Home Cell Guide (Sunday 2nd June 2019)
Blessed be the Name of the Lord! The previous Sunday, ASCK was blessed to have Rev. Gerald Ayebare from St. Stephen’s Church Kisugu minister to the Four [4] congregations on the topic: He came that they may have life drawing Biblical references from John 10:1-21. Based on the background in John Chapter 9; the manner in which the Pharisees treated the blind man whose sight Jesus Christ had restored wasn’t pleasing instead of celebrating or rejoicing with him, they hunted for him, persecuted and ultimately they ex-communicated him therefore it’s at this point that Jesus declares to these Pharisees that He came as the Good [true] Shepherd that they may have full Life and described the Pharisees as thieves. Rev. Ayebare first and foremost pointed out qualities as to why Jesus Christ is refered to as the Good [true] Shepherd;
- He entered by the gate and he has the Keys that open and close.
- The gate keeper is able to recognise Him
- The sheep listens to His voice. He knows and calls them by name.
- He calls out the sheep to eat, leads and determines their direction.
- He takes care of the sheep, tends them, searches for the lost and brings them,Binds up the wounded/Injured and strengthens the weak. [Ezekiel 34:15-16]
- He stands out because his coming was a announced [a prophesy that was fulfilled].
He also urged the congregants to watch out for the false (Bad) Shepherd[s] who bear the following qualities; [Ezekiel 34:2-4]
- Doesn’t enter by the gate but climbs in another way [ is a thief].
- Doesn’t care for the sheep since they only think about themselves.
- They give false hope and come unexpectedly or unannounced.
- They seem dressed in uniform [clothing] of a good Shepherd yet they are bad.
He pointed out that the sheep are able to differentiate a good shepherd from a bad one and also they too entirely depend on the shepherd because without him, their lives are troubled and endangered. As Christians today, we should know that Jesus Christ is the true [Good] Shepherd who gives us safety, good pasture and entrance to God’s kingdom.
Guiding Questions and Prayer Items
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- In light of the above scriptural references, have you encountered such people? If yes, how did you overcome, suggest what to do using scriptures.
- Today is the day of Salvation, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. [Romans 10:13] Share your salvation journey or receive Christ today.
- Pray for the Church of Christ , one another and our Country.
Rev. Patrick Kamara
Priest in Charge: Home Cell and Pastoral Care
0772482433/0754 482433 /0753922448