June 10, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

The seventh and final petition of the Lord’s Prayer is, “Deliver us from Evil.” By virtue of its location at the end, it is intended to make a lasting impression on we who live by this prayer.

Perhaps we who are so prone to do evil need God to deliver us from evil more than anything else. But what exactly does that mean? Sunday’s message will delve into this subject.

SCRIPTURE READINGS    SERMON TITLE:   “Deliver Us from Evil”

Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was famished, the tempter said to him, “If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into loaves of bread.” But Jesus said, “Scripture says, ‘We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him high up on the roof of the temple, saying, “If you are the Son of God, go ahead and jump; because Scripture says, that God has ordered his angels to protect you from all harm.” Jesus said to him, “Scripture also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Then, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and said, “I will give you everything you want, if you will serve me.” Jesus said, “Scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” “Now, get away from me. I want nothing more to do with you.” Suddenly the devil disappeared, and Jesus was a surrounded by angels.

John 21:14-19

Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me more than these other disciples?” He said, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”  “Then, Feed my lambs.” Jesus asked him again, "Peter, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” “Then, tend my sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus kept asking, so he said, “Lord, you know everything! You know that I love you!” 

“Then, feed my sheep. When you were young, you used to go wherever you wished. But when you get old, someone else will take you where you do not wish to go.” “Now, Follow me.”

PRAYER

O Lord our God, lead us not into temptation. Give us steadfast and upright hearts, which no temptation, no self-serving purpose, no prideful arrogance, no unrestrained ambition, will lead us astray. Grant us the determination to seek you, the wisdom to find you, and the faithfulness to never leave you. Pour out on us the Spirit of Jesus who was tempted in every way just as we are every day. Support us in times of temptation. Help us to do your work with good courage, and remain faithful unto death, for the sake of Jesus, who resisted temptation, and overcame the opposition of evil men so that we, his disciples, will not grow weary, or lose heart in the midst of our own trials. Amen.

THE WAYS   by John Oxenham

To every man there openeth A Way, and Ways, and a Way.

And the High Soul climbs the High Way, And the Low Soul gropes the Low,

And in between, on the misty flats, The rest drift to and fro.

But to every man there openeth a High Way and a Low.

And every man decideth the Way his soul shall go.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

This service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/ud9s7zHEYsg?feature=share