The Good Shepherd - John 10:16
The sermon emphasizes the grace and security found in Christ as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock.
Bernard Fell preaches about the unity of believers under Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who brings salvation and eternal life to all nations. He emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation, His protection over His people, and His faithfulness in keeping His promises. The sermon highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, where He guides, comforts, and leads them to safety, banishing all fear. Ultimately, believers are assured of being securely kept by the Great Shepherd, entering His eternal dwelling and experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.
Text
There shall be one flock,
and one Shepherd.
John 10:16
The Good Shepherd comes! O measureless grace!
Is not this the Christ, Whose wonders we trace?
Proclaim the glad tidings, the Saviour adore,
He bringeth salvation, and life evermore.
Reclaiming the lost, He sank in deep mire;
To seek and to save, He passed through the fire;
Triumphant He rose, and set firm on the Rock,
The sheep of all nations, comprising His flock.
The earth He suspends on nothing in space,
And stretches the heavens like curtains of lace;
The stars in their courses, He holds in His hands,
The oceans unfathomed. all nations and lands.
Why art thou cast down, why yield to despair,
When numberless worlds are safe in His care?
Earth's kingdoms may tremble with tottering throne,
Securely He guards from all danger His own.
The mountains He weighs, being girded with might,
The eagle to mount, with keenest of sight;
The battle-horse clothes, with its quivering mane,
The glittering spear, and the shield to disdain.
Preserved by such power, no sheep can be lost,
Redeemed by His blood, the infinite cost;
Upon His strong shoulders, in safety to keep,
The Shepherd clasps firmly the feeblest of sheep.
He parteth with skill, dispelling the night,
In colourful beams, the ray of pure light,
Reflected in beauty upon the dark cloud,
Encircled by rainbow, with mercy endowed.
Yon sun's shining face would never arise,
And stars, disarrayed, would fall from the skies;
The blackness of darkness would ever prevail,
If only one promise, so precious, should fail!
"My sheep hear My voice", how tender His tone!
He knows, and He names, each one of His own;
Beside the still waters, in pasture-lands sweet,
He leadeth the flock, to recline at His feet.
If lightning should flash, with thunderous roar,
And sullen dark clouds, the rain-storm outpour,
To comfort, and strengthen, this Shepherd is near;
Let faith rise in triumph, and banish all fear.
The Great Shepherd comes! we enter the door,
The house of the Lord, to dwell evermore.
He carries the lambs in His bosom of love,
All safely transported to heaven above.
What joy to behold His beautiful face!
To know with full hearts, O God of all grace,
The sheep that Thou gavest, brought Home at such cost,
Are with Him in glory, not one of them lost!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the Good Shepherd - The significance of 'one flock and one Shepherd' - The grace of Christ in salvation
- II points: - God's sovereignty over creation - His power in maintaining order - The assurance of His care for His sheep
- III points: - The security of the redeemed - The cost of redemption - The Shepherd's commitment to His flock
- IV points: - The Shepherd's guidance and comfort - The promise of His presence in trials - Faith in the Shepherd dispels fear
- V points: - The joy of eternal life with the Shepherd - The beauty of His love and grace - The assurance of being brought home
Key Quotes
“The Good Shepherd comes! O measureless grace!” — Bernard Fell
“My sheep hear My voice, how tender His tone!” — Bernard Fell
“The sheep that Thou gavest, brought Home at such cost, are with Him in glory, not one of them lost!” — Bernard Fell