May 11th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"THE SHEPHERD'S STEADFAST SECURITY" (John 10:22-30)

Lectionary Readings — Fourth Sunday of Easter — May 11, 2025

Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

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Call to Worship (based on John 10:22-30)

Leader: It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.

People: We gather to hear the voice of our Shepherd.

Leader: Jesus said, "The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me."

People: We come to witness the works of God among us.

Leader: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."

People: We listen for God's voice, ready to follow where Christ leads.

Leader: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish."

People: We trust in the promises of our Good Shepherd.

Leader: "No one will snatch them out of my hand."

People: We rest secure in God's unfailing love.

Leader: "What my Father has given me is greater than all else."

All: We worship the One who holds us in the palm of His hand. Let us worship God!

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Opening Prayer (based on Acts 9:36-43)

Let us pray:

Loving and Merciful God,

As we gather in Your presence today, we remember the story of Tabitha, a disciple full of good works and acts of charity. Like the community in Joppa who mourned her passing and celebrated her resurrection, we come before You as a community of faith, bound together by Your love.

Lord, inspire us to follow Tabitha's example of compassionate service. May our hands be quick to help, our hearts open to the needs of others, and our lives a testimony to Your transforming grace. In a world that often values self-promotion, teach us the quiet dignity of selfless giving.

We thank You for the power of resurrection that flows through this story. Remind us that You are the God who brings life from death, hope from despair, and new beginnings from painful endings. In our own moments of grief and loss, help us to turn to You in faith.

Guide us through this time of worship. Open our ears to hear Your word, our minds to understand Your truth, and our spirits to receive Your grace. Like Peter, may we be instruments of Your healing presence in our broken world.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and lives forever.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "THE SHEPHERD’S STEADFAST SECURITY" (John 10:22-30)

Introduction:

• Set the scene: Winter in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah)

• Jesus walking in Solomon's Portico - a place of significance and shelter

• The confrontational question from religious leaders: "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."

• Transition: This passage reveals profound truths about our relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd

I. The Savior's Statement (vv. 22-24)

• Context of the confrontation

• Character of the confrontation

• Application: We often want God to speak on our terms, in ways that suit our agenda

II. The Shepherd's Signs (vv. 25-26)

• Evidence through works

• Explanation of unbelief

• Application: God's presence is often revealed through actions rather than announcements

III. The Sheep's Sensitivity (v. 27)

• Recognition of the voice

• Response to the call

• Application: Developing spiritual discernment to recognize God's voice amid competing voices

IV. The Soul's Security (vv. 28-30)

• Reward of eternal life

• Reality of divine protection

• Revelation of unity with God

• Application: Finding peace in the unshakable security of God's grasp

Conclusion:

• Revisit the winter scene: In the cold season of doubt, Jesus offers warmth and security

• Restate the essential question: Not "Are you the Messiah?" but "Are you my Shepherd?"

• Call to response: To hear, follow, and rest in the Shepherd's care

• Final challenge: Live with confidence from the security we have in Christ

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers