The Shepherd’s Journey

02/01/2026 - Sarah Ingram - He's In The Midst

In John 20:19–23 the resurrected Jesus appears to his frightened disciples behind closed doors, greets them with peace, and shows the wounds in his hands and side as proof of his victory over death. He breathes on them, gives the Holy Spirit, and commissions them with authority to continue his mission, reminding us that his presence and grace come not from our merit but from his love and promise.

11/02/2025 - David Beverley - Follow Me, The Trial of Your Faith

Bro. David teaches us that the life of a disciple begins with one call from Jesus: “Follow Me.” Peter’s journey shows that we don’t have to fully understand God to start — we simply respond and walk with Him. As we follow Christ, He shapes us, matures us, and forms us into who He created us to be. Spiritual growth doesn’t come from information alone, but from walking with Jesus daily, learning His heart, His ways, and His character through real life. 3 Key Takeaways Following Christ Comes Before Fully Understanding Him Peter didn’t begin with deep knowledge or spiritual maturity — he simply responded to the call. Understanding comes after obedience.   Who You Follow Shapes Who You Become We are influenced by whatever we give our attention to — voices, habits, people. When we follow Christ consistently, He reshapes our character, desires, and purpose. Growth Takes Time, Struggle, and Experience Peter became strong and mature after years of failures, lessons, and trials — but he kept following. Our spiritual growth also comes through continued steps of obedience. 1. Scriptures  * 1 Peter 1:6–9 – Trials mature and strengthen faith. * Mark 1:15–18 – Jesus calls Peter and Andrew: “Follow Me.” * Luke 2:46–49 – Even Jesus grew in understanding through seeking His Father. * John 8:1–11 – Jesus responds to sinners with mercy and restoration. * Matthew 16:15–17 – Peter recognizes Jesus as the Son of God through revelation, not information.

10/26/2025 - Sedrick Ballenger - Let's Go On To Perfection

Bro. Sedrick calls for believers to spiritual growth — to move beyond the basics of salvation and continue maturing in Christ. The enemy tries to keep believers comfortable, complacent, and spiritually still, but God calls us to increase in love, obedience, commitment, and usefulness. We are not meant to remain where we started; we are called to grow, strive, and go on to perfection in Christ. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Comfort is Dangerous to Spiritual Life The enemy tries to keep believers satisfied, stagnant, and spiritually relaxed. True Christian living requires movement, effort, and intentional growth. 2. We Must Leave the Basics and Mature It is not enough to simply say we are saved. God calls us to grow in character, holiness, compassion, faithfulness, and service — going from milk to solid food. 3. Striving Keeps Us Strong A Christian who presses forward, seeks God in prayer, stays connected to the church body, and keeps their heart tender is protected and strengthened. Growth requires effort. Scriptures  * Hebrews 6:1 – Calls believers to move beyond foundational teachings and grow into maturity. * Ephesians 6:10 – Encourages believers to be strong in the Lord, not spiritually weak or passive. * 2 Corinthians 7:1 – Teaches that believers are to cleanse themselves and keep growing in holiness. * Titus 2:14 – God saves us to make us a zealous and active people, not passive Christians. * Luke 13:24 – Jesus says to strive to enter — spiritual growth requires effort and intention. * John 15:2 – God prunes and refines us so that we can bear more fruit in our lives.

10/25/2025P - Sedrick Ballenger - Deception of the Enemy - Jtown Friends & Family Day

Bro. Sedrick teaches that the enemy’s primary tactic is deception — especially in getting believers to question, soften, or reinterpret God’s Word. Just as Satan questioned God’s command in the garden, he attempts to plant doubt, pride, dissatisfaction, and self-will in our hearts. True safety is found in obedience, humility, and guarding the mind against thoughts that challenge God’s authority.  Deception of the Enemy 3 Key Takeaways 1. Deception often begins with small doubts. Satan rarely starts with open rebellion — he begins by whispering, “Did God really say…?” If we entertain those thoughts, they grow into disobedience. 2. Your heart is the battleground. The enemy works to corrupt the heart through pride, comparison, dissatisfaction, and justification. A clean heart comes from surrender, not self-reliance. 3. Obedience protects your life. When Adam and Eve disobeyed, they lost fellowship, peace, and covering. Sin still works the same way today — it promises excitement, but always leads to loss. Scriptures  * Genesis 2:16–17 – God gives a clear command to Adam. * Genesis 3:1–6 – The serpent questions God’s word and Eve yields to deception. * 2 Corinthians 10:5 – We must cast down thoughts that contradict God. * John 11:25 – Jesus is the source of true life. * Acts 2:38 – The call to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

10/25/2025A - Sarah Ingram - Religious & Righteous - Jtown Friends & Family Day

Sis. Sarah contrasts religion (outward appearance, ritual, pride, and performance) with true righteousness (a transformed heart that reflects Christ). She warns that some people can look godly yet lack the inward reality of grace. True Christianity is not about titles, traditions, or being seen, but about humility, compassion, obedience, and genuine love for God and others. The call is to examine our hearts—to be sure we possess the real work of God, not merely the form of it. Religious and Righteous Key Takeaways 1. Religion Can Be Imitated — Righteousness Cannot A person can practice traditions, attend church, and appear spiritual, yet still not be right with God. True righteousness comes from a changed heart.  2. The Focus of Fake Religion Is Self — The Focus of True Faith Is Christ The Pharisees sought recognition, titles, and spiritual image, while true believers aim to point others to Jesus.  3. True Holiness Produces Compassion Religious pride condemns others; Christlike righteousness seeks to restore and rescue (as seen in the woman caught in adultery).  4. Outward Obedience Means Nothing Without an Honest Heart God cares more about mercy, love, faith, and inner purity than outward rituals or performance. 5. We Must Examine Ourselves The message challenges each believer to ask: Am I real before God, or just religious? True faith is tested through trials, humility, and consistency. Religious and Righteous Scriptures Used in the Message Reference Theme Context in Message 2 Timothy 3:5 Form of godliness without power Opening text contrasting religion vs righteousness. Religious and Righteous Matthew 23 Woes to the Pharisees Used to describe characteristics of fake religion. Religious and Righteous Luke 18:10–14 Pharisee & tax collector praying Shows pride vs repentance. Religious and Righteous John 8:1–11 Woman caught in adultery Christ shows mercy where religious leaders showed condemnation. Religious and Righteous Matthew 22:37–39 Love God & neighbor Used to explain true righteousness flowing from love. Religious and Righteous Job 1:8 God recognizing true faithfulness Example of God acknowledging genuine righteousness. Religious and Righteous