March 12, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

A few weeks ago I addressed the difficult subject of “enemy-love.” I plan to continue that discussion in this week’s sermon. The concept of enemy-love lies at the heart of the Christian story. Jesus’ death on the cross at the hands of his enemies occupies approximately one third of the Gospel narratives. His final words were, “Father, forgive them.” Paul, the greatest apostle and missionary to the world was so consumed by the story of the cross that he wrote, “when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” According to Paul the cross was central, and nothing else mattered. The cross defines the “mind of Christ.” The cross proves that “God so loved the world,” while we were still his enemies. The Gospel is the story of God’s enemy-love. Who was Jesus talking about when he said, “love your enemies?” Most of us would be hard pressed to compile a list of our enemies. Sunday’s sermon asks, “Who are my Enemies?”

SCRIPTURE:   Luke 6:27-31                SERMON:  “Who Is My Enemy?

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

A GRAND AND AWFUL TIME

We are living, we are dwelling in a grand and awful time,

An age of ages telling us, to be living is sublime.

Hark! the waking up of nations, hosts advancing to the fray,

Hark! What soundeth is creation’s groaning for the better day.

Will ye play, then? Will ye dally far behind the battle line?

Up! It is the Lord’s own rally, God’s own arm hath need of thine.

World’s are charging, heaven beholding, thou hast but an hour to fight,

Now the blazoned cross unfolding; On, right onward for the right!

Sworn to yield, to waver never, consecrated, born again,

Sworn to be Christ’s soldiers ever, O for Christ at least be men!

by Aurthur C. Coxe

PRAYER

O God and Father of peacemakers everywhere, pour your peace into our hearts, and vanquish every hostile thought we harbor toward friends and foes alike. Kindle in our hearts a love for all people, and a dedication to building bridges of peace between people of all nations. Grant us courage as faithful Christian soldiers to wage peace as conflicts rage and innocents die. Guide those who lead their nations into the path of peace that they may seek the greater good of all. Let your Peaceable kingdom advance around the globe until the whole world is filled with your love, even as it is filled with your beauty. Amen.

PLEASE NOTE:  At our weekly Sunday service the Pastoral prayer is preceded by an opportunity to make prayer requests or share joys and concerns. You may also share prayer requests with me by emai at normerlendson@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

                                  An ongoing concern for all of us is the tragic war that Russia is waging against the Ukrainian people. Continue to pray that hostilities cease, that peace be restored, and the suffering cease.

Blessings to all

Pastor Norm

Our worship service on YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=6DpUP_qv0Cw&feature=share