Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church

3239 Rosebud Road Walnut Cove NC 27052
Pastor: Dr. Tim Nelson -  Church Office 336-591-36112
A Place To Encounter God Face To Face. Gen. 32:3

A Word From The Pastor Archives 2026
May 2026
 

"I am the bread of life"  (John 6:35)

Jesus established a pattern that continues through John's gospel--Jesus makes a statement about who He is, and backs it up with something He does.  In this case, Jesus states that He is the bread of life just after He had fed the 5,000 in the wilderness.  At the same time, He contrasts what He can do with what Moses had done for their ancestors:  "Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died.  But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die."

Adapted from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/seven-I-AM-statements.html

"I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  John 8:12 (NKJV)

In John 8:12, Jesus called Himself "the light of the world."  What did that mean at the time?  What does that mean to us today?  The religious leaders in Jerusalem had been trying to arrest Jesus during the Feast of the Tabernacles.  But they were unable to make a move because of Jesus' profound teaching that was having a significant impact on everyone who heard Him.  One of the most significant activities during the Feast of the Tabernacles was the lighting of the large lamps, which symbolized God's presence with Israel in the wilderness by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night.  It was within this context that Jesus made His extraordinary claim:  "I am the light of the world" and then said, "whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (v.12).  Those who follow the light that emanates from Jesus Christ always see clearly because they have the very Light of life.

Adapted from:  https://www.todayintheword.org/daily-devotional/the-light-shines/the-light-of-the-world/

"I am the gate.  If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture."  John 10:9 (NKJV)

Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice.  This intimate relationship is foundational to our faith.  We must cultivate a life of listening to His voice through Scripture, prayer, and community, ensuring that we are not led astray by the voices of thieves and robbers.  Jesus' diclaration in John 10 is a profound reminder of the personal and loving relationship He offers.  He knows each of His sheep individually and calls them by name, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and responding to His voice.  By doing so, we become more attuned to His guidance and can confidently follow where He leads - Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

Adapted from:  https://pastors.ai/sermon/the-good-shepherd-hearing-his-voice-and-following