Description
John 14:1-14
In this passage, Jesus reassures his disciples that He is the only way to the Father and offers them peace in the midst of their fear and doubt. Jesus promises them a relationship with Father God that transcends the limitations of this world and offers the hope of eternal life. This same promise reminds us of the comforting presence of Jesus, who walks with us as we encounter the troubles of this life. We can find peace and hope in His love and grace.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome to all who have gathered here today. We are so thankful for this time to be together and offer up our praises and our worship to Almighty God. We are a gathered people of faith, united together in the name of Jesus Christ. Let us open our hearts and minds to the word of God.
Worshipers
May our hearts and minds be opened by the power of the Holy Spirit to receive His comfort and peace today.
Time of Praise and Worship
I’m Listening
Chris McClarney, Benji Cowart, Josh Bronleewe. ©2018 Capitol CMG Genesis, Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Josh Bronleewe Music, Wordspring Music, LLC, HowieCowie Publishing, Word Music, LLC (Admin. by WB Music Corp.)
There’s Nothing Our God can’t Do
Kristian Stanfill, Jonathan Smith, Brandon Lake
2019 Kristian Stanfill Publishing Designee, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Maverick City Publishing, Bethel Music Publishing (Admin by Bethel Music Publishing) Cashagamble Jet Music, Be Essential Songs (Admin by Essential Music Publishing)
Here For You
Jesse Reeves | Matt Maher | Matt Redman | Tim Wanstall, © 2011 worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Said And Done Music | Thankyou Music | Valley Of Songs Music | Chrysalis One Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
BH 75 58; BH 91 208; CH 648; CHH 517; EH 657; ELW 631; HWC 92; HFG 21; HLC 5; HGP 3; HSP 24; LBW 315; LSB 700; LW 286; NCH 43; PH 376; RH 34; STTL 507; WC 558; UMH 384; WHM 94; WIS 16
Thine Forever, God of Love
LSB 867
Christ the Life of All the Living
CH 90; ELW 339; LBW 97; LSB 420; LW 94
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us pray together in one accord. Loving God, we know that You have promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We come to you today with open hearts, ready to receive Your Word. Pour out Your divine wisdom and total truth on us, that we may put our faith in You and follow Your leading. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Worshipers
Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we come to you today with open hands and open hearts. We thank you for this time to be gathered together in your name. Remind us of your promises to love and protect us, and of your guidance to show us the way. We pray for your spirit to be present in this place, that we may glorify your name. Amen.
Worshipers
We thank You for this time to be gathered together in Your name.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Remind us of Your promises to love and protect us, and of Your guidance to show us the way.
Worshipers
We pray for Your Holy Spirit to be present in this place so that we may glorify Your holy name.
Pastor / Worship Leader
In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
We confess that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him as recorded in the book of John.
Worshipers
We acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord of our lives and that we are called to follow Him in faith and obedience. However, we are flawed in every way and need Jesus to forgive us of our sins. We need the Holy Spirit to fill us and increase our faith so that our eyes remain on Jesus and our hearts be cleansed pure. Forgive us, Jesus.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He promises forgiveness to us through the cross.
Worshipers
We thank You, Jesus! We find comfort in everything You are. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 7:51-60
Stephen, a devoted follower of Jesus, was stoned to death by the people of Jerusalem. However, he didn’t curse his accusers but rather prayed for their forgiveness of sin in murdering him. Stephen became the first martyr for the Christian faith.
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
