Dread Cast Away by Perfect Love (Part One) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

1 John 4:18-There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. A young woman was waiting for a bus in a crime-ridden part of town one evening when a rookie police officer approached her. He asked her, "Do you want me to wait with you Miss?" She replied, "That's not necessary. I'm not afraid." The rookie replied with a grin, "Well I am afraid. Would you mind waiting with me?" Haha! The sting of fear affects the best and bravest of men and women. Fear... unfortunately we can’t leave home without it many times. It tends to shadow our lives anywhere we go and has a way of popping up when we least expect it. Let me ask, “Have you heard, read, or seen anything over the last month that made you fearful or worried?” Many of us have. A B.C. Comic strip was on target when it told the story of the ant school teacher who asked her insect students if anyone knew what the leading cause of fear is in our society today. One very bright ant replied, "24-hour news." That is about right! Most of the news over the last year and a half has been gloom, despair, and agony on all of us. The media has become a “Fear factory” and Christians have been influenced by its message to the point that many are scared to death to go to church. George W. Truett, one of the greatest preachers during the first half of the twentieth century said that his experience with people led him to preach on the theme of fear again and again. On one occasion, he was asked to speak at a highly respected college. When Truett inquired about what topic he should address, he was told that the vast majority of the student body had signed a statement that read: "Let the visiting preacher tell us how we may conquer fear." In this message, we show how fear hurts our walk with God. John said in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” It is God’s perfect love for us that casteth out fear. The love that He has for those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior eliminates any dread, worry, or concern about what the Lord might do to us. We do NOT need to fear He who loves us perfectly. The Christian does not need to fear the past, the present, or the future because he or she is the recipient of the love of Christ. When the love of Christ is seen, experienced, and known by faith in Him, the peace of God is given to our hearts. We no longer have to tremble and fear the wrath and judgment of God because He has saved us by His mercy and grace. Thank God for His great love for us, beloved. * The Love of God * The Love of God is unfathomable and immeasurable, like stars splashed across the black canvass of the universe or like the dark blue waters of the deep oceans of the earth. * The Love of God is unquenchable like an empty grave. In spite of man’s rebellion, rationalization, rejection, repudiation, reprobation, and retribution toward God, our Lord continues to reach out to us all. Yet, the line can be crossed one day in death or by an unending, determined defiance against repentance, when the opportunity to turn to Christ will be lost. * The Love of God is unstoppable and immovable like the foundations of granite mountains anchored deep into the heart of the earth. Thank God He loved us when we didn’t love Him. * The Love of God is indescribable. Words fade and fail to picture the beauty, the broadness, and the burden of Christ’s love for you and for me. * The Love of God is incomprehensible. Sinful, selfish men find it difficult to understand. Why would One who is so holy die for those who are so vile and wicked? Why would One so loving, die for those who are so hateful? Why would One so perfect, love and die for those who are so flawed? Why would One who is so giving, die for those who are so greedy? His love is incomprehensible to all of us. Part one of this 30-minute message was preached on Sunday morning, April 10, 2022, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Love & Compassion