Easter Sunday, April 4

A True Story of Resurrected Life

Scripture for Meditation: I Corinthians 15:3-8, 17-20

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. . . . And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Prayer of Blessing

Responsive Reading: Psalm 118:1, 17-25

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! . . .

I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

Ministry of the Word

Transition to Singing

Feel free to leave at this time or stay for the singing.

Hymn of Faith: Is He Worthy?

Congregational Responses:

We do. . . .

It is. . . .

He is. . . .

He does. . . .

He is. . . .

Words by Andrew Peterson. Music by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. Copyright © 2018 Jakedog Music (ASCAP) Admin. By Musicservices.org, Junkbox Music (ASCAP) Admin by Bicycle Music Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission. CCL #2783020

Hymn of Praise: Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today

Christ, the Lord, is ris'n today; Alleluia!*
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high; Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply: Alleluia! 

Love’s redeeming work is done; Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won. Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise; Alleluia!
Christ hath opened Paradise. Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King; Alleluia!
"Where, O death, is now thy sting?" Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save: Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Foll'wing our exalted Head; Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise; Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
* "Alleluia" means "praise Jehovah."

Hymn of Praise: See, What a Morning

See, what a morning, gloriously bright
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem,
Folded the grave clothes, tomb filled with light
As the angels announce Christ is risen!
See God's salvation plan, wrought in love,
Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead! 

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?"
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb;
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name;
It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!
The voice that spans the years,
Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us,
Will sound till He appears,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!  

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty.
Honor and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned with pow'r and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

Words and music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. Copyright © 2003 Kingsway Thankyou Music
Used by permission. CCLI #2783020

*All Scripture, English Standard Version. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission.