Alone Does Not Have to Be Lonely For Christians

Written by Pastor Brett E. Castle

from John 16:30-33, audio available: "Alone, is Not Lonely for Christians"

This sermon was originally used on March 25th, 2012 during our Morning  Services.

1) We live in a time and place in the history of mankind when we fear being alone. Often we like the noise, we fear "the quiet", then we have to be alone and that means facing one's self.

a) The Gospel tells us that Jesus often went to "lonely places". He went for prayer and time alone with His Father.

b) To those looking at His actions from the flesh, Jesus was alone, but to the Christian we know He was not alone.

^"32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." -NASB

2) Jesus, God in the flesh, came to set the perfect example by His alone time with His Father. Should we not do the same?

There are as many reasons that we can't find the time to be with our Lord as there are people.

I) Our Lord is doing His best get His followers to prepare for the events and time when He is taken to the cross and they scatter.

1) Our Lord starts out in our text by reinforcing the followers' faith.

^"30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” ³¹ Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?" - NASB

a) We all need a reminder of who it is we believe in, and who our God is.

b) Jesus' words end the chapter with reinforcement.

"but take courage; I have overcome the world"

2) The exasperation in the statement of verse 31 is best conveyed by the wording, "you believe at last"

a) The followers of Christ have just taken a great step forward in faith and true "freeing understanding".

b) Jesus continued to tell them what will happen, "³² Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered..."

II) Please hear me in the Spirit of God's Holy Power. It is not hard to be disappointed in God's plans. God's plans are not always our's in the flesh.

1) Blackaby calls this a "Crises of Belief" or faith and we all have them in our lives if we live in the flesh long enough.

a) Jesus tell them and does His best to get them ready for His death. I have learned we are never ready to let death claim a loved one.

How often do we hear "They lived a good life, it was just their time." Perhaps, but as a family member I really wish they were here longer.

b) A "Crises of Belief" or faith is a hard and very lonely place to be and live out life.

2) When strip down all the emotion like anger, pity, hurt, and pain, we see a purpose for loneliness, Jesus, and us.

a) The purpose is to spend time alone with the Father or with Abba, "Daddy"

b) As I read these scriptures I see my Savior God, "alone" on the cross of Calvary with my sins on Him.

III) When all is dark, when all have fallen asleep, when the "midnight hour" is swallowing you, hear your Lord's voice, "but take courage; I have overcome the world."

1) Every time we let loneliness take over our feelings we let Satan in, and we have lost sight of our personal, caring, sympathetic (He knows loneliness) and loving caring Father.

a) Even if no other in all eternity understand or care, the Father does.

Illustration: I can think of nothing more "alone" than watching your "only begotten Son" die the death of the cross.

b) The same arms of the Heavenly Father that Jesus as the Son, fled to when He was lonely are the same loving arms that wait for you.