February 10, 2024

Dear Road Church Friends,

This week’s scripture reading asks us to look into the face of Jesus. If we do so in faith the darkness within will be driven out by a divine light. Paul compares this new light in us to the creation of the cosmos when in the beginning God said, “let there be light,” and suddenly there was light. When we look into the face of Jesus, who was with God in the beginning as the Word of God, we become a new creation in Christ. The old is gone and all things are new. Paul said, “I press on to gain Christ, forgetting what is behind, looking forward to what lies ahead.”

The Gospel reading tell us what’s included in the old things we leave behind, —Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets.

SERMON:  “Looking into the Face of Jesus”

SCRIPTURES:                 2 CORINTHIANS 4:5-6

We don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

MATTHEW 17:1-8

One day Jesus took Peter, James and John, up a high mountain to be alone. Suddenly Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as light. Then, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! We should, make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. LISTEN TO HIM.” The frightened disciples fell on their faces. Then Jesus touched them, saying. “Get up.” “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. 

LINCOLN, COME BACK

by Thomas Curtis Clark

Lincoln, come back, rebuke us for our sins—

The sin of greed, of blatant pride and hate.

Our earth goes blindly to a hopeless fate

Unless for us a new, kind world begins.

Renew our dreams—who dreamed a world made free,

Give us new hope for worldwide liberty.

Lincoln, come back, rebuke us for our sins.

Lincoln, come back, once more our prophet be.

Lead forth the nations in a pact of peace,

Teach us that selifhness and greed must cease

That men may dwell in love and harmony.

Your kindly heart—that it might p,an our weal!

Your mighty hand—how powerful to heal!

Lincoln, come back, once more our prophet be.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

This service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/THq7xwpTwQc?si=-qZXF2yij_nUbgpx