Visiting Teaching Message February 2014

27 January

Visiting Teaching MessagesThe next part in their series that touches on The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: addresses Jesus as the “Good Shepherd”.

The message begins with the parable Jesus gave of a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep in search for the one that’s lost in Luke 15:4, 7. It insinuates that Jesus was referring to those who are on the brink of leaving the church or to those who have already left, and it’s up to the faithful in the church to seek out, and help those who have lost their way.

In John 10:11 Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” I wonder when they wrote this message, that’s to be delivered to the women of the church if they stopped and considered the meaning of what Jesus was saying. Do they see that this is a reference to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins?

If we back up to verses 7-9 of the same chapter in John we see Jesus makes two more “I am” statements. In both instances He refers to Himself as being “the door” that will lead those who repent and put their trust in Him to salvation and eternal life.

These verses are also echoing what Jesus said in John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He laid down His life for us, so that we wouldn’t be bound to a list of to do’s in order to become righteous. He gave His life so that we would be made righteous through Him.

Romans 3:22-23 reads: “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

To the Church becoming a “wayward” member is the worst thing that could happen to you, because to do so is to put your eternal life in jeopardy. What Jesus, our Good Shepherd did in seeking us out and saving us just isn’t enough according to their doctrine. Church membership and Jesus have always, and will always go  hand in hand as far as  Mormonism is concerned .

As always I pray they will start to really think about the messages they’re getting from the Church, and that they would just dig into God’s word, ponder the words Jesus used to describe who He is, and why He came. If they would do that they would soon see the huge chasm between what God’s word says and what they’re being taught.

In Christ,

Melissa Grimes melissa@lifeafter.org

Reference:

February 2014 Visiting Teaching Message –

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/02/the-divine-mission-of-jesus-christ-good-shepherd?lang=eng

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