August 28, 2020

 Dear Road Church Friends,

 My prayers continue on your behalf. I pray for your good health, and that your spirits will remain strong.

This week’s message comes from Matthew 16:13-20. It is the story behind Peter’s “Great Confession.” It comes at the mid-point of Jesus’ ministry, when he finally asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” While they were mulling it over, Peter blurted out, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God!”  

Jesus said, God bless you Peter! You didn’t learn that from a teacher or read it in a book. God has revealed it to you. Now you know the secret of who I really am!

This is an important moment. Peter is the first to make our great foundational confession that is Rock of Faith on which the church is built.

I wonder, why has Jesus kept his identity a secret from everyone until now? Even his disciples have been kept in the dark. Has the moment to announce the truth of the Great Confession finally arrived?  Actually, No, it has not. Jesus’ identity as Son of God and Messiah must remain a secret. He said to them, “Swear to me you won’t tell anyone that I am the Christ.” Then he made them promise they wouldn’t tell his secret to anyone. Jesus’ puzzling command that his disciples remain silent about this basic Christian belief has given me the title of my Sunday sermon: IF YOU KNOW WHO I AM— DON’T TELL !

I believe Jesus prefers that people learn who he is through how we live than by telling them what we believe. This is an important lesson for today, when fewer and fewer people are attending church, or paying attention to what the church says.

Join me Sunday in person or on video to pursue these thoughts, to pray together, and to enjoy some special music.

 Blessings to all,

 Pastor Norm 860-759-6720 normerlendson@gmail.com

Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yC-ymqR89ts