+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Morning Reading: John 14:7-14 (NLT)
“If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
The Last Supper of Jesus Andre Derain, 1911
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ: you have revealed to us the knowledge of everlasting life. May your resurrection enrich us today with your grace.
+ Strengthen us for the coming day with the bread of your word.
+ Give us open hearts that are responsive to your voice.
+ Make us attentive and eager to receive your word.
+ Continue the good work that you have begun in us.
+ Help us to manifest your resurrection by our way of living.
+ Fill us with the joy of your Spirit that can never be taken away.
All-powerful, ever-living God, keep the mystery of Easter alive in us always. You gave us a new birth by water and the Spirit: give us grace to bear much fruit, and bring us to the joys of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Open Heaven (River Wild) – Hillsong Worship
Closing Sentence
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Today we honor the Risen Lord as our Good Shepherd. We pray that God will make us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father, formed in the image of the Good Shepherd. All glory and power to him forever and ever!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
Safe in your hand, O God, is the flock you shepherd through Jesus your Son. Lead us always to the living waters where you promise respite and refreshment, that we may be counted among those who know and follow you. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________
“Song for the Nations” – Kwasizabantu Combined Choir
__________
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: Acts 13:14, 43-52 (NLT)
[Paul and Barnabas visit Antioch, where their message is received with joy by the Gentiles.]
But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.
On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.
_____
Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.
The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.
Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.
Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5 (NLT)
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
_____
Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
_____
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
__________
A Reading from the Revelations of John: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 (NLT)
[John’s vision of people persecuted for their faith being rewarded in heaven.]
After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
_____
Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.
Jesus and the Lamb art print by Katherine Brown
“That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:27-30 (NLT)
[Jesus is the shepherd whose voice the sheep listen to.]
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
__________
Spiritual Song: “Shepherd” – Brave New World // Amanda Cook
__________
Intercessory Prayer:
Good Shepherd: you care for all who hear your voice and follow you. Attend to us now, as we pray.
+ That all those who lead your people may follow the example of Christ, the good shepherd…. Lord, hear us.
+ That young people may hear your call to serve God’s people in ministry throughout the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians in Africa may bear witness to their faith in Christ — even in times of war…. Lord, hear us.
+ That believers who face persecution today, especially in the Middle East, may have courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who gather for worship today in assemblies throughout the world, may care for each other…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those around us who are in any kind of need may have the tender support of our love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That our friends and family who have died in Christ may be given a place before the Throne of Glory…. Lord, hear us.
O God, your loving care brings us safe through the trials of life, hear our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
Hymn: “Resurrection Sunday Dance, Budapest, Hungary – Music Videos” – Jennie Lee Riddle
On April 4, 2010, over 1,300 young people, all of them members of Faith Church celebrated Resurrection Sunday in Budapest, Hungary. (Sorry, I didn’t know how to embed video. Please click on link above; God bless.)
Benediction:
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Alleluia.
Morning Reading: John 6:60-69 (NLT)
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”
Christ and the Apostles by Georges Rouault, 1937-38 Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”
66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus: you alone have spoken the words that are spirit and life. We believe that you are the Holy One of God – give us your peace and joy.
+ You are the risen Lord of life; lead us in the path of righteousness and make us more like you.
+ You are the peace and joy of all who believe in you; help us to live as children of light, rejoicing in your victory.
+ You underwent great sufferings to enter the Father’s glory; wipe away all our tears and turn our sorrows into joy.
God our Father, by your grace through faith you have given new life to those who believe in you. May your pilgrim Church grow in faith; strengthen us to bear witness before the world to your resurrection. Protect us and help us resist all false beliefs, and so keep intact the grace of your blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In Christ Alone – Adrienne Liesching and Geoff Moore
Closing Sentence
Simon Peter said, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Alleluia.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Joyfully we worship God who raised our Savior from the dead.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Sentence:
God of life, in your risen Son you reveal your abiding presence among us and summon those reborn in him to lives of worship and service. Fill us with joy as we come before you today. And, grant us courage and zeal in witnessing before the world to your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________
“Happy Day” – Tim Hughes
__________
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: Acts 5:27-32, 40-41 (NLT)
[Peter and the apostles are reprimanded for teaching about Jesus.]
Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
_____
They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.
_____
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.
_____
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!”
_____
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
__________
Psalm 30 – Kol Simcha
__________
A Reading from the Revelations of John: Revelation 5:11-14 NLT (NLT)
[John shares his vision of heaven.]
Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered — to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-31 (NLT)
[Jesus appears for a third time to the disciples.]
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
__________
Spiritual Song: “Feed Me Jesus” – Sister Rosetta Tharpe
__________
Intercessory Prayer:
Heavenly Father: rescue us from all our distress, and hear the prayers of your people.
+ That Christians who suffer for their faith may have courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ That missionaries may have the conviction and zeal of the early disciples…. Lord, hear us.
+ That fishermen and those who work on the sea may have divine protection…. Lord, hear us.
+ That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who cook and serve food may themselves be sustained by your Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the vision of heaven given in the Scriptures may comfort the sick and dying…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died may join those gathered around the throne of the Lamb…. Lord, hear us.
Gracious God, you listen and have compassion on your people: help us and guide us all the days of our life, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
Hymn: “Revelation Song” – Jennie Lee Riddle
Benediction:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 7:12)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
The Lord has risen from the dead, alleluia, alleluia.
Morning Reading: Romans 14:7-9 (NLT)
For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ: you have revealed to us the knowledge of everlasting life. May your resurrection enrich us with your grace.
+ Strengthen us for the coming day with your word, the bread of life.
+ Create in us responsive hearts; do not let your word be silenced by rejection or indifference.
+ Work through all who spread the gospel, confirming the truth of their message.
+ Help us to display the reality of your resurrection by our way of living.
+ You are the joy that can never be taken away; may we leave behind the sadness of sin and experience eternal life.
Since it is from you, God our Father, that redemption comes to us, your adopted children, look with favor on the family you love, give true freedom to us and to all who believe in Christ, and bring us all alike to our eternal heritage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Soli Deo Gloria – Willie Joubert en Romanz (South Africa)
Closing Sentence
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 