Today is the fourth 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.
Children of the heavenly Father safely in his bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e'er was given
Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever
Unto them his grace he showeth and their sorrows all he knoweth
Though he giveth or he taketh God his children ne'er forsaketh
His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy
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.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
"Blessed Assurance" (Jeremy Riddle)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
"As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him."
Holy God, we say and sing the words "perfect submission," but truly are often merely paying lip-service or misunderstanding a life of submission under your guidance and kingship. We stop and offer you now our prayers, recognizing that we do not truly and desperately trust you as our Father nor obey and follow after your ways...
(Offer your private prayers of confession and lament in silence)
Words of Assurance (1 John 3:1 CEV)
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
Thanks be to God!
"Who You Say I Am" (Hillsong Worship)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
Sharing Christ 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: Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 1:9-13 Craig Piersma
Message: "Identity in 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
"My Worth is Not in What I Own (At the Cross)" (Getty/Ortega/Kendrick)
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love - at the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
in win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed - at the cross
Chorus
I rejoice in my Redeemer
greatest treasure, wellspring of my soul
I will trust in him, no other
my soul is satisfied in him alone
As summer flowers we fade and die
fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us - at the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
or human wisdom's fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ - at the cross (chorus)
Two wonders here that I confess
my worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed my ransom paid - at the cross (chorus 2x)
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)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
"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.