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TUMC Seremban Church, 1828 Taman Ujong, Jalan Tok Ungku, Seremban (2026)

06/06/2026

SERMON NOTES – Kwan Swee Ching, 7 June 2026

I DESIRE MERCY NOT SACRIFICE
(Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26)

INTRODUCTION
– Four persons had an encounter with Jesus that resulted in changed lives.

MATTHEW – THE TAX COLLECTOR
– Matthew is a tax collector who is also the writer of the Gospel of Matthew.
– Jesus saw and called Matthew to follow him (v.9).
– Matthew got up from his tax booth, left everything, and followed Jesus!
– The people view Matthew as a despised tax collector; a greedy, dishonest person; a traitor and collaborator with the Roman oppressors.
– Matthew was unhappy and ashamed of himself for exploiting the people around him. He was willing to give up his riches to follow Jesus.
– What did Jesus see in Matthew? – a lost and broken soul, longing to be saved and redeemed for God’s purpose.
– Matthew finds acceptance, forgiveness, hope, and a new beginning from Jesus.
– Jesus sees everyone. He calls us to follow him, to fulfil his plans and purposes for us.
– It is unacceptable for a rabbi to be in the company of tax collectors and sinners, yet Jesus is doing it (v.11-13).
– Jesus equates sinners to sick people in need of healing.
– “Go and learn … I desire mercy not sacrifice.” Showing mercy does not come naturally. It must be learned. It is natural to turn against those who do wrong and condemn them.
– Showing mercy is a response; the Holy Spirit teaches us in our hearts.
– Sacrifice refers to the giving of our time, energy, talents, and giftings to serve God.
– Our sacrifice will no longer be just an offering to God, it must be accompanied by extending mercy to others.
– The Pharisees wanted nothing to do with sinners and tax collectors while Jesus ate and fellowshipped with them.

JAIRUS – THE SYNAGOGUE RULER
– Jairus humbled himself, knelt before Jesus, and asked Jesus for a miracle—the undoing of the death of his daughter (v.18). This is faith in action.
– Jesus immediately gets up and goes with him together with his disciples.

THE HAEMORRHAGING WOMAN
– While going to Jairus’ house, a woman in need of healing comes up behind Jesus.
– This woman is unclean, suffering from bleeding for twelve years, ostracised from family and community.
– She has simple faith in Jesus’s power to heal by simply touching Jesus’ robe from the back.
– Jesus heals her, thereby restoring her to her family and community.

JAIRUS’ LITTLE GIRL – ALIVE AND WELL
– When Jesus reached Jairus’ house, everyone there already believed the girl was dead.
– Jesus tells the crowd there to leave. They laughed at Jesus when he said, “the girl is not dead but sleeping.”
– Jesus took the hand of the dead young girl and tells her to get up, and she got up, alive and well.

LESSONS FOR US
1) Compassion not Condemnation
– Jesus shows compassion not condemnation towards people considered unclean or sinful by the community.
– He goes to them and offers them his healing grace.
– Christians must be counter-cultural; where society condemns, we show love, compassion, and mercy.
2) Growing Faith
– Matthew, the haemorrhaging woman, and the synagogue ruler all demonstrate simple faith in Jesus resulting in changed lives.
– We have all been given a small measure of faith, a gift from God (Eph 2:8,9).
– The Bible teaches that faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of God.
– Our faith grows whenever we read, listen and meditate on God’s Word.
– Our faith grows when we come together to study God’s Word and testify to God’s work in our lives.
– We exercise our faith in Jesus when we face challenges in life that come our way, and this also grows our faith.
3) Healing of Wounds
– We are all wounded people. Our wounds are physical, social, self-inflicted, and spiritual.
– Like the dead girl, we were “spiritually dead” in our sins and trespasses, but through faith in Jesus, we are “made alive”.
– God loves all people and He is in the business of healing our wounds (1 Pt 2:24).

CONCLUSION
A woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:1-11) and a true story below:
– estranged father-son relationship.
– not on speaking terms for two years after son married.
– son sent a note to father after first baby’s birth. Baby named after the grandfather.
– note has a photo of the baby with his grandfather’s full name.
– father drove six hours through the night and reached the hospital at 4:00 AM.
– father looked at his son and said, “I wasted two years”.
– father sat in the chair next to daughter-in-law’s bed until morning, holding his grandson and whispering to him.

26/05/2026

NO WORSHIP SERVICES AT TUMC ON 31 MAY 2026

Due to the TUMC Family Camp this weekend from 30 May till 1 June 2026, there will be no worship services at TUMC Seremban this Sunday, 31 May 2026. Members and friends who are not joining the Family Camp are encouraged to worship at Wesley Methodist Church Seremban instead.

24/05/2026

SERMON NOTES – Rev. Lim Pei Leng, 24 May 2026

TRUE FAITH – A LIFE JOURNEY FROM HEARING TO DOING
(James 1:14-26)

INTRODUCTION
The book of James teaches that true faith is not just something we believe or hear, but something that must be lived out in action.

1) THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION (v.14-15)
– Temptation does not come from God, but from human desires within us, often influenced by the devil and the broken world. When desire is allowed to grow, it leads to sin, and sin ultimately leads to death.
– Therefore, we should not blame God for sin or failure. Instead, we must recognize the danger of unchecked desires and submit ourselves to God’s truth, the only true standard for life.

2) GOD’S NATURE: ALWAYS GOOD (v.16-18)
– God is the “Father of lights” who never changes. Every good gift comes from Him. He does not tempt anyone to evil.
– God brings life through His Word of truth, giving us new birth and making us His people.
– Therefore, we should not blame God for evil or failure in the world, because evil comes from the absence of love in human hearts, not from God.

3) THE ATTITUDE OF LISTENING (v.19-21)
– Since faith comes by hearing God’s Word, how we listen matters. James teaches us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
– A humble and teachable heart is necessary to receive God’s Word. Pride and insecurity both block understanding and spiritual growth. True listening requires patience, humility, and openness to correction.

4) DO NOT ONLY HEAR, BUT DO (v.22-25)
– James warns against self-deception: hearing God’s Word without obeying it is useless. God’s Word is like a mirror—it shows us who we really are, but we must respond with action.
– True faith leads to transformation, not just knowledge. Biblical repentance is not only feeling sorry but changing direction. Those who obey God’s Word will be blessed in what they do.

5) TRUE GODLINESS IS PRACTICAL (v.26)
– Real godliness is not outward religion but visible life change:
● Control of the tongue
● Compassion for the vulnerable
● Keeping oneself pure from the world
– These show whether faith is real or only appearance.

CONCLUSION
Christian faith is not only what we hear, but what we live. True faith is proven through obedience and transformation. God’s Word is a mirror not just to look at, but to change us.

KEY TAKEAWAY
True faith always moves from hearing → believing → doing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
– Listen carefully before speaking.
– Let Scripture lead to daily change.
– Show real care to someone in need this week.

16/05/2026

SERMON NOTES – Rev. Koe Swee Kee, 17 May 2026

BE BOLD WITH THE GOSPEL
(1 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Acts 17:1-5a)

1. Paul remains bold in sharing the gospel despite persecution in the past before arriving in Thessalonica.

2. Jewish Thessalonians felt Gentiles (Greeks) converts were:
– A threat to Jewish tradition and thinking; disrupting power of religious rulers.
• Outcome: Riot instigated by the Jewish leaders; Mercenary mob and violence; Accusation of subversion and anti-Roman activity.
• Paul and Silas eventually were ordered out of town by nervous Roman city officials who received the complaints.

3. But, the success of the gospel was already fixed; the gospel was spreading—no stopping it.
– Jews and Greeks were already turning to Christ; the Thessalonian church now became the model of faith, love and hope for the churches in Macedonia and Achaia.
– Reflection: What has diminished our boldness to share the gospel?

4. Paul’s reasons for his boldness in sharing the Gospel:
– We are speaking the truth with the right motive (v.3).
– Paul’s challenge to us: God is our witness (v.5-6).
– We are speaking what is entrusted to us (v.4).
• ‘Approved’ = Greek word ‘dokimazo’—metal purifying; Proven through divine testing. God ‘stamped’ their lives as people trustworthy to share the gospel.
• Paul’s challenge to us: We are not trying to please men!
• Reflection: Are we not approved and entrusted with the gospel?
• ‘Tests’ (testing of our hearts by God!) = Greek word ‘dokimazo’ also; God expects that we would share the gospel.
– God approves, God entrusts, and God tests our hearts in gospel sharing.
– Reflection: Will you be found pleasing to God in that you would share the gospel as approved and entrusted to you?

5. The metaphor of Motherly Love and Fatherly Model—Paul suggested such approaches toward new believers (v.7b -12).
– Be Bold in Motherly Love—Metaphor of handling younger Christians (v.7-8).
• Nurturing, self-sacrificing, gentle, and affectionate; sharing of lives.
• Love is not just a job; A way of life in the community.
• Hearing the gospel, then experiencing community love. Both are essential.
– Be Bold in the Fatherly Model (v.9-12; cf. 1 Cor 4:15, NASB).
• His WORK: Paul made tents to finance his missionary journey. “our struggles and hard work” (v.9).
• His WALK: Paul lived a holy life, righteous and blameless (v.10).
• His WORDS: Paul encouraged, comforted and urged them to live lives worthy of God.

6. How did the Thessalonians, who were receivers of the gospel, reciprocate Paul’s teaching and guidance?
– v.13: Changed lives, “which is at work in you”; Faith in God’s Word cuts their soul! (cf. Heb 4:12)
– v.14: they identified with Christ and all the Judean churches through their suffering.

7. # Men; “… keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved”
– Men that displeased God and were hostile.
– Men heaping their sins to the limit.
– Men to face wrath of God! “… the anger of God has caught up with them at last” (v.16b, NLT).

8. Ending: So, come, go ahead, Be Bold to Share the Gospel; this pleases the Lord!
– God approves, He entrusts and He tests us in our effort.
– Yes, with Motherly Love and Fatherly Model.

SERMON-BASED QUESTIONS
1) Why do Christians find it difficult to share the gospel as commanded to do so? Or, why do Christians have no boldness to share the gospel?

2) In the passage of our text, what can you gather are the good reasons for Christians to share the gospel? (refer to notes)

3) Why would God entrust to us the gospel and then test us for it?

4) Sharing the gospel is the first step, and there is more to it as our responsibility. How then shall we help new converts in their faith? (refer to notes or personal experiences)

5) In your lifetime as a Christian, have you ever shared the gospel with anyone? Relate your experience if you have; and what was the outcome of sharing the gospel? What would drive a person to share the gospel fervently?

Pray for one another to have that Holy Boldness to share the gospel in whatever circumstances; that we will bring the powerful salvation to the people we meet each day.

09/05/2026

SERMON NOTES – Rev. Koe Swee Kee, 10 May 2026

RIDING HIGH ON FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE IN CHRIST
(1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

1) Introduction – Geography, context, and background of the Thessalonian church:
• Thessalonica city – bustling seaport city; largest Roman capital city in province of Macedonia; named after Alexander the Great’s half-sister.
• Context – founded by Paul, Silas and maybe Timothy; facing serious persecution on arrival, they had to leave after a short ministry (Acts 17:1-9).
• Paul wrote the epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians from Corinth.
• Congregation made up of some Jews and largely Gentile in membership; God-fearing Greeks.

2) Central theme of the books – Mainly to encourage the persecuted believers with secondary teachings on eschatology (doctrine of the last things).
• Obvious references made on the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thess 1:9-10; 2:19-20; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23-24).

3) Basic Pauline theology – The elements of Faith, Love & Hope; commonly quoted in Paul’s epistle (e.g. 1 Cor 13:13).

4) Similar expression by Paul – 1 Thess 1:2-3 (NIV)
• your work produced by faith,
• your labour prompted by love,
• and your endurance inspired by hope.

5) John Stott’s suggestion regarding the faith, love, and hope in the Thessalonian church:
• Faith is directed towards God.
• Love towards others (both internal and external).
• Hope towards the future (Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ).
• These three aspects are never static but dynamic.

6) The Thessalonians were able to turn their expression into reality.
• Being a Christian meant nothing to the world unless one manifested Christ’s teachings in one’s life – able and wanting to express what you believed.
• Differences in the faith, love, and hope in non-Christians compared with the Christians?

7) The basis for faith, love, and hope in Christians (v.4-5):
• You have been loved and chosen by God.
• The power in the gospel.
• Comes with the Holy Spirit and assurance.
– All built on Christ’s work and God’s everlasting love.

8) The Thessalonians were so evident in their expression of faith, love, and hope, translating it into real life practices (v.7-9a); and shining beyond the location they were placed. What would church members like to be known for this year?
9) Ending: Let us ride high on the three horses of Faith, Love, and Hope in Christ – translating expression into reality.

SERMON-BASED QUESTIONS
Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Title: Riding High on Faith, Love, and Hope in Christ.

Aim: The need for believers to be dynamic in their faith, love, and hope in Christ – turning expression into reality in life.

Scriptural Truth: “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess 1:3)

WUQ: How would you get others, especially unbelievers, to appreciate your Christian character or belief in life?

FQ1: What is the make-up of the congregation in the Thessalonian church?

FQ2: Based on 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, what were the three elements of their spiritual aspects in life that were obvious? And how were they translated into reality to be seen by others?

UQ1: Are there any differences between the Christian faith, love, and hope compared with what the non-Christians understand? What is the basis for Christians and non-Christians in their faith, love, and hope in life?

AQ1: The Christians’ faith, love, and hope must be dynamic and translated into reality. What would you suggest Christians do to express their faith, love, and hope? (You may quote the Thessalonian example or from your personal consideration.)

AQ2: In a similar context, what should a church be expressing to the world, and turning into reality so that they can shine beyond their place and impact the town or city they are in?

God’s Word in my heart: “… you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore, we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us.” (1 Thess 1:7-9a)

Pray for one another to live out our lives with faith, love, and hope so that we are model believers to a perishing world, and most of all, that we are able to translate our expressions here into reality for God’s glory.

02/05/2026

SERMON NOTES – Ng Wai Ling, 3 May 2026

HEAVEN – A PLACE, PERSON OR PRESENCE?
A Reflection on Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life
(John 14:1-14)

1) INTRODUCTION
– Our images of heaven are incomplete; Death is often associated with heaven.
– We come to faith for different reasons.
– Dallas Willard – “We are so busy getting people to heaven that we forget to get heaven into people.”
– Is heaven a place or more than a place? Is it for the future or beyond the future? What does Jesus mean when he says, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’?

2) BACKGROUND TO JOHN 14:1-14
– It is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse (John 13-17) – He is preparing the disciples for his death.
– Anxieties grew for the disciples as Jesus desired for them to grasp who he is and where he is going.
– Jesus comforted the disciples – “Do not let your hearts be troubled … I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (14:1, 6)

3) JESUS IS THE WAY – HE IS PREPARING AN ABUNDANT PLACE (v.1-6)
– In my Father’s house, there are many rooms … Rooms: ‘monai’ in Greek. It means dwelling places – implying abundance, inclusion, enough room for all, no competition or scarcity.
– It is a heavenly place – we hold dual citizenship; our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20-21); a better, heavenly country (Heb 11:16).
– We are citizens of heaven and of Malaysia – Frames life beyond our temporal reality, eternal perspective.
– It is a dwelling place of the triune God – a fountain of love (Jonathan Edwards).
– Cultivate a relationship with this God.

4) JESUS IS THE TRUTH – HE IS THE REVEALED PERSON OF GOD (v. 7-11)
– The truth is Jesus is the way to the Father. He is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:5). The way leads you to a Person.
– Jesus is central to Christianity. He is the way, not to ‘where’ but to ‘whom’ – God, the Father.
– Evidence of Truth:
• Historical evidence (the signs and miracles in the Gospel of John) – Turning water into wine. The feeding of the five thousand. Raising of Lazarus. Healing the man at Bethesda.
• Personal evidence – what does this mean for us? How has God been at work in your life? What is the evidence of these works? How is He revealing Himself to you?
• Distortion of Truth – our limited images of God – get to know Jesus. Ask God to show us the truth of who he is. The apex of the Christian faith is when we can say that God is good and He is love.

5) JESUS IS THE LIFE – HE IS THE TRANSFORMING PRESENCE
– The power of his resurrection offers new life – triumphs over death and sin.
– The risen Christ appeared to many eyewitnesses for 40 days before his ascension.
– Trevor Hudson says, “the heart of our faith is the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He transformed us through his resurrection. This life cannot be extinguished. It is indestructible. And so, we are invited to enter into the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. To let it rub off in our own lives. He invites us to open our lives to an encounter with the Christ who brings consolation. The primary ministry of the resurrected Jesus is the ministry of consolation.”
– His ministry of consolation:
• Consoled in grief – The risen Christ met with Mary Magdalene who wept at the empty tomb. He called her name. She recognised him and went away saying ‘I have seen the Lord’ (Jn 20:1-18).
• Consoled in fear – the disciples in the locked room (Jn 20:19-23).
• Consoled in doubts and failures – Thomas’ wanting to witness Jesus for himself and Peter was restored (Jn 20:24-29; 21:15-19).
– Cultivate a life-giving rhythm:
• Be attentive – to all dimensions and arenas of our lives and notice where God is and what He is doing.
• Pause and reflect – stop to think so that we can reflect on our experiences and discern God’s invitations to us.
• Gradually recognise God and His transforming presence.

6) CONCLUSION
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We are assured of heaven as our future citizenship, but it is not just a future place but a life with the Person of the Triune God, a good and loving God. His resurrection power offers us a transforming presence for today. We don’t have to wait for the future. Heaven begins in our heart – today. Eugene Peterson says "Resurrection does not have to do exclusively with what happens after we are buried or cremated. It does have to do with that, but first of all it has to do with the way we live right now."

25/04/2026

SERMON NOTES – Rev. Koe Swee Kee, 26 April 2026

AGEING WITH SPIRITUAL MATURITY
(Psalm 71)

INTRODUCTION
Psalm 71 is attributed to king David because:
– The psalmist uses similar expressions often used by king David.
– Verses 1-3 are similar or taken from Psalm 31:1-3 which was written by king David.
– Psalm 71 is a continuation of Psalm 70 which was written by David.
– End of Psalm 72 states, “The Prayers of David son of Jesse are concluded”, making it likely that Psalm 71 is part of Book 2 of the Psalms written by David.

1. While we grew old, we should also be growing SPIRITUALLY mature:
a) What are the marks of an ageing Christian who is spiritually mature?
b) What are the secrets in growing physically old but never growing ‘spiritually cold’?

2. Paul expects us to grow and mature spiritually: 1 Corinthian 3:2; 14:20.

A. The Mature Ageing Christian APPRECIATES his God (v.1-8).
– Appreciating God (or knowing Jesus) since young and still deepening along the years of ageing (v.1-2).
– His RELATIONSHIP with God blossoms over the years; he is able to see the ‘hands of God’ in his life; for God “rescues”, “delivers”, and “saves” (x2) him.
– He runs to God when facing trials, seeking after God and always finding refuge in God (v.3-4).
– His relationship with God leads him to a spiritual maturity that is built over a lifetime; a relationship that builds confidence has no shortcuts. We need to work on our relationship with God so as to be confident in Him, and have hope during our old age (v.5-6).

B. The Mature Ageing Christian COUNTS on God (v.9-13).
– He can count on God to shadow him through adversities in his life till old age.
– 3 challenges obviously stand out when we advance in age:
i) We are PHYSICALLY WEAKER when older; the loss of strength or abilities.
ii) There is a CONTINUATION OF TROUBLES in life (for David, his real enemies) (v.10-13). Enemies come in many forms: real, physical, and mental illness, etc.
Iii) Being ALONE, with no help – i.e. less helpers to shoulder our burdens. However: We can count on God until our old age.
• God will never forsake us in our old age (v.9).
• God at our side is important because of the adversaries of life that are still with us.

C. The Mature Ageing Christian TESTIFIES of God’s Goodness (v.14-24).
– He/she overflows with the desire to testify to all.
– Observe the psalmist’s dominant EXPRESSIONS: I will “praise”, “tell”, “proclaim”, “declare”, “shout”, “sing praises”. Testifying expressions occur at least 11 times in Psalm 71 (NIV).

3. Two relevant clarifications of points; Despite coming to know Christ:
– We would still need to work on our relationship with God; desiring to learn the words of God; to be informed, knowledgeable and equipped for God to work deeply in our life. Then, at our prime age, we will not struggle with the authenticity of our faith but can look forward to glorification in heaven.
– How does God help us in old age? Though God allows troubles, He always RESTORES us in the end; He makes us even stronger, comfortable, and increases our honour (v.19b-21).

4. What can I do to make the difference before the end of life’s horizon?
Note: Age is a numbers game, but maturity is a CHOICE—a choice between confidence in facing God or being dreadful in our old age (Perishing vs Eternity).

CONCLUSION
Marks of an Ageing Christian with SPIRITUAL maturity:
– Appreciating what God has done for him since he knew Christ, and continuing to deepen his relationship with God along the years of ageing.
– Counting on God to shadow him through his adversaries.
–Testifying of God’s goodness to others.

SERMON-BASED STUDY QUESTIONS
Text: Psalm 71
Title: Ageing with Spiritual Maturity
Aim: Identifying the marks of an ageing Christian who is spiritually mature.
Scriptural Truth: “For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.” (Ps 71:5-6)

WUQ: Share some of your challenges in taking care of your elderly parents. What issues did you face in caring for them, and what issues did they face as they aged and become less mobile?

FQ1: Browse all the verses in Psalm 71 and identify which verse(s) indicates the psalmist is ageing or very old. Why did you select these verses?

FQ2: What is happening in the Corinth church, and what are Paul remarks regarding their maturity? In your opinion, why did Paul need to remind them to mature spiritually?

UQ1: Why is it important to appreciate what God has done for us since we became a Christian?

UQ2: How will our situation be when we are very advanced in age or very old? Share your frank thoughts. What do you think will be your toughest challenge when reaching this stage? How can we assure ourselves when the time comes?

AQ1: Again, what are the 3 marks of a spiritually mature ageing Christian? In your frank answer, which do you feel you are lacking, and which do you do best? How can you do better in the one you are lacking?

AQ2: Think of one experience or instance you felt inadequate or disappointed in life as you aged, and how the Lord gave you assurance despite your circumstances. If there is a specific verse that God spoke to you, you may share it and bless your group as an encouragement.

God’s Word in my heart:
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Psalm 71:9)

Pray for one another that our faith will continue to grow even to a ripe old age. Pray that we will age gracefully, continue to count on the Lord when our strength fails us, and continue to testify of Him to the people around us, especially to the next generation.

18/04/2026

SERMON NOTES – Kwan Swee Ching, 19 April 2026

THE DOOR TO ABUNDANT LIFE
(John 10:1-10)

INTRODUCTION
– There are two “I AM” statements in John chapter10.
(i) “I AM the GATE/ DOOR FOR THE SHEEP” (vv.7 & 9).
(ii) “I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD” (vv.11 & 14)
– My sharing is on “I AM the DOOR/GATE”

TRUE AND FALSE SHEPHERDS (vv.1-2)
– The words “very truly (NIV)” in verse 1 indicate seriousness and emphasis.
– Implication is:
(i) Jesus is the true shepherd who enters the sheep pen by the correct way—through the door;
(ii) The Pharisees are false shepherds because they enter the sheep pen by another way.
– Not all spiritual leaders are true shepherds and Jesus calls the Pharisees thieves and robbers.
– Many Pharisees obtained their positions through political connections, religious education, ambition, manipulation, and corruption.
– A true shepherd enters through the door showing love and care, have a true calling, offers sacrificial service to the sheep under his care.
– Clear division: Jesus is the true shepherd; the Pharisees are false shepherds.

THE SHEEP LISTEN TO THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE (vv.3-6)
– Sheep from different flocks were kept for the night in a big common sheep pen just outside the town gates
– A doorkeeper operated a wooden door of the sheep pen allowing only true shepherds and their sheep to enter.
– A true shepherd knows his sheep by name, calls his own sheep, leads them out of the sheep pen and they follow him.
– The sheep also know and recognise the voice of their shepherd.
– The sheep will never follow a stranger because they do not recognise the stranger’s voice.
– Question: Are we Jesus’ sheep? Do we hear and recognise His voice calling us? How do we respond?
– As our shepherd, Jesus knows us through and through.
– Jesus is our true shepherd and we are his sheep. We listen only to his voice and follow Him wherever he leads us.

I AM THE DOOR (vv.7 & 9)
– Jesus uses another picture of sheep grazing on pastures far from towns.
– When night falls, the shepherd makes a makeshift sheep pen with a single entrance without a door.
– The shepherd is the door. He lays his body across the entrance to keep the sheep in and to keep wolves and other predators out.
– What does “I AM the Door for the sheep” mean?
– Jesus is saying that salvation comes through him. The only way to be saved is to enter through the “Jesus Door”.
– We enter this “Jesus Door” when we receive Jesus as our Saviour and put our faith and trust in him (Acts 4:12; Jn 14:6).
– Beware of false teachers (thieves and robbers) who lead us astray. Do not listen to them (v.8).
– “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” describes what false teachers do.

FALSE TEACHERS AND PROPHETS TODAY
– False teachers teach doctrines that contradict Scripture, teach a different gospel, make claims they are modern-day prophets and apostles.
– They teach heresies that deny the virgin birth, deity of Christ, the resurrection, and that a homosexual lifestyle is acceptable.
– They avoid teaching sin and repentance or carrying our cross daily, giving superficial messages that “tickle” the ears and please the masses.

THE DOOR TO THE ABUNDANT LIFE (vv.9-10)
– Jesus repeats “I AM the door/gate” metaphor, says that those who enter through him will be saved, and will find pasture.
– Thieves and robbers have only one aim: to steal, kill, and destroy.
– They are the false teachers, corrupt religious leaders, and pastors who have gone astray, and they lead people into error.
– Be alert against false teachers; examine all teachings carefully and reject teachings that do not line up with God’s Word.

WHAT IS THE ABUNDANT LIFE?
– When we believe in Jesus Christ, we not only have eternal life but an added dimension of ‘life in abundance’ (v.10b).
– The abundant life is life with and in Jesus—a life filled with meaning, purpose, joy, and overflowing with his love.
– The essence of abundant life flows out of the eternal life in knowing Jesus (Jn 17:3).
– To really know Jesus fully, we are to abide in Jesus as the vine and be fruitful (Jn 15:5).
– This means spending time with God in prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, worship, and having community with other believers.
– Is Jesus at the centre of my life? We need to reflect, evaluate, and realign ourselves to Jesus as our centre with the Spirit’s help.

CONCLUSION
– Jesus is the TRUE Shepherd and we are his sheep.
– We know his voice; we listen and follow him only.
– Be wary of false teachers.
– Jesus is the Door to eternal life and abundant living.
– The essence of abundant life is abiding in Jesus as the vine.

TUMC Seremban Church

06/06/2026

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Wednesday	09:00 - 16:00
Friday	09:00 - 16:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00