June 6, 2015 - Church at Worship, third service

Sermon: "Finding Faith in the Face of Fear" - Randy Speyer

Pastoral Welcome: Doug Mace

Scripture Reading: John 16:5–15, TNIV - Amalia Goulbourne 

Sermon Notes: 

When time is short, when things get scary, it’s good to go back to basics. When people are battling, or things feel confusing, it’s best to simplify.

I’m from Oklahoma. Some refer to us Okies. One thing Oklahoma is famous for is their tornados. If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for any length of time, you’ve certainly been through one of those violent storms. When a twister is blowing in or looms on the horizon, you’re called to action, the mission is simple. 

Jesus had come to the end of his earthly life, and he knew where his path was leading. And when the hour of the cross drew near, there was a sense of urgency, of intentionality to his final hours with his followers. There was this laser-like focus to his words. He was about to suffer, then would be put to death, but he would come back to life, only to later leave them.

Now, consider the shock to the disciples involved in this statement. Imagine for a minute that you’re in their place. Your life has been turned upside down by this teacher. For three years, you’ve been captivated by his every word. You live to hear him teach, to watch him heal, to see him love.

That’s the end of your world. You’ve sacrificed everything for him, and now you’re about to lose him, he says. And, in the midst of one of the most turbulent storms in the history of God’s people, when his followers were either fighting amongst themselves, or quaking in their hearts, Jesus introduces the cure to a church gripped in fear. He says these words in John 16:7: “But I tell you the truth, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you.”

That’s it. A counselor. Not just any counselor, the greatest Counselor. One who offers us the best therapy for a people broken and full of fear. I think that you need to hear this. I know I do.

Randy Speyer

Pastor for Care and Counseling