Hope Church (Dubuque)

Today we dive into our final sermon in our series. Pastor Ross brings us into the intimate moments surrounding Lazarus' resurrection, inviting us to ponder our own relationship with Jesus. The message resonates deeply as it unveils Jesus' declaration of being the resurrection and the life, offering not just a future hope but a transformative present reality. As the sermon draws to a close, Pastor Ross extends a heartfelt invitation for each listener to consider where they stand in our belief in Jesus.

Jesus, walking with his disciples, describes himself as the true vine and God as the gardener, with his followers as the branches. He stresses that their main task is to abide in him. Abiding means finding identity, growing in communion, and obeying his commands. It's about recognizing dependency on him for life and purpose.

In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, Jesus offers peace, promise, and comfort to his disciples. He assures them of his identity as God in the flesh, promising them a place prepared in heaven. Jesus emphasizes that he alone is the way to God the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life.

Emphasizing the qualities of a Good Shepherd – guiding, protecting, nurturing, and sacrificing for the sheep – the sermon calls on the audience to recognize and follow Jesus as their true Shepherd. We are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call, submit to his authority, recognize his voice, and follow him as their caring and sacrificing Shepherd.

Todays sermon delves into John 10:1-10, where Jesus uses a shepherd and gate metaphor. Initially, the religious leaders don't grasp the analogy, prompting Jesus to clarify that he is the gate for the sheep. The sermon unfolds in two parts: Jesus as the Door of Protection and the Door of Opportunity.