In Iraq I witnessed several people dying on a regular basis.  It was sobering, yet hope-giving!  Sobering because it reminded me of the urgency of the gospel.  It is hope-giving to know the truth that can set others free and if they’re in Christ a great celebration.  My mind, my heart, and my feet are drawn to helping people have faith in Jesus Christ!  I realize that I am to share, the Great Shepherd calls through drawing of the Holy Spirit.  That is the evidence of having experienced the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ, you are not the same!  You live differently because the Savior has effected you eternally.      
J

Eternal Security vv.21-30

Three really great doctrinal truths are found here: 1) The Trinity v. 30. “I and the Father are one.” 2) Relationship v.27 “..and I know them…” 3) Eternal Security vv.28-29.

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

Romans 8:37-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
J

Endures Suffering vv.31-39

1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
J
“This is not about how to avoid a wounded life, but how to avoid a wasted life.  Some of you will die in the service of Christ.  That will not be a tragedy.  Treasuring life above Christ is a tragedy.”  – John Piper
J
They killed Jesus, should we expect anything different?  Someone effected by the Great Shepherd will be charged to endure, even in the worst of suffering.  Is Jesus Christ worth the struggle of spiritual warfare my family and I will go through?  You better believe He is!  Jesus is worth it!
J

Exalts the Savior vv.40-42

Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Our privilege is to exalt Christ!  To bring Him glory!  If we are wondering what God’s will for our life is, than wonder no longer!  His purpose for us is to bring Him much glory!  That’s why the Great Commission was His last words. 

How can we be daily effected by the Great Shepherd?

1) By Abiding in Christ. John 15:2-3
J
  1. The Word
  2. Prayer
J
No Abiding, No Fruit!  Know Abiding, Know Fruit!  Bearing fruit is the evidence of being a disciple of Jesus.
J
2) By Absolute Dependency and Surrender to Christ. John 15:4-5
J

“An easy, non-self-denying life will never be one of power.  Fruit-bearing involves cross-bearing.  There are not two Christs; an easy-going one for easy-going Christians and a suffering one toiling for exceptional believers.  There is only one Christ.  Are you willing to abide in Him, and thus bear much fruit?”  – Hudson Taylor