Acts 2:42-47

 

They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. 43A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.  (NLT)

 

Psalm 23.

 

L.  The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

C.  He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

L.  He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

C.  Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

L.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

C.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

L.  You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.

C.  My cup overflows with blessings.

L.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,

C.  and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.  (NLT)

 

The second lesson

 

1 Peter 2:19-25

 

For God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment. 20Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.  21This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. 22He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 23He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds! 25Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.  (NLT)

 

The Gospel Lesson

 

John 10:1-10

 

1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.   2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."  6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.  7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  (NIV)