Easter Season | 4th Sunday 21 Apr 2024: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18 ~ The Good Shepherd

Easter Season | 4th Sunday 21 Apr 2024

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ
is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice,
we may know him who calls us each by name,
and follow where he leads;
who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.”
(John 10:11)

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My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (Cornerstone) | Hillsong Worship [Chet Valley Churches]

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Reading from Acts of the Apostles: Acts 4:5-12 (GW)

4:5 The next day the Jewish rulers, the leaders, and the experts in Moses’ Teachings met in Jerusalem. The chief priest Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the rest of the chief priest’s family were present. They made Peter and John stand in front of them and then asked, “By what power or in whose name did you do this?”

Then Peter, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and leaders of the people, today you are cross-examining us about the good we did for a crippled man. You want to know how he was made well. You and all the people of Israel must understand that this man stands in your presence with a healthy body because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified Jesus Christ, but God has brought him back to life. He is the stone that the builders rejected, the stone that has become the cornerstone. No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person.”

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From the Psalms: Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd.” | Ingrid DuMosch / citrail

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Reading from the Letters: 1 John 3:16-24 (GW)

3:16 We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God’s love be in that person if he doesn’t bother to help the other believer? Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words.

This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and how we will be reassured in his presence. Whenever our conscience condemns us, we will be reassured that God is greater than our conscience and knows everything. Dear friends, if our conscience doesn’t condemn us, we can boldly look to God and receive from him anything we ask. We receive it because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. This is his commandment: to believe in his Son, the one named Jesus Christ, and to love each other as he commanded us. Those who obey Christ’s commandments live in God, and God lives in them. We know that he lives in us because he has given us the Spirit.

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And Can It Be That I Should Gain (Sovereign Grace Music) / SonLife Ministries

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Reading from the Gospels: John 10:11-18 (GW)

10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. A hired hand isn’t a shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep. When he sees a wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and quickly runs away. So the wolf drags the sheep away and scatters the flock. The hired hand is concerned about what he’s going to get paid and not about the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep as the Father knows me. My sheep know me as I know the Father. So I give my life for my sheep. I also have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them. They, too, will respond to my voice. So they will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I give my life in order to take it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again. This is what my Father ordered me to do.”

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Lead On Good Shepherd (Patrick Mayberry) / Martin Clarke

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Saturday 20 Apr 2024: Psalm 23; Genesis 48:8-19; Mark 6:30-34 ~ Jesus teaches shepherdless sheep.

Easter Season | Saturday 20 Apr 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, you gave your only Son to be for us both a
sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living: Give us grace
thankfully to receive his inestimable benefits, and daily to follow
the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

When Jesus got out of the boat,
he saw a large crowd and felt sorry for them.
They were like sheep without a shepherd….
(Mark 6:34)

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From Psalms: Psalm 23 – MIQEDEM – Psalm 23 (Live in Studio) תהילים כ״ג

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OT Reading: Genesis 48:8-19 (GW)

48:8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he asked, “Who are they?”

“They are my sons, whom God has given me here in Egypt,” Joseph answered his father.

Then Israel said, “Please bring them to me so that I may bless them.”

Israel’s eyesight was failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to his father, and Israel hugged them and kissed them.

Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your sons.”

Joseph took them off his father’s lap and bowed with his face touching the ground. Then Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right, facing Israel’s left, and Manasseh on his left, facing Israel’s right, and brought them close to him. But Israel crossed his hands and reached out. He put his right hand on Ephraim’s head, although Ephraim was the younger son. He put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was older.

Then Jacob blessed Joseph,

“May God, in whose presence my grandfather Abraham
and my father Isaac walked,
may God, who has been my shepherd all my life to this very day,
may the Messenger, who has rescued me from all evil,
bless these boys.
May they be called by my name
and by the names of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac.
May they have many children on the earth.”

When Joseph saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he didn’t like it. So he took his father’s hand in order to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. Then he said to his father, “That’s not right, Father! This is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”

His father refused and said, “I know, Son, I know! Manasseh, too, will become a nation, and he, too, will be important. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be more important than he, and his descendants will become many nations.”

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The Blessing (Symphonic Version) – Passion City Church

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NT Reading: Mark 6:30-34 (GW)

6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus. They reported to him everything they had done and taught. So he said to them, “Let’s go to a place where we can be alone to rest for a while.” Many people were coming and going, and Jesus and the apostles didn’t even have a chance to eat.

So they went away in a boat to a place where they could be alone. But many people saw them leave and recognized them. The people ran from all the cities and arrived ahead of them. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd and felt sorry for them. They were like sheep without a shepherd. So he spent a lot of time teaching them.

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Beatitude | Blessed are the poor in spirit / Yaz Williams / I worship Eveyday

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Friday 19 Apr 2024: Psalm 23; Genesis 46:28-47:6; Acts 4:1-4 ~ Peter and John spread Jesus’ message.

Easter Season | Friday 19 Apr 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
you gave your only Son to be for us
both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living:
Give us grace thankfully to receive his inestimable benefits,
and daily to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Peter and John were teaching the people
and spreading the message
that the dead will come back to life through Jesus.
(Acts 4:2b)

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From Psalms: Psalm 23 – “All of My Days – Psalm 23” | Ellie Holcomb

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OT Reading: Genesis 46:28-47:6 (GW)

Joseph and Jacob [Israel] Reunited

46:28 Israel sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Israel’s family arrived in the region of Goshen, Joseph prepared his chariot and went to meet his father Israel. As soon as he saw his father, he threw his arms around him and cried on his shoulder a long time.

Israel said to Joseph, “Now that I’ve seen for myself that you’re still alive, I’m ready to die.”

Then Joseph said to his brothers and his father’s family, “I’m going to Pharaoh to tell him, ‘My brothers and my father’s family, who were in Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds. They take care of livestock. They’ve brought their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ Now, when Pharaoh calls for you and asks, ‘What kind of work do you do?’ you must answer, ‘We have taken care of herds all our lives, as our ancestors have done.’ ⌞You must say this⌟ so that you may live in the region of Goshen, because all shepherds are disgusting to Egyptians.”

Jacob [Israel] Meets Pharaoh

47:1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers have arrived from Canaan with their flocks, herds, and everything they have. Now they are in Goshen.” Since he had taken five of his brothers with him, he presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What kind of work do you do?”

They answered Pharaoh, “We are shepherds, as were our ancestors. We have come to live in this land for a while. The famine is so severe in Canaan that there’s no pasture for our flocks. So please let us live in Goshen.”

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. All of Egypt is available to you. Have your father and your brothers live in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. If they are qualified, put them in charge of my livestock.”

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Voice of the Shepherd / ft. Jacob Mann | Kingdom Culture Worship / music meets heaven

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NT Reading: Acts 4:1-4 (GW)

Peter and John’s Trial in Front of the Jewish Council

4:1 Some priests, the officer in charge of the temple guards, and some Sadducees approached Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. These religious authorities were greatly annoyed. Peter and John were teaching the people and spreading the message that the dead will come back to life through Jesus. So the temple guards arrested them. Since it was already evening, they put Peter and John in jail until the next day.

But many of those who had heard the message became believers, so the number of men who believed grew to about 5,000.

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At the Name of Jesus / ILP music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God, you desire that all people be saved and come to knowledge of the truth: Prosper all those who live, preach, and teach the Gospel at home and in distant lands [especially in the Holy Land]; protect them in all perils, support them in their loneliness, sustain them in the hour of trial; give them your abundant grace to bear faithful witness; and endue them with burning zeal and love, that they may turn many to righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Thursday 18 Apr 2024: Psalm 23; Genesis 30:25-43; Acts 3:17-26 ~ Peter teaches the blessing of repentance.

Easter Season | Thursday 18 Apr 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
you gave your only Son to be for us
both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living:
Give us grace thankfully to receive his inestimable benefits,
and daily to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“God has brought his servant [Jesus] back to life
and has sent him to you first.
God did this to bless you
by turning every one of you from your evil ways.”
(Acts 3:26)

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From Psalms: Psalm 23– Psalm 23 (Live from the Sing! Conference) – Stuart Townend

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.

And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.

He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.

And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.

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OT Reading: Genesis 30:25-43 (GW)

Jacob’s Flocks Prosper

30:25 After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Let me go home to my own country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I’ve worked, and let me go. You know how much work I’ve done for you.”

Laban replied, “Listen to me. I’ve learned from the signs I’ve seen that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” So he offered, “Name your wages, and I’ll pay them.”

Jacob responded, “You know how much work I’ve done for you and what has happened to your livestock under my care. The little that you had before I came has grown to a large amount. The Lord has blessed you wherever I’ve been. When can I do something for my own family?”

Laban asked, “What should I give you?”

“Don’t give me anything,” Jacob answered. “Instead, do something for me, then I’ll go back to taking care of and watching your flocks again. Let me go through all of your flocks today and take every speckled or spotted sheep, every black lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. They will be my wages. My honesty will speak for itself whenever you come to check on my wages. Any goat I have that isn’t speckled or spotted or any lamb that isn’t black will be considered stolen.”

Laban answered, “Agreed. We’ll do as you’ve said.” However, that same day Laban took out the striped and spotted male goats, all the speckled and spotted female goats (every one with white on it), and every black lamb. He had his sons take charge of them. He traveled three days away from Jacob. Jacob continued to take care of the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Then Jacob took fresh-cut branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled the bark on them in strips of white, uncovering the white which was on the branches. He placed the peeled branches in the troughs directly in front of the flocks, at the watering places where the flocks came to drink. When they were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the branches. Then they gave birth to young that were striped, speckled, or spotted.

Jacob separated the rams from the flock and made the rest of the sheep face any that were striped or black in Laban’s flocks. So he made separate herds for himself and did not add them to Laban’s flocks. Whenever the stronger of the flocks were in heat, Jacob would lay the branches in the troughs in front of them so that they would mate by the branches. But when the flocks in heat were weak, he didn’t lay down the branches. So the weaker ones belonged to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob. As a result, Jacob became very wealthy. He had large flocks, male and female slaves, camels, and donkeys.

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HEBREW – God Full of Mercy / El Maleh Rachamim by Sarah Liberman

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NT Reading: Acts 3:17-26 (GW)

3:17 “And now, brothers, I know that like your rulers you didn’t know what you were doing. But in this way God made the sufferings of his Messiah come true. God had predicted these sufferings through all the prophets. So change the way you think and act, and turn ⌞to God⌟ to have your sins removed. Then times will come when the Lord will refresh you. He will send you Jesus, whom he has appointed to be the Christ. Heaven must receive Jesus until the time when everything will be restored as God promised through his holy prophets long ago.

“Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will send you a prophet, an Israelite like me. Listen to everything he tells you. Those who won’t listen to that prophet will be excluded from the people.’ Samuel and all the prophets who followed him spoke about these days. You are the descendants of the prophets and the heirs of the promise that God made to our ancestors when he said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendant all people on earth will be blessed.’ God has brought his servant back to life and has sent him to you first. God did this to bless you by turning every one of you from your evil ways.”

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The Blessing for the People of Israel | Canada Christian College

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Wednesday 17 Apr 2024: Psalm 150; Proverbs 9:1-6; Mark 16:9-18 ~ Tell everyone the Good News.

Easter Season | Wednesday 17 Apr 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Then Jesus said to them,
“So wherever you go in the world,
tell everyone the Good News.”
(Mark 16:15)

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From Psalms: Psalm 150- “Psalm 150” (from home) | MIQEDEM & friends across the globe

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OT Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6 (GW)

Wisdom Hosts a Banquet

9:1 Wisdom has built her house.
She has carved out her seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat.
She has mixed her wine.
She has set her table.
She has sent out her servant girls.
She calls from the highest places in the city,
“Whoever is gullible turn in here!”

She says to a person without sense,
“Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Stop being gullible and live.
Start traveling the road to understanding.”

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To The Table / Zach Williams / The Higher Power

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NT Reading: Mark 16:9-18 (GW)

Jesus Appears to His Followers

16:9 After Jesus came back to life early on Sunday, he appeared first to Mary from Magdala, from whom he had forced out seven demons. She went and told his friends, who were grieving and crying. They didn’t believe her when they heard that he was alive and that she had seen him.

Later Jesus appeared to two disciples as they were walking to their home in the country. He did not look as he usually did. They went back and told the others, who did not believe them either. Still later Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles while they were eating. He put them to shame for their unbelief and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive.

Then Jesus said to them, “So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

“These are the miraculous signs that will accompany believers: They will use the power and authority of my name to force demons out of people. They will speak new languages. They will pick up snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them. They will place their hands on the sick and cure them.”

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I Love To Tell The Story – 250 voice Mass Choir for Classic Hymns album ” Our God Reigns”