The Witness
Life In His Name
July 20, 2025
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon warns against cultural and ecclesial drift (using the UCC abortion resolution as an example), calls the church to follow Jesus as the only true door and Good Shepherd who gathers, guards, and lays down his life for one flock, emphasizes the need for authentic shepherds who lead through Christ rather than for their own agendas, and urges personal examination at the Lord's Table.
Summary
Using a contemporary example of a church losing its way, the sermon centers on John 10 and the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the door of the sheep: only through Christ is there life and true entry into the flock. It warns of false shepherds—thieves, robbers, and the devil’s missionaries—who lead the church astray for their own purposes, and it stresses the biblical need for pastors and teachers who gather and guard the sheep through Christ (echoing Ephesians 4). The Good Shepherd lays down his life to unite the flock under one banner; believers are invited to trust in him (even with small faith) and to examine themselves as they participate in communion, proclaiming the Lord’s death and receiving grace rightly.
Key Points
- Contemporary example: the UCC's 2023 pro‑abortion resolution shows a church 'losing its way.'
- Central text: John 10 — Jesus as the door and the Good Shepherd who is the only way into the sheepfold.
- Warning: false shepherds (thieves, robbers, wolves in sheep’s clothing) seek their own agenda and can lead the church into spiritual ruin.
- The Lord is the access point to salvation; only through him is life found.
- Biblical leadership: Ephesians 4 describes apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers whom Christ gave to grow and equip the church; true shepherding must gather through Christ.
- The Good Shepherd lays down his life to gather all into one flock under one shepherd; the Gospel message should unite and save.
- Faith—however small—is real and sufficient to hear and be gathered by the Shepherd.
- Practical application: Paul’s call to examine ourselves at the Lord’s Table as we eat the bread and drink the cup, proclaiming the Lord’s death and receiving grace rightly.
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