The Good News: The Gospel According to John

I Am the Way

Sunday April 12, 2026 - Pastor Richard Reaves

John 14:1-6

KEY THOUGHT:

Jesus' sacrifice provides the only way for people to be reconciled to God.

Sports betting is a major problem in our country today

People are betting more than ever before.
Online searches for gambling addiction help have never been higher.

The Ultimate Wager

Each of us is placing our bet on how we view our place in this world and how we relate to the God who made this universe and gives it meaning.

We want justice

We all want to see justice served in our world, a righteous judgment against all that is wrong.

We demand a just God

We need to see that whatever divine being rules this planet play fair and ensure that others play fair as well.

Romans 1:18 (NIV) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

We plead for mercy

When we are in the docket, we cry out for understanding, mercy, a second chance.

We hope for a merciful God

For centuries the pagans tried to pacify their gods with gifts, offerings, and promises to do better.
The Jews also offered animal sacrifices to their God but with a twist.

God provided the perfect sacrifice in Jesus

Only God could provide the sacrifice to fully pay the price to meet the just penalty that our sinfulness demanded.

Romans 3:25-26 (NIV) - God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood-to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness...at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Love was the motive behind this sacrifice.

1 John 4:10 (NIV) - This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice (propitiation) for our sins.

Jesus is the only answer: John 14:1-6

No other world religious leader claims to have died for the sake of their followers
Jesus boldly declared, "I am the way."

Acts 4:12 (NIV) - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

C.S. Lewis tells us what we can't do.

Place your bets

There is no escape from having to make this wager.