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 6
Living the Guarantee of Ultimate Victory
Acts 16:9-34; Revelation 21:10, 22-27
Gathering Sentences
Alleluia! The Lord is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile on us! The whole country will see how you work, all the godless nations will see how you save.
Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!
Let all far-flung people become happy and shout their happiness because you judge them fair and square.
Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!
Earth, display your exuberance! You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!
May all the best from God and Christ be yours.
Grace be with you.
—adapted from Psalm 67:1-6, 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 forgotten that, no matter what happens, the final victory is yours, and we resign ourselves too easily to the powers of this world.
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.
Hymn Suggestions
"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray
"Thine Is the Glory Risen, Conquering Son" Budry
"Lift High the Cross" Kitchin
"Christ for the World! We Sing" Wolcott
"Come, We That Love the Lord" Watts
"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" Dix
"From All That Dwell Below the Skies" Watts
"People, Clap Your Hands" Unknown
Ways to Involve Children and Youth
|
Sermon Starter
The Acts reading is extended to include the entire story of Paul and Silas's visit to Macedonia. The passage focuses on the ups and downs of the journey, Sanctus and how God helps these ministers overcome adversity and their own missteps as well. The Revelation story holds out the promise that the New Creation's promise will reach the whole world, despite all that might go wrong. Christians are not called to be perfect every time; Christians are simply called to keep plugging away, to never give up. In light of God's promise and call to us, how concerned can we truly be with momentary setbacks? How quick should we be to compromise with the secular world? In telling the story, imagine the jailer's perspective, or the woman whose spirit was cast out.
Suggested Anthems
"Alleluia, Come Let Us Sing" by John Bertalot (CGA 679), two-part
"Sing Praise to God" by Robert Leaf (CGA 712), unison
"Let the People Praise You, O God" by William Matthias (Oxford), SATB
Revised Common Lectionary
Year C: Easter—Sixth Sunday of Easter
