He's Coming For His Sheep

He's Coming For His Sheep

"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one
from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32

Recently someone asked me about the beliefs of a particular denomination. They
had heard that this denomination believes that they are the only ones who are
going to heaven and if you are not part of their church you will not make it.

I have noticed that there are several religious groups that believe this same
way. They believe that they are the only ones who will be there or that Jesus is
returning only for them. As our conversation progressed I told this person that
when Jesus returns He isn't coming for a denomination. He isn't coming for the
Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc. He is coming
for His sheep. (He is coming for His sheep regardless of what denomination that
they are in.)

Jesus is the good Shepherd, and the Shepherd is coming for His sheep. He is
coming for those who are following Him- like sheep follow their shepherd.
(Please read on and understand what I am saying.) He isn't coming for the
"religious". He isn't coming for "church goers". He isn't coming for the "church
member". You can be all that- religious, church member, church worker, etc.- and
still not be a follower of Jesus. The Pharisees were all that, but they didn't
follow Jesus, they rejected Him and His teachings. Just because you sit in
church doesn't mean that you are following Jesus any more than going to
McDonald's makes you a Big Mac. Just "sitting" in church, just attending church
services, just being part of a particular denomination is not what defines you
as a follower of Christ. Repenting of your sins, being obedient to His commands,
loving Him with all your heart, seeking to do His will and not your own, giving
Him first place in your life, making Him the Lord of your life is what makes you
are follower. It makes you one of His sheep.

Are you counting on your affiliation with a particular denomination to save you?
Are you counting on your church attendance and adherence to that church to make
you right with God? Are you putting your faith in your religion to get you to
heaven? Or are you putting your faith in Jesus and living out your faith by
following Him? Are you just going to church or following the Shepherd? Your
denominational affiliation doesn't save you, faith in Christ does. And faith in
Christ means you follow Him.


Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd or just a denomination?

For further reading:
John 10:11-15,27
Matthew 16:24
Ephesians 2:8,9
John 3:16

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be
gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers
6:24-26

Click to receive WordsOfFaith
Subscribe: WordsOfFaith-subscribe@yahoogroups.com