Reach Community Church Heath Caddell

You were not made to muscle through this world; you were not made to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. No matter how much our culture tells you otherwise. We were made for community. We were made to help each other along the way. If you are here this morning, I hope you see the need for others to help encourage you to take the next step in your faith. When everything is working correctly, this is a shared experience. You, at times, get the opportunity to encourage others; on the other side, you get to be encouraged by others. I know this isn’t a perfect world, and we don’t always get it right, but this is why we look for the truth in the word of God. This morning, we get to see how a minor player in the story gets to leave a significant legacy. 

How awesome would it be to walk with Jesus in person? Life would be easier if he were always with me. I would make much better decisions and choices. He would be there when I had a question or concern to bring me understanding and clarity. Jesus told his disciples that he was leaving, but in that same breath, he told them that it was to their benefit because he would send another helper/comforter/counselor to stay by their side when he was gone. Another of the same kind of Jesus. What if I told you that you have something better than the physical presence of Jesus afforded to you right now? The question is, what will you do with HIM? 

How do you make it through a typical day? How do you make it through your worst day? How you answer these question will determine the outcome. Let me confess here that I am a work in progress. I am still figuring out how to live completely in the trust of the Lord and handle every overwhelming situation with grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit. Today, we will learn from a man who faced many impossible situations. Some he navigated well, and others could have done better.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. That statement offers us so much hope. Today's text comes from John 10. Jesus will continue to open our understanding of his divinity, leadership, and the world's desire to call you another way. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He calls for us to trust, believe, and obey him. That path will be challenging, but it is the only one that will produce the fruit from the Father. His voice is calling you to come. What are you going to do?

Moms know us better than anyone else. They aren't fooled like others. They know a fake cry from a real one. They also see our potential better than anyone else. And their mission in life is to see their children succeed. They have a way of seeing the truth that is hidden. So, what does this have to do with Jesus's first miracle? A few things. First, we see a mother who knows what is hidden from everyone about her son. Second, we glimpse who Jesus is and what He came to do. Jesus is always working his Father's will to open his children's eyes. 

Disciples Follow Jesus!! That is the plain and simple truth. If you are not following Jesus, are you his Disciple? Look what Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 ….“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Today, we will look at the invitation Jesus gave us to follow. We are all following something; let us intentionally follow Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our Faith. If you need Faith, it will be found and experienced as you follow.