Focusing On God's Ability

Thank you Rev. S. Williams

FOCUSING ON GODS ABILITY

Much of this sermon was inspired by Tim Kelleys sermon 4 Things Christ Is Able To do

FOCUSING ON GODS ABILITY

Matthew 9:28

I. INTRODUCTION THE THEIFS INTENTIONS

In the 10th chapter of the book of John, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the good shepherd. He was attempting to warn those who were present of thieves who would come and lead them astray if they were not careful.

During the course of this parable He makes a very interesting point when He tells those who were gathered that the sheep who know the voice of their shepherd would not follow but flee from those who were thieves and robbers.

It is from this short but important illustration we are reminded of the importance of knowing the voice of the shepherd. I want to say from the outset of this message that is it important for us to be cautious and aware of the voices that we are listening too in 2006.

The Lord was very emphatic in verse 1 when he declared that “He that entereth not into the sheepfold but climbeth up some other way the same is a thief and a robber.

Those who were listening to what the Lord was saying on this day understood that the sheepfold referred to the place of shelter where the shepherd would place the sheep so that they could be safe from the attacks of wild beast.

The sheepfold was carefully guarded so that the not just anyone could enter in and expose the sheep to things that would danger them and ultimately cause harm to them.

There was only one door that you could enter into there was one door that you could exit from. Jesus said that those who enter in from some other way except the door the same is a thief and a robber.

As the Lord was conveying this message to those who were present they misunderstood what He was trying to say so the Lord explained to them that all those who came before Him were thieves and robbers.

He said I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved

I do not want to seem harsh or cruel with my next statement but However, I am so convinced that what we teach and preach at this church is right

That I feel to tell you who are present that those who are not preaching the necessity of living a repented life are thieves and robbers who are guilty of climbing up through the sheepfold some other way.

Those who are not preaching and teaching the necessity of striving to live a holy life are thieves and robbers who are guilty of climbing through the sheepfold some other way.

Those who are not preaching the necessity of being baptized in the name of Jesus are thieves and robbers who are guilty of climbing through the sheepfold some other way.

We are living in a time where precious people are being robbed of a complete relationship with God because they are being taught that a one time trip to the altar is all you need to stay right with God.

I want to say that if all it took was one trip to the altar to stay right with God then there would be no need for church if all it took was a one time trip to the altar to stay right with God then there would be no need for us to even strive to have a relationship with God.

In order for us to stay right with God we have to make sure that we are in constant communication with Him we have to make sure that we are listening to Him and that we know His voice.

In verse 10 of John chapter 10 Jesus went on to give a threefold description of what the thiefs intentions are He said the thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy.

The main point of this parable is to warn us against the deception of false teachers and to warn us of what way they will enter in..and destroy the sheep.

However during the course of this parable the Lord Jesus gives us a brief description of the intentions of Satan himself it is his ultimate goal to deceive the saints of God I think that it is safe to say that we are all aware that Satan is the enemy of our soul.

He is doing everything in his power to steal to kill and to destroy the saints of God.

He wants to steal kill and destroy:

 Our love

 Our hope

 Our peace

 Our joy

 Our righteousness