April 24th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Welcome |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Resurrection Witness |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Resurrection Witness
When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’
[Reading above - Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32]
With the stories of Holy Week still reverberating in our hearts and minds we cannot help but be amazed by the courage of Peter as he addresses the very authorities who recommended Jesus’ death. Is this really the same Peter speaking in Acts 5, who denied he even knew Jesus on the eve of the crucifixion? What accounts for this change? The living Spirit of Christ that continues to empower disciples to follow Jesus’ way of love.
Questions for Reflection:
How is this story a fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:11-12?
Peter responds to this challenge by stating: We must obey God rather than any human authority. What are the risks and the benefits of living with God as your first priority?
A well respected first century rabbi named Gamaliel saves the apostles by convincing the council to wait and see if the movement of Jesus is of human or Divine origin (Acts 5:33-40). Might this wisdom help us discern which new ministries we should undertake in our community today? Rather than opposing innovation in the church because it is different, should we wait and see if God’s blessing may be upon it?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. At the beginning of the week please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. At the end of the week look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Sermon title and text for May 1st:
Acts 9:1-6 | The Way Forward
