Protected by the Gate - Safety and Comfort in the Fold

In ancient times, the sheepfold was incredibly important to ensuring the safety of the flock. And the most important part of the sheepfold was the gate. It was the only way in and the only way out. It was there to keep the sheep from wandering away, but it was also there to keep theives, robbers, and prey out of the fold. Without the gate, the sheep were sure to have been lost - either by their own waywardness, by the nefarious actions of others, or by the ravenous hunger of wild animals.

In John 10, Jesus says "I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved". He was not talking about initial, justifying salvation here, because the shepherd only allowed sheep in the fold - meaning that he was already talking to believers. Instead, he was talking about the progressive salvation of sanctification - going in and out of the "fold" in the course of our daily lives. In his fold we find safety. In his fold we find comfort. And we can be assured that he will not lose any of his sheep.

To hear more about this, listen to this week's sermon by clicking on the link below.

I AM THE GATE FOR THE SHEEP
http://www.box.net/shared/yut9d3xusg