HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

May 8, 2021

Dear Road Church Friends,

Have you heard of The Great Commission? According to the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, it is literally the very last words Jesus spoke to his disciples when he met them for the last time on a mountainside in Galilee. This is very likely the same mountain on which he delivered the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 5:1). If so, that mountain would be the location of Jesus’ first and last address to his disciples. And, his words in the Great Commission, “make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,” refer to what he taught them in his Sermon on the Mount. Locating both of these events in the same place ties them together and invests them with the utmost importance. Matthew saw these as the high points of Jesus’ legacy to the Church. The first is Commission about how we live. The second Commission is about spreading the word. These two “Great Commissions” are the Alpha and Omega,—the Beginning and the End,—of Discipleship.

The Scripture reading for my Sunday message is Matthew 28:16-20.

The eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus said to meet him. When they saw him, they bowed reverently; but a few didn’t know what to do. Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, and encourage people of all ethnicities to imitate me. Cleanse them with the washing of water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to live by the commands I have given you. My presence will be with you each and every day, now and forever.”

Jesus’ Great Commission is directed at all of us. So, I’ve been thinking about church outreach and how we all of can do our part. My sermon title is: “Becoming the Gospel.”

SERMONS WE SEE

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.

When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind

Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me,

To become as big and thoughtful as I know that I can be.

And all the travelers can witness that the best of guides today

Is not the one who tells you, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;

One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,

for right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence,

I say, I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

by Edgar Guest

BENEDICTION

Lord, May we be your witnesses every day, to share the good news of your mighty love for this world in the gift of your son, our Savior. Amen.

Pastor Norm

May 9, 2021 Road Church Service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/26MCviZazaU