November 11, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

This week’s Gospel reading (Luke 21:5-19) is an interesting one. It’s Jesus’ warning to his disciples about a war coming in the not-too-distant future that will result in Jerusalem’s magnificent Temple being destroyed so that “no stone will be left on another.” The very thought of such a thing must have been inconceivable and terrifying. To make matters worse he also told them that the frightening events leading up to the war would be dangerous and deadly for them;—“they will lay hands on you and persecute you.” But Jesus also gave them words of encouragement that would set them apart as saints and children of light. “Make up your minds not to worry. I will give you words of wisdom. Not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain your life.” Jesus’ words to his disciples remain true for all time. Wars, revolutions, earthquakes, famines, pandemics, fearful events are the story of human history. Let us not be fearful and lose our confidence. In dark times let us shine like stars in the night sky, that our words of wisdom and our courage will prove to the world that love casts out fear and is stronger than hate. I will have more to say about this on Sunday.

    SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:13-16 & Philippians 2:14-15         SERMON:  Shine Like Stars

Matthew 5:13-16   “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything readily and cheerfully. As you go about your business in this dark world, carry our enlightening gospel message with you. Be like stars shining in the night sky, giving people a glimpse of wholesome living.  

A NEW PATRIOTISM  by Chauncey R. Piety

We need a new patriotism, a patriotism of unselfishness,

Of impartial good will, a patriotism that loves other nations

As we love our own.

We need a far-seeing patriotism

That will look beyond the deeds of today to the consequences of tomorrow,

A patriotism that can envision universal well-being.

We need an all-inclusive patriotism of practical unity,

Of co-operation, of active brotherhood,

As wide as the world, and as deep as the Kingdom of God.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, you have given us a new commandment, to love one another. Forgive us for making it so complicated. Forgive us for the conditions we place, the excuses we offer, the ways we forget to love one another. Make us shine like stars that the world may know we are your disciples. As we love you, may we love one another. Amen.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Norm

Our worship service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/52CVXqQzcPY