August 21, 2020

Dear Road Church Friends,

Grace, Peace and Blessings to all.

I begin by sharing with you a brief prayer. It says a lot in just a few words. I’ve often been asked what it means to fear and love God. This prayer clarifies what that means.

“Teach us, O Lord, to fear you without being afraid; and to fear you in love that we may love you without fear.”

Learning to love God without fear will also help us to face difficult days like these, confident that God will not only bring us safely through them, but we will be better Christians for having been tested in countless ways.

This week’s message is a reflection on Matthew 16:1-12. Jesus was put to the test by a group of Pharisees and Sadducees who asked him to validate his ministry by showing them a sign from heaven. This was a trap, not a sincere request, and he knew it. These religious leaders were doing the devil’s work by asking for a sign to prove that he was the son of God. (Read the story of his temptation in Matthew 4:1-11). He refused then and he refuses once again. But he does stress the importance of being able to interpret the “signs of the times.” What are we to make of these unusual times in which we now live? Jesus has given himself as a sign by which we may navigate through these times. Sunday’s message will give some examples of how we might do exactly that.

If you would like to attend our 10 am service call me to make a reservation.  Otherwise the service will be available for home viewing Sunday afternoon.

If you have any prayer requests to share with me or questions, I would welcome a call or email.

Blessings to each and every one of you,

Pastor Norm 860-759-6720 normerlendson@gmail.com

Sermon: What’s Your Sign? on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1KN5teXOY9E