"A CALL TO THE FLOCK"
Intro: God's blessing and goodness. The nature of human or material is to deteriorate. "Having begun in the Spirit..."
I. THE PROFESSION OF THE FLOCK.
A. Jehovah is our God.
1. He is the only true and living God.
2. He has manifested Himself in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We accept Him as our Lord forever.
a. The carnally wise have created another.
1. One without justice or righteousness.
2. One who will not punish sin.
3. One who is weak & effeminate.
a. Read of Venus & Apollo.
B. We are His people.
1. We were chosen by Him before the foundation of the world was laid.
2. He has redeemed us from our sins.
a. Born again into His family.
b. We are not our own.
c. Our bands & fetters are broken - no longer slaves to habits or self.
1. Now servants of God.
C. God is with us - Emanuel.
1. We believe that Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.
2. That God took the form of a man and dwelt among men - became next of kin.
3. That God is with us this day by His Holy Spirit - His presence is here.
4. Jehovah is our God. oppo. New thought of God no god of infidelism.
Every profession should leave some proof.
II. OUR PROOF FROM GOD. "THUS THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I JEHOVAH AM WITH THEM."
A. How shall they know?
1. By the presence of God among us.
B. God's presence manifested by -
1. Vs. 11 - "The gathering in of the scattered."
a. Many here today who, just a few days or weeks or months ago were walking in darkness.
b. Conversions not from my preaching.
1. The sheep are begetting the sheep.
2. Vs. 15 - "The feeding of the flock".
a. Our gatherings are times of feasting.
1. The Holy Spirit is imparting the Word.
2. We greet one another with - wow! The Spirit was surely speaking today.
b. This is not the case everywhere.
1. Many flocks starving.
3. Vs. 15 - The healing of the sick.
a. Both spiritually & physically.
4. Jesus Christ is honored. vs. 24.
a. We labor to bring souls to Jesus.
1. Not to some sect or ism.
b. Jesus is our Prince.
1. Not some pope or bishop or council.
5. Vs. 25 - Covenant of peace. Glorious peace of mind & rest.
6. Showers of blessings. vs. 26.
III. SINCE GOD IS WITH US, IT BEHOOVES US TO BE CAREFUL OF OUR WALK.