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Assembled: Church as a Flock

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Apr 5, 2021 • 33m

radiantvisalia.com
Exploring the biblical images of the Church. What does Church as a Flock look like?

Scripture: John 10:11-18, Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 53, Revelation 7:17, 1 Peter 2:21-25

Intro:

  • Humorous opening about bringing a sheep to church.
  • Expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence.
  • Context of the sermon series: unpacking metaphors of the church during separation.
  • Recap of previous sermon (personal testimony).
  • Question: If the church had a mascot, what would it be? (Sheep).

Why Sheep?

  • Sheep are mentioned extensively in the Bible (over 400 times).
  • Analogy to UC Santa Cruz's mascot (banana slug) to illustrate symbolism.
  • Sheep as a metaphor for human neediness and impressionability.
  • Neediness: 
    • Humans are needier than they admit.
    • Sheep are utterly dependent on their shepherd.
    • Jesus' compassion for the crowd "like sheep without a shepherd" (Mark).
    • Sheep need flock, food, protection, guidance.
  • Impressionability: 
    • Humans have a "herd mentality."
    • Example of sheep following each other off a cliff.
    • Social pressure and conformity are powerful forces.
    • Question: Who are you following?
    • Acknowledging human neediness and impressionability as a step towards God.

The Good Shepherd:

  • Jesus' "I am" statement: "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11).
  • Context: Israel's history of bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34).
  • God's promise to personally shepherd his people.
  • Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise.
  • Characteristics of the Good Shepherd: 
    • Leads, protects, feeds, speaks, cares, provides.
    • Lays down his life for the sheep (unlike the hired hand).
    • Knows his sheep intimately.
    • Gathers all his sheep into one flock.
  • Jesus as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb: 
    • Prophesied by Isaiah 53 and proclaimed by John the Baptist.
    • The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
    • The Lamb who administers judgment and cleanses wickedness (Revelation).
    • Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate act of love and leadership.

Application:

  • Call to surrender to Jesus as Lord and Shepherd.
  • Acknowledge human neediness and dependence on God.
  • Resist the urge to be self-sufficient and independent.
  • Embrace Jesus' care and leadership.
  • Reflection on Jesus' humility and sacrifice during Holy Week.
  • 1 Peter 2:21-25: Christ's example and our return to the Shepherd.
  • Prayer for surrender, trust, and the gathering of the flock.

Closing:

  • Invitation for prayer for those needing to submit to Jesus or reconcile with others.
  • Encouragement to invite others to church.
  • Reminder about nursery pickup.

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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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