Sermon Guide

The Good Shepherd: Oneness in Action

June 8, 2025
Dr. Allen Holmes
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There are two roads—one leads to life, and one to destruction. The people of God—Abraham, Moses, David, and the disciples—had to choose their road. So do we. The invitation is the same: walk with God, know His voice, follow His lead. He is not only the way, but also the Gate, the Shepherd, and the Goal of our lives.

REVIEW: Jesus is the Gate. 

  • READ: John 10:9 — “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.”
  • DISCUSS: Where in your life are you tempted to look for security or meaning outside of Jesus? What would it look like to trust Him as the only Gate?

REVIEW: Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

  • READ: John 10:2-5, 10–11 –– ”But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger… I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
  • DISCUSS: How have you seen Jesus lead you personally? What part of His shepherding care is most meaningful to you right now?

REVIEW: Jesus is the Goal.

  • READ: John 10:14 –– “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.”
  • DISCUSS: Jesus doesn’t just want your belief—He wants your heart. How can you cultivate deeper intimacy with Him this week?

REVIEW: Gospel Reflection.

  • READ: Psalm 23 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
  • DISCUSS: Where do you see the Shepherd’s goodness and mercy pursuing you lately? How does this remind you of the love of Christ?

  ASK:

What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?

PRAY:
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd—You lead us, speak to us, protect us, and lay down Your life for us. Forgive us when we try to run ahead or live apart from Your voice. Teach us to slow down, to listen, and to follow. Let us experience the joy of walking with You and the power of Your presence shaping every part of our lives. Make us a people who live in oneness with You. In Your name, Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND:
This week, take one intentional step to walk with the Good Shepherd:

  • Pause to Listen: Take 10 minutes in silence to ask, “Jesus, what are You saying to me today?”
  • Practice Presence: Cut out one distraction and be more present to God and people.
  • Pursue Oneness: Schedule time for intentional prayer or Scripture reading this week.
  • Share Your Shepherd: Talk about what God is doing in your life with someone who needs hope.
  • Join a Group: Commit to community where you can hear and follow God together.

Jesus doesn’t just lead from afar—He walks with us. Will you follow Him more closely this week?

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