Morning Service Live Stream
This week's service features an in-depth look at one of the most beloved passages in all of scripture: Psalm 23. This special Vacation Bible School (VBS) celebration service highlights the closing of an incredible week with our children and youth. The sermon focuses on our identity as sheep and the beautiful reality of serving a God who is both the supreme King and our personal Protector. The message challenges the congregation to ask themselves the ultimate question: Is Jesus truly the Lord and Shepherd of your life?
Service Breakdown:
- Worship and Music: The service features a beautiful opening scripture reading from John 10 regarding the Good Shepherd. Following a spectacular VBS highlight reel, the congregation joins in worship, featuring a moving musical performance centered on the truths of Psalm 23, declaring that we shall not want because He leads us by still waters.
- Bible Reading: The congregation stands to read all six verses of Psalm 23, a timeless passage detailing God’s provision, restoration, protection through the valley of the shadow of death, and His eternal covenant with His people.
- Music Special: Our VBS children and youth take center stage! We celebrate a record-breaking week with 148 children and 40 youth in attendance. The kids come up by grade level to perform energetic worship songs with hand movements, showcasing what they learned about God's guidance, love, and protection throughout the week.
- The Message: The sermon focuses deeply on the very first verse of Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The pastor breaks down three foundational words: Lord (Yahweh, the ultimate, covenant-keeping God), Shepherd (the humble, personal protector who knows his sheep by name), and Want (the assurance that regardless of temporary earthly hardships, our eternal, spiritual inheritance is completely secure in Christ).
Key Moments & Themes:
- The Covenant-Keeping Lord: The sermon highlights that the capitalized name "LORD" represents God's unchanging faithfulness. Just as He kept His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He keeps His blood-sealed covenant with every believer today.
The Good Shepherd’s Personal Love: Unlike a hired hand who runs away when danger approaches, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He knows you intimately, loves you despite your tendencies to wander, and calls you by your personal name.
- Eternity vs. Temporary Want: The message clarifies that "I shall not want" doesn't mean a life free of earthly trial or poverty, but rather an absolute spiritual fulfillment. When we stand before God, we are clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ, wanting for nothing.
- The Urgency of Now: The sermon concludes with a powerful reality check about the brevity of life. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, making it vital to secure our relationship with the Shepherd today rather than facing eternal separation later.
Call to Action:
Are you trying to navigate the dangerous valleys of this life on your own, or is Jesus the Lord and Shepherd of your life? We invite you to step out of the shadows, confess your need for a Savior, and surrender your life to Him today.