What is the greatest need of the church? Some may say that we need better music. Some may say that we need better preaching. Some may say that we need to be more relevant. Some may say that we need to be more outward focused and missional. Others may say that we need to return…

One of the greatest needs of the local church is the development of a culture of serving. In this consumerism society in which we live, it is often expected that the church is here to serve me and meet my needs, rather than me serving the church. The Bible is clear that we are one…

Every now and then I enjoy a good road trip. It is fun to travel to new places and see new things. As you are traveling, it is important to pay attention to the road signs, particularly the mile signs. It is helpful to know how far you are from your destination. As you get…

Many of us love watching a big entrance. The celebratory performances leading up to the start of ballgame is half the fun of going to the game. Growing up I loved seeing the starting line-ups announced for the Chicago Bulls. As a young teenager, I would dream of being there in person. What child did…

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead He is found in Bethany where Lazarus lived and there He attended a dinner that was held in His honor. Perhaps the dinner was to celebrate the raising of Lazarus. At the dinner, Martha is serving the guests while Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. While…

Have you ever been at a place in your life where you just had enough? Too many things have piled up. The burdens are too heavy. You feel pressure coming from all sides. No matter what you do, it seems as if you can never win. Just as soon as you think things are on…

We have reached a climatic point in our study of the Gospel of John. The raising of Lazarus is the final sign given to the Jewish people before the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. There are two cycles of miracles or signs seen in the Gospel of John. At the beginning of the Gospel…

James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”[1] Which is the greater sin: doing something evil or not doing something that is good? Sin is not just the bad things that we do. Sin is also the good things that we fail…

We have seen John 10:2-21 how the Good Shepherd gives, knows, provides, protects, and unites the sheep. In John 10:22-42, the focus is now on the sheep. Here we find that the sheep: believe, are known, follow, live, and are secure. The setting is at the feast of dedication. “Like the earlier Tabernacles Feast, this…

Working as a Shepherd was a common occupation in the middle east. The people of Israel knew all too well the workings of keeping sheep. Jesus uses this common practice to teach a very valuable lesson to the people. He compares and contrasts the work of the good Shepherd versus the work of the hireling…