September 30, 2023

   Dear Road Church Friends,

The readings for this Sunday from Psalm 23 and Philippians 2 are two of the most beautiful in word and thought in all of scripture. Both are poems that have been put to music and sung in Jewish and Christian worship services. Both celebrate God’s love for each one of us. Many believe that Philippians 2:6-11 is an early hymn that celebrates Jesus’ setting aside his divinity to become one of us, and die on a cross as the highest expression of God’s love for humanity. That belief which is the heart of the gospel, came as a shock to the non-Jewish world because the gods they worshipped did not love them. The attitude of the gods of Greek mythology toward human beings ranged from disinterest to active hostility. The good news of God’s love for the world is always on display in the lives of Christians. It enabled Christ to conquer Caesar. Our lives are the only evidence that will convince people that God loves the world. The love that conquers all is the “Mind of Christ.” Gather with us Sunday to share in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Jesus, a Savior like no other.

SERMON: “A Savior Like No Other”

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:3 -11

Don't do anything from selfish ambition but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death— his death on the cross. For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

WE BEAR THE STRAIN OF EARTHLY CARE

 by Ozora S. Davis

We bear the strain of earthly care, but bear it not alone.

Beside us walks our brother Christ, and makes our task his own.

Though din of market, whirl of wheels and thrust of driving trade,

We follow where the master leads, serene and unafraid.

The common hopes that make us men, were his in Galilee,

The tasks he gives are those he gave beside the restless sea.

Our brotherhood still rests in him, the brother of us all,

And o’er the centuries still we hear the Master’s winsome call.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

Our YouTube video of this service: https://www.youtube.com/live/pnXv1qulFgk?si=E4oOxpl4112IUr5M