Description
Luke 23:27-43
In the most physically painful situation, Jesus committed the most challenging act of kindness- forgiving those who mocked Him, hated Him, and wished evil upon Him. Two criminals witnessed this unfamiliar grace. One rejected Jesus while the other sought out His forgiveness. What about you? Have you accepted the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in all areas of your life?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
O Worship The King
Chris Tomlin, Johann Michael Haydn, & Robert Grant, ©2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Matthew Bridges & George Elvey
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
[Traditional Options]
Let All Together Praise Our God
ELW 287; LBW 47; LSB 389; LW 44
Come Thou Almighty King
BH 75 2; BH 91 247; CH 8; CHH 27; EH 365; ELW 408; HWC 26; HPW 3; HFG 341; HLC 4; HGP 53; HSP 11; LBW 522; LSB 905; LW 169; NCH 275; PH 139; RH 212; STTL 3; WC 5; UMH 61; WAR 148; WHM 3; WIS 21
Crown Him With Many Crowns
BH 75 52; BH 91 161; CH 45; CHH 234; EH 494; ELW 855; HWC 234; HFG 345; HLC 85; HGP 24; HSP 83; LBW 170; LSB 525; LW 278; NCH 301; PH 151; RH 192; RS 626; STTL 272; WC 92; UMH 327; WAR 317; WHM 51; WIS 162
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Come and see what the Lord is doing! He is with us.
Worshipers
He is our fortress and protector. He keeps us safe. We trust the Lord with all He is doing today.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
God above all, we are Your people and we are here to offer ourselves before You as Your vessels. Use us, fill us, guide us into righteousness. Protect us from evil and draw us near to You. No matter what we’ve done, You still love us. Thank you for Your power to forgive, love to conquer fear, and strength to endure in this dark world.
Worshipers
Help us to live fearlessly for Your Kingdom and glory. Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Gracious Lord, it is Your kindness that leads us to repentance. You’ve forgiven the adulterer, the murderer, and the liar. You forgive us through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You desire for us to confess, so we do that now.
Worshipers
(Allow time for reflection and repentance.)
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus Christ forgives us, and we are set free! One day we will meet Him face to face and live in His presence for eternity. Thank You for Your redemption, Lord. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Malachi 3:13-18
The Lord promises to distinguish the righteous between the wicked and to bring judgment on those who act against Him.
13 “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’” 16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. 17 “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
