Introduction

Good morning, church family. What a joy it is to gather together as we dive into the heart of the Gospel. Our sermon today is drawn from the Gospel of John. We will be exploring the profound message from John 10:7-10; 10-16, where our Savior Jesus Christ proclaims Himself as the Door through which we enter into eternal life. These passages help us to deeply understand who is a part of the sheepfold and what Jesus' "I AM" claims mean for us.

Before we delve into the Word, let me share a quote from A.W. Tozer, a highly respected Christian author. Tozer once said, "Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all." This means that our relationship with Christ should be our utmost priority, for He is the one who leads us to eternal life.

Here is our Scripture passage for today:

John 10:7-10; 10-16: "Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full... I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.'"

Let's begin with a prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of gathering together in Your name. As we explore Your Word today, we pray for open hearts and minds. Help us to truly understand the depth and beauty of Your love for us. May we find comfort and strength in the knowledge that Jesus is our Door to eternal life, our Good Shepherd who knows us and guides us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus is the Door to Eternal Life

The first point of our sermon today is the profound declaration of Jesus as the Door to eternal life. This metaphorical statement is rich in meaning and has several layers that we need to unpack to fully grasp its significance.

Firstly, the door is a point of entry. It is through a door that we gain access to a place. When Jesus declares Himself as the door, He is asserting that He is the only way to eternal life. There is no other path, no other entry point into the kingdom of God. This is consistent with His declaration in John 14:6, where He says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the door, and through Him, we gain access to the Father and to eternal life.

Secondly, a door also serves as a point of exit. It is through a door that we leave a place. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we exit our old life of sin and enter into a new life in Christ. We leave behind our past, our mistakes, our failures, and we step into a life of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

Thirdly, a door provides protection. It keeps out unwanted elements and ensures safety and security. Jesus, as the door, protects us from the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He shields us from the attacks of the devil and provides us with spiritual security.

Fourthly, a door also implies ownership and authority. The owner of a house has the keys to the door. Jesus, as the door, has authority over our lives. He is our Lord and Master, and we are under His care and protection.

Lastly, a door is also a symbol of invitation and welcome. A door is opened to welcome guests. Jesus, as the door, invites us into a relationship with Him. He welcomes us into His kingdom, into His family. He invites us to partake of His grace, His love, His mercy, and His salvation.

The metaphor of Jesus as the door is a powerful image that encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. It speaks of access, exit, protection, authority, and invitation. It speaks of Jesus' unique role as the only way to eternal life, His protective care over us, His authority over our lives, and His loving invitation to a relationship with Him.

When we understand Jesus as the door, we realize the exclusivity of the Gospel. There is no other way to eternal life. We also understand the inclusivity of the Gospel. Everyone is invited to enter through the door. We understand the security that comes from being under Jesus' care and protection. And we understand the transformation that comes from exiting our old life and entering into a new life in Christ.

Who is a Part of the Sheepfold?

The concept of the sheepfold is a powerful metaphor that Jesus uses to describe His relationship with His followers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO