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Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN, Brgy. Rizal, Negros Occidental, Sagay City (2026)

CBF SUNN exists to lead students to know Christ personally, be saved through the gospel, grow through discipleship, and build Christ-centered fellowship, friendships, and a life devoted to Him.

29/05/2026

PRISCILLA AND AQUILA - PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

In Acts 18:2, we are introduced to Aquila and Priscilla. This is the story of a wonderful Christian couple serving God together. The apostle Paul gave repeated testimony to them, wherever they lived, they were a great blessing to churches and ministries. Their names are mentioned six times in the New Testament, and each time gives us a beautiful tribute to their character and love for the Lord (Acts 18:2,18,26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). They demonstrated how a Christian couple can be used mightily by God. They served together in the same yoke for the cause of Christ. May we learn from the blessed principle we see in their lives. Amen

📖 1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

This post will consider the oneness of Aquila and Priscilla in Christ, in their marriage, and in their service.

I. ONE IN CHRIST
According to Acts 18:26, Aquila and Priscilla were both Christians and sound in the faith with great insight. "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." They were a part of God’s family and kingdom. They loved the Lord and shared their faith with others. Their spiritual insight in the Scripture became a great help to Apollos in the understanding the way of God more perfectly.
Only "in Christ" is these eternal life, Galatians 3:26, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." The term "in Christ"; or its equivalent, is used over one hundred thirty times in the New Testament. This phrase describes our relationship with the risen Savior. To be in Christ is to share all that Christ is and all that He did. We share in His death, resurrection, and life by believing on Him (Romans 8:1; Galatians 20:20; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1). The believers position in Christ by faith is clearly seen in many New Testament passages (1 Corinthians 15:22; 1:2; 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:1-7; Colossians 2:10). According to 1 Corinthians 15:22, we are either in Adam or we are in Christ Jesus, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Aquila and Priscilla were one in Christ in that they both believed the gospel, and had complete assurance that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and Savior of the world.

II. ONE IN MARRIAGE
In holy matrimony, God declares a couple to be one flesh. In Ephesians 5:30-33, this relationship between a man and woman is a picture of Christ and the church. The phrase, one-flesh is a term reserved only for marriage in the Bible. There is no other relationship like it, not even the parent-child relationships. Marriage is the joining together of not only two people for God’s glory, but two hearts, wills, minds, and goals. In marriage, a couple becomes heirs-together according to 1 Peter 3:7, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." In Genesis 2:18-20, God says, it is not good for man to be alone. Marriage is designed by God and given from the very beginning of creation.
Aquila and Priscilla were united in Holy Matrimony by God’s grace and for His purpose. Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." It is as if they lost their individual identity and became fully integrated into one. We never think of one without the other. The word cleave in Genesis 2:24, means to be joined, bonded or cemented together. This word is used also in the covenant relationship between God and His people (Deuteronomy 10:20, 11:22;13:4, 30:20; Joshua 22:5, 23:8). Aquila and Priscilla knew the spiritual aspect of marriage. Their home was more than a place to live, eat, sleep, or change clothes. It was truly a Christ centered home that welcomed true piety.

III. ONE IN SERVICE
In Romans 16:3-5, we clearly see their devotion to the work of God, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ." The Apostle Paul highly praised in this chapter many people who helped in the ministry. But, Aquila and Priscilla are the first on the list. In verse three, they are called helpers, in verse four, describes their courage, and in verse five, shows their love for the church. They not only assisted the Apostle in gospel ministry, but put their own lives in danger for Him. This is a rare thing today in our selfish, self-centered society. They stood for truth and were not silent about it. In verse five, their home was open to God’s people on a regular basis. Not only did the Apostle Paul spend much time in their home but it was used for church services as well. Many houses today are only trophies and museums. They are not used for the Lord. They are monuments to our greedy appetite. Their home was not only open to God’s people but also to strangers. All that they had was used for the Kingdom’s sake. We read again of the church in their home in 1 Corinthians 16:19. This couple loved the Lord and his people. They also loved the preacher and loved the gospel message. We must pray more to be like Aquila and Priscilla in the church of Jesus Christ.
The last time Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned is in 2 Timothy 4:19. The Apostle Paul’s last letter and many years since we first meet them and they are still serving the Lord faithfully. Not only were they addicted to the ministry of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15) but they stayed by the stuff (1 Samuel 30:23-25) and there is a glorious crown for them (2 Timothy 4:8).
We use a phrase today describing a special place for ministers, missionaries, and other Christians passing through as a "Prophet’s Chamber" taken from a passage in 2 Kings 4:10-11, "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there." These people loved and appreciated Elisha (the prophet) so much they actually made him a special place in their home. This was the true heart and soul of Aquila and Priscilla.

Conclusion
In closing, Aquila and Priscilla were had workers, showed hospitality, sound in their faith, courageous, faithful, and dependable. They knew that they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth, just passing through. As stewards of God, their time, and treasures were used wisely. This is a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They held back nothing from their Lord and God blessed and praised them for doing so. Praise His Glorious name.

📖 2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

28/05/2026

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

John 3:7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Friend, what are you counting on to ensure that you spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ and all his saints rather than in hell with Satan and all the wicked? Jesus made it clear that many think they are saved when really they are lost (Matthew 7:21-23). Many think they are saved because of religious reasons, like water baptism or church membership. Others cling to moral arguments for their salvation, such as claiming they’ve done more good than bad or suggesting that a good God wouldn’t send anyone to hell. But what did Jesus say?

In the third chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus spoke to a very religious man named Nicodemus and said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) A few verses later he said, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." Jesus then explained that being born again meant being "born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

What does this mean? It means that the gospel of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, must be preached to a sinner and that the sinner must believe it. The apostle Paul defines the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."

Friend, do you believe that? Do you believe that you are a sinner? Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The Bible record is that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins, was buried, and then rose the third day. Do you believe that? Many will say, "Yes, I do believe that," but they fail to realize that their belief is only in their heads, not in their hearts. They believe it as a historical fact, but they have never received Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and they have never really trusted Christ to save them. Even the devils believe mentally, but the devils aren’t saved (James 2:19).

When a sinner truly believes on Christ he receives Christ as his Lord and Saviour just as one would freely receive a gift. God so loved the world that he gave us his Son (John 3:16), but that’s only half of it. A gift can be rejected or received. You must receive the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved and become a child of God. John 1:12 says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." The next verse says that when you do this you will be "born of God." (John 1:13)

1 Peter 1:23 says that you can be born again of the word of God and live forever. Friend, you do not have to live in doubt. You can be saved, and you can know it. Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." To believe in the heart is to trust, to commit, to personally receive and trust Jesus Christ as Saviour.

A common misconception in the world is the notion that God is everyone’s Father, that we are all God’s children. This is false because no one can be a child of God without being born again through Jesus Christ. Again, consider the words of John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." One can become a son of God by receiving the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. No amount of doing good, keeping commandments, or church involvement can save a sinner and make him a son of God. "Ye must be born again," Jesus said, and he said it to a very moral and religious man.

Friend, morality and religion cannot save. Only Jesus can save: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) Have YOU been set free from your sins by being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ? 1 John 1:7 says, "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Jesus shed his blood for you, but it profits you nothing, if you do not receive him as your own personal Saviour. Why not do so right now? Why not turn from your sins by turning to Jesus Christ and trusting Him alone for your salvation? Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Why not right now?

Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN

26/05/2026

MEDIATOR

1 Timothy 2:15
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Many believe in one God, but have a problem believing there is only one way to God. According to Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

📖 Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
📖 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.

I. THE DEFINITION OF A MEDIATOR
The word mediator carries the idea of a peacemaker, middle man, a go-between, umpire, or an arbitrator.
· A mediator is one who stands between two parties which are at variance in view of producing peace between them.
· A mediator settles the dispute in which neither of the two parties is capable of doing for themselves.
· A mediator intercedes between the two parties as the equal friend of each with a view of reconciliation.

The following items are a few examples of a mediator’s job:
A. Galatians 3:19-20: Moses became the mediator between God and Israel in that he delivered the Law to them, (Exodus 20:19; Deuteronomy 5:5).
B. Exodus 28:1: The priest of the Old Testament interceded on behalf of the people in the presence of God.
C. II Samuel 14:1-23: Joab in the sphere of human relations, acted as a mediator between David and Absalom.
D. Genesis 18:22-33: Abraham interceded on behalf of Lot.
E. 1 Samuel 7:8-12: Samuel interceded for Israel when fighting with the Philistines.

II. THE NEED OF A MEDIATOR
The need for a mediator arises from the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. The fellowship between God and man was broken through sin and rebellion (Isaiah 59:2). Man alone cannot approach a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6; James 2:10; Romans 3:10-12). Originally, man was created in the image of God, but through sin, he marred that image and was removed from the Garden of Eden (God’s presence). In Romans 3:23 the Scriptures plainly show that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Without a mediator to stand in between a Righteous and Holy God and sinful man, all mankind would end up in a devil’s Hell.

III. THE PROMISE OF A MEDIATOR
According to Deuteronomy 18:15-16, the Lord promised to raise up a prophet like unto Moses. Remember, Moses was a mediator of the Old Testament. He stood between the Lord and his chosen people, Israel. It was through Moses that the children of Israel received the Law at Mt. Sinai. The Lord Jesus Christ became the mediator of the New Testament, according to Hebrews 8:6-8. That is, He stood between God and the world as He went to Calvary’s Cross. If we look closely at the Old Testament, we will find the promise and prophesy of Jesus Christ. For, His coming is revealed from Genesis 3:15, the first book of the Bible, to Malachi 4:1-3, the last book of the Old Testament. According to 1 Peter 1:19-20, the Lord knew before the foundation of the world that man would need a Savior to pay for his sins. The Old Testament books of the Bible are filled, within its pages, with the promise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

IV. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A MEDIATOR
A mediator must be familiar with both parties to understand both of their needs. The mediator between God and man must be Divine and also human, this is why the Scriptures speak of the uniqueness of the person of Jesus Christ and why we see Him as the God-Man, for He was all God and all Man. Jesus Christ left Heaven’s Glory and took upon Him flesh, and He experienced the things of man. He clearly understands mankind, for He lived thirty-three years on this earth.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

According to John 1:1-3, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." And in verse 14, "And the Word was made flesh..." Jesus alone was qualified to perform the work of a mediator. The Book of Revelation clearly states in chapter 5:1-9 that He alone was worthy to provide redemption for all mankind.

V. THE RESULTS OF A MEDIATOR
The result of Christ’s mediation was the reconciling of the world to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). According to Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, Christ mediates through His death on the cross. The Lord Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). There is no reconciliation or peace apart from Calvary, for Christ’s death is the center of mediation (Romans 5:1,6; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Ephesians 2:12-17, and 1 Timothy 2:5-6). Remember, as there is only one God, there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5). According to Acts 4:12, there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. The Lord Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and those who honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father according to John 5:23. Also, Jesus is called the door in John 10:9, and only by Him can anyone be saved. According to 1 John 2:23, those who deny the Son, the same hath not the Father.

Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN

25/05/2026

THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

In the Apostle Paul’s Epistles, the term "Love of Christ" is used three times, Ephesians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 5:14 and Romans 8:35. This glorious truth was the dominating force in Paul’s life and the theme of his ministry. It is the central element of Christian theology. God’s love gave us His Son (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:10) and Christ’s love gave Himself (Romans 5:8; John 15:13). As one author so clearly said, "The gift of Christ to man is the measure of God’s love, the death of Christ is the measure of Christ’s love. The text we are coming to is Holy Ground, the mountain top of love, and the glorious truth whereby we are saved and kept saved." Amen.

📖 2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
📖 Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

This post will show that the love of Christ is revealed in the gospel, and that it constrains the believer to serve God, and it secures our future.

I. THE LOVE OF CHRIST IS REVEALED IN THE GOSPEL
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 3:14-21, prayed that the church would be able to comprehend the great truths revealed through Christ. In verses 18-19, he spoke of the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ, "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Christ’s love to us is immeasurable and boundless. The four dimensions of it shows its vastness. The breadth speaks of its scope in that His love includes the whole world (all nations). The great commission extends to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20). The gospel has brought salvation to all mankind. This can be seen clearly in the testimony of those from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9-14 and Revelation 7:9-17). The length speaks of time. This love began in eternity past and extends into eternity future. In Jeremiah 31:3, the Scriptures speak of God’s everlasting love, "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Our salvation was planned from before the foundation of the world (2 Timothy 1:8-10). The depth speaks of the extent of Christ’s love and how He stooped to be a servant in order to redeem mankind, Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" According to John 17:1-5, Christ left Heaven’s glory for the sake of our salvation. This shows the depth of His love. He took our sins upon Himself on Calvary's cross. The height of His love speaks of our glorification. The Lord Jesus has gone to prepare for us a place in the Father’s dwelling (John 14:1-4). Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, and has lifted His saints to this Heavenly position (Ephesians 2:4-5, Colossians 3:1-4). According to Ephesians 3:19, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." That is, it passes the limits of human knowledge but is revealed to us by His spirit. May it be our desire to know the love of Christ.

II. THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONSTRAINS THE BELIEVER
Christ's constraining love is seen in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:" The word constrain means to compel, motivate, urge, drive, or to bear along. It carries the idea to press, govern, or regulate our lives. Love is a powerful force and the love of Christ motivates and empowers us to serve God. The context speaks of Christ dying for all men because all were dead in sin and how we, who are Christians, should live for Him (verses 14-17). It is Christ’s love for us that brings a great change in our lives according to vs. 17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
The Apostle Paul’s extreme life in self-sacrifice and self-denial was because of the love of Christ. It motivated him to suffer many things in his service for the Lord Jesus Christ (verses 7-18; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; 12:1-10; Acts 20:17-24; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul never got over the love of Christ. It dominated his life and his ministry. In Romans 12:1-2, he spoke of our service to God as reasonable service, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." That is, God has never asked anything from us as Christians that is unreasonable. When we consider Christ’s love for us, it should stir up our love for Him. This is why the apostle prayed that God’s people would understand this glorious truth, and encouraged them in their Christian walk. Let us never lose sight of our Savior’s love for us. His only purpose for coming to this earth was to bring us eternal life (2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 2:9-18). If this alone does not motivate you to love Him, maybe you need to be saved and experience the love of Christ personally.

III. THE LOVE OF CHRIST PRESERVES AND SECURES THE BELIEVER'S FUTURE
Christ’s preserving love is seen in Romans 8:35, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" It is the love of Christ that secures our eternal destiny in Heaven’s glory with the Lord. According to Romans 8:35, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. The list of things in Romans 8:35 have no separating power over the child of God. Not even death can separate us from our Savior. The chapter begins with no condemnation for the believer and ends with no separation. In Romans 8:28-39, we have God’s undefeated plan for the saints. The ALL THINGS that work together for our good in Romans 8:28 is God’s eternal purpose in vs. 29, which is for us to be conformed into the image of His Son. According to Romans 8:30, we are God’s elect, His chosen people (called, justified, and glorified). This is why nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. In Romans 8:37, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. In other words, the one who died for our sins on the cross, will see to it that we arrive in Heaven safely, and nothing can stop that process.

Conclusion
Have you accepted the love of Christ? Only through His name can we be saved and have eternal life. God so loved the world that He gave His Son, and the Son so loved the world He gave His life. Be saved today. AMEN🙌

Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN

22/05/2026

THE SHEPHERD'S PSALM

Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Psalm is a picture of a faithful Shepherd and a tribute to God's love and mercy to His people. This Psalm is a favorite not only to me but also to many of God's people over the centuries. It has brought comfort to the soul, rest to the bereaved, and encouragement to the discouraged. It is an oasis in the desert. This Psalm shows us that God will be with us in this life and also the next life. May we approach Psalm 23 with much joy and delight. Amen.

In Holy Scripture, the Lord Jesus is called the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, the Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13:20, and the Chief Shepherd in 1 Peter 5:4. It is no accident that we are called sheep who need the care and guidance of a shepherd (Psalm 100:2-3; Psalm 95:6-7).

I. THE SHEPHERD'S PRESENCE: (verses 1-2)
In verse 1, the Psalmist refers to the Lord as "my shepherd." That is, he claimed the Lord for himself. David himself, being a shepherd, understood the importance of the Shepherd's ministry to the sheep. He probably wrote this Psalm near the end of his life, looking back and remembering all that God had done (his joy, victories, comfort, and guidance). The imagery of a shepherd is used many times in the Bible to describe the Lord, showing His tender love and dedication to His covenant people (Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 23:3; 50:6; Psalm 80:1; John 10:11-18). Also in verse 1, he says, "I shall not want. . ." showing that we shall not lack in any area of our Christian life, but will have God's guidance, love, comfort, and peace (Psalm 34:7-10, 15; 84:9-12; Philippians 4:9; Revelation 7:16-17). This is a picture of contentment the Lord gives to His people.

In verse 2, the Psalmist speaks of green pastures and still waters, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." The green pastures speak of the tender grass supplied for the sheep by the Shepherd. Sheep are usually moved into fresh green past to sustain them and satisfy their hunger. Contented sheep will lie down and rest when they have been fed and not be afraid. Again this is a picture of rest and peace from our heavenly father. The still waters speak of the calm, satisfying waters to quench thirst and give refreshment. Sheep are usually afraid of raging waters. These scriptures speak of the living waters springing up into everlasting life for the believer (John 4:10-14; John 7:37-39). Let us meditate upon the gift of the Spirit, which is a well of water, giving eternal life.

II. THE SHEPHERD'S PROTECTION: (verses 3-4)
In verse 3, the Psalmist tells us that the Lord restoreth our soul; this speaks of healing and renewal. It is to bring one back to the place they once enjoyed. David knew about restoration (Psalm 32:1-5; Psalm 38:1-22 and verse 51). The Lord not only restores but also purges the conscience of those restored.

We cannot restore our own soul. The Prodigal son was restored (Luke 15:11-20), and Peter was restored (Luke 22:32). God alone can restore the sinner and bring healing and wholeness to the soul. The Lord restores us and leads us in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 78:52-55; Proverbs 3:4-5; Deuteronomy 32:9-12).

In verse 4, the Psalmist speaks of our passing through the valley of the shadow of death without fear, for we know that our God is always with us. A valley is a low place with mountains on either side where the enemy is posted as we pass by. The word valley in our text is not used as a particular place, but a dangerous environment. It refers to life's journey on this earth as a Christian. The shadow of death can have a reference to life itself or to the time we must die. We live in the shadow of death from birth to death. But, thanks be to God that He has promised that He will be with us through it all and to the end. We do not have to live in fear, for His rod and staff comforts us. The rod is used as a club against our enemies (Ezekiel 20:37), and the staff is used to guide the sheep and bring them back, for we are prone to wander. Many staffs have a crook on its end that fits the neck of the sheep. Our Shepherd has everything covered for us; may we trust Him wholly. Even when one strays, he will leave the ninety-nine and go after the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7).

III. THE SHEPHERD'S PROVISION: (verses 5-6)
In verse 5, the Psalmist says that the Lord can prepare before us a table, even in the presence of our enemies. The Lord has authority over our enemies and rules over all. We are a guest of honor at God's table. He spreads a table for His covenant people in the wilderness (Psalm 78:17-29), and He can also spread a table for his covenant people in the New Testament. The table represents a feast or banquet, both physically speaking or spiritually speaking. The Bible, in Matthew 15:27, speaks of the Master's Table in which one can have nourishment, fellowship, communion, and salvation. Also, when we come to the Lord's Table in 1 Corinthians 10:16, we receive the blessings of our Savior. We also see in Psalm 23:5 that the Lord anointeth our head with oil, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that gives freshness and fullness. In Luke 10:34, oil and wine were the chief medicine of the east. We can thank God for this anointing (Psalm 45:7; 1 John 2:28). The last words of verse 5 are, "My cup runneth over," which is a symbol of joy, a cup running over means abundance. Let us live in the overflow and not under the circumstances. In Nehemiah 8:10, the joy of the Lord is our strength, and 1 Peter 1:8 speaks of rejoicing in unspeakable joy. In Philippians 4:4, we are told to rejoice in the Lord, and again I say rejoice. The Lord Jesus desire for His disciples was to be full joy, and in John 10:10, the Good Shepherd said to his sheep, ". . . I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."

In verse 6, the Psalmist begins the verse with the word surely, which speaks of confidence, certainty, and hope. Our eternity is secure because we have His word on it. God's goodness and mercy shall be with us all the days of our life. Also, we will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, this shows the permanence of our dwelling in the presence of our Lord and Savior (John 14:1-4; Revelation 7:16-17, 21:7-8, 27). This life is just a dressing room for the life to come.

Conclusion:
Let us rejoice forevermore in our Shepherd, who loves us and cares for us and will keep us through all eternity, Amen.

📖 John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

📖 Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

📖 1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN

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Brgy. Rizal, Negros Occidental
Sagay City
6122

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Campus Bible Fellowship - SUNN