December 31, 2025 – New Year’s Eve
The adjacent symbol is the Alpha and Omega.
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
In Scripture Jesus Christ is called the Alpha and Omega. He is the beginning and the end, the eternal, changeless God. The passage of time affects us, but the One in Whom we trust is outside and above it all.
Another year is dawning——a path unknown, untried.
‘T’would fill me with foreboding, had I no hand to guide;
But He who walked beside me, all through this closing year,
Whatever might befall me – has promised to be near.
Another year with Jesus! There’s no fear that I know;
His love is ever-precious, how ‘er the winds might blow.
E’en when the storm is fiercest, His help He won’t deny,
He’ll grant me peace and comfort – on Him I can rely.
Another year to trust Him——yes I will trust Him still,
My Shepherd’s never failed me——I know He never will.
His rod and staff He gives me, to be my strength and stay,
And tenderly He leads me along my homeward way.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version
Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
Used with permission. Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Pre-Service Music
Silent Prayer
We Begin Our Worship
The Greeting and Invitation to Worship
After which the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
We begin our service this evening,
in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Tonight Psalm 90
P: Lord, You have been our Dwelling Place throughout all generations.
C: Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, + from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
P: You turn men back to dust, saying “Return to dust, O sons of men.”
C: For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, + or like a watch in the night.
P: You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.
C: All our days pass away under Your wrath; + we finish our years with a moan.
P: The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength;
C: yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, + for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
P: Who knows the power of Your anger? For Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due You.
C: Teach us to number our days aright, + that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
P: Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
C: May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; + establish the work of our hands for us — + yes, establish the work of our hands.
After the Psalm, the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 441 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
O God, our Help in ages past,
Our Hope for years to come,
Our Shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal Home.
Under the shadow of Your throne,
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting You are God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Your sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
O God, our Help in ages past,
Our Hope for years to come,
Still be our Guide while troubles last,
And our eternal Home!
After which the Congregation will rise
The Opening Responsive Reading and Prayer
P: The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and peace at the last.
C: Amen.
P: It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
C: to sing praise to Your name, O Most High,
P: to speak of Your love for us in the morning,
C: to meditate on Your Word of Truth at the close of day.
P: Lord God, our Refuge and Fortress, Your faithfulness has protected us through this day. Now send Your holy angels to guard us from danger throughout this night. Give us peaceful rest, free from any fear, that we might wake refreshed in the new year to serve You, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
C: Amen.
Tonight’s Scripture Lessons
The First Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
For everything there is an appointed time.
There is an appropriate time for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to give birth and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot plants,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones,
a time to embrace and a time not to embrace,
6 a time to search and a time to stop searching,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to rip and a time to sew,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his hard work? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the children of Adam to keep them busy. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Yes, he has also put eternity in their hearts, yet it is not possible for man to understand the work that God has done from beginning to end.
Our Second Lesson Romans 8:18-39
18 For I conclude that our sufferings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 In fact, creation is waiting with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by the will of the One Who subjected it, in the hope 21 that even creation itself will be set free from slavery to corruption, in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22 For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time. 23 And not only creation, but also we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for something we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patient endurance.
26 In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we should pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that are not expressed in words. 27 And He Who searches our hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints, according to God’s will.
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose, 29 because those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the Firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called. Those He called, He also justified. And those He justified, He also glorified.
31 What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, He Who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also graciously give us all things along with Him?
33 Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the One Who justifies! 34 Who is the One Who condemns? Christ Jesus, Who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the One Who is at God’s right hand and Who is also interceding for us! 35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sermon Hymn Hymn 417 Be Still, My Soul
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through stormy ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God will undertake,
to guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know,
His voice Who ruled them while He lived below.
Be still, my soul; though dearest friends depart,
and all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay,
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on,
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and bless-ed we shall meet at last.
Tonight’s Sermon Isaiah 63:7-15
7 I will tell about the Lord’s mercies, about the praises of the Lord, about all that the Lord has done for us, about His great goodness to the house of Israel, which He performed for them according to His abundant compassion, and according to His great mercy. 8 He said, “Surely they are My people, children who will not deal falsely,” so He became their Savior. 9 In all their anguish He felt anguish, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and in His pity He Himself redeemed them, and He took them up and carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit, so He turned against them and became an enemy. He Himself fought against them. 11 Yet He remembered the days of old, the days of Moses and His people.
Where is the One Who brought them up from the sea, with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One Who set His Holy Spirit in their midst, 12 Who sent His majestic arm to the right hand of Moses, Who divided waters before them to make an everlasting name for Himself, 13 Who let them walk through the depths? Like a horse in the wilderness, they did not stumble. 14 Like cattle that descend into a valley, they were given rest by the Lord’s Spirit. This is how You led Your people to make a majestic name for Yourself.
15 Gaze down from the heavens and see, from Your holy and beautiful dwelling place. Where is Your zeal and Your might? The feelings of Your heart and Your compassion are withheld from me. 16 But You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, though Israel does not acknowledge us. You, the Lord, are our Father. Our Redeemer from everlasting is Your name.
Celebrate God’s Grace Backward and Forward
We Present God with our Offerings and Prayers
The Offering
Offerings will be received this evening through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those watching this worship service, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can go to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option.
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
Special Prayers followed by Our Responsive Prayer
P: I will exalt You, my God and King; I will praise Your name for ever and ever.
C: Every day I will praise You and extol Your name.
P: It is fitting, O Lord, in the final hours of this year, to express our gratitude for the countless gifts of grace we have received from You.
C: You have been faithful to all Your promises and loving toward all You have made.
P: You clothe Your creation with beauty; You feed even the birds and tell us that we are much more valuable than they.
C: You know what we need, and You give us every good thing at the proper time.
P: Clothing and food, safety and health, possessions and money, even life itself – all these come to us from Your generous hand.
C: We thank You for these blessings, given to us over our lives, and particularly in this year now drawing to its close, and we ask that You would continue to graciously grant these blessings to us in the future – according to Your will.
P: We thank you especially for your Word and Sacraments, through which You strengthen our faith, shield us from temptation, and equip us for service.
C: Increase our devotion to utilizing these precious Means of Grace, so that we may continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, serving You here until we live with You one day in heavenly glory – for Jesus’ sake.
P: Almighty and eternal God, You have been gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love in all Your dealings with us. As You led your people Israel in the wilderness through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, even so lead us throughout our lives by the light of your Holy Word, so that we might live our lives to Your glory and be prepared to die in peace, in faith in You.
C: We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. In His name we began this year; in His name we bring it to a close. And in His name we now join in praying:
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Our Celebration of the Sacrament
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
P: I now ask you before God, who searches your heart, do you confess that you have sinned against God and deserve His wrath and punishment? Then declare so by saying, “I do confess.”
C: I do confess.
P: Truly you should confess, for the Holy Scriptures say, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Second, do you, with all your heart, repent of all your sins, committed
in thought, word and deed? Then declare so by saying, “I do repent.”
C: “I do repent.”
P: Truly, you should repent, as other penitent sinners have done: King David, who prayed for a contrite heart; Peter, who wept bitterly; the sinful woman, the prodigal son, and others.
Third, do you sincerely believe that God, by grace, for Jesus’ sake, will forgive you all your sins? Then declare so by saying, “I do believe.”
C: “I do believe.”
P: Truly you should so believe, for the Holy Scriptures say, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Fourth, do you promise that with the help of the Holy Ghost, you
will, from this time forward, reform your sinful life? Then declare it by saying, “I do promise.”
C: “I do promise.”
P: Truly, you should so promise, for Christ, the Lord says: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Finally, do you believe that through me, a called servant of God, you
will receive from God the forgiveness of all your sins? Then declare it by saying, “I do believe.
C: “I do believe.”
P: Upon this, your confession, I, because of my office as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place, and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Peace be with you. Amen.”
C: Thanks be to God! Amen.
The Words of Institution
P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
P: O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us, and grant us Your peace.
C: Amen.
The Distribution of the Sacrament
In accordance with the Scriptural practice of closed Communion, we invite to the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood the communicant members of this congregation. We also invite communicant members of our sister congregations within our Synodical fellowship (the WELS and the ELS) who have made their intention to commune known to our pastor. We ask other guests in attendance to refrain from taking the Sacrament with us this evening. We invite you to speak with a pastor at your convenience, about how you might become a part of our Christian fellowship and commune with us in the future.
Distribution Hymn Hymn 389 “ Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me “
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood
From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure:
Cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace.
Foul, I to the fountain fly –
Wash me, Savior, or I die!
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill thy law’s demands.
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save and thou alone.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne.
Rock of Ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee!
We Conclude Our Worship
Once the distribution is completed
the Congregation will rise for
The Song of Simeon
(Sung) In peace, Lord, You let your Servant depart
According to Your Word
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
which You have prepared for every people.
A Light to lighten the Gentiles
and the glory of Your people Israel. Amen.
The Closing Prayer
Almighty God, to Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may love You more completely, praise You more joyously, and serve You more faithfully. These requests we make in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, both now and forever. Amen.
The Closing Blessing
P: The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine on you
and be gracious unto you;
the LORD look on you with favor, and give you His peace.
C: Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Closing Hymn Hymn 588 Abide With Me
1 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou Who changest not, abide with me!
3 Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for ev’ry plea;
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
4 Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
5 I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
6 I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me.
7 Hold thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! Amen`
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-service music
A Bible Study and Devotion To Start the New Year
January 1st is traditionally recognized as the “Eighth Day of Christmas” and so – following the Old Testament custom of circumcising Hebrew boys on the 8th day – the Christian Church (at least that part which follows the historic Christian “Church Year” calendar….as we do) observes January 1st as “The Day of the Circumcision and Naming of our Lord.” Because we will not be gathering for public worship here tomorrow morning, and so that we do not entirely “lose” the spiritual significance of January 1st, I’d like to share with you this brief Bible study for New Year’s Day in the hope that you will take it home to use devotionally — whether just personally, or with family and friends – as a means to both build your faith and knowledge, and to “start the new year” off in the best way possible: in study of God’s Word and prayer to our Lord. (Note….the titles/names that follow are just some of the many names and terms used to describe Jesus. Likewise, the passages cited in connection with the titles below should not be considered an exhaustive list of their usages.)
Here are Just Some of the Names given
to Jesus which are found in Scripture
Immanuel – A transliteration of the Hebrew, “Immanu-El” which
literally means “with us, God.” Coming from the prophesy in Isaiah 7:14, we also find it used to describe Jesus in Matthew 1:23.
The Alpha and the Omega – (Revelation 1:8) these are the names of the letters which begin and end the Greek alphabet. In Revelation 22:13 these words are followed by the explanation, “The First and the Last, The Beginning and the End” and are used to refer to Christ’s eternal character. As the everlasting, timeless God, He has no beginning and no end, but exists forever. What a thought for us to ponder as we “mark the passage of time” this New Year’s. And while we are not eternal, since we each have a beginning somewhere in past time, we will enjoy everlasting life in heaven through faith in Jesus.
Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come – Interestingly, the number three is often used in Scripture in connection with the Lord (Isaiah 6:3; Numbers 6:24-6). We find it being used here in the second part of Revelation 1:8 as an indication both of Christ’s timelessness, expressing the concept that He has always existed, and of His deity as the One, True God.
Messiah (Hebrew) / Christ (Greek) – both terms mean “The Anointed One” and indicate that Mary’s (and God’s) Son was uniquely designated, or set apart from all others, to be the One and Only world’s Redeemer. “Messiah” and “Christ” are less formal names and more of a “title” for Jesus. Occasionally He directly acknowledge that He was the Messiah, for example….in His conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:25-26). The use of this title is consistent with the OT-era ancient practice of publicly anointing a king or prophet with oil in order to show that he had been especially selected and set apart for a particular task or role. We can see Jesus being manifestly set apart as “the Messiah/Christ” for His saving work at the time of His baptism, in Matthew 3:13-17. We also know that His mission of redemption, for which He had been set apart, was constantly uppermost in His mind throughout His ministry (John 5:36; John 9:4). Here are some other passages where these titles are used in reference to Jesus: John 1:41; Luke 2:11; John 7:26-27, 41-44; Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29
Son of God – (Luke 1:35; Matthew 4:3,6; Mark 1:1; John 10:33-39) Though not used nearly as much as the term which follows (“Son of Man”), this title simply and accurately describes Jesus’ divine nature. While not using this title, the writer to the Hebrews (1:1-4) and Paul in Colossians (2:9-10) both testify to Jesus’ divine nature. John calls Him “the Son of God” and “the true God” in I John 5:20. And so we Christians believe that Mary’s Son IS the eternal Son of God.
The Holy One of God – John 6:69 – Another simple statement about Christ’s character, this title describes the perfection that is inherently His as the righteous, sinless God – a sinlessness which He retained (and on which our salvation depended, so that He might be a perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins – John 1:29) after He took upon Himself our human nature…..see Hebrews 4:15.
Son of Man – an oft-used title which gives us an indication of Christ’s
fully human nature. It is used over 80 times in the NT in reference to Jesus. Examples include: Matthew 9:6; Matthew 16:13; Mark 2:10, 28; Luke 12:10; Luke 24:7; John 3:13; John 9:35)
The Root and the Offspring of David – (Revelation 22:16) A reference to Christ having come from David’s line. As will be the case with a number of names and titles given to Him, we can see here that Jesus Christ is the Messiah because he fulfilled the prophecies about the One Who was to come. See also Micah 5:2, indicating that the Christ would come from David’s hometown of Bethlehem. Similar portions of Scripture refer to Christ’s being an ancestor of David and his father, Jesse. Some of those references are: Isaiah 11:1’s Branch from the stump of Jesse, and Jesus’ “family history” (genealogy) from chapter one of Matthew’s Gospel (vv 5-6).
Son of David – (Matthew 9:27; Matthew 12:23; Mark 9:47) Another title used to describe the direction connection between Jesus and His great forebearer, David, to whom the LORD had promised that a Descendant would one day sit on his throne Who would reign forever over the house of Israel (Psalm 110; Mark 13:36). This term is used frequently in the NT in connection with Christ.
The Bright Morning Star – From Revelation 22:16, this title gives us a glimpse of the brightness, the glory that Christ possesses as the almighty God. We will personally behold that glory one day with our own eyes (Job 19:27), even as we already see that glory now through the eyes of faith (John 1:14)
LORD (Yahweh, in Hebrew) – actually a verb which means “I AM” –
whenever you see this word capitalized in the OT it refers to the God of free and faithful grace, and so is a reference to the entire Trinity. See Exodus 34:5,6. When Jesus’ disciples called Him “Lord” they were acknowledging that He was (and is) the One True Almighty God, Who is One with the Father and the Spirit in power, authority, and honor. Jesus used this term “I Am” occasionally (John 8:58, Mark14:62) to describe Himself, to immediate charges of blasphemy from opponents because He “dared” to make himself equal to God.
Wonderful Counselor – from Isaiah 9:6, the One Who revealed the truth about God to us, and Who showed us (by earning for us) the way to heaven and eternal life. See also John 14:1-6.
Mighty God – from Isaiah 9:6, an indication of the power and authority that Christ possessed as the almighty, Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth. Also see Matthew 28:18 and Matthew 19:26, where Christ’s “omnipotence” (all-powerful character) is highlighted.
Everlasting Father – from Isaiah 9:6. See also John 10:30. Another affirmation of the unity and equality that exist between the 1st and 2nd Persons of the Trinity. (Those who today claim that Jesus is, in every way, inferior to the Father – such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses – have an obviously difficult time “reinterpreting” or “interpreting away” the very clear indication here that the Father and the Son are one and the same in their divine essence.
Prince of Peace – from Isaiah 9:6 This is not the peace (from warfare or politically between countries) that the world seeks, but the infinitely more needed and spiritually significant peace that now….for Jesus’ sake and because of His reconciling work (II Cor 5:14-21)….exists between our perfect God and sinful mankind. The angels sung about it in Luke 2:14, and Paul spoke about it in Philippians 4:7.
Mediator – Paul describes Jesus as “the Mediator between God and men” in I Timothy 2:5. For us the significance of this name is found in the fact that Jesus continues to serve us now in heaven as our Great High Priest by being our Go-Between/Mediator, pleading for us and insuring that our prayers are heard and favorably answered. We “confess” this truth every time we offer our prayers “in Jesus’ name.” (John 16:23)
Good Shepherd – one of the most endearing portraits of Christ found in the Bible. David first gave us this picture in “the world’s most beloved Psalm,” Psalm 23. In John 10 (1-6, 11-18, 22-30 ) Jesus speaks at length about Himself as the Good Shepherd, Who not only protects His flock but willingly sacrificially lays down His life for His sheep. Likewise, in the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) Christ speaks in shepherd’s terms about His work in seeking out and saving those who are spiritually lost.
The Gate – often overlooked because it comes at the start of the “Good Shepherd chapter,” this title from John 10:7 declares to us that entrance into heaven comes ONLY through faith in Jesus. Peter would later affirm this fact in Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name, under heaven, given among men by which we must be saved.” Can you also see Him as “the Gate” in Matthew 7:13-14?
The Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25. Jesus performed three
miracles raising others from the dead: the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17), Jairus’ daughter (Matthew 9:23-26; Luke 9:40-56), and Lazarus (John 11). In addition, in connection with His Good Friday death, many dead people were raised from their graves (Matthew 27:52-53). The even greater miracles of resurrection in which Christ was/will be involved were when He raised Himself from the grave (John 10:18….but see I Peter 3:18 where the Spirit is also involved in Christ’s resurrection) and when He will call our bodies forth from our graves on the Last Day (I Thessalonians 4:17-18; John 5:28). For the believer, then, the death of my body is never something to be feared, since my soul will live forever and even my dead body will one day be raised imperishable from my grave. (I Corinthians 15:20, 50-54)
Jesus (Jeshua, in Hebrew) – An example is found in Matthew 1:21. The name means “The Lord Saves” and is used in excess of 1274 times in the New Testament in connection with Christ. This name, clearly, puts an exclamation point on the principal work which He came to accomplish: our souls’ salvation.
Savior – (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Jude 1:25; Titus 3:6) As with the remarks above, in connection with the name “Jesus,” this title describes what Christ achieved for us through His perfect substitutionary life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection: He saved us from the curse of our sins, from eternal death, and from the Devil’s power. Put more “positively,” He saved us for eternal life in heaven with Him. This term is used at least 24 times in the New Testament in connection with Jesus.
Finally, see Philippians 2:6-11, especially verse 11, which tells us that even if many today do not recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior, the day (of Judgment) will come when everyone will bow down before Him and acknowledge that He is the God of all and the world’s Redeemer. Aren’t you grateful that God has already given you the faith to believe in Him as your Savior?