Today is the fifth week of Eastertide.
Easter has implications.
Jesus is – right now – the reigning and ruling King of the Universe.
Envisioning Jesus as the King he is also has implications.
We are called to a life of faith that involves not just thinking well of Jesus
but aligning every aspect of our lives to Jesus…
pursuing a Jesus-shaped life.
Today we begin to explore the implications of living in a world
where a resurrection has happened.
Come and listen, come to the water's edge
all you who know and fear the Lord
Come and listen, come to the water's edge
all you who are thirsty come
Let me tell you what he has done for me
Let me tell you what he has done for me
He has done for you he has done for us
Come and listen, come and listen to what he's done
Come and listen, come and listen to what he's done
Praise our God for he is good (4x)
He has done for me, he has done for you, he has done for us
People of Jesus Christ, in whom are you trusting?
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In Christ, the God of Heaven has made his home on earth.
Christ dwells among us and is one with us.
Highest of all creation, he lives among the least.
He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
Come now, all who thirst,
and drink the water of life.
Come now, all who hunger,
and be filled with good things.
Come now, all who seek,
and be warmed by the fire of love.
Amen.
"Jesus, I Come" (Indelible Grace/Matthew Smith)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
The Bible tells us during the time of the prophet Samuel God's word was rarely heard and visions were scarce. But God broke into Samuel's life and called his name...and Samuel said: "Here I am, speak, for your servant is listening."
Let us confess now, before God and one another, how we also ignore the voice of God... Hear us now, Lord.
Almighty and Loving God,
throughout the Bible, you speak to your people
through prophets, kings, and judges;
you even spoke through a baby: your son, Jesus.
Yet we find it so hard to hear from you.
It is hard to pick out your voice
from the countless voices available to us.
When we cannot hear you because we have drowned you out,
forgive us, God. [silence]
But sometimes, the word you have for us is not hard to hear.
Rather, your word is hard to take to heart.
When we hear you and still ignore you out of fear or arrogant pride,
forgive us, God. [silence]
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
help us to distinguish your voice from all the others,
give us the courage and faith to act when we hear you calling,
and tune our hearts and our ears to your voice.
Amen.
Words of Assurance
The good news in Christ is that when we face ourselves and God with the awareness of our need, we are given grace to grow, and courage to continue the journey. Believe the good news of the gospel. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
"O Love that Will Not Let Me Go" (Indelible Grace)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
Sharing Christ's Peace
Because God has given us his peace, we are invited to share the peace of Christ with others. Whether digitally through a text message or by turning to someone next to you, share the peace of Christ now with the words: "The peace of Christ be with you!" If you are on the receiving end of these words, you are invited to reply, "And also with you."
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you!
A life of generosity, for all who know Christ, means the opportunity to draw closer to God, now and in eternity. It means joy, a fulfilled heart, and the potential to store up treasures in heaven. Once you take hold of it, once you begin to feel the change generosity brings into your life, you will feel a strong calling to share the message with others.
Please consider continuing to give or setting up giving by clicking HERE.
Scripture Reading: John 10:1-6 Jordan Humm
Song of Prepration: "Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us" (Fernando Ortega)
Savior like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care
In thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
thou hast bought us, thine we are
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
thou hast bought us, thine we are
Message: "Listening to Jesus" Jon Sherrill
Series: Following Jesus
*Click here for a PDF of today's Sermon Notes and Reflection Questions
Mobile: also available by texting "FIFTHRC APP" to: 77977
"Speak, O Lord"(Getty/Townend)
Benediction
Option: as an individual or quarantine family, create/add movements for each line below -
we will use this benediction throughout this sermon series.
God go before you to lead you,
God go behind you to protect you,
God go beneath you to support you,
God go beside you to befriend you.
Do not be afraid.
May the blessing of God the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you.
Do not be afraid.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
Song of Dismissal: “Christ Be in My Waking” (Townend/Brading)
Christ be in my waking as the sun is rising
in my day of working, with me ev'ry hour
Christ be in my resting as the day is ending
calming and refreshing, watching through the night
Christ be in my thinking and my understanding
guarding me from evil, walking in the light
Christ be in my speaking, ev'ry word a blessing
pure and not deceiving, grace to all who hear
Chorus
Jesus, this is my devotion
all my life to know you
ev'ry day to walk with you
Savior, you're my deepest longing
you're the One I live for
teach me, Lord, to walk with You
Christ be in my gladness for the joy of living
thankful for the goodness of the Father's hand
Christ be in my sorrow, in my day of darkness
knowing that I follow in the steps he trod
Christ when hope has fade, nothing left to cling to
every pleasure jaded, every well is dry
Christ, the loving Shepherd, draws me with his kindness
leads me from the desert, to the streams of life
"Following Jesus" Video Class, Mondays at 7:00PM
*If you need the link or phone number to connect with this class
email info@fifthrc.org for details to join in
"God Stories"
If you’d like to offer a written, audio, or video testimony, email godstories@fifthrc.org.