Description
“Blessed Without Seeing”
John 20:19-31
We are all hard wired to seek proof in this world. We would be kidding ourselves if we said we do not need proof for most everything we hear. It is natural to the way we think and the way we were designed. With this fact in mind, we should not be so quick to put Thomas down or criticize him and his lack of faith based on his demand for proof. Many of us would have been right there with him since we too, want to see. We want to touch. We want to experience it first hand, not through the statements from others. Now we obviously know that we are living many generations and years following the actual resurrection. The reality of the resurrection story lives through us and our witness. It is truly a blessing to have Jesus living in us — knowing that seeing him physically is impossible and not necessary. We are truly blessed without seeing which makes our faith even more powerful. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
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
All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises
Paul Baloche, ©2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)
Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | George Frederic Handel | Isaac Watts | Matt Gilder, © worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing | Alletrop Music | Ryan House Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
I Will Follow
Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, & Reuben Morgan, ©2010 SHOUT! Publishing | sixsteps Music | worshiptogether.com songs | Vamos Publishing | Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)
[Traditional Options]
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
CHH 215; EH 199,200; ELW 363; HLC 164; LBW 132; LSB 487; LW 141; NCH 230; PH 114,115; RS 575; UMH
Awake, My Heart, With Gladness
ELW 378; LBW 129; LSB 467; LW 128
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
BH 91 126; CH 300; EH 154, 155; ELW 344; HWC 173; HFG 249; HLC 131; LBW 108; LSB 442; LW 102; NCH 216; PH 88; RH 155; UMH 280; WC 204; WR 265
Invocation
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor The great news has been made public! Christ is alive and God’s light is shining bright now after a period of darkness. We are blessed! Let’s celebrate together and proclaim Jesus as Lord!
All Amen
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor Mighty God, Gracious Father, Jesus appeared to the disciples following the resurrection and found them afraid and behind locked doors. He brought a word of peace to calm their fears and give them courage for the mission ahead. One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, desired proof to support belief. He needed to see the mark of the nails and touch Jesus’ side before he would believe. We are blessed in our belief without seeing Jesus physically. May others see Jesus in us through our words and actions. In Jesus, you have given us not only an example to live by, but a savior who forgives sins and brings redemption. Inspire in us the desire to spread this Good News to others. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
ALL In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Loving God, your Word is a gift as it brings us strength for living and hope for the future. In the scriptures we read that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves from its grips. Out of love, you sent Jesus to free us from this bondage and give us an abundant life. Through his death and resurrection, we have hope, new life, and eternal life. We do not have to live life behind locked doors – filled with fear, guilt, and hopelessness. We are blessed to have a savior who has taken all of our sins on the cross.
(A time of personal reflection and confession)
All Merciful God, we confess that we often allow the pressures of living in the world to permeate our minds and influence our hearts. We do not see clearly what your will is for our lives because we allow our own selfish will to take precedence. We are deeply sorry and ask for your forgiveness. Open our eyes to see you and your perfect will.
Pastor When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. We are washed and made clean through his redemptive blood. Praise God for His mighty power to heal and restore!
ALL Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 4:32-35
As a result of the unity brought about through the power of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, many gave and shared their possessions among one another.
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
