18 Mar “I Am Finding My Identity in Who He IS ” | Part Five – “I AM the Good Shepherd” – All Locations
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
NEW>>> SOUTHCOAST: SANCTUS REAL COMING TO YOUR LOCATION – CHECK OUT DETAILS HERE: SANCTUS REAL CONCERT
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Life Group Leader Meeting – Monday, March 16 – If you did not register for the first meeting, you can register below. If you cannot make this meeting, please cancel your registration by clicking below:
Life Group Leader Meeting North Attleboro
Life Group Leader Meeting Apollo Beach
Life Group Leader Meeting Woonsocket
Life Group Leader Meeting SouthCoast
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NEW ENGLAND LIFE GROUPS:
PROVIDENCE RESCUE. MISSION SERVE OPPORTUNITY – If your group is interested in preparing and serving the meal at the Providence Rescue Mission, please email Pastor Jody at jody@waterschurch.org. We are looking for a different group each month to serve on the 4th Sunday!
The Generational Influence giving campaign has been extended an additional 10 weeks. It is now 30 weeks with a May 3rd offering date.
WATERS UNIVERSITY – Re-Engage starts the first week in March and Alpha Spring classes in April!
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
Please note: Life Groups that generously provide or sponsor a meal for Alpha are deeply appreciated. To help create a safe and consistent environment where guests feel comfortable opening up, we kindly ask that groups serve the meal and then allow the Alpha team and registered participants to continue with the class and discussion portion.
Thank you!
WATERS UNIVERSITY – FINANCIAL PEACE STARTING IN JANUARY:
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
WATERSU (https://watersu.org/)
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
Prayer Saturday – First Saturday after First Tuesday/Together Tuesday: 9-10 am all locations
Worship Mondays: 6:00 a.m. worship – location rotation
For schedules, go to waterschurch.org/events
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you are available, or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off of the break room area during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
Part 5 – The Good Shepherd
Key Verse: John 10
Icebreaker Question:
If you could walk through any famous door in history, literature, or a movie (like Narnia’s wardrobe or a secret door in a castle), which one would you choose and why?
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. We are grateful that through Jesus, we have access to You and the abundant life You promise. As we talk and learn together, open our hearts to understand Your truth and give us the courage to follow where You lead. Help us hear Your voice clearly and trust You more each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Psalm 95:7 ESV
We are like sheep—dependent on a shepherd for guidance and care. God calls us sheep to show our need for Him.
Psalm 100:3 ESV
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Leader Insight Box:
In the Bible, shepherds had a deeply personal relationship with their sheep. They knew each one, protected them from predators, and guided them to food and water. Sheep depended completely on the shepherd because they could easily wander and could not find their way back alone.
Jesus uses this picture in John 10 to show both our need for guidance and His commitment to care for us. The Good Shepherd does not abandon His sheep—He protects them, calls them by name, and even lays down His life for them.
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Sheep Facts:
1. Sheep WANDER OFF frequently.
2. Sheep CANNOT FIND their way BACK.
- source, Philip Keller, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”, 1970
Sheep cannot navigate on their own. We need guidance.
I need a SHEPHERD.
People don’t run to God; God runs after people. He is the hound of Heaven; God is the One who comes after us.
John 10:11 ESV
John 10:12-13 ESV
Q. Sheep are known to wander and lose their way, and they cannot find their way back without a shepherd. In what ways do you see this reflected in our lives spiritually, and why do you think it’s important to recognize that we need a Shepherd?
What does the Good Shepherd do?
1. Jesus SACRIFICES HIMSELF for me.
Jesus laid down his life for you. He came to stand between you and the chaos of the world, protecting His people from the enemy.
John 10:11 ESV
1 Samuel 17:34–35 ESV
Just as David is unafraid, so is Jesus, who is not afraid to take on the bears and the lions for His sheep.
John 10:17–18 ESV
Q. When you picture Jesus standing between you and danger like a shepherd protecting his sheep, what comes to mind? Can you share an example?
Leader Prompt:
Remind the group that both David and Jesus risked greatly for their sheep, showing the depth of His love. Encourage reflection on this.
Practical Application:
Take time this week to thank Jesus for His sacrifice. Spend a few moments in prayer or reflection, remembering that His love for you was so great that He willingly laid down His life so you could have life with Him.
2. Jesus seeks INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with me.
He wants you to know Him, not just know about Him.
John 10:14-15 ESV
You can gain knowledge of someone without knowing them, but to gain a deeper understanding requires time and presence.
Hosea 6:6 ESV
God wants our hearts to be knitted together with His own.
John 17:3 ESV; Philippians 3:8 ESV; Daniel 11:32 ESV
If you know God, you stand firm and take action.
John 10:27 ESV
If you are His sheep, you will follow His voice.
Q. What does it look like in your daily life to truly know Jesus and recognize His voice? How do you notice Him speaking to you?
Leader Prompt:
Emphasize that God wants a relationship over religious activity.
Practical Application:
Choose one intentional way this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus—spend time reading Scripture, praying honestly, or quietly listening for His guidance so you can better recognize His voice and follow Him.
3. Jesus DRAWS others INTO the FOLD with me.
You can’t love the Shepherd and not have a heart for lost sheep.
John 10:16 ESV
Jesus is the Shepherd who leaves the 99 in search of the one.
There is one flock and one Shepherd. Follow the one voice—Jesus Christ.
It does not matter what your skin color or nationality is. Our highest allegiance is always to the people of God, whether Jew or Gentile. What unites us is not our background, culture, or status—it is Jesus.
We belong to one Shepherd and one family of faith.
Q. Who in your life might Jesus be drawing toward Him right now, and how could you be part of that?
Leader Prompt:
Remind the group that Jesus seeks those who are outside His fold.
Practical Application:
Pray this week for one person who does not yet know Jesus, and look for an opportunity to encourage or invite them closer to Him.
4. Jesus WILL NEVER LOSE me.
John 10:28-29 ESV
You, like sheep, may wander constantly, but under the Good Shepherd’s care, you will not perish.
Anyone who comes will never be lost.
Romans 8:35–37 ESV
Q. How does knowing that Jesus holds your life securely change the way you face fear or uncertainty?
Leader Prompt:
Remind the group that our security comes from being held by the Good Shepherd, not from our own strength.
Practical Application:
When you face worry or uncertainty this week, pause and remind yourself that your life is secure in Jesus’ hands, and trust Him with what concerns you.
So, Who Am I?
In Christ, I am someone Jesus FOUND, GATHERED to His flock, and GUARDS for eternity.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Thank You for loving us enough to sacrifice Yourself for us, for inviting us into a personal relationship with You, and for drawing others into Your fold. Help us to trust Your leadership, listen for Your voice, and follow where You lead. Give us the courage to share Your love with others and the confidence that our future is secure in Your hands. In Your name we pray, Amen.
I AM – Finding My Identity in Who He Is
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