some idea of who Lazarus was during his earthly life because he was able to recognize him and call to him by his name from Hell. We must repent and change our ways or those past sins may follow us through eternity.  

            Hell is eternal/everlasting and there is no escape. Revelations 14:9-11, If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also drink with wine of God’s wrath, which is poured full strength into the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or anyone who receives the mark of its name. Matthew 24:46, And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. The rich man was tormented with fire and there is no relief from it, day or night. There is also no escape as Abraham mentions a chasm between the both of them. It is an impassable gulf, whether it being physical or describing the complete separation of Heaven and Hell. Either way when you are on one side of the chasm, there is no way to get to the other side.  

            Hell is a place of torment (Luke 16:23) and agony. Hell is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12, 13:42, 13:50). It is blazing furnace (Matthew 13:42) and probably 7x7x7 hotter than the furnace Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego entered. You are surrounded by flames and in agony with the smell of sulfur which probably makes it very hard to breathe. It is a consuming fire, ever-burning flames (Isaiah 33:14). It is an unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43) and where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48). The worms may represent underlying suffering in Hell-the “worm/maggot,” never stops causing torment. Isaiah 66:24, mentions also the final judgement, “for their worm will never die, their fire will never go out and they will be a horror to all mankind.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:19, Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  

            Hell is where the presence and light of God are absent. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who do not KNOW (previous post) God and on those who don’t OBEY the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength. If God is not present in Hell then there is no light. Revelation 21:23, The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it and its lamp is the Lamb. The sun or the moon is not needed in heaven, because God’s everlasting glory and light is present. Matthew 25:30, And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness. Any place where God is not present, our lives, our homes, our minds, only darkness will reside.  

            We can escape Hell and the word of God tells us how. Mark 16:16, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Matthew 10:28, Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell. God does not want our souls to perish, “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).” We can see a little satire when Abraham answers the rich man when he asks to save his brothers, “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”  Isn’t this true of the Jewish nation? Jesus Christ rose from the dead and yet his chosen people do not accept his as the Messiah. They follow all the laws and hear the messages of the prophets, yet their eyes were blinded and hearts hardened to see the Son of God in their mist. Do not be like the rich man but I myself rather have angels take to me to heaven when I die. Matthew 25:41, Then he will also say to those on the left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!” Hell was created as a punishment for the devil and the angels that sided with him during the rebellion against God. We can escape Hell and God’s love and desire is for all of us to spend eternity with him!  

 

 

Concerns

           Everyone has concerns in their life. The dictionary’s definition of concern is worry; anxiety. We all face concerns and anxiety in our lives. I wish that we could all live a life without concerns or worry, but that will only happen when we are in heaven. We all worry and can sometimes respond with negative thoughts, actions, outbursts of anger, depression, thoughts of hurting oneself/others and or tearfulness. But there is one advantage that believers have over non-believers, we have Jesus Christ.  

March marks 1 year anniversary with the start of Covid-19 or at least the awareness of this new virus in the world. Never did the medical community or the world think, something invisible and microscopic in size could shut down the entire world. This is exactly how sin works. Your first sin could just be a small one, that leads to another, then another and by the time your realize it, sin has infected your entire body. It could be invisible, and no one knows that you are carrying this sin (addiction/pornography/molestation, etc.) as you may be hiding it. Jesus says sin comes from within, from the heart and no one knows your heart except God. All our actions and sins will be accounted for at the day of judgement.  

A light has been shined on Mental Health now more than ever. So many adults, teenagers and children have lost the support that they may have leaned on to stabilize their mental health. Isolation and restrictions on socializing has caused many to turn to suicide. Social media is just a high light reel of all the best parts of someone’s life that they want the world to see. But it is not the truth! Social media only worsens your mental health, adds on to the lies and the weight of depression and anxiety. The devil uses it to make you feel worthless when you try to compare your life to the fabulous life you see on social media. The first solution to the problem is that many do not Know Christ and rely on others for support. Once you Know God then you can begin Trusting in Him. Once Trust has been built then you can understand his Purpose for you in this life. When all three pieces are part of your life, then you will realize the importance of Fearing God. 

 

1.      Know: 

Matthew 6:25-34, Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you – you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, “What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble on its own. This passage spoken by Jesus is the exact opposite of what Social media represents and what drives it. Social media wants you to compare your house, cars, money, fame, fancy clothing labels and makes you feel inferior/worthless when you don’t measure up. Our worth to Christ is not based on material things and the emptiness you have inside without him in your life can never be filled by any worldly possession. Getting to know him is the first step and that you are in his capable hands.  

King Solomon, the wisest and probably richest king that ever lived, had multiple wives, servants and everything his heart could desire, wrote Ecclesiastes. He speaks about all his experiences, wealth and he would probably have a Billion followers on Social Media if he was living now. In the end he made this realization of this life and all its experience, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity (empty or valueless) and vexation (annoyed/frustrated/worried) of the spirit (Ecclesiastes 1:14).” “For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow (1:18).” He continues on about all his achievements and in the end just calls it worthless. Ecclesiastes 3:14, I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. We are to know Christ and not focus on things that bring no value or real happiness. Social media promotes vanity and promotes lies that the world sometimes can’t differentiate it from truth. We do not want Jesus to say, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers (Matthew 7:23),” at the time of judgement. 

If you break down the human body it is one of the greatest marvel, creation, functioning organism that only God could have designed. We have been created in his image to worship and fear him. We can’t start doing that until we know about Christ himself. The way we first get to know him is through his word, The Bible. I believe Jesus used parables because he wants us to understand and build a relationship with him. It’s not complicated, simply accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, believe he is the Messiah, repent with a true heart, take water baptism, read the Bible, have faith, pray, fast and lean on his word. God didn’t say we are perfect or that we won’t have worries or concerns/anxiety, but because God is perfect he wants us to have faith in him and his plans for each of us. God did not give Scripture to scare us, but he gave it to prepare us to face the world by knowing who he is. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him and he will make your paths straight.  

 

2.      Trust: 

The next step after Knowing is to Trust in God. We continue to try and face the world by ourselves and that is exactly what the devil wants. We are to surrender our hearts and trust that God is in charge. This is one of the most difficult things for a person to do in their lives. We think our value in life is based on how many followers, status, appearance and likes we get on social media platforms. To some their status in this world is their life and that they feel superior to others. Once that balloon is popped it leads to mental health issues, anxiety and worries. Isn’t it funny that Jesus told his disciples “Follow Me,” and the devil has created a button that says “Follow,” on social media platforms. He will do whatever it takes to distract you and make you trust in earthly things over your heavenly Father. Jeremiah 17:5, Cursed is the person who trusts in mankind. He makes human flesh his strength and his heart turns from the Lord. When we trust on our own abilities and strengths we will surely fail. That does not mean that life will be perfect and easy, it means that God is there to get you through whatever comes your way. It is what builds trust and a relationship with God. I don’t know many people who truly trust in God ever go back to a life of unbelief. Jeremiah 17:7, The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is in the Lord, is blessed.  

Psalms 118:8, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humanity. Humanity is corrupt and sinful because they do not fear God or obey his commandments. The world has turned their back on God and his commandments. It is not until we admit to ourselves that we are sinners and truly repent, will we change our ways. We already have seen with COVID the true nature of humanity. Leaders rather choose money over life. Our Lord is the only one we can trust and he is perfect. Trust takes faith and again that only happens when you build a relationship with God. We must have a daily conversation and the more we talk to God, the more chances of him talking back to you in some way or form. No one would trust someone they just met, but it takes time, conversations, which is prayer and seeing its affect in your everyday life. Then you will begin to trust him completely. Don’t think you won’t have doubts in this walk, as even the disciples who walked with Jesus himself had doubts at times. That is when we have to go deeper into his Words and Prayer/Fasting which will only build more Trust. Philippians 4:6-7, Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. He will guard our hearts from sin and concern/anxiety/worries. Isaiah 40:31, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.  

3. Purpose:

Our concerns in life must be on God’s purpose. Mark 8:31-33, Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, be killed and rise after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns. First off, I would be a little worried to rebuke Jesus like Peter did in the Bible. But Jesus himself was pointing out that his suffering and death was absolutely necessary because it was his Father’s plan and Jesus’s purpose on earth. He did suffer many things, was rejected by the religious leaders, was killed and was raised from the dead after three days. Peter was being selfish and was going against the entire purpose off God’s plan. Jesus wanted an extreme effect and it to be harsh when he rebuked Peter and called him Satan. To go against God’s plans was to behave like Satan and rebellious to God. God’s purpose is absolute/perfect and must be completed, which it was by Jesus on the cross. Peter was only concerned about earthly things and having Jesus remain with them. He was not concerned about God’s purpose, but mans. We must humble ourselves and not be prideful like Satan. Proverbs 19:21, Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree (order or purpose) will prevail.  

Our purpose in life is to be like the image of Christ (Previous post). Our purpose is not to follow idols on social media or proclaim our own names, but to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to the world. 2 Corinthians 4:5, For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. Sinners make their purpose in life about themselves and their name and status. How much money is enough? How much fame and power is enough? Those things will never satisfy our soul and it will just be an endless pit of anxiety and worry. I can guarantee most of these people do not sleep well and hide many of their insecurities. God doesn’t want us to hide anything from him and wants us to lean on him. His purpose for us is to be part of his flock and when they day of judgement comes, he will let us into eternity. We must read his words, searching to know him and understand what he wants from our lives. If we don’t we can’t build a relationship with him. 

4. Fear:

            This one is huge, as we can see the world has lost the fear of God. Sin has become acceptable because public opinion is more important than God’s truth/word. We must understand that even if man calls sin acceptable, God will never! Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. When we begin to fear the Lord, we start to feel his power and protection around us. Psalms 118:6, The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortal do to me? You must remember when we have the Spirit of the Living Lord in us and on our side, there is nothing the world or Satan can do. 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgement. We do not fear the world or all the walls it puts in front of us. When we fear God it gives us power to overcome addiction, depression, sickness, weakness, anger and any other force of sin trying to stop you from your purpose. Psalms 34:7-11, The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him! You who are his holy ones, fear the Lord, for those who fear him lack nothing. Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. We will lack nothing in our lives when we fear God. 

            We were not created for ourselves or our selfish desires. We were made in his image. This world does not fear God and because of it they are lost. When we fear God, his protects us and takes care of the things that we need in our lives. He knows every single thing that we need in our lives, even before we do. When we realize that God is completely in control, our anxieties are gone and we can focus on him. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. But pride has blinded so many to think that they can do it all on their own. Satan does not want you to fear the Lord, but only follow your own hearts. Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is more deceitful than anything else and incurable – who can understand it? Romans 3:11, There is no one righteous, not even one. The bible declares that our hearts are all evil and that we are all sinners. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We can not do it alone and the fear of God is the beginning of understanding. The world is lost and will never even realize it because they only want to follow their own hearts. 

            When you begin to Know God through his words and his effect on your life, then you will begin to Trust him. Once you Trust him, you will realize what his Purpose is for all those who believe. All three together make you realize the importance of Fearing God. Without the Fear of God in our hearts we will only follow our own selfish desires and heart. Our duty is to Fear God and when we do, there is nothing lacking in our lives. Without fear, it will only lead to failure and damnation. These steps will start your journey and help your mind, body and soul focus on the only thing that matters, Christ. Once that occurs your concerns/anxiety/worries begin to disappear and your spirit starts to have courage. The Lord protects you with his angels and we must declare his mighty name to all the nations. These 4 steps strengthen our Faith. Faith is the cornerstone of Christianity. Read Hebrews 11 to understand better. God will never fail you as long as you put him first in your life. The armor of God is real and protect you against the attacks of the world and Satan. But only you can decide to begin that journey with the help of these steps. 

The Shepherd and his Flock

    Psalms 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I have what I need, is probably one of the most famous verses and the chapter itself in the Bible. The Shepherd is Christ and we are his flock (Sheep). There are always threats to his flock, by the wolves and goats. We are going to see how the wolves and goats can scatter us away from our Shepherd. We will see how the Shepherd protects and guides us into the right path and what the commission of the flock is, when it comes to the Christian life.  

First we are going to examine the wolves (Can read more about the wolves in previous post). Matthew 10:16, Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd (sharp powers of judgement) as serpents and as innocent as doves. Jesus spoke to his disciples warning them about the wolves that would be out in the world trying to disrupt their gospel of truth. Wolves are known to be cunning, deceptive, ferocious and stealthy. They have disguised themselves as servants of righteousness. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves are servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works. There is no limit or boundaries to Lucifer’s lies and we can see it daily. The wolves can have a multitude of sins inside of their hearts. They are well versed in the knowledge of the Bible and can confuse you with lies if you do not know the word of God.  

 

            The wolves don’t show signs of remorse or repentance. Their heart is full or pride and makes them believe they are above God’s laws. The wolves are teaching that you can live a lifestyle against the Word of God and still claim that you will enter the kingdom of heaven. They preach the false doctrine teachings that we can be like God. The same pride and belief, Lucifer continues to have even to this day. Isaiah 14:13-14, You said to yourself, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the god’s assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the most High.” No one can be like God in any way, shape or form. The wolves use God’s name to set the trap and once captured, distort the truth into their lies. We see wolves in churches who are preaching their own doctrine and so many are lost because they DO NOT READ the Bible! If you do not know the truth that is in the Bible and you rely only on those false servants, you won’t even realize you are lost.  

  

            Matthew 25:31-46, When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them one from another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Then he will also say to those on the left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me.” Then they too will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison and not help you?” Then he will answer them, “I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  

  

         Jesus speaks about goats and sheep in this chapter. One of the major characteristics of goats are that they are stubborn/hard headed. I think the reason why goats are mentioned in this passage is that unlike sheep that tend to group together in a flock, making it easier to herd them all together. Goats tend to go in every direction; independent of each other. They can also be very aggressive at times. The goats hear the message of Christ but still refuse to follow the Shepherd. That is why they remain as goats. They ignore the voice of the Shepherd and go their own path. Sometimes at the cost of the wolf devouring them. They may be lost forever. The goats are the politicians, celebrities, the social influencers, atheists and those who do not follow Christ. They believe that this the only life that they have and there is not eternity in heaven or hell. They live for the moment.  

  

The goats can cause the sheep to stray away from the flock. The sheep see how the goats live on social media and think life would be fabulous if they lived that way. They become envious and jealous at a life that is not truly fulfilling. They don’t see behind the doors where there is addiction, depression, sin and loneliness. If we follow the goat, it will cause us to stray from the flock and the wolf can devour us in our sin. We will be distracted by the wolves and the goats, unable to hear our Shepherd calling. The sound may be drowned out by the wolves and the sheep that we can’t recognize our Shepherd’s voice. There is no excuse for the goats or anyone, saying that they do not know who Jesus is when judgement occurs. Jesus says in Matthew 24:14, before the end times “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.” Atheists have heard the word of God and have made the decision to believe there is no God. We will not be able to use the excuse that we have never heard of Christ. The goats are led by the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21, Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing and anything similar. I am warning you about these things – as I warned you before – that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  

 

Sheep are much easier to herd and follow the Shepherd. The flock has the characteristics of its Shepherd who is Christ. They recognize and hear the voice of their Shepherd. To be part of his flock, Romans 8:14 – For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. We must position ourselves to hear from God. Remove distractions, read his word, pray, and continually search for him. We must continually seek out the Holy Spirit to guide us. It benefits us as parents to not only seek God in our lives but also to start our children on the path as early as possible. They must know the truth and the word of God to combat the world’s lies. Children are being lost and we must start their spiritually journey at home. From family prayer, reading the Bible, discussing about God and his truths, being a part of their lives and learning/teaching the stories in the Bible. The more we teach our children the better chances they will hear/recognize the Shepherd’s voice and not be lost to the wolves and follow the goats.  

  

Jesus tells us when we don’t hear his voice and don’t recognize him that we should run away as fast as we can from that danger because most likely it is a wolf. We must rely on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to help us recognize his voice. We as the sheep must always be in the light, so the world can see the light of Christ inside us. We are to imitate Christ to the world. John 3:19-20, The light has come into the world and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil, For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God. The sheep live in the light and the wolves and goats hide in the darkness. As sheep we must love the light because we have nothing to fear with the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For WE ARE NOT PROCLAIMING OURSELVES but JESUS CHRIST as Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. The sheep will proclaim Christ and not themselves. We are to display the truth and be a light to those in darkness.  

  

            Jesus knows the Christian life will be difficult and that is why he gave us a flock to rely and lean on. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Matthew 18:20, For when two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them. When we gather together in the name of Jesus, he is in our presence and we can see the Spirit working among us. The flock is there to support each other and help when one of us falls. We are together not to judge each other but to rebuke with love. Our pastors, members, significant others, friends in Christ are a flock and one purpose to keep us on the path together. We fast, learn, pray and worship together as a flock to strengthen each of our spirits. As sheep we must live in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  

 

When we think about sheep, we think warm, cuddly little animals. Jesus came as the Lamb not as the Lion like the Jews expected. They were looking for a Lion to become their king and rescue them from oppression. They’re eyes we blinded (Colt message) and did not see the true Messiah in front of them. But do not be fooled, when Christ returns, this time he will be coming as a Conqueror to destroy the wicked, once and for all! We as his sheep must be kind, meek, loving, all the qualities mentioned in Galatians. We will face persecution sooner or later in our lives for his name sake. All those disciples who went on to preach the Word of God after Christ ascended into heaven lived simple lives. Most if not all of them died due to persecution in some way or form for Christ. Yet they still did not worry about earthly needs, or what would happen to their lives because God took care of them. Just as we are his flock, we must focus only on heavenly things and God can and will take care of the rest. Our faith is in the Shepherd.  

  

Our Shepherd has given us a mission as his flock. Matthew 28:18-20, speaks about The Great Commission, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of age.” The sheep are not weak and have power in the name of Jesus. It is not a physical strength we need to rely on but a spiritual one. We are the last hope for the lost souls. We must proclaim Jesus to the world before they are lost. The devil has found new ways now more than ever to blind the eyes of the lost from the truth. We must use our light and the truth and open their eyes to the wrath that is coming to those who do not hear the voice of Christ. The world does not fear God and now more than ever it needs the flock to guide them back to Jesus. 2 Chronicles 7:14, and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land. This is what we must emphasize and what the world needs to do today to receive healing.  

We must give the world the choice by introducing them to Christ and let them decide – Joshua 24:15, But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship – the gods of your fathers worshipped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord. Just remember God is a jealous God and he will not share his worship with anyone. Isaiah 42:8, I am the Lord. That is my name and I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.  

            As Matthew 25 mentions we will be all living together until the judgement day. As sheep our good works are a direct overflow of the traits mentioned in Galatians and the Holy Spirit will guide us. The Shepherd expects us to have these traits so that we can imitate him in our lives. These good works and traits will be as a result from our relationship with our Shepherd. We are servants to Christ and the only master is our Shepherd, Christ. We are to spread his light and truth to all the nations. The sheep are placed on Jesus’s right hand and are blessed and given an inheritance because they did the will of their Shepherd. Goats can indeed perform acts of kindness and charity, but their hearts are not right with God and their actions are not for the right purpose. They honor and worship other things rather than God. The goats are placed on Jesus’s left hand and are cursed with eternal hell-fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. They had an opportunity to minister to the Lord, but they did nothing as mentioned in verses 42-43.  

 

The Lord is my Shepherd and he really is all that we need. John 10:1-2, Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Jesus is not hiding and he is in plain sight. Those who want to build a relationship with him can easily find him à BIBLE! Start there and you will only grow daily with him. He is not like the wolf who climbs over the gate. There is only one way to the Father and that is through Christ. He is waiting for us to repent and follow him. It is as simple as that. John 10:3-5, The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers. Jesus knows us all by our names, Isaiah 43:1, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; your mine. Jesus’s voice is recognizable by those sheep who truly know him and his truths. Those who truly believe will never follow a wolf or goat. We are his children.  

 

John 10:7, He is the gate for the sheep and will only allow those sheep that are part of his flock. So we will be out in the world as sheep with the wolves and the goats. When the time comes, Jesus the Shepherd will only allow his sheep to enter into everlasting life. Those who are not part of his flock will be kept out and no one can sneak into paradise. John 10:8-10, All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Jesus would leave the 99 to save the 1 lost sheep of his flock. John 10:11, I am the good shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. All the others after Christ are not willing to lay down their life because they are not the true Shepherd. He was sinless yet took upon himself all the sins of the world to give us salvation. John 10:12-17, The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees the wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. Jesus wants everyone to be saved and create one flock in heaven. He is the gatekeeper and we must be able to recognize his voice.  

  

As our Shepherd he wants us to only rely and trust in him. There is no one more loving and powerful than our Shepherd, Jesus. Jeremiah 17:5, Cursed is the person who trusts in mankind. He makes human flesh his strength and his heart turns from the Lord.  Those sheep who put their trust in man, a person, a figure more than Christ himself, doom only awaits. John 14:6-7, Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Once you know him and have that relationship you can decipher truth from lies. Psalms 23:4, Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. The rod is a short, heavy club like device that is usually used by the Shepherd to fight off wild animals and to count the sheep. The staff is long, thin with a hook or crook at one end. The Shepherd can exert his authority, gently or firmly sometimes to direct the sheep in the right direction with the staff. The crook is used to pull the sheep from harm. I can’t even imagine how many times Jesus has probably used that crook to pull me out of the fire or harm. When we surrender our will, it is much easier for the Shepherd to guide us. Some of us may need a little harder push than others. Either way, the rod and staff are held in the hand of Christ our Shepherd and he uses both to direct and protect us. Hebrews 13:20-21, the great Shepherd of the sheep – through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  

Acts 20:28-31, Be on guard yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departure (Paul’s farewell speech to Ephesian’s elders) savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. Therefore be on alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears. These events are happening even now, as we speak.  The wolves and goats turn their hearts away from God. They follow the deceiver and do not stand in the truth. They hide in the darkness and avoid the light. The true flock must hear the shepherd’s voice and recognize him. We have a mission to be the light and spread the truth to the nations. We have each other in the flock to support each other in this walk of life. The sheep are believers of the truth and their hearts love God. The Shepherd is calling us with his voice to follow the path. He uses his rod and staff to protect and guide us in this spiritual battle. When we study the Bible, Pray, Fast, Repent, Love one another, Mourn, be Filled with Holy Spirit and make sure that the Church’s message is proclaiming Christ and not ourselves, the wolves cannot scatter the true flock and the Shepherd will allow us to enter into everlasting life.