Are You Connected?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

Are You Connected?

There exists an intimate relationship between Jesus and His sheep.

His sheep FOLLOW Him

His sheep HEAR His VOICE.

Is Jesus Christ YOUR Shepherd?

Are you one of His sheep?

Are you FOLLOWING Him?

Do your HEAR and obey His VOICE?

Illustration: Cell Tower

The cell phone or “mobile phone” has become a modern necessity. It enables people to connect to others without the need for hard line (wire) connections. Cell connection depends upon:

1. Source: God / Jesus the Good Shepherd

2. Signal: The voice of the Good Shepherd

3. Receiver: You and me

Do You Want to Be Connected?

The Good Shepherd is gathering His sheep. He is the ONLY way to the Father.

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

He is calling to those who are lost.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Do you hear His voice?

Do you hear Him calling YOUR name?

John 10:3 NKJV

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Have You Lost Connection?

Have you lost your connection with God?

Do you no longer hear His voice?

Common reasons for losing your connection with God.

Sin

Delayed obedience (still disobedience)

Unbelief (unwilling to believe and act upon what God has said)

Unforgiveness

Distractions (Obstructions)

Distance (Not spending time)

Not reading and studying God’s word. He speaks to us through His word.

Reconnecting with God

Recognize the disconnection

Repent of the cause

1 John 1:9 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Return to God in full surrender

James 4:8 NKJV

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Are You Connected?

Are You Connected?