Hath God Not Made Foolish The Wisdom Of This World? Lord, The One And Only Good Shepherd, We Give You Praise! - Part 2153

" ... in whom the [god] of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

Continuing from the last post, wherein the topic focused on the increasing number of sermons preaching a worldly/earthly focus, let's understand that the Lord hath called us from the womb to worship Him, and to praise Him and to give Him all the glory and honour and praise -- wherein we who believe can become glorious in the eyes of our Lord -- because of His goodness and grace and mercy.

In becoming our Saviour, He has redeemed us from our sin. Thus saith the Lord, "In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee, and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest go to the prisoners, "Go forth; to them that are in darkness, show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them ..." (Isaiah 49:8-10)

It is for this reason that we sing in our hearts with joy and we lift up our eyes toward heaven, for we know in whom we believe. And we know that it is He -- God our Saviour that makes us to lie down in green pastures: "He leads me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) The King of kings and Lord of lords -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace.

And as Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees, because he is an hireling, and cares not for the sheep.

I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be One fold, [and] One Shepherd. Therefore, doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again.

No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:11-18)

He is the Bread of life.  He is the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; and laid the foundations of the earth, the same Lord that divided the seas, and He continues to cover you and I in the shadow of His hands so that He can say, "Thou art My people!" (Isaiah 51:16)

Don't be misled by sermons that spend more time focusing on the things of this world than the Word of God, wherein we are assured of His free gift of salvation, and wherein "My people shall know My Name." (Isaiah 52:6) 

Stand in the offering plate.