Pastor Chuck’s Corner: March 2025

The Peace that Only Jesus Can Give

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will

have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

My friends, as you read this we will be starting our Lenten journey together for

another year. I pray that each one of you may find your faith growing stronger as

you contemplate again the wonder of the cross of Christ.

Many of us consider Lent to be a time for reflection to examine where our faith is

during this trek through the Lenten season. I believe this to be an excellent way to

prepare ourselves for the emotions of Holy Week and the unmatched joy we can

know in celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I believe that the Scripture at the top of the page, taken from the Gospel of John,

can help us to focus our hearts and minds on the coming weeks.

Jesus spoke those words just prior to his arrest. He had been speaking with his

disciples, hoping to make it clear to them not only what was about to happen, but

also what lay ahead for them.

There are great truths in what Jesus says in this verse. First he clarifies why he has

said what he has said (Please read all of John 16 for the full context). The Lord

wants them to know what is ahead but more importantly, that they can have

peace during troubled times. Because Jesus was about to conquer sin and death

for all humankind, he assured them (and us) that his peace is there in the midst of

troubles.

I will be preaching on this verse, John 16:33, during the 5 Wednesdays during Lent

at our 7 pm Holden Evening Prayer services (after the soup and bread supper, of

course!). I hope to share with you during those times some of the ways that verse

from John’s gospel can serve as a foundational piece of spiritual growth for you

during Lent.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Pastor Chuc