AUGUST 31, 2026 SERMON SUMMARY
OUR EXTRAORDINARY GOD IS OUR SHEPHERD, FOLLOW HIM
Each anniversary we celebrate is an opportunity to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness to our church and to each of us. As we look back over these 42 years, we can see how God has been our faithful Shepherd, guiding, providing for, and sustaining us as we seek to share Jesus with the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Just as Jesus shepherds His church, He also shepherds each of us personally. Psalm 23 gives us a beautiful picture of what it means to follow our Shepherd. Jesus is not only our Savior; He is our Shepherd who knows us, cares for us, and leads us.
Our Shepherd provides. David says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). This does not mean that God gives us everything we want. It means we can trust Him to provide what we truly need. He knows our needs even before we ask and cares for us according to His perfect wisdom and timing (Philippians 4:19). Like sheep resting in green pastures, we can find peace when we learn to trust His provision (Psalm 23:2).
Our Shepherd leads. He “leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Following Jesus means trusting His direction, even when His path is different from the one we would choose. Through our circumstances, decisions, and even difficult seasons, He continues to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.
Our Shepherd stays. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that following Him does not mean we will never experience hardship. We will still walk through valleys of fear, uncertainty, and pain. But we never walk through them alone. Our security is not found in the absence of problems, but in the presence of our Shepherd. Even in the darkest valleys, He is with us.
Our Shepherd pursues us. Psalm 23:5-6 reminds us of His goodness, mercy, and faithful provision. David knew that even through his failures, he could always return to God. His story reminds us that God’s goodness is greater than our failures and His mercy never runs out.
After 42 years, we can look back and see how faithfully God has led, provided, and sustained His people. As we continue His mission, may we remain like sheep who know their Shepherd’s voice, trust His leading, depend on His provision, and follow Him wherever He leads.
Because our Shepherd is faithful, His goodness will lead us, His mercy will sustain us, and His presence will never leave us.
Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior and Shepherd?
Why should Jesus be your Shepherd?
How do you know that Jesus is your Shepherd?
MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
WEEKLY PRAYER POINTS:
I. Thanksgiving
Worship God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do in our lives.
II. Country and the World
Upright and moral governance of public servants; repentance and salvation for government leaders and citizens for a Christ-centered Philippines.
For legislators to promote and support bills and laws aligned with God’s Word.
War in Ukraine to end, loss of lives prevented.
For the rest of the Israeli hostages to be restored to their families safely. For Israel’s war with terrorists to end according to God’s purpose and for His glory.
For the civil war in Syria to end peacefully, protection for Christians and other minorities, and freedom from oppression for Syrians. Pray for the gospel to spread rapidly throughout the country.
Pray for Sudan and persecuted Christians there; earnestly seek God’s intervention to stop the bloodshed. Pray for freedom from oppression, that God’s word and His people bring them comfort and hope.
Earthquake victims in Burma, Thailand,other countries.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ affected by the disaster in Nepal, especially those who remain missing. Pray that they will be found safely, and that God will strengthen and comfort their families. May the Lord provide for their needs and give them hope and courage as they face the days ahead.
III. Church
That CCF Members would honor and love God and make disciples.
For elders, pastors, dleaders, and families to become holy, humble, harmonious, happy, and heart-working.
Ministries and churches expand worldwide.
IV. CCF Facilities
Worship and Training Center
Prayer Mountain
V. Personal Concerns
Deeper intimate relationship with God.
Righteous living.
Salvation of family and friends.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
KINDLY CLAIM YOUR LOST AND FOUND ITEMS BY APRIL 5. ANY ITEMS LEFT UNCLAIMED WILL BE DISPOSED OF.
Our last regular Nxtgen Sunday will be on March 15, 2026 as we step into a special summer season from March 16 to May 16, 2026. This break is a purposeful time for our team to refresh, plan, and prepare an even better Nxtgen experience for our kids. Enrollment will begin soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Starting March 15, Sunday DGroup meetings will be limited to 2 hours and 30 minutes to help us accommodate all DGroup reservations due to limited space.
Note: Weekday and Saturday DGroup meetings are not affected.