WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.300 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.019 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.179 --> 00:00:38.179 Well, good morning, everyone. It is really great to be here. I'm glad to be back after spending a week in Delaware, Ohio. 00:00:38.480 --> 00:00:44.039 I gotta tell you, it's very humid over there, and it's just a completely different change of scenery, 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:50.219 but definitely a very good time to spend with other students, get to meet some professors, 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:57.879 and then, as I mentioned earlier, just the good news about our own story being published in their magazine. 00:00:57.880 --> 00:01:02.040 It just goes to show the blessings that come from the Lord. 00:01:02.580 --> 00:01:12.040 I'm always excited when people gather together from different backgrounds, different stories, 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:14.620 and they come for Christ. 00:01:14.620 --> 00:01:22.520 And I think one of the great things, just kind of referencing a little bit of what happened there in that week, 00:01:22.540 --> 00:01:29.240 and coming back home, is realizing that how God speaks to you is incredibly powerful. 00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:34.360 God may speak to you in a certain capacity that is unique to you. 00:01:34.359 --> 00:01:38.859 God speaks to us through His Word, through the Word of God. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:42.140 God also speaks to us through other people. 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:46.560 How many of us have had those moments where someone is speaking to us, 00:01:46.579 --> 00:01:51.280 and it seems like an answer of prayer, and you're like, this is really, really strange. 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:58.760 Or there are other times where we've had experiences in our life where we feel so connected to God, 00:01:58.840 --> 00:02:04.960 being in nature, being in prayer, or even being with the body of Christ. 00:02:05.480 --> 00:02:09.159 There are many ways that we can connect to God the Father. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:10.580 We can connect to Christ. 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:12.360 We can connect to the Word of God. 00:02:12.360 --> 00:02:21.880 And I just thought it was very wonderful for us to go over the Good Shepherd here in the Gospel of John. 00:02:22.940 --> 00:02:25.300 For many of us, we think of sheep. 00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:28.020 How many of you guys owned sheep before? 00:02:30.400 --> 00:02:34.140 If you are online, you can answer that as well, 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:37.300 because we have people online and people in person here. 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:40.940 Are sheep the smartest of animals? 00:02:41.380 --> 00:02:41.940 Yes. 00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:42.800 Okay. 00:02:43.380 --> 00:02:43.840 Right? 00:02:44.420 --> 00:02:47.200 Now, I always thought it was hilarious. 00:02:48.280 --> 00:02:54.040 When we are being called, through Scripture, being called sheep. 00:02:55.160 --> 00:02:57.020 I've got to be honest for a moment here. 00:02:57.840 --> 00:02:59.440 You're calling me what, God? 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:02.700 You're calling me a dumb animal? 00:03:04.680 --> 00:03:08.420 Sheep are not the most intelligent of creatures out there. 00:03:08.880 --> 00:03:11.440 There are some videos, if you go on YouTube sometimes, 00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:16.479 there's a very famous video out there where there's a sheep that is stuck in some sort of crack or crevice, 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:18.740 and their head's stuck, and they're wiggling around, 00:03:18.919 --> 00:03:22.000 and the shepherd will go in and get them right out of that, 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:26.300 and then the sheep will run off free and then land right in another place, 00:03:26.780 --> 00:03:28.840 another crack or crevice or whatever, 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:30.879 still needing the help from the shepherd. 00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:32.240 And I'm like, man, that's a good analogy. 00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:36.039 I should have downloaded that video and played it for you. 00:03:36.099 --> 00:03:43.360 But if you guys look it up, you can probably find similar ones showing just how, okay, we are like those sheep, man. 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:49.160 I don't know how many times I personally or maybe you personally have been stuck in a crack or a crevice, 00:03:49.160 --> 00:03:54.380 and you need the shepherd, the great shepherd, to get you out of that situation. 00:03:54.500 --> 00:03:54.680 Amen. 00:03:54.920 --> 00:03:58.740 It's a very simple thing, but for sure, it definitely, it does happen. 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:02.500 When we're turning here, open your Bibles. 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:06.479 We're going to go to page 1065 as we're going through the Good Shepherd. 00:04:06.639 --> 00:04:15.080 We had our interactive scripture reading, which is just a way for us here at Ontario Community Church for the text to become alive. 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:19.939 Because we believe that the Word of God is living and active, right? 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:22.540 And God speaks to us in so many different capacities. 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:26.740 How God may speak to you, well, may be unique to you, and that's okay. 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:30.060 Let God work in and through your life every single day. 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:32.860 Okay, so we're going to go over it. 00:04:33.180 --> 00:04:38.199 We see here that this is right in between where Jesus is healing the blind man, right? 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:43.540 And there's this clash with the Pharisees and people. 00:04:44.180 --> 00:04:46.279 It's just a lot of things that's happening there. 00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:50.000 And then after where Christ is saying that I and my Father are one. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:53.040 So we see here in the text, right? 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:57.500 Where truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheep by the door, 00:04:57.500 --> 00:05:01.300 but climbs in another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:03.600 I don't want to be called a thief and a robber, right? 00:05:03.720 --> 00:05:08.180 You get this imagery for a second here of basically like a wall, right? 00:05:08.199 --> 00:05:12.180 Or something that is keeping the sheep in their pasture, right? 00:05:12.199 --> 00:05:14.379 We think of fences and all these different things. 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:18.620 And okay, you're not in with the sheep. 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:21.180 So the imagery makes a lot of sense. 00:05:21.259 --> 00:05:24.459 Someone that is not going to have good intent here. 00:05:24.500 --> 00:05:26.279 At least that's what it's talking about in the text. 00:05:26.279 --> 00:05:30.899 He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:33.559 To him, the gatekeeper opens. 00:05:33.619 --> 00:05:36.500 And I think that's pretty interesting, the use of gatekeeper. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:41.919 How many of us have a positive view of the word gatekeeper? 00:05:42.039 --> 00:05:42.819 Anybody here? 00:05:43.739 --> 00:05:48.119 And when I hear the word gatekeeper, I don't have a very positive view of that word for sure. 00:05:48.719 --> 00:05:50.559 But we can think of someone like a porter. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:56.639 Or if you guys have ever watched, you know, some of these old movies where someone is traveling into town and they knock on the door. 00:05:56.839 --> 00:05:57.839 The guy opens. 00:05:57.959 --> 00:05:59.959 He's looking and he's like, who are you? 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:00.780 What do you want, right? 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:02.540 You get that kind of imagery as well. 00:06:03.040 --> 00:06:04.399 You have someone like that. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:08.779 Someone that is guarding the gate or guarding the door kind of thing that happens. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:11.560 One of my favorite ones is, what is it? 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:13.139 I think it's Lord of the Rings, right? 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:14.100 Same kind of concept. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:15.280 Knocking on the door. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.540 What's going on? 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:17.540 Can I let you in? 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:20.079 Protecting who's inside, right? 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:21.360 So you have that kind of imagery. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:28.100 The sheep hears his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:30.379 What beautiful language here. 00:06:30.379 --> 00:06:36.060 Now, for those of us who own animals, cats, dogs, goats, sheep, right? 00:06:36.120 --> 00:06:37.519 In our everyday life. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:41.680 How many of you, and some of you I know, I don't want to single you out for a second here. 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:47.800 When you enter the room, your animal recognizes you, right? 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:54.439 Then they get excited in that moment that you've returned and you're like, dude, I just went to the store. 00:06:54.920 --> 00:06:56.620 I was just gone for an hour. 00:06:56.620 --> 00:07:03.040 How could you, cat or dog or whatever animal, how could you be so excited for me to return? 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:04.160 I'm just coming back. 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:06.319 But think for a second here. 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:14.699 If this is the type of language that's being used in the text by the sheep recognizing the voice of the shepherd, 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:18.500 that sense of excitement, how are we? 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:23.360 Are we excited when we come together to worship the living God? 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:27.060 Are we excited by opening the word of God? 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:29.480 Are we excited when we gather together? 00:07:29.580 --> 00:07:35.879 And I certainly hope when Christ returns that we will certainly be excited by hearing his voice. 00:07:35.960 --> 00:07:36.180 Amen. 00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:39.819 It's such a beautiful language that we are seeing in here, right? 00:07:40.080 --> 00:07:43.800 So knowing his voice, do you know the voice of God? 00:07:43.900 --> 00:07:46.819 Do you belong in the fold, so to speak? 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:50.500 So he goes and leads. 00:07:50.719 --> 00:07:56.420 He also, the other thing is the shepherd leading the sheep out is also very interesting language, right? 00:07:56.480 --> 00:08:04.360 Where you think of, you want to lead the sheep from one place to the next, you know, leading them to green pastures, as it were. 00:08:04.459 --> 00:08:07.180 The Bible talks so much about that kind of imagery. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:20.620 But for those of you that were here when we went over the book of Ezra, there was imagery about vessels that were being transported from the place they did not belong to the place that they belonged. 00:08:20.780 --> 00:08:25.220 Very similar imagery, except in this case, it's talking about sheep. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:32.899 And we think about how God being the good shepherd will lead us into many different places. 00:08:32.899 --> 00:08:41.740 How many of you have been taken on a journey and God has put you into places or situations where we're just incredible? 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:49.120 God working in and through your life, you're going on this journey to get to the destination of where God wants you to be. 00:08:49.699 --> 00:08:56.459 Does that mean that when you see this imagery of sheep going over for a journey, does that mean the journey is going to be perfect? 00:08:57.579 --> 00:09:00.519 Okay, there's going to be times where there's going to be rocky terrain. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:03.240 There's going to be times where you stumble and fall down. 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:07.799 There's going to be times, like I mentioned earlier, you're going to fall into a hole and you can't get out. 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:13.100 And you're going to need to rely on the good shepherd to help you in those moments. 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:15.659 There's going to be times where you want to run off. 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:21.860 Doesn't scripture talk about times where a sheep runs off and the shepherd's got to go after them? 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:29.500 See, there's so many parallels that we see to this sheep and shepherds that we can think of even today. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:36.440 And how important it is for us to come together as sheep, even though I don't want to call all of you dumb. 00:09:36.559 --> 00:09:37.539 I'm not going to. 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:42.820 But us all gathering together and following where Christ is going to lead us. 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:50.320 And knowing that the journey through life, the journey individually, and even the journey together is not going to be perfect. 00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:56.340 But that's why we trust in God's guidance, because he knows what's going to be on the other end. 00:09:56.780 --> 00:09:59.140 He knows what's going to be over that hill. 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:03.240 He knows you by name, and you certainly should know him by name. 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:14.700 Trusting in him and that kind of imagery of someone who, when you see your rod and your staff in Psalms, when it's talking about the protection of God. 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:23.700 A lot of times we think of that in a negative sense, but we should look at it in a positive sense, that God is going to protect us from evil. 00:10:23.700 --> 00:10:27.300 That God is going to protect us and guide us, right? 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:31.200 When you have that rod and that staff in that sense of protection. 00:10:32.200 --> 00:10:34.140 And so we continue on then. 00:10:34.400 --> 00:10:37.100 When he has brought out his own, he goes before him. 00:10:37.520 --> 00:10:38.520 The sheep follow him. 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:39.520 They follow his direction. 00:10:39.660 --> 00:10:40.740 They know his voice. 00:10:41.060 --> 00:10:44.280 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him. 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:46.259 They don't know the voice of strangers. 00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:48.640 We can think about this in our own lives. 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:55.159 Sometimes you might meet someone and you think, I have no idea who you are. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:57.279 Especially when we teach our own children. 00:10:57.919 --> 00:11:01.500 You don't teach your children to just, well, follow anybody. 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:04.080 Like, hey, little kid, come with me. 00:11:04.299 --> 00:11:04.580 No. 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:10.240 Or you think of these old films where there's the creepy looking ice cream truck, right? 00:11:10.319 --> 00:11:12.679 And they're telling the kids to come on in. 00:11:12.960 --> 00:11:13.939 There's free ice cream. 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:14.460 Well, wait a minute. 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:15.460 I don't trust you. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:18.019 I don't trust your voice, as it were. 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:25.139 So one of many parallels that we can think about when it comes to trusting in someone or something. 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:29.860 That when we trust in the living God, we know what he wants to do. 00:11:29.939 --> 00:11:33.039 He wants us to follow him and to be more like him. 00:11:33.179 --> 00:11:35.079 We can't say that about everyone, though. 00:11:35.899 --> 00:11:37.879 We can't say that about every person. 00:11:38.579 --> 00:11:42.779 We certainly can't say that about, well, every situation and scenario. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:46.019 So a stranger they will not follow, amen. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:48.179 But they will flee from him. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.759 They don't know the voice of stranger. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:51.259 And it goes on in verse 6. 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:54.480 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, they didn't understand. 00:11:54.579 --> 00:12:00.019 That language is talking about a parable or a proverb. 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:05.419 It's one of the only times that it's mentioned within the, in Scripture. 00:12:05.699 --> 00:12:09.980 That when Jesus is speaking, they don't really understand what's going on here. 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:12.820 So he has to, what does it say in verse 7? 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:14.399 Jesus does what? 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:15.700 Again. 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:17.820 I got to repeat myself, right? 00:12:18.399 --> 00:12:19.560 Not saying that's a bad thing. 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:22.259 It's saying it's he has to clarify what's going on in here. 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:25.659 I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:28.240 Oh, I didn't understand. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:29.360 Even you're reading that. 00:12:29.440 --> 00:12:33.360 You're like, I didn't get that from the first rendering that's happening here. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:35.720 I am the door of the sheep. 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:40.419 All who come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 00:12:40.560 --> 00:12:41.500 I am the door. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:46.919 If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and find pasture. 00:12:47.399 --> 00:12:53.560 We're talking about that imagery of going into a pasture is a sense of security and safety. 00:12:53.700 --> 00:12:54.539 And I don't know about you. 00:12:54.800 --> 00:13:00.360 There are many of us, me included, seeking security and safety in this life. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:03.500 Finding stability in an unstable world. 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:06.360 Finding security in an insecure world. 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:10.419 Finding safety in a place where, is there safety? 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:13.419 Only you can answer that. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:15.800 You think about these things, right? 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:22.180 And saying, the thief comes in only to steal and to kill and to destroy. 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:25.100 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:29.580 In your notes and in the Bible study, which that will be for your own time, 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:34.220 is there is this connection that is found with Ezekiel 34. 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:37.240 When we went over part of the scripture reading, 00:13:37.520 --> 00:13:41.379 can we pull up that slide from the scripture reading that's from Ezekiel? 00:13:41.520 --> 00:13:43.340 I want to show you an example here. 00:13:43.560 --> 00:13:45.400 Because it's actually, it's very interesting. 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:47.639 If you can pull that up. 00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:55.500 That in Ezekiel 34, it is connected to what we are talking about. 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:59.899 If not, that's okay. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:05.639 There's a lot of connections. 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:11.159 And I love when something is blatantly connected from the Old Testament and the New Testament. 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.659 So, it's in your notes. 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:14.539 It's also in your study guide. 00:14:14.539 --> 00:14:16.539 In going over... 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:20.319 Where was it? 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.539 It was verse... 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:29.379 Look at this. 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:32.740 Shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves, 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:36.779 should not shepherds feed the sheep? 00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:38.120 You eat the fat. 00:14:38.179 --> 00:14:39.019 Let's go to the next one. 00:14:39.099 --> 00:14:40.019 You have ruled them. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:42.819 They were scattered because there was no shepherd. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:44.019 Because... 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:45.799 And they became food for the wild beasts. 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:50.159 Showing very similarly the importance of a shepherd leading their sheep. 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:50.519 Right? 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.840 My sheep were scattered. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:56.100 They wandered all over the mountains and on every high hill. 00:14:56.439 --> 00:14:58.759 My sheep were scattered all over the face of the earth. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:01.860 And none to search or to seek for them. 00:15:02.220 --> 00:15:04.779 Therefore, you shepherds hear the word of the Lord. 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:06.879 As I live, declares the Lord God. 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:11.879 Surely because my sheep have become prey, my sheep have become a food for all the wild beasts. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.179 Isn't that interesting? 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:15.059 How that is so connected. 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:17.799 It's connected with the sheep and the goats. 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.899 It's connected with the good shepherd. 00:15:20.059 --> 00:15:24.919 It's connected with the importance of how shepherds are to protect their people 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:28.320 and not leave them vulnerable to attack. 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:32.279 To be prey for the wild beasts, as it were. 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:37.439 And we know that in scripture, when it talks about the wolf and sheep's clothing, how it is connected here. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:38.779 I mean, it keeps going on. 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:41.399 But the shepherds have fed themselves. 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:42.539 They've not fed my sheep. 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:44.240 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. 00:15:44.339 --> 00:15:44.980 Thus says the Lord. 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:46.879 I am against the shepherds. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:52.019 And I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding of sheep. 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:52.559 No. 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:55.399 No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. 00:15:55.399 --> 00:16:02.779 So it's kind of like when we're talking about this sense of a hired hand, which is in the good shepherd. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:10.720 It's important for shepherds to protect their own and not just run away when there is ravenous wolves or there's any sort of enemy. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.620 Here's what I mean. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.519 Go back to the text. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:14.860 Verse 11. 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.039 I am the good shepherd. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:18.539 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:16:18.539 --> 00:16:25.879 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd who does not own the sheep sees the wolf coming. 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:26.919 And what does he do? 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:28.899 He runs. 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:30.059 He leaves the sheep. 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:30.740 He flees. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.480 And what does the wolf do at that point? 00:16:33.319 --> 00:16:35.459 I mean, you think about this. 00:16:36.699 --> 00:16:41.599 What a very sad imagery. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:49.980 If you're being tasked, you know, and to watch over sheep and you run off and they get eaten by wolves, you're irresponsible. 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:56.360 There is a sense of responsibility that has to happen if you are a shepherd of literal sheep. 00:16:56.500 --> 00:17:07.920 But you also have to think if you are in any sort of ministerial capacity and pastoral ship, eldership, whatever it is, there is a responsibility to congregations. 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:19.860 There is a responsibility to the people to care for them to the best of your ability and to not leave them vulnerable, to not leave them, well, high and dry, as it were. 00:17:20.820 --> 00:17:23.360 And so all of this is just connected, right? 00:17:23.380 --> 00:17:25.420 We're talking about the figure of speech. 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:29.279 And then I mentioned the gatekeeper in verse 3. 00:17:30.100 --> 00:17:35.500 Someone who is also helping the shepherd protect the sheep. 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:45.259 Now, when I talk about gatekeeping for a second here, I got to be very careful with what I'm saying here, is that it's for protection. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:49.880 To protect those that are within the fold. 00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:53.140 Not to attack the sheep on the inside. 00:17:54.119 --> 00:17:58.019 It is to protect them from the enemies outside. 00:17:58.759 --> 00:18:01.259 It's to make sure, like, who are you? 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:02.160 What's going on? 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:03.920 Okay, you're one of our own. 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:04.580 Come on in. 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:05.600 Whatever that may be. 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:11.920 And so in verse 13, we're going back to the hired person, right? 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:16.180 Or the one that doesn't, that just runs off, right? 00:18:16.580 --> 00:18:19.759 He flees because he is a hired hand and he cares nothing for the sheep. 00:18:20.080 --> 00:18:20.960 I am the good shepherd. 00:18:21.100 --> 00:18:22.519 I know my own and they know me. 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:26.320 Just as the father knows me and I know the father, I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:30.539 It's talking about Christ here being the good shepherd that he lays down his life. 00:18:31.919 --> 00:18:35.119 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:38.359 I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice. 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:41.460 So there will be one flock and one shepherd. 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:46.179 Very similar to when we find one faith and one baptism. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:48.599 Very similar in that regard. 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:55.819 That there is a unity that exists across Christians, even in different Christian denominations. 00:18:56.459 --> 00:18:59.500 Some of you may come from more of a charismatic background. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:02.279 Some of you may come from a more reformed background. 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:04.619 Some of you may not even have a Christian background. 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:05.740 And that's okay. 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:11.539 What matters is that you come to know Jesus Christ and you have that relationship with him. 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:19.019 And that you grow, you let God lead you, right, as he leads the sheep into greener pastures. 00:19:19.779 --> 00:19:21.279 That is very powerful. 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:29.119 Because when it's mentioning here the other sheep, that's very interesting, very unique language for it to be shown here. 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:31.720 So there will be one flock, one sheep. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:33.399 For this reason, the father loves me. 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:35.819 I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:40.299 And no one takes it from me, but I take it down of my own accord. 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:43.700 I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it up again. 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:46.559 This charge I have received from my father. 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:52.879 So there's this kind of this connection with Christ being the chief shepherd, right? 00:19:52.940 --> 00:20:04.879 And then also the responsibility of shepherds who, that's where you sometimes find the language in some Christian denominations where Christ being the chief shepherd and pastors being referred to under shepherds. 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:07.319 A very similar type of language that happens. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:13.579 But it's still the responsibility to take care of the sheep, to take care of the congregation. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:21.139 Just as we found not only in Ezekiel, but we also find here in our main text from the Gospel of John. 00:20:22.139 --> 00:20:25.419 And so we've seen what's happening here, right? 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:27.180 We see what is happening, right? 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:31.420 The sheepfold, the gatekeeper, the sheep hear and follow the shepherd. 00:20:31.560 --> 00:20:33.180 The strangers are rejected. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:38.920 And I mean strangers as in ones that are trying to seek and destroy the sheep. 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:39.779 Okay? 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:44.779 I'm not saying that if you don't know the Lord, everybody is invited to know the Lord. 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:50.319 I'm talking specifically about the ones that are seeking to destroy the sheep. 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:57.259 Then, of course, when Christ is saying, I am the door, the thieves destroy and the shepherd offers pasture. 00:20:57.259 --> 00:21:02.440 And there's finally this rundown of the good shepherd and the hired hand. 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:05.400 That the good shepherd dies for the sheep. 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:11.680 It's that sense of dedication that Christ has for all of Christianity, for all people. 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:16.420 And we also can think in the context of the responsibility of pastors. 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.859 Let's go to the next one then. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.059 The interpretation. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:20.980 What can we learn about this? 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:25.319 Well, the number one thing is that Jesus is the door and he is the true shepherd. 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.559 Can I get an amen on that? 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.940 That's blatantly obvious. 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:28.960 It should be at least. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:29.619 Right? 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:33.220 Where we see that just as the text is saying, Jesus is the door. 00:21:33.639 --> 00:21:35.000 You got to go to the door. 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:37.940 You got to come to Christ and respond to him. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:40.859 Just as we had last week, those response stones. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:43.740 Where are you going to cast your pebble into? 00:21:43.899 --> 00:21:44.039 Right? 00:21:44.179 --> 00:21:49.679 How are you going to RSVP to the invitation for salvation for your very life? 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:51.099 That is important. 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:58.599 Knowing that it is through Christ that he is the gate to salvation and to pasture. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.079 Right? 00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:03.119 I mean security and safety and rest in him. 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:10.639 I don't know about you, but there's so many things in this world that drains you, that drains me, that drains us. 00:22:10.919 --> 00:22:13.139 Things that are insecure and unstable. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:19.920 Well, trusting in the Lord is trusting in the firm foundation, the rock of our salvation. 00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:26.180 And it's also important for us to know this idea of discernment. 00:22:26.780 --> 00:22:30.800 The sheep knowing the voice of the shepherd. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:35.560 They can distinguish the fake and phonies from the real thing. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:46.740 It's like that imagery you might hear before that in order to know what a real dollar looks like, you got to know what the real thing is before you can understand what the fake and phonies are. 00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:47.019 Right? 00:22:47.419 --> 00:22:52.559 And so when we're knowing the Lord and we're placing our trust in him, grow in discernment. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:55.019 Grow in the knowledge of the word of God. 00:22:55.419 --> 00:22:58.399 Grow in what it means to live out this faith. 00:22:58.400 --> 00:23:07.800 So you can distinguish truth from lies, light from darkness, real dollar bills from fake dollar bills, as it were, as that example. 00:23:08.040 --> 00:23:10.300 But it's this ability to discern. 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:18.480 The second thing then is the good shepherd sacrificially cares about the Lord. 00:23:18.640 --> 00:23:22.200 That he lays down his life and he takes it up again. 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:26.040 Which is a reference to the resurrection. 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:27.660 Right? 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:30.200 That he willingly is sacrificing his life. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:32.180 And on the third day he rises again. 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:35.019 This is the foundation of Christianity. 00:23:35.340 --> 00:23:37.700 This is the foundation of our faith. 00:23:38.100 --> 00:23:40.300 And that's so important for us. 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:44.519 And that Christ is not a hired hand. 00:23:45.600 --> 00:23:51.259 And also, legitimate pastors are not hired individuals. 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:54.320 They care for their congregation. 00:23:54.319 --> 00:24:02.039 They exhibit this sense of kindness, compassion, love, truth, justice, mercy. 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:03.940 All of these different things. 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:10.519 It is God working through these people to help other people come to Christ. 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:12.240 And to grow in their faith. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:14.599 All working together to get people to heaven. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:21.299 All working together to get to see to it that people are saved. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:25.019 It's just such when you look at the big picture, as it were. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:27.759 It's just kind of a, it's overwhelming. 00:24:28.379 --> 00:24:29.519 But in a good way. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:33.720 Knowing that God has a grand plan and a grand narrative. 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:35.240 And that's okay. 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:40.200 So the true shepherd mirrors the great shepherd. 00:24:40.319 --> 00:24:41.460 His courage and his care. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:43.539 They don't abandon the flock in danger. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:50.400 They stay true and they work with their own congregation. 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:55.000 And then finally, the third thing is one flock under one shepherd. 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:57.680 And the shepherd being Christ. 00:24:57.680 --> 00:25:04.200 Christ, we have to think that regardless of what denomination we are a part of. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:09.019 Regardless of what it is we have gone through or what it is we're going through. 00:25:09.560 --> 00:25:11.100 All of these things. 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:13.640 We seek the living God. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:15.539 That's what matters. 00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:19.039 We seek him and his truth, his righteousness. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:24.480 We seek the newness of life, healing and transformation that comes from God. 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:31.440 And whether you were raised a Presbyterian or an Assembly of God or United Church of Christ, 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:35.579 Disciples of Christ, Roman Catholic, whatever it is. 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:39.319 You seek Jesus Christ in faith. 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:42.059 And by golly, you grow in him. 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:44.019 Become more like him. 00:25:44.400 --> 00:25:51.620 And radiate that love, that light and that truth to others so that they too can be saved. 00:25:51.619 --> 00:25:54.239 All under one flock. 00:25:54.959 --> 00:26:00.819 The other sheep being gathered, Jesus forms a single flock from diverse backgrounds. 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:05.479 We can think for a moment when you're bringing sheep from all over the place, 00:26:06.099 --> 00:26:11.579 one flock may go through an entirely different journey than another flock. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:14.299 Some it might have been real easy. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:17.220 What rocky mountain? 00:26:18.039 --> 00:26:19.000 What hills? 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:22.099 What holes in the ground are you possibly talking about? 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:25.000 For others, it's been like, it's been nothing but that. 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:26.799 You have no idea what I've gone through. 00:26:28.159 --> 00:26:34.119 But the end point is to come to Christ in love and in unity. 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.919 Very important. 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:39.259 And so lean into that. 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:42.019 It's okay to have a different background. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.480 That's part of the body of Christ. 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:46.799 You don't want to have a room full of years, right? 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.299 Or a room full of feet. 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:52.599 You have different parts that make up the body of Christ. 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:54.819 So one shepherd. 00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:59.019 And then finally, we go to the application here. 00:27:00.419 --> 00:27:09.339 Here at Ontario Community Church, I mention it every Sunday that it's so important for us to observe the text. 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.740 What does the text say? 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.579 What in the world is going on here? 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:16.500 And the second part is to interpret it. 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:21.019 What can we learn and how can we grow in our walk with the Lord? 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:26.700 And then finally, the application is what should we do because of this? 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:30.900 The first thing then in our application is to what church? 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:33.839 To enter through the door. 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.720 Don't jump over the fence. 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:40.799 Don't try digging under it. 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.779 Go to the door. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:47.379 Especially when Christ is saying that he is the door. 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:51.180 Let's go to him directly. 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:54.400 I want to go to the source. 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:58.780 I want to go directly to God. 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:03.200 And what better way to do it than to go through Christ who is the door. 00:28:03.780 --> 00:28:08.860 Salvation begins by entering through faith in Christ. 00:28:09.580 --> 00:28:13.980 And knowing that our God is the God of abundance. 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:16.960 He gives us newness of life. 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:20.299 He gives us security and salvation in him. 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:22.460 He gives us spiritual gifting. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:27.000 Consider if you have entered through the door. 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.660 Maybe you haven't. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.059 Maybe you didn't even know there was a door. 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:32.940 Or maybe you've been trying to jump over the wall. 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:36.960 In this case, go through the door. 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:38.880 It's beautiful language. 00:28:38.880 --> 00:28:42.680 Go through so that you can go into greener pastures. 00:28:42.680 --> 00:28:52.100 When I hear of that language about green pastures and the safety and the protection of God, that's what I want for my life. 00:28:52.820 --> 00:28:53.940 I want that. 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:55.660 And I hope you do as well. 00:28:56.360 --> 00:29:00.840 The second thing then is to follow the shepherd's voice. 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:03.580 Know who God is. 00:29:04.360 --> 00:29:07.519 Know his voice and follow in his footsteps. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:10.840 Follow his direction, his leading, and his guiding. 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:19.019 And we can get to know the Lord better through the reading of scripture, through prayer, and through community. 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:26.899 You know, one of the things that I really love about being a Christian is the sense of community. 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:33.139 Us coming together, praying for one another, being present for one another. 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:39.620 Just knowing that I call you, sometimes you call me, or sometimes you don't, whatever. 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:42.360 We call each other and we can be there for each other. 00:29:42.800 --> 00:29:44.680 And the highs and the lows of life. 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:47.460 And that's a beautiful thing. 00:29:48.040 --> 00:29:49.340 To be together. 00:29:50.060 --> 00:29:52.700 To be united in Christ and to know that. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:56.259 Celebrate when good things are happening in your life. 00:29:56.259 --> 00:30:02.240 It's okay to be present when something bad is happening as well. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:07.259 Whether that's sickness or that's health or whatever it is. 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:14.099 Knowing that your brothers and sisters in Christ or other sheep, if you will, are there for you. 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:16.359 Is a wonderful image. 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:27.859 Sometimes, and very often, we find that the relationships we build within the walls of the church are unlike any other relationship. 00:30:29.479 --> 00:30:31.019 And that's a beautiful thing. 00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:33.359 I mean, think about that. 00:30:33.479 --> 00:30:39.379 Think about how important it is. 00:30:40.219 --> 00:30:41.259 The sense of community. 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:45.439 May we tune our ears to the voice of Christ. 00:30:45.440 --> 00:30:50.059 Just like how so often scripture says, he who has ears, let him hear. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:53.779 When you first read that, you're like, I've got ears, dude. 00:30:53.860 --> 00:30:55.259 Like, what do you mean? 00:30:56.140 --> 00:31:02.100 Being open to the spiritual lessons that's found from scripture, that's found from the Lord. 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:05.100 And to teach us to flee from strangers. 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:07.460 You don't want to run out of the gate. 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.880 And sometimes we do. 00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:14.039 And sometimes the Lord will chase, the Lord will chase after us. 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:17.599 In those times where we may not know what we're doing. 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:21.980 I mean, isn't it interesting that even the Lord said on the cross, Father, forgive them. 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:23.019 They don't know what they're doing. 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:26.119 What fascinating words. 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:30.920 And how often do we not know what we're doing? 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:36.039 We may think we know at first, but later on, you're like, I really didn't know what I was doing. 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.460 And God, you certainly did. 00:31:37.460 --> 00:31:38.440 I should have listened to you. 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:40.920 It's very important for us. 00:31:41.880 --> 00:31:43.660 To follow the shepherd's voice. 00:31:45.340 --> 00:31:49.259 Now, the last thing I put on here is to shepherd the people and to guard the door. 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:56.740 It's important to know that for all of us, as we grow in Christ, that we are to continue in the work of the ministry for others. 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:59.359 The ministry of presence, for example. 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:02.120 Being there for someone. 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:09.740 Sometimes it's just sitting next to someone, praying with them, offering a word of encouragement, scripture verses. 00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:12.460 Other times it's through service. 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:16.120 Helping those that are hungry, giving them food. 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:19.380 Or giving someone clothes when they're in need. 00:32:19.380 --> 00:32:26.460 Other times, when we think of ministry, it's sharing the gospel message. 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:29.200 Sharing that with other people. 00:32:30.100 --> 00:32:34.140 Sharing in the words of your testimony and saying how God has worked in your life. 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:36.080 There are many ways to do that. 00:32:37.140 --> 00:32:41.360 We are all called to be ministers of the gospel. 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:47.160 To share in the truth of Christ and the love that comes from him as well. 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:52.759 Many of you may know someone who doesn't know the Lord. 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:56.000 Think of how you can be that example. 00:32:57.060 --> 00:33:01.180 Think of how you can pray for their heart to be softened. 00:33:02.140 --> 00:33:05.140 So that they can receive salvation in Christ. 00:33:06.800 --> 00:33:09.880 So I put shepherd the people and guard the door, right? 00:33:09.940 --> 00:33:14.500 There's this sense of shepherding others and also guarding the door. 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:20.500 At times it is important as well to be on your guard. 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:22.799 To be protective. 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:26.819 Just as it says when we talk about discernment to test every spirit. 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:30.680 There's a lot of verses that talk about this sense of protection. 00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:35.660 Just in the same way that we balance grace and truth, 00:33:36.140 --> 00:33:39.160 we have to balance guarding, protecting, 00:33:39.160 --> 00:33:44.240 and shepherding, exhibiting the love of Christ. 00:33:46.380 --> 00:33:51.279 And so just think of these things and how you can minister to others. 00:33:51.820 --> 00:33:53.600 It might be speaking truth. 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:56.420 It might just be being present. 00:33:57.259 --> 00:34:01.779 It might be loving someone who the world thinks is unlovable. 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:04.920 It might be sharing the gospel message. 00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:07.759 Think of someone you know. 00:34:08.500 --> 00:34:11.440 Think of someone this week that you can talk to. 00:34:12.300 --> 00:34:15.920 And so let us listen and follow the shepherd's voice. 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:20.639 Let us enter through the gate and live for him. 00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:23.219 Let Christ dwell in us. 00:34:23.759 --> 00:34:28.159 And let us welcome other sheep into his rest and care. 00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:30.019 It's so important. 00:34:30.119 --> 00:34:34.139 And I want to close with that verse in John chapter 10, 00:34:34.379 --> 00:34:36.619 verse 14 to 16, 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:38.539 where Christ says, 00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:40.219 I am the good shepherd. 00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:43.379 I know my own and my own know me. 00:34:43.739 --> 00:34:46.619 Just as the father knows me and I know the father, 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:48.839 I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:34:49.359 --> 00:34:51.639 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. 00:34:51.879 --> 00:34:53.559 I must bring them also. 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:55.839 And they will listen to my voice. 00:34:55.840 --> 00:34:59.780 So there will be one flock and one shepherd. 00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:01.420 Let's pray together. 00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:03.900 And Father God, 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:09.160 we thank you for this time and this opportunity for us to gather together in this place. 00:35:10.220 --> 00:35:11.840 We're grateful for your word. 00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:14.860 And we're grateful for the things that we can see, 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:17.539 the things that we can learn and the things that we can do. 00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:19.260 I ask, 00:35:19.500 --> 00:35:19.559 Father, 00:35:19.660 --> 00:35:22.220 that there is a sense of unity in this place. 00:35:22.219 --> 00:35:29.899 I'm grateful for every single person that is here this morning in person and those that are there online. 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:31.699 Father, 00:35:31.799 --> 00:35:35.480 I don't know what it is every single person here is going through, 00:35:35.579 --> 00:35:36.459 but you sure do. 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:39.379 You offer safety and security. 00:35:39.380 --> 00:35:41.800 You offer salvation. 00:35:43.599 --> 00:35:47.500 And you invite all of us in to go through the gate. 00:35:48.140 --> 00:35:50.019 For your door is open. 00:35:50.820 --> 00:35:52.140 May we see the door. 00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:54.320 And may we go through it. 00:35:54.940 --> 00:35:57.300 May we enter green pastures. 00:35:58.420 --> 00:36:00.920 May we be with the flock. 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:08.139 May we appreciate with this sense of gratitude who you are, 00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:09.800 what you have done, 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:11.880 and what you continue to do. 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:15.340 Be with us as we close. 00:36:16.220 --> 00:36:17.240 We love you, 00:36:17.340 --> 00:36:17.519 Father. 00:36:17.920 --> 00:36:19.099 We praise you. 00:36:19.220 --> 00:36:19.980 We thank you. 00:36:20.500 --> 00:36:21.940 And we glorify you. 00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:25.860 It is in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.740 the chief shepherd, 00:36:28.420 --> 00:36:29.180 that we pray. 00:36:29.179 --> 00:36:30.799 And we all say together, 00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:31.859 Amen. 00:36:34.299 --> 00:36:38.159 Thank you for listening for this week's message from Ontario Community Church. 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:42.960 I pray that you are encouraged and strengthened in your walk with Christ. 00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:45.000 For more sermons and resources, 00:36:45.639 --> 00:36:48.299 visit OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:36:48.819 --> 00:36:53.319 May God bless you as you live out his grace and truth every single day. 00:36:59.179 --> 00:37:00.000 Amen. 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.000 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:29.980 Thank you.