Let not your heart be troubled and know Jesus prepares a way for us. As I explored today’s passage it brought me great comfort today. Jesus wanted his disciples to know he was not going to abandoned them. He let them know there was always a place for them in God’s house.
Then he shared he was the way, the truth and the life. What does that mean? We are going to explore that question today. Here are the points I will be making along our discovery.
- Discovering the presence of the absent God during times of upheaval.
- We are never truly abandoned by God.
- Resist the desire to have God clearly defined and seen as Thomas and Phillip wanted Jesus to do.
- To know Jesus was to Know God.
- Jesus is the way, truth and life. Does this mean the only way to know God is through a specific religion?
- Jesus transcended his religion, culture and race to show humanity the true nature of God.
- Jesus shows us God is slow to anger, kind, compassionate, loves unconditionally and always has a room and a place at the table for us.
- What is the worst choice we can make in this life?
- Jesus teaches us to go way beyond learning how to be a good person.
- Jesus teaches us to become whole, in that place we find our Peace.
Call to Celebration
God, we come into your presence knowing we are loved.
We celebrate the truth that there is always room available in God’s kingdom.
You have laid the foundation for fruitful living.
Your path shows us how to overcome darkness. Love is voluminous.
The practice of love is determinate. Amen
Offertory
God of abundance, the work of the soul is intricate. As we follow the path of truth, remind us that the path is buoyant. Despite the laborious moments, love keeps us afloat. We are grateful to be recipients of unconditional love. We are benefactors of your grace. Empower us to become depositors of love. Amen
Bringing in the Light
Announcements
Prayers and Concerns
Mother's Day Surprise
Children's Moment
Music Ministry
Scripture & Sermon
John 14:1-14 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
Extinguishing the Light
A Prayer for Peace and Restoration
God, in faith, we believe that there is only one thing that is lasting (Love). In the midst of this pandemic, we have experienced loss, grief, doubt and depression. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, we have experienced kindness. We have seen the people of faith serve with a spirit of hospitality and generosity. Such acts breed hope. Restore our faith in your providence. Rekindle our passion for the sacred. Minimize our anxiety. Help us to find joy in the mundane. Inspire our imagination. May we recognize love in all spaces. Amen
Rev. LaTrell Harrison
One of the things I love about our virtual worship service is that I can see the special videos ie: Happy Mother’s Day. At church I am never able to see them, they are to far away. Thanks making it possible for me to now be a part of this special part of our service. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback, Todd! I am happy that there is now a way for those with visual impairment to see the additional service content.
So loved the Mother’s Day surprise! It was wonderful to see so many of our children. Thank you!
Beautiful, calming sermon in these troubled times. Thank you for that, Pastor Barton!
You are so welcome my friend!
Wonderful praise music leading us into a revealing message about how Jesus leads us to a deeper understanding of God. Will share with others and view it again.
Thank you for the feedback. We are happy to hear you enjoyed it and will be sharing the content! If you are on Facebook, please use the Facebook share button at the top of the virtual church service to make it easy.
Thank you Carl!