Parables of Jesus: The Sheep and the Goats

 

Outline of Online Service 30^th April 2023

The Sheep and the Goats  Matt 25:34

 

Hymn 119:  The Lamb of God    

The Lord’s Prayer  (Luke 11:2-4)                  

Psalm 31:19-24:   God’s Goodness

 

Bible Readings:  – -

 

Dividing the Flock:  Matthew 25:31-46

God’s Flock:  Ezekiel 34:11-28 

Recognising God:  1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

Summary of Readings

·                     The sheep and the goats lived together harmoniously, but in some ways they were quite different 

·                     We have the head (thinking – intentions), the hand (actions – what we are seen to be doing) and the heart (the reason why we do what we do)

·                     Many people have good intentions of doing the right thing, many do the right thing but not for the right reason, but few do the right thing for the right reason because they do it from the heart

·                     It would seem that the sheep would be those who do the right things for the right reason from their hearts, whilst the goats will do the right thing for reasons other than from a pure heart – maybe to impress others or in search of a reward

·                     The Bible tells us that the flock of the Lord is the House of Israel

·                     May we seek to be as those on God’s Right Hand (the sheep)  who will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the World.

 

Hymn 24 – Tune 23:  God’s Soldiers – The Sheep       

 

Message           

 

Hymn 96:  Israel’s Shepherd     

Doxology

“He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.”  Jeremiah 31:10