The Sheepfold
John 10:1, 16-17
A sheepfold is a pen for sheep
It protects the sheep by keeping them together
so that they don’t wander off
there’s safety in numbers
predators hunt and focus on the wayward
the one that has wandered off from the herd
or pack or flock
sometimes the wandering off is out of curiosity, a lack
of attention, or out-right rebellion
1Peter 5:8
We should know the Shepherd’s voice
Jn 10:27
When you do not know the shepherd’s voice
You’re like children (Ephesians 4:14)
tossed to fro with every wind of doctrine
For those not providing proper instruction & doctrine:
reproving, correcting, instructing in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16)
“Woe” unto you...
Jeremiah 23:1
Ezekiel 34:2-10
Woe on to the shepherds
who do not look out for your spiritual & physical well being
Notice that the Lord refers to His leaders as shepherds far more than He
uses the word pastors.
Shepherd 17x in the New Testament
Pastor/s 1x in the New Testament
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Look at Jesus’ example
Matthew 9:36
shepherd’s care for their sheep...
Psalms 23:1-3
David tells how he defending his sheep
1 Samuel 17:37 – killing the lion and the bear
MN church incident from last week - despicable - offensive - evil
1st Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
that was NOT a “peaceable assembly”
We want you to know – we will protect you
The sheep of this fold
If they want to protest – they can do it from the street
The public street
This is private property
Zechariah 9:8
Jesus defended the House of the Lord – twice
Jn 2:13-22 & Mt 21:12-17
(In Jn 2:15 He fastens a whip)
But the Lord has prepared us for this:
(Remember – Prepare the Horses...Proverbs 21:31)
John 15:20
“...If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you...”
Persecution of the church
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Steven - Acts 6
Paul - Acts 14, 16, 21
John - Acts 4, Rev 1 (exiled to Patmos)
1st -3rd century Roman Empire
- 10’s of thousands - martyred
2025 – 7k Christians in Nigeria - martyred
Where was the SHEEPFOLD for them???
They stayed together?
Safety in #’s???
We often expect our definition of safety, comfort & peace
to transcend the Father’s
Isaiah 55:8-9
My thoughts...My ways...
As high as the heavens are higher...
So are My thoughts higher...
John 10:29
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
What does that mean for us
Jesus says to turn the other cheek (Mt 5:39)
Jewish culture: a face slap was an insult
Not an assault
The turning of the cheek was actually a non-violent retaliation;
Indicating – that was nothing, here try again...
Basically saying, “you can’t offend me”
Kim Jong Un – insults me...
It means nothing to me because his words have no
value with me.
Turning the other cheek is referring to, insults not assault.
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If you are sheep of this fold – we are here for
Some may question why we are here today
No one was required to come
No one ever is
But as I have said in the past regarding CT
Church is not where go
Church is what we do
I hope we are a beacon of hope for this community
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world
A city on a hill cannot be hidden
CLOSING
Pro 18:10
Ps 100:3
“...We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
