Keeping the wolves at bay
Dealing with the uncertainties of life by faith
Opening…
1. Wolf hunting
An organization in Montana offered a bounty of five thousand dollars for every wolf captured alive. Two hunters named Sam and Jed decided to head for the hills and make some money capturing wolves. Day and night they scoured the mountains and forests searching for their valuable prey. Exhausted after three days of hunting without any success, they both fell asleep.
During the night, Sam suddenly woke up to find that he and Jed were surrounded by a pack of thirty wolves, with flaming red eyes and bared teeth.
Sam nudged Jed and said, “Hey, wake up! We’re gonna be rich!”
2. In the midst of so must uncertainties – how is one to keep from losing hope?
Is there a God? Does he care?
Why is life beating me up?
3. Have you ever felt this way?
What did you do?
3. One man asked me after I had asked him if he was a believer, If God is so good, how come his good-for-nothing drunken brother-in-law keep living while his God fearing wife died of cancer?
He then asked me if I had an answer for him? Guess what I said, “No, I do not have an answer for you.”
A. Out of all this mess – the words of Jesus ring forth - In the world you will have trouble & distress, But take courage; I have overpowered the world.”
(John 16:33)
a. Overpowered – the word picture is a standing over his opponent
b. NOTE… what is so comforting about Jesus saying he has overcome the world- I mean that’s good for him but where does that leave me?
First part of the verse…. … "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.
B. Peace in this world WILL ONLY COME from staying close to him that inhabits another world.
a. "and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus," (Ephesians 2:6, ESV)
b. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, NKJV)
This peace is best understood by the absence of war and conflict.
In other words, the peace that I give makes the war and conflict of the soul leave
c. Have any of you ever experienced war in your soul, then prayed and felt the peace of Christ enter?
Closing….
1. Read John 14 to music playing quietly
