The Shepherd: Where He Leads
Key Takeaways
Modern Christianity often adopts a consumer mindset, treating God as existing primarily to meet our needs rather than for his own glory.
Many popular Christian techniques for "finding God's will" are not actually biblical but reflect ancient pagan practices.
The phrase "Yahweh is my shepherd" emphasizes both intimacy and tenacity—a bold declaration of allegiance to the one true God.
God leads us in "paths of righteousness for his name's sake" and knows which paths are truly right for us.
Study Questions
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In what ways do you treat God like He exists primarily to meet your needs? How does consumerism creep into your relationship with God?
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Martin Luther said, 'I know not where he leads, but well do I know my God.' How can we grow in knowing God's character even when His specific plans remain unclear to us?
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How do we distinguish between genuine waiting on the Lord and spiritualized indecision born from perfectionism or fear of making the wrong choice?
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Why do you think we often experience the most intimate knowledge of God in the 'valley of the shadow of death' rather than beside the still waters?
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What does it mean that God leads us 'for his name's sake' rather than simply for our comfort, and how should this shape our expectations of the Christian life?
An Independence Weekend
Message from John
A video message from Lead Pastor John Bourgeois for Independence Weekend
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 23:1,5
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
All: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #27
Q: Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?
A: No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. Nevertheless God in his mercy demonstrates common grace even to those who are not elect, by restraining the effects of sin and enabling works of culture for human well-being.
Confession of sin
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend, bring the kids, and join us next week as we continue our Summer in Psalm 23!