An examination of the character of Christ's true sheep. In this study, we learn Christ's sheep are outcasts to worldly religion. But to be an out cast for Christ's sake is, in fact, a cause for rejoicing for we suffer for his name- and in his name, we also overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. In the end, we win.

How can I know I am among Christ's sheep- One of the leading characteristics of those who belong to Christ is faithfulness to his name and to his work in them. This, too, is a work of saving grace. For whatever faithfulness we display is, in truth, a participation in the faithfulness of Christ -Galatians 2-20-.

Are you among Christ's sheep- This is an examination of the second of five characteristics common to those Christ calls his own sheep. These leading characteristics are based upon the response of a man born blind whom Jesus healed and came to confess belief in Jesus.

This is the conclusion of the previous message, -Are You Christ's Sheep-- In that message we examined how it is Christ calls his sheep, and how understanding this will assure us that we are in fact his sheep, or reveal that we have yet to come to saving faith in Christ as our good Shepherd.

To speak of the good Shepherd calling his sheep out from among apostate religion requires that you know you belong to him. In this message, we begin a five-part examination of Christ's call and the effects of that call upon his own sheep.

In this message we examine the -We- in the ministry of Jesus in John 9-4. Here is Jesus is calling his disciples to make a clean break with apostate rabbinic Judiasm, and to join him in doing the works of God- works of calling, healing, reconciliation, mercy, and regeneration. And so also, every Christian today is called to make a clean break with the apostasy within global Christianity and instead, do the ministry of Jesus in the power of the Spirit. It is then the world will see Jesus again as the light of the world.

A reminder that Christ is the light of the world, and that his light leads you out from the counterfeit Christianity of the -angel of light,- that is, Satan. Christ proclaimed himself the light of the world, something Pharisees believed themselves to be. The stage was therefore set for conflict. Where will you be found- With Christ or with the angel of light and his human agents-

In this message we examine the biblical principle of being a people called out to Christ. The Greek word -ekklesia- translated as -Church- is better translated, -Called out assembly or congregation.- By grace alone, through faith alone, you are called to leave the world -including worldly religion- and be united to Christ the obedient Son who himself came out from and suffered at the hands of apostate religion. We must therefore follow in his blood-stained footsteps.

We continue here to build the theological, historic, and biblical context for the study of the good Shepherd in John 9-1-10-30. There has never been a time in redemptive history in which God's people were not plagued by false religion. This series presents the call of Christ, our good Shepherd, to hear his voice and come out of the present apostasy within global Christianity.

In this first message in the series entitled, -Following Jesus Out-- we begin to build the historic, theological, and biblical context for coming out from false Christianity. We are called out, and we are called to hear the voice of our good Shepherd and enjoy new intimacy with him, and a new depth of fellowship with each other as we await his return.