In every sermon I preach I start with these words, “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the word of God.” Then, the very next words out of my mouth is the Bible being read. In everything that follows, the intention (after much prayer and study beforehand) is to explain the meaning of the text just read, and make application to the hearers. There is no other agenda, nor should there be. The goats might wish for something different, but the sheep want nothing more than an encounter with the Shepherd through His word. This is the genuine move of the Holy Spirit in a congregation – giving the preacher and the hearers a love for the word of God. All else is sinking sand, worthless talk and idolatry. The sheep love to hear His voice. It is true nourishment for their souls. And what is more, they will be back next week, not because something flashy is being promised, not because a special guest speaker will come with something new, but because there is the genuine promise that the word of God will be read, preached, prayed, sung and seen (in the ordinances – baptism and the Lord’s Supper), nothing more and nothing less. And that is all a sheep wants.

– John Samson

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” – John 10:27,28