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Folks, last Sunday was a wild ride preaching from John 10:7-10, where Jesus says, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Between a squealing AC system and my computer throwing a tantrum on Friday, I leaned hard on God to get this message out. As your pastor, I want to sit down with you here, like we’re chatting over coffee, and teach you what I shared about Jesus being our only way to salvation, our shield from false promises, and the source of a life that’s truly full. Let’s unpack these lessons together.

Lesson 1: Jesus Is the One and Only Door

When I read, “I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7), I told our church that Jesus isn’t just one option—He’s the way to eternal life. You know how we’re hit with all these shiny distractions today? Social media ads promising you’ll be a millionaire by Tuesday, lottery tickets waving instant riches, or influencers making you think their life’s perfect? I taught that none of those lead to God—only Jesus does.

I pictured a sheepfold with tall stone walls and one door. Why would you climb a 12-foot wall, maybe tumbling down, when Jesus’ door is right there, wide open? Salvation’s not about piling up good deeds or being super religious; it’s about trusting Jesus. I quoted John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” So, let me ask you—where are you looking for hope? Are you sticking with Jesus as your only door, or are those worldly distractions pulling you away?

Lesson 2: From Strangers to God’s Kids

I got real with our folks, teaching that we’re all born cut off from God because of sin (Colossians 1:21). It’s like we’re strangers, standing outside God’s family. I’ve been there, feeling that distance before I knew Jesus. But here’s the good news I shared: Jesus, our door, brings us home. His sacrifice makes us God’s kids, sharing in Christ’s inheritance (John 10:9).

I used an example from the news—countries have rules for who gets in, right? God’s got one way into His kingdom: Jesus. Any other path leaves us on the outside. As I preached, I felt so thankful to be God’s child, not a stranger anymore. It’s a game-changer for how I live, and I want it to be for you too. Think about it: knowing you’re God’s kid, how does that shift the way you face today?

Lesson 3: Watch Out for Those Thieves and Robbers

Jesus talks about “thieves and robbers” in John 10:8, and I explained these are false teachers and empty promises that mess us up. Thieves sneak in to grab what’s not theirs; robbers come at you bold and rough. Both are like those Facebook ads swearing you’ll live in a mansion or the party scene that leaves you hollow. I shared a story that got some laughs—a guy walking out of a liquor store with a “Jesus loves me” shirt. Talk about mixed messages!

These false paths are what Jesus called “ravening wolves” in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). I urged our church to lean on God’s Word for clear vision (John 8:31-32). As your pastor, I’m here to help you spot the fakes—maybe it’s chasing social media’s perfect life or some self-help guru. What’s tempting you to stray? Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, our door, who keeps us safe.

Lesson 4: Jesus Offers a Life That’s Full and Free

The heart of my message was John 10:10: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I told our folks this isn’t just getting by—it’s a life packed with purpose, peace, and joy. To make it click, I compared the world’s quick thrills—like grabbing a McDonald’s ice cream—to the deep satisfaction of hand-crafted ice cream from a local spot. The world’s stuff—parties, money, fame—fades fast, but Jesus gives us something that lasts.

I taught that Jesus saves us from eternal separation (John 3:18), sets us free to “go in and out” (John 10:9), and leads us to “pastures” of peace. I described a peaceful farm driveway, and I could see folks longing for that calm. I’ve felt Jesus’ peace in my own tough times, and I know many of you have too. He’s even got a mansion waiting for us in heaven (John 14:2). Where do you feel His abundant life right now? How can you trust Him for more?

Lesson 5: Step Through the Door and Share It

As I wrapped up, I got straight with everyone: trust Jesus, the open door, and ditch the world’s lies—social media’s fake perfection, self-help fads, you name it. I even mentioned how folks like Elon Musk or Donald Trump, as big as they are, can’t hold a candle to Jesus’ steady hope. If you haven’t trusted Jesus, I said, it’s one simple step: believe He’s your Savior. If you’re a believer, live that abundant life loud so others see it.

I prayed, “Lord, help us show others how much You can change lives,” and I mean it. As your pastor, I want to live this out and help you do the same. So, if you’re still on the fence, will you trust Jesus today? If you’re walking with Him, who can you tell about His hope this week?

Keep Walking with Our Shepherd

This sermon, part of our “Life Through the Shepherd” series, fired me up to keep pointing you to Jesus. He’s not just the door; He’s the Shepherd leading us to green pastures and eternal life. In a world full of empty promises, let’s stick with Him. If you’re nearby, come to church next Sunday as we dig deeper into John 10. For now, pray with me:

Lord Jesus, You’re my door to salvation and a full life. Help me trust You, skip the world’s fakes, and share Your hope. Fill me with Your peace as I follow You, my Shepherd. Amen.

Got a story about how Jesus’ abundant life is working in you? Drop it in the comments or tell me at church—we’d love to cheer you on as we follow our Shepherd together!

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