Description

Luke 24:36-48 

Most of us have the news at our fingertips now with cell phones tucked in our pockets and purses. Also, you can be watching a TV program, and breaking news will interrupt your favorite show in an instance if it is real BIG news. We even have a new term that is referred to often— “fake news”—that news which may or may not be true. You don’t have to wait for the newspaper or even turn on the TV. We can learn what is happening in the world in a few seconds. Some news is for some people, depending on what it is. Today’s Gospel reminds us that there is Good News for ALL people that transcends geographical, racial, ethnic, gendered, and socio-economic boundaries. It is not fake news and it is not sad or bad news. It is the greatest and most important news one can ever hear. The Good News of Jesus Christ and his saving power is to be proclaimed to all nations. We are God’s messengers and we are to share it with conviction and joy. 

 

…  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

What a Beautiful Name

Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Because He Lives (Amen)

Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, & William J. Gaither, © 2014 S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Hanna Street Music (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)

Better Is One Day

Matt Redman, ©1995 Thankyou Music

[Traditional Options]

He’s Risen, He’s Risen

LSB 480; LW 138

 I A Content! My Jesus Ever Lives

LSB 468; LW 145

O Christ, Our Hope

BH 91, 414 ELW 604; LBW 300; LSB 553; LW 151

 

Invocation

 Pastor/Worship Leader Speaks 

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 / Theme Introduction

 Pastor/Worship Leader Speaks

 

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 3:12-19 

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. 

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,