Jesus: The Good Shepherd , Are You His Sheep? Jesus: The Good Shepherd , do you listen to his voice?

[Johann]

Jesus gave us parables about works bearing fruits how they are important to prove we do indeed love him and follow him. just believe and do nothing will not cut it. We must show out light to the world by example, parables on this also, but many forget the words of Christ. How unfortunate.

According to the Scriptures you are speaking truth brother.

 

[Johann]

The simple truth is that if you are reborn, you will be different. You will do works of righteousness in faith. Otherwise, no regeneration, if you are not changed.

Much love!

Revelation 20:12 (NKJV): "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."

Revelation 22:12 (NKJV): "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

 

[FaithWillDo]

Faith Without Works Is Dead​

Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be yewarmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Joe, all the threatening verses you use may apply to you, unfortunately you are nor aware and follow paul instead of Christ to Whom all authority was given and Who will judge us.

Paul will not judge you, Christ will.

Dear Jesusfollower,

I have already been judged by Christ. Christ's judgment immediately followed my receiving of the Latter Rain of the Spirit.

As for works of faith, they are the evidence of a person's salvation - they do not cause it.

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Isa 26:12 O Jehovah, thou appointest peace to us, for, all our works also thou hast wrought for us.

If you are claiming any good works that you do as your own, you are stealing from Christ and are still under the Law.

Joe

 

[Johann]

Dear Jesusfollower,

I have already been judged by Christ. Christ's judgment immediately followed my receiving of the Latter Rain of the Spirit.

As for works of faith, they are the evidence of a person's salvation - they do not cause it.

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Isa 26:12 O Jehovah, thou appointest peace to us, for, all our works also thou hast wrought for us.

If you are claiming any good works that you do as your own, you are stealing from Christ and are still under the Law.

Joe

The Latter rain and theosis.

 

[Johann]

The simple truth is that if you are reborn, you will be different. You will do works of righteousness in faith. Otherwise, no regeneration, if you are not changed.

Much love!

I believe @Jesusfollower is reborn-wouldn't you say?

 

[FaithWillDo]

Yes, very good, this is what we are to do. And this is what I do.

So if you can show me your claims actually taught in the Bible, this is good. Otherwise, you have to join those who teach what is not found in the Bible.

Revelation 14:10-11 KJV
10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Here is one of many verses that teach us explicitly that not all are saved.

Here is another:

Matthew 25:45-46 KJV
45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.



All who are in Adam died, but not all are in Christ. All who are in Christ shall be made alive. Not all are made alive.

Revelation 20:12-15 KJV
12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Much love!

Dear marks,
You said:
Here is one of many verses that teach us explicitly that not all are saved.

Here is another:

Matthew 25:45-46 KJV
45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

So you believe that scripture contradicts itself??? It does not. It is only a person's understanding that makes scripture seem to contradict itself.

As I pointed out earlier, the Greeek word "aion" and its adjective form "aionios" do not mean eternal, forever, or everlasting. They mean an age of time or pertaining to an age of time.

Here is how the scripture should be translated:

Matthew 25:45-46 KJV
45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46) And these shall go away into age-during punishment: but the righteous into age-during life.

The Lake of Fire is a symbol and is not literal fire, nor is it eternal. The Lake of Fire represents Christ's judgment in which He will not omit justice, mercy and faith (Mat 23:23). Why do you keep believing that He will omit them? Your understanding does not make any sense when held up to the light of scripture.

Here is a scripture which shows how Christ will use fire:

1Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he (the Elect/His sheep) shall receive a reward (life during the ages). 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (no life during the ages): but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (the Lake of Fire).

Here are some additional scriptures which teach about Christ's judgment:

Psa 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Isa 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Prov 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Judgment is a necessary component of the conversion process. Without judgment, no one would be saved but would continue on in sin until they perish.

John the Baptist said this:

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Conversion happens by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (the Latter Rain) AND by the baptism of fire. Fire is the symbol for judgment and it immediately follows the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After Christ's judgment is complete, the person will be converted.

Mat 24:36-41 and Rev 19:11-21 are teachings which present the judgment of the Elect which occurs during their conversion process.

As scripture says, judgment comes from the "goodness of the Lord". It is not evil as your beliefs make it out to be.

You said:
All who are in Adam died, but not all are in Christ. All who are in Christ shall be made alive. Not all are made alive.

Here again are the scriptures:

1Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Rom 5:18 so then as it was by one offence towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. 19 For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners, so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous.

The same "all" and "many" who died in Adam are the same "all" and "many" who will be made righteous and made alive in Christ. You have simply chosen not to accept this clear teaching.

You have no faith in Christ's ability to accomplish the mission the Father gave to Christ to save the world.

The verses below describe the Christ I know who never fails at anything:

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Job 23:13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Christ will not be denied and will have all that pleases Him. In the end, all mankind will be saved - not because of man's "will" to be saved but because of God's "will" to save us.

1Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Joe

 

[Jesusfollower]

The simple truth is that if you are reborn, you will be different. You will do works of righteousness in faith. Otherwise, no regeneration, if you are not changed.

Much love!

Amen to that very true, The Holy Spirit transforms the believer who are reborn, it is a process and the believer will want to do works willingly and with great joy, anyways this is my case.

 

[Johann]

Dear marks,
You said:
Here is one of many verses that teach us explicitly that not all are saved.

Here is another:

Matthew 25:45-46 KJV
45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

So you believe that scripture contradicts itself??? It does not. It is only a person's understanding that makes scripture seem to contradict itself.

As I pointed out earlier, the Greeek word "aion" and its adjective form "aionios" do not mean eternal, forever, or everlasting. They mean an age of time or pertaining to an age of time.

Here is how the scripture should be translated:

Matthew 25:45-46 KJV
45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46) And these shall go away into age-during punishment: but the righteous into age-during life.

The Lake of Fire is a symbol and is not literal fire, nor is it eternal. The Lake of Fire represents Christ's judgment in which He will not omit justice, mercy and faith (Mat 23:23). Why do you keep believing that He will omit them? Your understanding does not make any sense when held up to the light of scripture.

Here is a scripture which shows how Christ will use fire:

1Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he (the Elect/His sheep) shall receive a reward (life during the ages). 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (no life during the ages): but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (the Lake of Fire).

Here are some additional scriptures which teach about Christ's judgment:

Psa 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Isa 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Prov 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Judgment is a necessary component of the conversion process. Without judgment, no one would be saved but would continue on in sin until they perish.

John the Baptist said this:

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Conversion happens by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (the Latter Rain) AND by the baptism of fire. Fire is the symbol for judgment and it immediately follows the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After Christ's judgment is complete, the person will be converted.

Mat 24:36-41 and Rev 19:11-21 are teachings which present the judgment of the Elect which occurs during their conversion process.

As scripture says, judgment comes from the "goodness of the Lord". It is not evil as your beliefs make it out to be.

You said:
All who are in Adam died, but not all are in Christ. All who are in Christ shall be made alive. Not all are made alive.

Here again are the scriptures:

1Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Rom 5:18 so then as it was by one offence towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. 19 For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners, so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous.

The same "all" and "many" who died in Adam are the same "all" and "many" who will be made righteous and made alive in Christ. You have simply chosen not to accept this clear teaching.

You have no faith in Christ's ability to accomplish the mission the Father gave to Christ to save the world.

The verses below describe the Christ I know who never fails at anything:

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Job 23:13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Christ will not be denied and will have all that pleases Him. In the end, all mankind will be saved - not because of man's "will" to be saved but because of God's "will" to save us.

1Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Joe

This directly contradicts what is written—you’re quoting Scripture, but that’s not what it actually says.

 

[MA2444]

Jesus: The Good Shepherd , do you listen to his voice?

In many verses of the bible, Jesus is portrayed as the Good Shepherd, a tender and loving caretaker who watches over His flock with unwavering devotion. This profound metaphor not only illustrates His deep care and sacrifice but also invites us to reflect on our own place in this divine relationship.

In the biblical context, the sheep represent the believers — those who follow Jesus and seek His guidance. Sheep are known for their dependence on their shepherd, needing constant care, protection, and direction. Similarly, believers are depicted as needing the loving oversight and guidance of Jesus.

Jesus Himself reveals His role as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11 (NKJV), saying, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." This declaration underscores the extent of His commitment to His followers, showing His readiness to sacrifice everything for their well-being. He continues in John 10:14 (NKJV), "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own," illustrating the personal and intimate relationship He has with each believer.

The Good Shepherd knows His sheep individually. As John 10:27 (NKJV) states, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." In this verse Jesus not only leads but also listens to and recognizes each one of His followers, guiding them with wisdom and care.

The relationship between Jesus and His followers is one of profound security. John 10:28 (NKJV) assures us, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." This promise of eternal life and unbreakable protection highlights the depth of His care and commitment.

Jesus’ compassion is vividly illustrated in Matthew 9:36 (NKJV) and Mark 6:34 (NKJV), where He sees the multitudes as "sheep having no shepherd" and is moved with compassion. This imagery reflects His concern for those who lack spiritual guidance and His mission to bring them into His fold.

In Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV), Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost. The joy of finding the lost sheep represents the immense value He places on each individual. This parable reveals the boundless love and joy that Jesus experiences when even one person turns back to Him.

In a profound moment after His resurrection, Jesus specifically entrusts Peter with the care of His flock. In John 21:15-17 (NKJV), Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds, "Feed My lambs," "Tend My sheep," and "Feed My sheep." This commission highlights the responsibility of shepherding the believers, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and guiding them in their faith.

Finally, Revelation 7:17 (NKJV) envisions a future where "the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters." This verse promises that Jesus, the Lamb of God, will continue to shepherd and care for His people eternally.

Are You His Sheep?

Are you following His guidance and trusting in His care? Embrace the reassurance and security that comes from hearing His voice and following him, knowing that the Good Shepherd is always watching over you with boundless love and protection.

​

____________________________________________________​

​

The Lord Is My Shepherd A psalm from David (PSALM 23)​

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.


Blessings.

Amen Brother.

John 10:4-5
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers..../KJV

I heard the audible voice of the Lord one time on this earth (so far!) and that was before I learned to hear his still small voice. It was weird but I remember it like it just happened, when He spoke audibly to me. I was amazed that, I recognized the voice! Even though (to my recollection) I have never heard it before if I was born here, right? But I did and I was like, Wow, I know that's the Lord Jesus talking!

So the scripture is true. I knew His voice. How did I recognize His voice if I never heard it before? Well the only thing I can think of is...Jesus did say I knew you before you were in the womb, so that tells me that we were all in heaven with Him before we were born.

That makes sense to me. How about you?

 

[marks]

The Lake of Fire is a symbol and is not literal fire, nor is it eternal.

This is flatly refuted from Scripture. Your position is not tenable.

Regardless, as I said, you and I have a very different idea of what the Bible is, and how to read it, so we will not agree on these things.

Much love!

 

[marks]

I believe @Jesusfollower is reborn-wouldn't you say?

I'm assuming so. Wish we could get together in person for some worship and study!!

Much love!

 

[Johann]

I'm assuming so. Wish we could get together in person for some worship and study!!

Much love!

Same here—today was difficult, and I’m unsure why I’m getting caught up with people online whom I don’t even know. There’s power in speaking or typing just as there is with writing.
Here in South Africa I have witnessed that black elderly folk are more receptive to the gospel than the whites.

I want you to help me and see if this is coming out OK.


This OK?

 

[Jesusfollower]

Amen Brother.

John 10:4-5
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers..../KJV

I heard the audible voice of the Lord one time on this earth (so far!) and that was before I learned to hear his still small voice. It was weird but I remember it like it just happened, when He spoke audibly to me. I was amazed that, I recognized the voice! Even though (to my recollection) I have never heard it before if I was born here, right? But I did and I was like, Wow, I know that's the Lord Jesus talking!

So the scripture is true. I knew His voice. How did I recognize His voice if I never heard it before? Well the only thing I can think of is...Jesus did say I knew you before you were in the womb, so that tells me that we were all in heaven with Him before we were born.

That makes sense to me. How about you?

thank you for sharing, I did not have the good fortune to hear his voice but I did see him In a vision when I was very young for a brief moment after I read the 4 epistles I recognized him right away, I knew it was Christ. I still remember quite well and cannot forget but the memory of the detail of his face if fading away it was more then 40 years ago.

Blessings.

 

[Jesusfollower]

Same here—today was difficult, and I’m unsure why I’m getting caught up with people online whom I don’t even know. There’s power in speaking or typing just as there is with writing.
Here in South Africa I have witnessed that black elderly folk are more receptive to the gospel than the whites.

I want you to help me and see if this is coming out OK.

View attachment 49870
This OK?

seems to be ok on my end.

Blessings

 

[Johann]

seems to be ok on my end.

Blessings

Bless you my brother in Christ.
J.