Sermon from Rev. Jim Anglin to St. Paul’s on Sunday April 11, 2021
 
Is Easter still relevant?
John 20: 19-22 

After the death of Christ, fear gripped the hearts of the disciples.  When Jesus was with them and they became fearful, Jesus always calmed their fears.  Now they are alone and without Him.  Fear had seized their hearts and they are huddled in a room with the doors locked behind them.  Everyone was barred from entering unless they could convince the disciples they meant no harm.  Even the Lord was locked out.

The pandemic has bought our world to about the same place in our worship and devotion to Him.  The pandemic has changed the world forever.  There almost seems to be a co-ordination of fear being driven into our hearts.  Fear debilitates and destroys our hope, and clouds our vision, and chips away at our confidence in the Lord.  And fear can cause people to come together too.  Together in small groups where fear closes the door behind us.
Do you know that the most frequently used phrase mentioned in the Bible is not, “love one another,” or “love God” but the one most commonly used , or variations of it is, “for I am with you”.  It is mentioned 365 times, enough for one to be used for every day of the year.
Jesus tells us we are to “Fear not” and then he completes the thought and makes the promise “for I am with you”.
One day my Father told me that I would be taking the cows to the back pasture for the night.  That meant I would be walking back to the barn as it was getting dark.  I was worried about what I might meet on the way back in the dark.  Father told me not to worry, everything would be okay.  Then he said with a smile, “I will be with you”.  His presence meant everything to me.
When Jesus stood in their midst and said to them “be not afraid it is me.  I am with you.  I am right here” –  then the ancient words came back to them, “As I was with  Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I will be with you”.  And today, we know in our hearts He was with Peter, Paul, and John, he will be with us when fear comes knocking at our door.
Those hours following the crucifixion were very dark hours.  The disciples had lost their friend, who had meant everything to them.  He was dead.  All hope for their future was gone.  They were downcast and despondent.  They were devastated and their faith lay in ruins.  But all that changed when Jesus rose from the dead.  The resurrection meant everything to them.  The resurrection still means everything to the believer today.   
Easter is still relevant today.
When you are filled with dread about the future remember that Jesus rose again and that he is with you.  We need Him.  Our World needs Him.
It is to be noted that during the pandemic Alcohol use rose by 55%.  People turned to pornography in record numbers, binge eating, domestic violence has sky rocketed.  These are terrifying times.
In the midst of a terrifying week, Jesus came and stood in their midst.  The door and the outer door were shut, but that didn’t keep him out.
Jesus brings peace. 
Peace with God 
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Peace of God   
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Peace with Others   
Matt: 5:9 
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
The Easter message is relevant today.  We serve a living Lord.  Know this for sure, that Jesus walked out of the grave so he could walk into your life. 
 Amen