This is part of the worship Series
Our Living Guarantee
Series Introduction
Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3
Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6
EASTER 2
Living the Guarantee of a Firm Foundation
Acts 5:12–42; Revelation 1:4–8
Gathering Sentences
Alleluia! The Lord is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Yahweh's my strength and also my song, and now God is my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved?
"The hand of Jehovah is raised in victory! The hand of Jehovah has turned the tide!"
Thank you for responding to me; you've truly become my salvation! The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone.
This is the Lord's work. We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it! This is the very day the LORD acted—let's celebrate and be festive.
Salvation now, Yahweh. Salvation now!
Oh yes, Yahweh—a free and full life!
May all the best from God and Christ be yours.
Grace be with you.
—adapted from Psalm 118:14–16, 22–25, Psalms by Eugene H. Peterson
Prayer of Confession
Note: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme.
Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We have been timid in proclaiming your new creation, more ready to believe the bad news of the world than the good news of your Word.
Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Note: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.
Who is in a position to condemn?
Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us,
Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.
Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.
Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17
Suggested Hymns
"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray
"The Day of Resurrection" Damascus
"People, Clap Your Hands" Unknown
"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation" Neale
"The Church's One Foundation" Stone
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Luther
Ways to Involve Children and Youth
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Sermon Starter
The passage from Acts is much longer than the one suggested by the Revised Common Lectionary for this week. While the shorter reading may be used, the longer passage gives insight into why the activities of the Christian congregation in Jerusalem so upset the Jewish officials, and how the apostles boldly kept preaching even under persecution.
The Revelation reading reminds us that God is first and last, Alpha and Omega, and that Jesus has not only saved us but set us aside as a chosen people to participate in the redemption of creation. The apostles were able to stand firm in the face of the Pharisees' inquiry because they absolutely knew the gospel to be true and were, in fact, living it out every day. Such a foundation can also help us stand firm against the more subtle and much more insidious reassures of modern society. If you have a flair for the dramatic, you might try giving this sermon from the point of view of Gamaliel, the Jewish teacher who defended the apostles.
Suggested Anthems
"From the Rising of the Sun" by Robert J. Powell (Choristers Guild, CGA 463), unison
"Witnesses: Jesus Is Risen" by Ronald A. Nelson (CGA 534), unison
"How Firm a Foundation" arr. Alfred V. Fedak (Selah 425-828), SATB and congregation
Revised Common Lectionary
Year C: Easter—Second Sunday of Easter
