June 19, 2021

Dear Road Church Members and Friends,

Sunday sermons in the month of June have been on early Christian heroes whose stories are told in the Book of Acts. This Sunday we turn our attention to an early church leader and evangelist named Stephen. His story is told in Acts 6 and 7. He was a courageous, outspoken voice for Jesus in the face of hostile opposition, and as a result he became the first martyr for the Christian faith.

It is a brave and worthy thing to die for Jesus, but it is equally brave and worthy to live for him.

Offer yourselves as living a sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service, pleasing to him. This is the true worship you should offer. Romans 12:1.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:55-60            SERMON: A Faith Worth Living For

“Stephen, being filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” With a loud shout the angry crowd dragged him out of the city to stone him to death. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

HYMN:  I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE

“I gave my life for thee, My precious blood I shed, That thou might ransomed be, And quickened from the dead; I gave I gave my life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?”

My Father’s house of light, My glory circled throne, I left for earthly night, For wandering sad and lone; I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for me?”

               Words: Francis Havergal (1836-1879)                   Music: Philip Bliss (1838-1876)

VICTORIA

Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, John 16:33 

Thy victory is in the heart,

Thy kingdom is within;

When outward pride and pomp depart,

Thy glory doth begin.

Thine army ever in the field,

Is led by love and light;

Thy followers fall, but never yield,

Triumphant in the right.

O king most meek and wonderful,

Grant us among Thy host,

To follow Thee, to fight for Thee,

Knights of the Holy Ghost.

 by Henry van Dyke 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit with you.

Pastor Norm

Pastor Norm’s sermon on Facebook only today: https://fb.watch/6fgnXP0tse/