October 29, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

Halloween has become a favorite children’s holiday all about pumpkin carving, and having spooky fun dressing up like ghosts, pirates, fairy princesses or a favorite superhero, and going door to door on a treasure hunt for candy. Halloween has steadily grown in popularity nationwide and is second only to Christmas in terms of money spent. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t know that October 31st is Halloween. But it’s equally hard to find someone who does know that October 31st is also Reformation Day, the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation which historians regard as the single most important event—and Martin Luther the most influential individual in the past 500 years. If you are one of those who did not know this, then the Sunday morning lesson is for you! We will learn about the man who took a stand against Christendom and taught the Church what it means to be justified by faith alone.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:1-10         SERMON: “Here I Stand”

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man called Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax superintendent to whom others reported, and he was rich. Zacchaeus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So, he ran on ahead of the crowd and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see him, for he was about to pass through that way. When Jesus reached the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So, Zacchaeus hurried and came down, and welcomed Jesus with joy. When the people saw it, they all began muttering in discontent, saying, “Jesus has gone to be the guest of a man who is a notorious sinner.” Zacchaeus stopped and said, “I want you to know, Lord, my practice has been to give half of my earnings to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will give back four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this household, because you too, are a son of Abraham. I have come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

POEM:   He Giveth More  by Annie Johnson Flint

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He senders more strength when the labors increase,

To added affliction, he addeth mercy, to multiplied trials, his multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit, his grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men,

For out of his infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth and giveth and giveth again. 

PRAYER

     Almighty and most merciful Father in heaven, look down upon us your people in service to you through the mediation and merits of Jesus Christ. Purify our hearts by your Holy Spirit. As you add days to our lives, add repentance to our days that we might enjoy the blessings of your kingdom both now and in eternity, through your grace and the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Blessings to all,

Pastor Norm

Our service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BZ8nRMVW7ew