Feast of The Visitation

 No one is holy like the Lord,

For there is none besides You,

Nor is there any rock like our God

(1 Samuel 2: 2)

Promise Verse

 And we know that in all things 

God works for the good of those who love Him, 

who have been called according to His purpose

(Romans 8:28)

Bible Study - Ascension Day

 

Christ Ascended: Our Hope, Power, and Mission

Ascension Day commemorates Jesus Christ's bodily ascent into heaven 40 days after His resurrection. It affirms His divine authority, His ongoing heavenly intercession, and His promise to return. It also marks the Church's commissioning for mission in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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PART 1: Acts 1:1–11 — Christ Ascended and the Call to Witness

Key Observations:

• Verse 3: Jesus appeared for 40 days after resurrection, offering many proofs and teaching about the kingdom.
• Verse 6–7: Disciples still hoped for political restoration; Jesus redirects their focus to spiritual mission.
• Verse 8: The central verse — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes… and you will be my witnesses.”
• Verse 9–11: Jesus is taken up, and two angels affirm He will return in the same way.

Reflection:

• The Ascension confirms Jesus' enthronement at the right hand of the Father.
• It shifts the Church from watching to witnessing.

Application:

• Live in anticipation of Christ’s return, but don’t stare at the sky—fulfill your mission on earth.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit, not your own strength.

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PART 2: Ephesians 1:15–23 — The Exalted Christ and the Church’s Power

Key Observations:

• Verses 17–18: Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and enlightenment for believers to know:
1. The hope of God’s calling
2. The riches of our inheritance
3. The greatness of God’s power toward us
• Verses 20–21: This power is the same power that raised Christ and seated Him above all rule and authority.
• Verse 22–23: Christ is head over all things for the Church, His body.

Reflection:

• Ascension is not absence—Christ is now present in power through the Church.
• We don’t operate from weakness, but from resurrection power.

Application:

• Stop living defeated—know the power at work in you.
• The Church must act under Christ’s authority and reflect His fullness.

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PART 3: Luke 24:44–53 — The Ascended Christ Sends and Blesses

Key Observations:

• Verse 45: Jesus opens the minds of the disciples to understand Scripture.
• Verse 47: The core of the Gospel — repentance and forgiveness to be proclaimed to all nations.
• Verses 49–53: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. The disciples worship joyfully even as He ascends.

Reflection:

• The resurrection makes sense of Scripture; the ascension propels mission.
• Their worship marks a turning point from fear to bold joy.

Application:

• Ask Jesus to open your understanding of the Word.
• Live with joy in worship and readiness in mission.

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PART 4: Psalm 47 / Psalm 93 — God Reigns as King

Psalm 47 Highlights:

• “God has gone up with a shout… Sing praises to our King” (v.5–6)
• Emphasizes God’s universal reign and sovereignty.

Psalm 93 Highlights:

• “The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty…”
• Emphasizes God’s eternal authority and unshakable rule.

Reflection:

• The ascension is the King’s coronation—He reigns not just in heaven but over earth.
• Our worship joins with heaven in acknowledging Christ as King.

Application:

• Let praise be our response to the risen and reigning King.
• Trust in His rule even in uncertain earthly times.

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Summary Table

Text	Theme	Practical Lesson
Acts 1:1–11	Jesus ascends, Church sent	Be a witness empowered by the Spirit
Ephesians 1:15–23	Christ reigns over all	Walk in hope and resurrection power
Luke 24:44–53	Joyful mission begins	Embrace the Word and worship
Psalm 47 / 93	God reigns forever	Praise with assurance of His rule

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Ascension Day reminds us:

• Christ is not absent—He is enthroned and working through His Church.
• The Church is not weak—it is filled with resurrection power.
• The mission is not over—until He returns, we witness with joy.

 

 

 

Ascension Day

 For God is King of all the earth; 

sing praises with all your skill.

(Psalm 47: 7)

Promise Verse

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 

lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to Him, 

and He will make your paths straight

(Proverbs 3:5–6)

Promise Verse

 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 

for His compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; 

great is Your faithfulness

(Lamentations 3:22–23)

Promise Verse

 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. 

With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken

(Psalm 16:8)

Message - God Makes a Way

 God Makes a Way: The Open Heart, the Open Vision, and the Open Heaven

As we move deeper into the Easter season, the lectionary invites us to reflect on how God continues His redemptive mission through Christ’s resurrection power, the witness of the apostles, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Today’s readings highlight the expansion of the Gospel, the hope of God’s eternal kingdom, and the peace and presence of Christ with His people.

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I. The Open Vision – Acts 16:9–15

Paul receives a vision in the night – a Macedonian man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” In obedience, Paul travels to Philippi, where he meets Lydia, a Gentile businesswoman whose heart God opens.

Key Themes:

• Divine Guidance: God leads His servants through visions, nudging them toward people ready for the Gospel.
• Obedience in Mission: Paul immediately changes course – the early Church was spirit-led and flexible.
• Open Hearts: Lydia's heart was opened by God – the miracle of salvation is always God-initiated.

Are we sensitive to God's leading like Paul? Is our heart open to unexpected opportunities like Lydia’s?

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II. The Open Heaven – Revelation 21:10, 22–22:5

John sees the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven. There is no temple in the city because God Himself and the Lamb are its temple. The river of life flows, and the tree of life brings healing to the nations.

Key Themes:

• God Dwelling Among His People: No more separation between the divine and human – perfect communion.
• Light and Life: There’s no night – God's glory shines forever. The curse is reversed.
• Healing of Nations: The Gospel isn’t only personal, it’s cosmic and restorative.

Application:

Do we live with a heavenly mindset, longing for God’s future kingdom while living faithfully today?

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III. The Abiding Presence – John 14:23–29

Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. He promises that those who love Him will keep His word, and that the Father and the Son will make their home with them. He also promises the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

Key Themes:

• Obedient Love: Love is shown in obedience to Jesus' word, not just emotional devotion.
• The Indwelling Presence: God doesn’t just visit us—He dwells with us through the Holy Spirit.
• Christ’s Peace: The peace Jesus gives is not circumstantial, but spiritual and eternal.

Application:

Are we cultivating a heart that loves Jesus enough to obey Him? Are we letting the Holy Spirit teach and remind us daily?

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IV. The Global Blessing – Psalm 67

Psalm 67 echoes the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), asking for God's face to shine on His people so that His way may be known among all nations.

Key Themes:

• Mission-Minded Worship: The purpose of God’s blessing is to spread His salvation.
• Universal Praise: The psalm looks forward to a time when all nations will rejoice in God's justice.

Application:

Is our Christian life attractive and witnessing? Do our lives reflect God’s blessing in a way that draws others to Him?

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Summary

Text	Theme	Application
Acts 16:9–15	God guides and opens hearts	Be open to God's direction
Revelation 21	The glory of the New Jerusalem	Live with eternal hope
John 14:23–29	Christ's indwelling presence	Obey in love; walk with peace
Psalm 67	God's blessing for the nations	Live to make God known

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Called to Be Open

This Sunday calls us to:

• Open our hearts like Lydia
• Open our ears to the Spirit like Paul
• Open our lives to obedience like the disciples
• Open our vision to God's coming kingdom

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Prayer

“Lord, open our eyes to see the vision You have for us. Open our ears to hear the Spirit’s leading. Open our hearts to receive Your Word, and open our lives to share Your love with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 May God give us his blessing,

and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

(Psalm 67: 7)

Promise Verse

 You will keep in perfect peace those 

whose minds are steadfast, 

because they trust in You

(Isaiah 26:3)

Promise Verse

 Be strong and take heart, 

all you who hope in the Lord.

(Psalm 31:24)

Promise Verse

 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, 

for He who promised is faithful.

(Hebrews 10:23)

Bible Study - David’s Repentance

 

David’s Repentance and God's Mercy

Primary Scriptures:

• 2 Samuel 11–12 – David’s sin with Bathsheba and the confrontation by Nathan the prophet
• Psalm 51 – David’s personal prayer of repentance
• Acts 13:22 – God’s testimony about David: “a man after my own heart”
• 1 Samuel 13:14 – The prophecy about David replacing Saul

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I. Overview of David’s Sin

In 2 Samuel 11, we read how:

• David saw Bathsheba, a married woman, and committed adultery with her.
• To cover the resulting pregnancy, David arranged the murder of her husband, Uriah.
• David took Bathsheba as his wife, thinking he had concealed his sin.

Key Point: David, though a man of great faith, fell deeply into sin. His position as king did not exempt him from temptation or accountability.

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II. God Confronts David Through the Prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12)

Nathan tells a parable about a rich man stealing a poor man's only lamb, which enrages David—until Nathan declares, "You are the man!"

David immediately confesses:

"I have sinned against the Lord." (2 Samuel 12:13)

Nathan tells him:

• God has put away his sin.
• However, consequences will follow: the child born to Bathsheba would die, and violence would come from David’s own house.

Lesson: God’s forgiveness does not always remove the earthly consequences of sin, but it restores the relationship with Him.

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III. David’s Heart of Repentance – Psalm 51

David’s response to his sin is captured in Psalm 51, a model for true repentance:

Key Themes in Psalm 51:

• Brokenness and Humility:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart…” (v.17)

• Personal Responsibility:

“Against You, You only, have I sinned…” (v.4)

• Desire for Renewal:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (v.10)

• Desire for Restoration:

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation…” (v.12)

Insight: True repentance is not just about regret or consequences—it’s about a heart turning back to God.

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IV. Why God Still Called David “A Man After His Own Heart”

Despite his failure, God described David in Acts 13:22:

“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”

What made David different from Saul?

• Saul made excuses (1 Samuel 15); David took ownership of his sin.
• Saul’s heart grew proud and rebellious; David’s heart was tender and humble.
• David sought to do God's will, even after sinning.

Truth: Being a person after God’s heart doesn’t mean perfection—it means a posture of humility, obedience, and repentance.

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V. Lessons and Applications

1. No one is beyond failure.

Even the most anointed, like David, can fall into sin. That’s why daily humility and guarding your heart are crucial.

2. God sees the heart, not just actions.

David sinned, but he repented deeply. God looks for a sincere and contrite heart.

3. Repentance restores relationship.

David’s joy was restored, not by sacrifice or ritual, but by honest confession and seeking God’s mercy.

4. God uses imperfect people for His glory.

Despite David’s past, God used him to write Psalms, lead Israel, and set the lineage for Jesus Christ (Son of David).

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Reflection Questions

1. When confronted with sin, do you respond like Saul (blame) or David (repentance)?
2. Is there anything you’ve been hiding that you need to bring into the light?
3. How can you develop a heart that chases after God’s will daily?
4. Have you prayed through Psalm 51 personally?

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Prayer:

“Lord, give me a heart like David—a heart that loves You, repents quickly, and longs for Your presence. Wash me from all unrighteousness and create in me a clean heart. Amen.”

 

 

 

Promise Verse

 May the words of my mouth and 

the meditation of my heart be pleasing 

in your sight, 

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer

(Psalm 19:14)

Promise Verse

 Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, 

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go

(Joshua 1:9)

Promise Verse

 In God I trust and am not afraid

(Psalm 56:4)

Message - Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

All Things New: A Love That Breaks Barriers

This week’s readings speak about the transformative love of God—a love that not only makes all things new (Rev. 21:5), but also tears down the dividing walls between people and draws them into a new creation through Christ.

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I. The Radical Inclusion of God's Grace

Acts 11:1–18

Peter is explaining to Jewish believers why he entered the house of a Gentile (Cornelius) and baptized him. The early church was struggling to understand that the Gospel was not just for Jews, but for all nations.

• God’s vision (Acts 10) broke Peter’s traditional understanding of “clean” and “unclean.”
• Peter testifies that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as on the Jews at Pentecost.
• The statement “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (v. 17) challenges us: Are we standing in God’s way when He moves beyond our expectations?

Application:

• God’s love and salvation are for all people—every race, tribe, background, and lifestyle.
• We are called to tear down walls of prejudice, tradition, and fear, and invite others into God's family.
• The church must always ask: Are we aligned with God's mission or resisting it due to comfort or culture?

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II. The New Creation Has Already Begun

Revelation 21:1–6

John sees a new heaven and a new earth. This is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan—a world renewed by the love and righteousness of Christ.

• “God will dwell with them”—this is Eden restored, a world where God’s presence is uninterrupted.
• “No more death, mourning, crying, or pain”—the end of suffering is not a dream, but a promise.
• “I am making all things new” – Not just one day in heaven, but now, through the work of Christ and the Spirit.

Application:

• As believers, we live as citizens of the new creation, reflecting heaven’s values on earth.
• The church is a preview of that eternal city—a place of healing, welcome, justice, and peace.
• Are we participating in the "making new" work of Jesus in our homes, neighborhoods, and hearts?

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III. The Commandment of Love – Our Identity

John 13:31–35

These words were spoken just after Judas left to betray Jesus. Despite the betrayal, Jesus focuses on glory and love.

• Jesus calls this a “new commandment”—not because love is new, but because the standard is new: “As I have loved you.”
• Christ’s love is sacrificial, unconditional, and forgiving.
• Love is not a suggestion—it is the mark of a true disciple.

Application:

• The world will know Jesus through our love for one another.
• Can we love like Jesus in the face of betrayal, conflict, and hurt?
• Loving one another includes forgiveness, generosity, patience, humility, and truthfulness.

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IV. Worship and Witness: All Creation Praises the Lord

Psalm 148

• Every created thing—angels, stars, animals, kings, and children—are called to praise the Lord.
• Praise is a response to God’s majesty and mercy.
• God “has raised up a horn for His people”—this is a prophetic reference to Jesus, the Savior.

Application:

• Our lives are to be lived as praise offerings.
• When we love radically, welcome inclusively, and serve sacrificially, we declare God's glory louder than any song.
• Worship fuels mission. It’s not just singing—it’s living with purpose and passion.

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Conclusion: Love That Changes the World

This Fifth Sunday of Easter calls us to:

• Welcome the outsider like Peter did, breaking down human walls.
• Live with resurrection hope, knowing Christ is making all things new.
• Love one another deeply, as Christ has loved us.
• Praise God with our whole being, joining the symphony of creation.

God is not done. He is still working. And His plan is love unleashed, through you and me.

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for making all things new through Your love. Help us to love as You have loved us. Tear down the walls we’ve built, and make us one. May our lives be a song of praise to Your name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 If God is for us, who can be against us?

(Romans 8:31)

Promise Verse

 This is the day the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

(Psalm 118:24)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is my strength and my shield; 

my heart trusts in Him, 

and He helps me. 

My heart leaps for joy, 

and with my song I praise Him

(Psalm 28:7)

Promise Verse

 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. 

The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation

(Isaiah 12:2)

Bible Study - God's Guidance

 

God's Guidance

Learning to discern, trust, and follow the leading of God in every area of life.

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Scriptures

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
2. Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
3. Isaiah 30:21 – “Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”
4. John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
5. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

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I. The Need for God’s Guidance

A. We Are Limited in Understanding

• We do not see the full picture (Isaiah 55:8–9).
• We often lean on our emotions, logic, or circumstances.

B. Life Is Filled with Critical Choices

• Career, relationships, ministry, finances, and timing all require wisdom and direction.
• Wrong turns can delay or derail destiny (cf. Israel’s wilderness journey).

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II. How God Guides Us

A. Through His Word

• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
• God’s principles never change; His Word is the first and final authority.

B. Through the Holy Spirit

• John 16:13 – The Spirit will guide us into all truth.
• The Spirit often speaks through inner peace, conviction, or a still small voice.

C. Through Prayer and Fellowship with God

• Jesus often withdrew to pray before making decisions (Luke 6:12-13).
• Waiting on God develops sensitivity to His leading.

D. Through Godly Counsel and Confirmation

• Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
• Mature believers, mentors, and spiritual leaders can offer clarity.

E. Through Circumstances and Open Doors

• Revelation 3:7 – “What He opens, no one can shut; and what He shuts, no one can open.”
• God uses events to align our path with His will—but never contradicting His Word.

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III. Hindrances to God’s Guidance

1. Self-will – Refusing to surrender our desires (Jonah 1).
2. Impatience – Acting before God’s timing (1 Samuel 13:8–14).
3. Sin – Disobedience dulls our spiritual hearing (Psalm 66:18).
4. Fear and Doubt – Keeping us from stepping into God’s direction (Numbers 13).

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IV. Walking in God's Guidance Daily

A. Surrender Completely

• Romans 12:1-2 – Offer your life as a living sacrifice.
• God reveals His will to hearts that are fully His.

B. Ask in Faith

• James 1:6 – Don’t doubt when you ask for wisdom.
• Expect God to lead, and be willing to obey.

C. Remain in Fellowship with Jesus

• John 15:5 – Abiding in Him helps us bear fruit and stay on the right path.

D. Wait for Peace

• Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule your heart.
• God’s guidance brings clarity, not confusion.

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Practical Applications

1. Before every major decision, pause and pray. Ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
2. Keep a spiritual journal. Track how God speaks to you and confirms His guidance.
3. Memorize guidance-related scriptures (like Proverbs 3:5-6) to meditate on daily.
4. Practice obedience in small things. The more you obey God’s nudges, the clearer His voice becomes.
5. Spend regular time in the Word and silence. God often speaks when we’re quiet before Him.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that we need You to guide our steps. Teach us to trust You with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Open our ears to hear Your voice and give us courage to follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 

 

 

Promise Verse

 Come to Me, 

all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest

(Matthew 11:28)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and 

saves those who are crushed in spirit

(Psalm 34:18)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 

He cares for those who trust in Him

(Nahum 1:7)

Message - The Shepherd Who Holds Us Forever

 

The Shepherd Who Holds Us Forever

The World Needs a Shepherd

In today’s chaotic world of uncertainty, fear, and loss, we long for someone who knows us, leads us, and protects us.
The good news of Easter continues in this Fourth Sunday: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them into eternal life.
Let’s walk through these passages to see how Jesus our Shepherd sustains, leads, and secures us — not just for this life, but for eternity.

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1. Jesus Knows and Keeps His Sheep (John 10:22–30)

• The people ask Jesus, "Are you the Messiah?"
• Jesus replies: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (vv. 27–28)

Key Points:

• Intimacy: “I know them” — Jesus knows you by name, by need, by nature.
• Security: “No one will snatch them” — your salvation is not held by your grip on Jesus, but His grip on you.
• Eternity: “I give them eternal life” — a promise not of temporary blessing, but forever union with the Shepherd.

In times of fear, betrayal, or confusion — rest in the truth: You are known, chosen, held, and led by Jesus Himself.

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2. The Shepherd's Presence in Suffering (Psalm 23)

Perhaps the most beloved Psalm, it’s not just poetic—it’s deeply personal.

• “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”
• “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”

Key Points:

• Provision: green pastures, still waters — Jesus satisfies our physical and spiritual needs.
• Guidance: right paths — His Word and Spirit keep us aligned.
• Companionship: "You are with me" — even in suffering, we're not abandoned.
• Victory: “Goodness and mercy shall follow me” — not just safety, but abundance and victory.

Psalm 23 isn’t a promise that we won’t walk through valleys—it’s the promise that we won’t walk alone.

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3. The Shepherd’s Eternal Care (Revelation 7:9–17)

John sees a great multitude in white robes, from every nation, standing before the throne of God.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (v. 17)

 Key Points:

• Jesus, the Lamb, is also the Shepherd — the One who was slain is now the One who reigns.
• Global Salvation: people from all nations — the Shepherd calls sheep from every culture and background.
• Eternal Comfort: no more hunger, thirst, or pain — a heavenly fulfillment of Psalm 23.

One day, our Shepherd will bring us to a place where the sorrows of life are replaced by the joys of His presence forever.

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4. The Shepherd Empowers His Church (Acts 9:36–43)

In this passage, Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead — a woman known for her kindness and generosity.

Key Points:

• The church continues the Shepherd’s ministry through compassion and miracles.
• Peter didn’t raise her by his power, but by calling upon the resurrected Christ.
• The story ends: “many believed in the Lord” — a sign that the Good Shepherd is still gathering His flock.

We are the hands and feet of the Good Shepherd — called to comfort the broken, care for the needy, and reflect His love in action.

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Conclusion:

Beloved, the Good Shepherd walks among us today:

• He knows your name (John 10),
• He walks with you through every valley (Psalm 23),
• He prepares an eternal home for you (Revelation 7),
• And He works through His people (Acts 9).

So don’t fear.
No matter the chaos around you, you are not forgotten, not alone, not unprotected.
You are in the Shepherd’s hand — and no one can snatch you away.

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Questions for Personal Study or Group Discussion

1. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus knows your name and calls you His sheep?
2. In what “valley” have you recently experienced God’s comforting presence?
3. How can you be like Dorcas — someone whose kindness and generosity reflects Jesus’ heart?
4. How does the picture in Revelation 7 give you hope and perspective for life today?

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 The Lord is my shepherd; 

I shall not be in want.

(Psalm 23: 1)

Promise Verse

 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You

(Psalm 56:3)

Promise Verse

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

(Romans 15:13)

Promise Verse

 Commit your way to the Lord; 

trust in Him and He will do this

(Psalm 37:5)