FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

 LOVE IS OUR ALPHA AND OMEGA

Sermon prep for May 17, 2020

 Dear Road Church Family and Friends

I pray this letter finds you well. I have been reading through the Gospel of John and have been reminded how central unconditional love is to our Christian Faith. I share my thoughts with you in the hope that you will take comfort in the fact that we serve a God whose name is love.

St. John was known as the Apostle of love.  He wrote the Fourth Gospel in which Jesus says, “this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you,” John 13:34-35.   Jesus embodied the love he commanded when he washed the feet of his disciples in the upper room.  St. John also wrote the short letter known as 1 John in which he taught the importance of brotherly love.  He wrote: “Let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7, 12.  St. John says love is the alpha and omega, that is, the beginning and the end, of our faith.

According to an ancient legend, St. John was the last living Apostle and witness to Jesus.  He was the churches’ last link to the words and deeds of the historical Jesus.  When St. John lay dying, many eminent bishops gathered around his bed to hear the parting words of the last man to hear the living words of Jesus.  Perhaps he would tell a new story of Jesus, or reveal a final hidden gospel truth that would serve them well in future years.  They drew closer as the aged Apostle began to speak.  “Little children, love one another.”  “Yes,” they said in unison, “and what else should we do?”  With his dying breath he said, “Little children, love one another.” 

The death of St. John was the end of an era.  With his passing the church had to learn to live faithfully without the guidance of a living Apostle.  St. John’s last words show us the way to do that.  The last commandment that the dying Apostle gave to the churches was the same as the first commandment they had received from the Lord at the beginning.  Love in word and deed is what we need.  Love is the alpha and omega of our faith.  Love is the compass to show us the way.  Our love is proof that we are children of God.  Our love for one another is evidence that God lives among us.  The power of love will cast out fear and overcome the world.

Think on these things. 

Blessings to all,

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

Message on YouTube for May 17, 2020: “Jesus’ Last Lecture” The Spirit of Love is Coming

https://youtu.be/-Ynk3Gmn-mg