Celebrating Growth: Embracing Our Role as Shepherds
Summary
Happy third birthday, Alon Church! Reflecting on our journey, it's been a remarkable three years filled with God's guidance and miraculous growth. We began as a small group, moving from Florida to Illinois, and faced challenges like starting during a pandemic with only Zoom hangouts. Yet, God provided, and we found spaces to gather, from a derelict church building to Naperville Settlement, and eventually to our current home. Our journey has been marked by growth, from a church of two to a vibrant community with multiple services. This is just the beginning, and I am optimistic about what God has in store for us.
Today, we explored the meaning behind our church's name, Alon, which is rooted in John 10. This passage highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd, contrasting Him with the religious leaders of His time. Jesus speaks plainly and directly, calling us to repentance and alignment with God's ways. The core of the gospel is change, and a fruitful life requires a posture of repentance. We are called to live life God's way, acknowledging Jesus as the supreme authority.
In John 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to illustrate His relationship with us. He is the gate, the protector, and the one who leads us to abundant life, or "zoe." This life is not just about physical existence but a deep, spiritual life that begins now. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us, ensuring our eternal security. His resurrection assures us that He is alive, guiding and protecting us.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be shepherds, caring for others and leading by example. This involves showing up, being present, and serving others selflessly. Our community groups are an opportunity for each of us to shepherd one another, fostering a culture of care and support. Let us not come to church for the perks but because Jesus is worthy and calls us to be part of His church. Join a group, be a blessing, and follow the path Jesus has paved for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Journey of Faith and Growth: Our church's journey from a small group to a thriving community is a testament to God's faithfulness and guidance. Despite challenges, we have grown and thrived, reminding us that with God, all things are possible. This journey encourages us to trust in God's timing and provision. [00:54]
2. The Call to Repentance: At the heart of the gospel is the call to repentance and change. Jesus speaks directly to the areas in our lives that need alignment with God's ways. A fruitful life requires a continual posture of repentance, seeking to live life God's way rather than our own. [04:47]
3. Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads us to abundant life, offering protection and guidance. His role as the gate signifies His authority and care, ensuring our security and freedom. This metaphor challenges us to recognize His voice and follow His lead. [09:54]
4. The Power of the Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection is central to our faith, affirming that He is alive and active in our lives today. Unlike any other leader, Jesus' victory over death assures us of eternal life and His ongoing presence and power. [20:55]
5. Our Role as Shepherds: We are called to be shepherds, caring for others and leading by example. This involves being present, serving selflessly, and fostering a community of care and support. Our community groups provide a space for us to live out this calling, being a blessing to others. [24:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:54] - Reflecting on Three Years
- [02:23] - Growth and New Beginnings
- [03:49] - The Meaning Behind Alon
- [04:47] - The Call to Repentance
- [05:46] - Living God's Way
- [09:54] - Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- [14:19] - The Gate and Abundant Life
- [16:54] - Understanding Zoe
- [17:50] - The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice
- [19:06] - Unity in Christ
- [20:55] - The Power of Resurrection
- [24:29] - Our Role as Shepherds
- [26:05] - Community and Care
- [29:26] - Invitation to Join a Group
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 10:1-18
Observation Questions:
1. What challenges did Alon Church face during its early days, and how did the community overcome them? [00:54]
2. How does Jesus describe His relationship with His followers in John 10, and what roles does He fulfill? [09:54]
3. What does the metaphor of Jesus as the "gate" signify in terms of His authority and care for His followers? [14:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community groups in the church, and what purpose do they serve? [26:05]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the journey of Alon Church reflects God's faithfulness and guidance? [02:23]
2. How does the call to repentance in the sermon challenge individuals to align their lives with God's ways? [04:47]
3. What implications does Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd have for understanding His care and protection over His followers? [17:50]
4. How does the sermon interpret the power of Jesus' resurrection in the context of His ongoing presence and activity in believers' lives? [20:55]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you see God's guidance and provision during that period? How can this encourage you in your current circumstances? [00:54]
2. The sermon emphasizes a continual posture of repentance. What specific area in your life might need realignment with God's ways, and how can you take steps toward change this week? [05:46]
3. Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to better recognize His voice in your life? [09:54]
4. Consider the role of community groups as spaces for shepherding and care. How can you actively contribute to fostering a supportive and caring environment in your group? [26:05]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of serving others selflessly. Identify one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, and commit to taking that action. [24:29]
6. Reflect on the concept of abundant life ("zoe") as described in the sermon. What steps can you take to experience this fullness of life in your daily walk with Christ? [16:54]
7. How can you ensure that your motivation for attending church and participating in community groups is centered on Jesus' worthiness rather than personal benefits? [29:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing and Provision
Our journey of faith is often marked by challenges and uncertainties, yet it is in these moments that we witness God's faithfulness and guidance. The story of Alon Church's growth from a small group to a thriving community is a testament to this truth. Despite starting during a pandemic and facing numerous obstacles, the church has experienced miraculous growth and provision. This journey encourages us to trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that with Him, all things are possible. As we reflect on our own lives, we are reminded to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan. [00:54]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively trust in God's timing and provision in this situation today?
Day 2: Embracing a Life of Repentance
At the heart of the gospel is the call to repentance and change. Jesus speaks directly to the areas in our lives that need alignment with God's ways. A fruitful life requires a continual posture of repentance, seeking to live life God's way rather than our own. This involves acknowledging our shortcomings and turning away from them, allowing God to transform us from the inside out. As we embrace this call to repentance, we open ourselves to the abundant life that Jesus offers, a life marked by spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [04:47]
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life that needs realignment with God's ways. What steps can you take today to begin this process of repentance and change?
Day 3: Following the Good Shepherd
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads us to abundant life, offering protection and guidance. His role as the gate signifies His authority and care, ensuring our security and freedom. This metaphor challenges us to recognize His voice and follow His lead, trusting that He knows what is best for us. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are invited to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, who calls us by name and leads us to green pastures. In following Him, we find true fulfillment and purpose, living a life that reflects His love and grace. [09:54]
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you attune your heart to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in your daily life?
Day 4: Living in the Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith, affirming that He is alive and active in our lives today. Unlike any other leader, Jesus' victory over death assures us of eternal life and His ongoing presence and power. This truth empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. As we embrace the power of the resurrection, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with God, and we are called to live in the light of this reality, sharing the hope of the resurrection with those around us. [20:55]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection influence your perspective on challenges and opportunities you face today?
Day 5: Shepherding Others with Love and Care
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be shepherds, caring for others and leading by example. This involves being present, serving selflessly, and fostering a community of care and support. Our community groups provide a space for us to live out this calling, being a blessing to others. By showing up and being present in the lives of those around us, we reflect the love and care of the Good Shepherd. Let us embrace this role with joy and commitment, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. [24:29]
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly." (1 Peter 5:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to offer support and care? How can you be a shepherd to them in a practical way?
Quotes
"Alon Church started with a church of two, and God spoke to us and said, move to Chicagoland and start a church. And we said, okay. And then we sensed God was saying not yet, so we spent a couple years on staff at a friend's church in Florida. And by the time we got up to Illinois, we were already a church of four. We had literally doubled in size. Miraculous multiplication. Supernatural." [00:00:24] (24 seconds)
"If anybody remembers 2020 and 2021, especially in Illinois, full lockdowns everywhere. And so the only thing we could start doing was Zoom hangouts. And Sonara, you were the second person who ever booked a Zoom hangout, and you are still here to this day. Let's give it up for Sonara. Say whoop, whoop, it's your birthday." [00:00:54] (26 seconds)
"At the core of the gospel message is this. It is repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Repent means change. So if you just want to be told that you're awesome and everything is amazing and there's nothing in you that needs to change, don't follow Jesus. Because Jesus will speak directly to the things in us that need to shift, that need to come into alignment." [00:04:47] (21 seconds)
"And every single shepherd would bring their sheep into the pen, they would load them in, and they would hold their rod or their staff out, and each sheep would pass through that opening individually. And when they did, the shepherd would inspect it. They would look for disease, any abnormalities, any problems, and they would inspect them one by one." [00:10:28] (20 seconds)
"Jesus says I have the authority to lay my life down and to pick it back up speaking of his resurrection and this is huge for us because a dead Shepherd cannot help you in the future Jesus Christ is a good Shepherd who is not dead he is alive this is the power of the resurrection and this separates followers of Jesus from every other faith on the planet." [00:21:12] (24 seconds)
"You and I are called to be like Jesus, not just to worship him, but to follow him and be like him, to do what he did. And so you and I similarly must become shepherds. In 1 Peter it says, to the elders among you, I appeal to you as a fellow elder and a follower of the Lord. I appeal to you as a fellow elder and a follower a witness of Christ's sufferings, who also will share in the glory to be revealed." [00:24:29] (23 seconds)
"Opening up our life, caring, pastoring, shepherding, not just looking after our own needs, but looking to the needs of others, not trying to get from, but trying to give to. And I promise you each and every person who says you know what i'm not going to walk into whether it's church on sunday or a community group or even a coffee or a lunch or a dinner looking to get something from people anytime we walk in saying how can i be a blessing how can i give to others how can i help be a blessing to them i promise you it will come back to you so much more and you will be so much more blessed by walking in with that mindset of looking to be a servant rather than looking to take so be like jesus be a shepherd." [00:26:05] (43 seconds)
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