April 15, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

I recently read an interview with Pastor Timothy Keller who has been the Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City since 1989. Under his leadership it has become one of the best-known churches in the country. He is also a prolific author. Keller has written over two dozen books, most recently “Hope in the Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter.” Two years ago Tim was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It can be treated but not cured. An Episcopal priest who is also a columnist for the New York Times interviewed Rev. Keller. Her interview was published earlier this week under the title, How a Cancer Diagnosis Makes Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Mean Even More. I was intrigued and decided to include some of Pastor Keller’s personal reflections in my Easter message. This is where Easter faith informs our daily lives. I hope you can attend our Easter service at 10 am.

  SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 4:6-8    SERMON TITLE: “A Dying Pastor’s Thoughts on Easter”

The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

CALVARY AND EASTER

With shudder of despair and loss, the world’s deep heart is wrung,

As, lifted high upon his cross, the Lord of glory hung,

When rocks were rent, and ghostly forms

Stole forth in Street and mart, but Calvary and Easter Day,

Earth’s blackest day, and whitest day, were just three days apart.

Unknown

EASTER HYMN

Christ the Lord is risen today, sons of men and angels say,

Raise your joys and triumphs high, sing, ye heavens, and earth reply.

Love’s redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won.

Lo! Our sun’s eclipse is o’er, Lo! he sets in blood no more.

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Christ hath burst the gates of hell!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Christ has opened Paradise!

Lives again our glorious king, where, O death is now thy sting?

Once He died, our souls to save, where thy victory, O Grave?

by Charles Wesley 

EASTER PRAYER

    Almighty God, who through the death of your son has destroyed sin and death. By his resurrection he has restored innocence and everlasting life. Grant that we may confidently, wholeheartedly believe this, and, with your saints share in the resurrection of the just, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.      by Martin Luther

Easter blessings to one and all,

Pastor Norm

EASTER morning service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UdIapwRPTJM