Description
Luke 24:36-49
We live in a world filled with many barriers and walls – a breeding ground for prejudice in numerous forms. People are divided based on many factors such ethnicity, gender, race, social status, economics, and religion; this is not new. Discrimination and prejudice have been around since the beginning of creation, yet the Good News of Jesus Christ has the power and wisdom to transcend these barriers – leading to unity and harmony. Today’s gospel narrative states clearly that “repentance and forgiveness is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” In Jesus Christ, is contained everything for an abundant life on earth and salvation. It is a message of truth for everyone. Everything for everyone!
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
He Reigns
Peter Furler & Steve Taylor, © 2003 Ariose Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Soylent Tunes (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)
A New Hallelujah
Debbie Smith, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, ©2008 Smittyfly Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) This Is Your Time Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Say Say
Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, & Kristian Stanfill, ©2010 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Hope of the World
BH 75 364; CHH 538; EH 472; HLC 515; LBW 493; LSB 690; LW 377; NCH 46; PH 360; UMH 178; WC 434; UMH 178; WAR 404
Rise, Shine, You People
ELW 665; HS 98 871; LBW 393; LSB 825; UMH 187; WAR 89
Spread the Reign of God The Lord
LBW 379; LSB 830; LW 321
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We have joined together today as one people in Christ to worship our mighty God who has given to us everything necessary for salvation. This message of saving grace is for everyone!
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor God of all people, in the midst of a broken world, you orchestrated the events of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection so that the all the world would have access to justification and the gift of eternal life. This is such wonderful news and it cannot be kept to ourselves. All people, without distinction, have been given hope in Jesus Christ. This relationship with Christ provides a common hope and promise that draws us together and unites us as one. As we worship through word, song, prayer, and fellowship, may the Holy Spirit unite us and inspire us.
ALL In Christ, our risen Lord, Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
All Gracious God of Hope,
At times, we create barriers between us and others. Fear and judgment creates a wedge between us and others simply because they are different. This can find people hurt, lonely, and broken. We need to break down the walls that separate one another and we know that peace and harmony comes through Jesus Christ.
We confess that we do not always accept others without prejudice. God has created all people with unique gifts, appearances, and abilities. We confess that we often fear that which is different from our own background. We confess that when our own comfort zones are invaded, our sin gets in the way and causes destruction and hurt.
Lord of love, forgive us and renew our commitment to you—that we may be one—united in belief, love, and service with other believers in your name. Give us the strength and power to change areas of our lives that are barriers to unity with others in the body of Christ – the Church.
(silence for personal confession)
Pastor Know that your sins are wiped out and removed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God who restores us and renews us daily.
ALL Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 3:11-21
Peter takes an opportunity to address the Jews in the temple and presents a message by telling them who Jesus is, what they have, done, the consequences, and what must happen for change to take place.
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
