THE ROAD CHURCH PASTOR’S MESSAGE

May 7, 2020

Thursday 

preparing for the Sermon on May 10, 2020 (see YouTube link below)

In preparing for my upcoming Sunday message, I have been reading through the Gospel of John. Even though it was the last of the gospels to be written, it quickly became the most popular of the four. That is still true today. It was written by John the Evangelist who has become known as the “Apostle of Love.” John 3:16, “God so loved the world...” is the most familiar Bible verse in the New Testament. The love of God for the world, and the love of Jesus for his disciples shines through every chapter of the Gospel of John. “What the World Needs Now is Love,” was a popular song in the 1960’s. That is the theme of John’s Gospel, and he shows us why Jesus is the answer to the world’s greatest need. I and millions of others can testify that this Gospel has the power to comfort troubled souls in the midst of difficult times. John shows us how Jesus, though deeply troubled in heart and soul, overcame his fear and anxiety to let love win out in the end.

When the hour of his suffering and death drew near Jesus resolved to face his fear with courage, 12:27. He overcame his fear by washing his disciple’s feet, and showing the full extent of his self-emptying love for them, 13:1-5. Perfect love casts fear out of our lives.

When our hearts are troubled, and our world is falling apart, we need something strong and steadfast to hold onto. Jesus gives us that. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe in me,” 14:1. When fear troubles our souls, faith in God and faith in Jesus Christ gives us a sure foundation to stand on, and our fears will flee.

The peace of God, the grace of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you.

 Pastor Norm Erlendson 860-759-6720 normerlendson@gmail.com

Pastor Norm’s Sermon on YouTube: May 10, 2020 https://youtu.be/sGntUvKJoyc