Emphasize that choosing Jesus is choosing freedom from fear and an abundant life, as He is the door to salvation, contrasting those who reject Him and live in fear and uncertainty.
Good morning, Church! We're diving into the meaty and enlightening book of John today, chapter 10, verses 7 to 10. Let's all turn there together.
Before we delve into the Word, I want to share something that Oswald Chambers once said. In his profound wisdom, he stated, "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else."
Isn't that something? It's a powerful reminder that when we choose Jesus, when we invite him into our lives, we're choosing freedom from fear. We're choosing salvation. But on the other hand, when we reject Him, we're opting for a life of fear and uncertainty.
Let's read from the scripture now:
"Then Jesus said to them again, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 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.'" John 10: 7-10 (NKJV)
These verses are packed with so much meaning, and today, we're going to unpack them together.
But first, let's bow our heads for a moment of prayer.
Lord, we thank you for this day and for the opportunity to gather here in fellowship. We pray for your Spirit to open our hearts and minds as we explore your word today. Guide us in understanding and applying your teachings in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let's dive in.
The choice of salvation is a profound concept that resonates throughout the Bible and is particularly emphasized in the book of John. It is a choice that is presented to every individual, a choice that carries eternal implications. The verses we just read from John 10:7-10, Jesus presents Himself as the door to salvation, a pathway to eternal life, and a shield against the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
Understand what salvation is: In Christian theology, salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences. It is the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation. In religion, salvation is seen as the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences. It is associated with notions of redemption, atonement, and conversion.
The choice of salvation: It’s the decision to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, to acknowledge our sins, repent, and turn away from them, and to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is a choice that involves surrendering our own will and desires to God's will and His perfect plan for our lives.
"I am the door:" Jesus is saying that He is the only way to salvation. There is no other way to be saved except through Him. This is a bold statement, but it is consistent with other statements Jesus made about Himself. In John 14:6, for example, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Not just about escaping the consequences of sin: That is a significant part of it, though. It is also about entering into a relationship with God. When we choose salvation, we are choosing to enter into a covenant relationship with God, to become part of His family. We become His children, and He becomes our Father.
A choice for abundant life: Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." This abundant life is not necessarily a life of material wealth and prosperity, as some might think. Rather, it is a life of spiritual richness, a life of peace, joy, love, and fulfillment that comes from knowing God and being in a right relationship with Him.
A daily choice: Every day, we must choose to live according to God's will, to obey His commandments, to love and serve others, and to grow in our relationship with Him.
Has eternal consequences: Jesus contrasts Himself, the door to salvation, with the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief represents the devil and all the forces of evil that seek to lead us away from God and towards destruction. When we choose salvation, we are choosing life over death, heaven over hell, God over Satan.
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