John 10: 27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

There are two things which characterize a genuine Christian.  I will share that which characterizes a Christian in a moment.  The context of our verses concern those who questioned the deity of Christ. They were Jews, who stated: "How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly."  (vs. 24)  The word "plainly" means to speak openly, frankly, or without concealment.  Jesus responded by stating: "I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep..." (vs. 25-26)  

There are two things which characterize a genuine Christian, one who is truly one of God's sheep.  God's sheep hear what Jesus says, and they follow Jesus.  There are those who do not hear or listen to Jesus, and therefore, they do not follow Jesus, these are not His sheep.  There are those who hear, but who do not follow Jesus, these are not His sheep.  No, God's sheep are characterized by two things, they hear His voice, and they follow Him.

God knows those who are His, God gives eternal life to those who are His, they are guarded from the threat of ever perishing, and it is impossible for anyone to pluck or snatch them away by force out of Jesus hand.

So my challenge today is simple, are you one who hears Jesus and follows Him?  What is He saying to you today?  Where is leading you, and what are you doing to follow Him?  Make sure you are one of His sheep!

Your Friend and His,

-- 

Pastor Mike Abbott