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Easter Sunday

What Changed?

Pastor Brent Snook · April 5, 2026 · AM Service

Text: John 19:38–42

“Calvary made the difference.”

Why do millions gather in churches every Easter? For some it’s family, tradition, or habit. But for others, it’s because we worship a Jewish carpenter who died on a cruel cross — and rose again. In just three days, frightened and confused followers became fearless and courageous. So what changed?

John 19:38–42 introduces us to two key men: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Both were members of the Sanhedrin. Both were wealthy. Both were secret seekers of Truth. Until Calvary changed everything.

I. THE CONSTRAINT OF THESE TWO MEN

John 19:38 — Two of Jerusalem’s most influential men had kept their relationship with Jesus entirely in the shadows. They sat in on Jesus’ trial, heard every lie spoken against Him — and said not a word in His defense.

Why were they so timid?

1. Perhaps because of His Nature — Jesus was not the conquering King they expected.

2. Perhaps because of Their Wealth — “The Fishermen left their boats and nets — Joseph was slow to leave all for Christ’s sake.”

3. Perhaps because of Their Public Office — These were men everyone knew. The cost of going public was high.

Fear is contagious — but so is courage. These two men were about to make a comeback.

II. THE CHANGE OF THESE TWO MEN

John 19:38b — “…besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.” Something tore away the veil of timidity within them.

A. The Cause of Their Change

1. Possibly the Crookedness of Jesus’ — The entire proceeding was illegal under Jewish Law — tried at night, in private, no defense permitted, executed the same day as sentencing.

2. Possibly the Crisis of Jesus’ — They witnessed the scourging — a brutal Roman ordeal. Pilate had handed Jesus over after pronouncing Him innocent. Not one word of complaint passed Jesus’ lips.

3. Possibly the Conditions Surrounding Jesus’

• Darkness — for three hours at midday, silence fell across Jerusalem (Matthew 27:45)

• Earthquake — the earth shook (Matthew 27:51–52)

• The Rent Veil — God declaring total access into His holy presence (Matthew 27:51)

• His sentence — “It is Finished” — heard by all

4. Probably the Cross of Jesus’ — Nicodemus remembered Jesus’ own words: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up…” (John 3). The shameful death of the cross had a greater power over them than all the beauty of Christ’s life.

B. The Courage of Their Change

Up until now, both men had been secret disciples — but no longer. They bravely walked into Pilate’s chambers and requested to remove Jesus’ body for a proper burial. They no longer cared about their position, wealth, or influence in Jerusalem.

“Viewing Christ on the Cross kindles a love for Christ that cannot be concealed.”

Christian friend — go public.

III. THE CONFESSION OF THESE TWO MEN

John 19:40 — “Then took they the body of Jesus.” Coming to the Cross, they were stunned by what they saw.

A. The of the Savior Is Revealed

At the now-lonely cross, a wave of emotion crashes over them. They see the wounds — the thorn-punctured head, the swollen face, the gaping wounds in hands and feet, flesh exposed from the scourging. They fall to their knees and weep — for Jesus, for the world that did this, and for themselves, for all they didn’t say.

B. The Sin of Is Revealed

As they tenderly cleaned His blood-stained body, they looked at their own blood-covered hands and realized — it was their sin, and ours, that nailed Jesus to the Cross.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities… and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5

“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” — 1 Peter 3:18

Joseph gave his own new tomb. Nicodemus brought 100 pounds of expensive spices. Together they wrapped and laid that precious body to rest — a final act of love from men no longer hiding in the shadows.

IV. THE CELEBRATION OF THESE TWO MEN

Three days later — the disciples in hiding, the Sanhedrin standing guard — something miraculous happened.

✝ JESUS IS RISEN! ✝

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” — Matthew 28:6, The Angel to Mary Magdalene

These are the events that changed two lives. These are the events that have changed countless lives since. And these are the events that can change your life today.

Jesus is the Changer.

He died on a cross — and rose again victoriously — in order to change you.

Judas: The Pathway of a Chameleon

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 29, 2026

Text: Matthew 26

I. THE SCHEME OF THE CONSPIRATOR (Matthew 26:14-16)

One of the twelve
- Judas had made a profession of faith
- Judas experienced all of Jesus
  1. He heard the message of Christ (Sermon on the Mount, The Parables, The Olivet Discourse)
  2. He saw the miracles of Christ (Calmed the sea, walked on water, fed 5,000, healed the blind, raised the dead)
  3. He saw men come to Christ (Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, woman at the well)
  4. He performed ministry (He preached, served as treasurer)
A Warning to Every Church Member
- “You can be connected with Jesus BUT not be connected to Jesus.”
- “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us…” (I John 2:19)
The Descent into Betrayal
- It started with a satanic suggestion (John 13:2)
- It led to satanic possession (John 13:27)
The Price of Greed
- 30 pieces of silver: The price of a slave
- “Judas was—The epitome of Waste. Judas wasted his opportunities, his life, & his soul.”

II. THE SIGN OF THE CRIMINAL (Matthew 26:20-25)

The Exposure of the Traitor
- “One of you shall betray me.”
- The Disciples’ Question: “Lord, Is It I?”
The Nature of Betrayal
- We betray Jesus when we are ashamed to speak up for Him
- We betray Jesus when we refuse to accept his offer of salvation
- We betray Jesus when we put more money into material things instead of eternal
- We betray Jesus when we deliberately disobey Him
The Last Appeal
- Place of honor: “Judas come sit by me tonight”
- Jesus washed his feet that night
- The “sop”: A special act of affection and a token of love
The Final Decision
- “Judas receives the sop & seals his destiny for eternity.”
- “Up to this point Judas had been possessed by an—Evil intention. Now he was possessed by The Evil One.”

III. THE SCENE OF THE CRIME (Matthew 26:46-50)

The Garden of Gethsemane
- The sign: “The one I kiss—Hes Jesus—Take Him.”
- The Kiss: “Judas kissed the Door to Heaven and then he went to Hell.”
Jesus’ Last Words to Judas
- “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” (Matthew 26:50)
- “If you don’t stand for Him—in essence—you will betray Him.”

IV. THE SENTENCING OF THE CONDEMNED (Matthew 27:1-5)

Remorse vs. Repentance
- “Judas remorse was not repentance of Sin but rather Emotional remorse due to guilt.”
- “Remorse without repentance leads only to despair.”
The End of the Pathway
- “He steps from the hell within him to the hell beyond him.”
- “It had been good for that man that he had never been born.” (Matthew 26:24)

If you’re born twice
You’ll die once.
If you’re born once
You’ll die twice.
If you die twice
You’ll wish you’d never been born at all.

Unhindered: The Gospel Goes Global

Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / March 22, 2026

Text: Acts 28:17-31

Paul in Rome

Paul wants to take the gospel global. What better way than to get the gospel to the epic center of the world in his day – Rome!

God’s plans were different

Proverbs 16:9 – a man’s heart devises his ways but the Lord directs his steps.

God uses the Roman government to pay the way for Paul to get to Rome as a prisoner.

Acts 28:16

(16) And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

#1 The Gospel is unhindered by unfavorable .

Acts 28:17

(17) And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

#2 The Gospel is unhindered by false .

Acts 28:20

(20) For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

#3 The Gospel is unhindered by human .

Acts 28:21-22

(21) And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. (22) But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.

#4 The Gospel is unhindered by religious .

Acts 28:23-24

(23) And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (24) And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

#5 The Gospel is unhindered by theological .

Acts 28:25-27

(25) And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, (26) Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: (27) For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

#6 The Gospel is unhindered by spiritual .

Acts 28:28-29

(28) Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. (29) And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

#7 The Gospel is unhindered by national .

Acts 28:30-31

(30) And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, (31) Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

#8 The Gospel is unhindered by prison .

What is hindering you from sharing and spreading the gospel?

Why I Believe the Bible Is God’s Word

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 15, 2026

Text: Isaiah 40:8

50 Bibles are sold every minute
72,000 Bibles are sold every day
26,000,000 Bibles are sold every year
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

— Isaiah 40:8

I. EXTERNAL EVIDENCE

A. Its

The Bible stands above all other ancient literature.

B. Its

24,000 manuscripts of the Bible

vs.
643 copies of Homer’s Iliad

Quote:

“Of the 166 words in Isaiah 53 – there are only 17 letters in question.10 of these letters are simply a matter of spelling which does not affect the sense,4 of the letters are minor stylistic changes (such as conjunctions),the remaining 3 letters comprise only one word which doesn’t affect the meaning of the text.Thus, in one chapter of 166 words there is 1 word of 3 letters in question after 1000 years in transmission.”

C. Its

II. INTERNAL EVIDENCE

A. Because of Its Accuracy

Luke 1:1–4

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us…Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”

Quote – Sir William Ramsey

“I take the view that Luke’s history is unsurpassed in regard to its trustworthiness. You may press the words of Luke in the degree beyond any other historians and they will stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.”

B. Because of Its Accuracy

The shape of the earth
The numbering of the stars
- Jeremiah 33:22
The earth floating in space
The Laws of Thermodynamics
The water cycle
Life is in the blood
Ocean currents
Medicine and hygiene
Quarantine

C. Because of Its

The Bible is one book:

66 books in the Bible
- 39 books in the Old Testament
- 27 books in the New Testament
Written by over 40 different authors
Written over a period of 1600 years
Written in around 13 different countries
Written on 3 different continents
Written in 3 different languages

Quote – Billy Graham

“Either God spoke to these writers and through these writers or they are the most consistent liars the world has ever known.”

D. Because of Its Fulfilled

III. EXPERIENTIAL EVIDENCE

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

A. It Is for the Sinner

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

B. It Is for the Saint

C. It Is for the Sufferer

D. It Is for the Scholar

Remember Who He Is

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / March 8, 2026

Text: Titus 3:4–8

INTRODUCTION

• Paul instructs Titus to continually remind the believers in Crete of two things:

1. Who they were

2. Who God is

• Titus 3:4 – “But after that…” – the contrast between what we were and what we are now.

I. REMEMBER HIS (Titus 3:4–7)

A. (v.4)

• God loves His people deeply (John 3:16).

• Understanding God’s love changes how we live and love Him.

• We love Him because He first loved us.

• The cross is the greatest display of God’s love.

• Because of His love and kindness, He saved us (v.5).

B. (v.5)

• Salvation is not earned but given through God’s mercy.

• Mercy has been described as “God’s ministry to the miserable.”

• God’s mercy reaches all kinds of people—from every background and generation.

C. (v.7)

• We are justified by grace through Jesus Christ.

• The Law reveals sin but cannot transform the heart.

• Grace through Christ accomplishes what the Law cannot.

• Romans 5:20 – “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”

D. (v.7)

• Because of God’s love, mercy, and grace, believers become heirs.

• Romans 8:17 – Heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

• Like Mephibosheth welcomed to David’s table (2 Samuel 9), believers receive undeserved favor.

II. REMEMBER OUR (Titus 3:8)

• Sound doctrine should lead to grateful obedience.

• Gratitude for grace produces good works.

• Believers are to live lives that display God’s glory.

A. Maintain Good Works in TIMES

• Trials can cause believers to either lean in to God or lean away.

• In suffering, believers must lean into the Shepherd (Psalm 23).

• Difficult seasons should produce deeper prayer, devotion, worship, and time in God’s Word.

B. Maintain Good Works in TIMES

• Waiting is one of the hardest parts of life.

• Scripture repeatedly calls believers to “wait on the Lord.”

• Psalm 130:5–6; Lamentations 3:25.

• Waiting is not inactivity but faithful obedience while trusting God’s timing.

• Examples of waiting: Noah, the disciples, Ruth, and believers awaiting Christ’s return.

CONCLUSION

• God can transform hurt into hope—both for today and for eternity.

• Paul’s instruction to Titus: remind believers who they are and who God is.

• Never forget whose banquet table you are sitting at.

Remember Who You Are

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Sunday, March 1, 2026

Text: Titus 3:1–8

INTRODUCTION
• Old Testament memorials reminded God’s people of His faithfulness:
– Jacob at Bethel
– Samuel’s Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12)
– Joshua’s stones (Joshua 4:5–8)
• God commands us to remember:
– Ecclesiastes 12:1
– Revelation 2:5
– Luke 22:19–22

I. REMEMBER YOUR (Titus 2:15)
Paul does 3 things to challenge Titus:

Reassures Titus that He understands what Titus is up against

Encourages Titus to stand strong and speak boldly

Gives Titus a practical plan for strengthening the Church

– Adrian Rogers: “There are others who can preach the Gospel better than me,
but there is nobody who can preach a better Gospel than me.”

II. REMIND OF (Titus 3:1–2)
A. Toward Rulers – Submission (v.1)
• The Christian life is about submission
• Respect authority—government, employer, leadership

B. Toward Other Relationships – Speech and Spirit (v.2)
• SPEECH: Speak evil of no man
• SPIRIT: Be gentle, patient, meek
• 2 Timothy 2:24–26
• 1 Corinthians 10:12
• We are a hospital—care for the wounded

III. RECALL YOUR (Titus 3:3–4)
A. What We Were (v.3)
• Foolish, disobedient, deceived
• Envy, lust, hatred
• 1 Corinthians 15:9
• Ephesians 3:8
• 1 Timothy 1:15

Augustine said:
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in our hearts that cannot be filled by any created thing,
but only by the Creator Himself.”

B. What We Are (v.4)
• “But after that…”
• Saved to be trophies of His grace
• Changed by mercy
• Example: Rahab (Hebrews 11)

CONCLUSION

THE STORM ON THE SEA

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Text: John 6:15–21

INTRODUCTION

Background Context:

The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feed the 5,000 (John 6:1–14).
They not only observed the miracle — they participated in it.
Jesus satisfies our deepest hunger — and He also meets us in our deepest despair.

I. THE MISERY OF THE STORM (John 6:16–19a)

The disciples were unknowingly sailing into a storm.

Storms in life:

Come swiftly
Come suddenly
Often follow great blessings

Do not equate an easy life with a joyful life.

A. IN OUR LORD’S PLAN

Jesus sent them into the storm (Matthew 14:22).
The trip was short (approx. 5 miles across the Sea of Galilee).
They were confident and experienced fishermen.

Reasons Jesus Sent Them Into the Storm:

To Save Them from a Greater
- The crowd wanted to make Jesus king (John 6:15).
- The disciples could have been swept up in the excitement.
- Sometimes God sends storms to protect us from worldliness.
To Prepare Them for Greater Ahead
- They would face persecution and martyrdom.
- Storms strengthen us.
- Illustration: “I walked a mile with pleasure… I walked a mile with sorrow…”
To Give Them Greater Revelation of Christ and Understanding of the of the Son of God
- They would never have seen Jesus walking on water otherwise.
- They were in the storm — but also in His will.

B. THEY WERE IN HIS PRAYERS

Jesus went to the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23).
While they were on the sea, He was interceding.
He never forgets to pray for His own.

II. THE MESSIAH ON THE SEA (John 6:19b–21)

They were “toiling and rowing” (Mark 6:48).
Fourth watch of the night (3–6 AM).
In the middle of the sea (approx. 9 miles across).

Jesus delayed — but He had them in His sight and in His prayers.

They forgot the meaning of the miracle of the loaves (Mark 6:51–52).

A. THE OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus came walking on the water.
The waves over their heads were under His feet.
He is Lord of creation.

When storms rage:

Remember who is in control.

Psalm 46:1–3

B. THE SAVIOR’S (John 6:20)

“It is I; be not afraid.”
The presence of Christ is the source of courage.
Our best efforts are no match for life’s storms.

III. THE MAN ON THE SHIP (Matthew 14:28–32)

John does not record Peter walking on water, but Matthew does.

3 Things to See about Peter

A. HIS (Matthew 14:28)

“Lord, if it be Thou…” (“Since it is Thou…”)
Peter desired to be where Jesus was.

Lessons:

You must leave your comfort zone.
Only one left the boat.
To walk on water, you must step out.
What “boat” do you need to leave?

B. HIS (Matthew 14:30)

He saw the wind and was afraid.
He took his eyes off Jesus.

Fear looks at God through circumstances.

Faith looks at circumstances through God.

Defeat that leaves you humble is better than victory that leaves you proud.

C. HIS

“Lord, save me.”
Immediate rescue.
The shortest prayer — but effective.

CONCLUSION

“The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

“When you hear God’s voice, it’s time to jump! Jesus has His arms wide open.”

Missions Sunday: Feb 15, 2026
Guest Speaker: Pastor Troy Keaton

No sermon outline available today.

The Mission: Clarity in the Chaos

Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / Feb 8, 2026

Text: Mark 13:10

I believe we all identify with the chaos and there is a deep desire to seek clarity. Clarity in the chaos. Did you know that Jesus and His disciples would have understood the chaos of their culture?

In fact, just a few days before His crucifixion, Jesus was with His disciples on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Kedron Valley facing the Temple Mount. It was there when Jesus spoke what is called the Olivet Discourse. This dialogue is found in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Mark 13:3-9 – Jesus uses the words “Take Heed” twice to His disciples.

TAKE HEED of outward chaos (Verse 5)

Jesus warns about the…

1) Chaos of (5-6)

“We live in an era where believability is often mistaken for truth.”

Then, Jesus warns about the…

2) Chaos of (7-8a)

“Our culture trains us to label people before we’ve learned to love them.”

After warning about the chaos of deception and division, Jesus arns abut the…

3) Chaos of (8b)

“Even when disaster isn’t in our neighborhood, it’s in our pocket—on our screens.”

So, Jesus says to His disciples, take heed to the outward chaos. But then He says…

TAKE HEED of Inward Compromise (Verses 9-13)

First, Jesus warned against the…

1) Compromise of (9)

“Belief slowly shifts from revelation to preference.”

Then, Jesus warned against the…

2) Compromise of (11)

“We can end up preaching a message people like instead of the message people need.”

Finally, Jesus warned against the…

3) Compromise of (12-13)

Jesus’ words speak of betrayal and misplaced loyalty. He warns His

“Our loyalties are revealed when following Jesus becomes inconvenient.”

In the middle of the two “Take Heeds” of outward chaos and inward compromise, Mark records a clarifying statement. It’s a statement that gave the disciples such clarity, that every one of them was willing to die for the mission Jesus gave them.

It is this mission that gave the disciples clarity in the chaos. It is this mission that will give you and me clarity in the chaos.

Before the end comes, the gospel must go. That is our mission!

Clarity comes because of the subject of our mission – “The Gospel”

Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

1. The in the Gospel

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 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: (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4)

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)

2. The of the Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

3. The to the Gospel

Mark 1:15 – “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Clarity comes because of the action of our mission – “First Be Published (Preached)”

Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

1. The Action Must Be a

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

2. The Action Must Be a

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)

Before the end comes, the gospel must go.

3. The Action Must Be a

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Clarity comes because of the range of our mission – “Among All Nations”

Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

1. The Mission Our Community

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:19)

2. The Mission Everyone

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

3. The Mission to All Nations

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)

Before the end comes, the gospel must go.

Here are a few practical action steps:

Invite someone to church.

Offer to pray for someone in real time.

Start a gospel conversation.

Serve someone practically as a bridge to the message.

Write down 3 people God has placed near you.

-Pray for them by name for 7 days.

-Look for an open door to share God’s love.

My Shepherd

Text: Psalm 23

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Jan 31, 2026

Introduction

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture.
Familiarity can cause us to overlook its depth and richness.
David, a warrior and king, reflects on God as his tender Shepherd.
Scripture frequently describes believers as sheep (Isaiah 40:11).

I. The Shepherd and Our Frailties

Psalm 23:1–3

A. The Nature of Sheep

Sheep are:
- Without direction.
- Defenseless.
- Dirty.
- Dependent.
Believers are fully dependent on the Shepherd’s care.

B. The Contentment of the Shepherd

“The LORD is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).
God’s care is personal and individual.
Contentment flows from belonging to the Shepherd.

C. The Care of the Shepherd

The Shepherd:
- Makes us rest (Psalm 23:2).
- Leads us to still waters.
- Restores our souls (Psalm 23:3).
Sheep often stray (Isaiah 53:6), but the Shepherd restores the weary and broken.

II. The Shepherd and Our Foes

Psalm 23:4

A. The Reality of the Valley

Valleys are inevitable (Psalm 23:4).
Valleys represent vulnerability, danger, and difficulty.
David experienced valleys of rejection (Psalm 27:10), danger, and sin.

B. The Companionship of the Shepherd

“Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Comfort comes not from avoiding valleys, but from the Shepherd’s presence.
A shadow cannot harm — and a shadow requires light

(John 8:12).

C. The Confidence in the Shepherd

The rod protects from enemies.
The staff guides, corrects, and rescues.
The enemy must get through the Shepherd first.

III. The Shepherd and Our Future

A. The Communion of the Shepherd

Psalm 23:5

God provides nourishment and fellowship even in the presence of enemies.
The table represents provision, satisfaction, and care.

B. The Certainty of the Shepherd

Psalm 23:6

God’s goodness and mercy follow the believer.
The Shepherd’s care is lifelong and eternal.
The believer will dwell with the Lord forever.

Conclusion – Three Shepherd Truths

Join the Shepherd’s flock
- Salvation begins by knowing the Shepherd personally.
Stay close to the Shepherd
- Sheep nearest the Shepherd are fed and refreshed first.
Follow wherever He leads
- The Shepherd leads in paths of righteousness.

The difference is not knowing the Psalm —but knowing the Shepherd.