The Festival of the Resurrection | Easter Dawn

[6:00am Wonewoc]

In the darkness before dawn, the women walked to the tomb with heavy hearts. Jesus was dead. His mission was over. In their mind, they were feeble followers of a failure. All that was left to do was finish embalming the corpse and then try to move on. Yet, Jesus wasn’t dead. And because he lived, they were not followers of a failure at all. They were disciples of the one who had conquered sin and defeated death.

It is as simple as this. Because he lives, we have a whole new identity: not sinners, but redeemed saints; not rebels, but God’s chosen nation; not doomed, but saved; not only servants, but sons and daughters of God Almighty; not losers, but victorious, because Christ gives us the victory. The living Lord has given us a whole new identity. It is all because of him. It is all because he lives.

Gospel—John 20:1–18

First Reading—Exodus 15:1–11

Second Reading—Colossians 3:1–4

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 118

Hymn of the Day—Awake, My Heart, with Gladness (CW 443)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmTj-GSbrG3FkzZQ0PC34wf&si=dbSWWWt8YeY7piuT

The Festival of the Resurrection | Easter Day

[8:30am Wonewoc & 10:30am Hillsboro]

Death can sting in many ways. First, death can sting by casting a shadow over every moment of life. No matter what earthly joy you are experiencing, death guarantees it won’t last. Second, death can sting by separating loves. There are no phone calls or hugs from the dead. Third, death can sting by instilling fear of what follows. Deep down, every human being senses that after death there is some sort of reckoning. . . a judgement. Yes, death can sting in many ways.

Note that word can. Because he lives, death has lost its sting for those who put their faith in the living Lord. Because Christ lives, we have all the proof we need that God accepted Jesus’ death as the complete and final payment for all our sin. Those who are in Christ need no judgment. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. More, Christ’s resurrection is the assurance that our Christian loved ones are not lost. We will see them again in the resurrection. For Christ’s resurrection means we will rise to a world of incomprehensible and unending joy.

Death remains unnatural. But Christ has defeated death. So, while death may still cause tears, death does not cause dread. Because he lives, death has lost its sting.

Gospel—Luke 24:1–12

First Reading—Isaiah 25:6–9

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 15:51–57

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 16

Hymn of the Day—Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands (CW 440)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkJfgNFy6TNAKBrKHGQN2N-&si=YDetBNEZQevxrZYR

Second Sunday of Easter

If Jesus remained dead, all he would provide is an example of a beautiful life. Therefore, if Jesus remained dead, the mission of his followers would simply be to share advice. “Here is how Jesus would want us to love one another. Or “Jesus would want us to think about money like this.” Or “This is how Jesus would pray.” But because he lives, his followers now have a meaningful mission. It is not to share advice, but to testify to what we have seen and know to be true. Christ has risen! Thus, Jesus is not a standard, but our Savior. Jesus is not primarily an example for this life, but the doorway into eternal life. His resurrection to glory will be the resurrection of all who put their faith in him. Sharing that good news—that’s our mission.

The Sunday after Easter can seem like a bit of a letdown. Chances are the church isn’t quite as full. There might not be a choir or special instruments to go along with our hymns. Even the lilies have begun to wilt. It might feel like the fun is all over. Wrong! The adventure has just begun. Because he lives! Therefore, we have a meaningful mission. Let us open our eyes to the privilege and the opportunity.

Gospel—John 20:19–21

First Reading—Acts 4:12,17–32

Second Reading—Revelation 1:4–18

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 150

Hymn of the Day—O Sons and Daughters of the King (CW 456)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMnkcw8dM-gtCPxc1CbYyQYc&si=XrkYOhB96jUq6cPC

Third Sunday of Easter

A recent survey asked Americans which of the five senses they would least like to lose. 77% chose sight. Navigating life blind poses a plethora of challenges that the sighted do not face. This is why Scripture often uses the concept of blindness as a metaphor for how hard it is to navigate life without a correct understanding of Christ. Spiritual blindness can take many different forms. In some cases, it is hostile opposition to the message of Jesus. In others, spiritual blindness might be demonstrated in confusion about Jesus’ true identity. In still others, spiritual blindness might be the inability to understand our spiritual condition.

No matter the form spiritual blindness takes, Easter has the power to replace it with sight. Easter allows us to see where we sinners stand with a holy God. It enables us to see the path through life that is worth pursuing (as opposed to those that lead to a dead end). Spiritual sight gives us the ability to see who holds our future in his hands and who is worth our eternal worship. Because he lives, we can see things clearly.

Gospel—John 21:1–14

First Reading—Acts 9:1–22

Second Reading—Revelation 5:11–14

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 30

Hymn of the Day—Christ the Lord Is Risen Again (CW 459)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm83xf4QPL8R7DGC0zwl-RV&si=5C8ItqEdVaVQx7zC

Fourth Sunday of Easter

The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in his Word that he cares for you dearly. . . that he would do anything for you. . . that he’s leading you into the green pastures of paradise. How do you know you can trust him? Simple. Jesus followed up his words with action. Jesus promised he would die to save you from your sin. He did. Scripture promised the Savior would rise from the dead, proving that payment for sins was complete. It happened.

Jesus always does what he says. His every promise is fulfilled. Jesus once illustrated that point in a striking metaphor, that of the Good Shepherd. All shepherds use words, calling to the sheep hoping they will follow. What sets the Good Shepherd apart is the fact that his words are followed by action, including his willingness to lay down his life for his sheep. Because he lives, we know Jesus is trustworthy and true.

Gospel—John 10:22–30

First Reading—Acts 13:15-16a, 26–39

Second Reading—Revelation 7:9–17

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 23

Hymn of the Day—The King of Love My Shepherd Is (CW 552)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMk4GpsB6vx-UTZRsVaOfAm1&si=5nBzkHaFMpqggRp8

Fifth Sunday of Easter

If someone saved you from a horrible death, what would you do to thank them? Probably just about anything they asked! You would be that grateful. Jesus not only saved us from eternal death in hell, but he won for us an eternity in paradise. What shall we do to thank him? This week we see that Jesus asks for just one thing—love. He asks us, in every interaction we have with others, to demonstrate the same selfless love that he has shown to us. That is how we thank him.

Fortunately, Jesus doesn’t just ask us to show love. Jesus empowers us to show love. The same divine power which raised Jesus from the dead now raises us up to a new and better life, enabling us to set aside our natural selfishness and self-glorification and instead live in a more excellent way. Like Christ, we strive to do everything for the benefit of others. Because he lives, we live lives of lavish love.

Gospel—John 13:31–35

First Reading—Acts 11:1–18

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 13:1–13

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 145

Hymn of the Day—Welcome, Happy Morning (CW 469)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkh3KVHWP9_TCk2ri5khVQS&si=d3X5I8pjzm8_Ufwr

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance; it’s a product of Easter.

Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus’ tomb. Forgiveness, life, and glory came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life’s highs and the lowest of life’s lows. Because he lives, we have deep and lasting joy.

Gospel—John 16:16–24

First Reading—Acts 14:8–22

Second Reading—Revelation 21:21–27

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 65

Hymn of the Day—Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMnzdfwdUeEE5uLTyqsCgMYS&si=PZF3IIZ4lRknjsco

The Festival of the Ascension

[6:30pm Hillsboro]

When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to focus on Christ’s ascension. This is for good reason. Jesus’ ascension marked the fact that his work was complete, in one sense. Never again will a sacrifice for sins need to be made. However, Jesus’ ascension also marks that, in another sense, his work is just beginning. Through the Church, Jesus now proclaims forgiveness of sins throughout the world.

The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So, Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth. More, he ascended into heaven and sat down on the throne of God. He lives and reigns over everything for the benefit of his Church.

Gospel—Luke 24:44–53

First Reading—Acts 1:1–11

Second Reading—Revelation 19:11–16

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 47

Hymn of the Day—A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing (CW 472)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm78moYyYiXJkSjozkl5EYJ&si=iSqSJo7Tc1B2EJNT

Seventh Sunday of Easter

After he rose, when Jesus’ followers gathered together, they comprised a group that was not very diverse. They all belonged to the same ethnic group, grew up in the same culture, spoke the same language, and followed the same customs. That would change drastically on Pentecost, when the gospel would be proclaimed in many languages to people from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 1:5).

This diversity has always been part of Christ’s plan. Rather than eliminating differences among the Church’s members, the Church’s unity is built on truths that transcend those differences. The Church truly is a communion of saints. Differences in our world often lead to division. That is not to be the case in the Church. Because he lives, Christ creates unity within diversity. And when the world sees the unity in diversity that characterizes Christ’s Church, it will recognize something unique and special about Christians.

Gospel—John 17:20–26

First Reading—Acts 16:6–10

Second Reading—Revelation 22:12–17, 20

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 133

Hymn of the Day—Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense (CW 446)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkDHaVy2czPxvG-V1XkSHEY&si=sgj6TCeX19p2VfVu

The Festival of Pentecost

Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to spread around the world. For Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. We conclude this worship series with this glorious thought: because he lives, Christ sends us his Spirit.

That raises some questions. Where? How? If God now reveals himself by his Spirit, where is the Holy Spirit found? How does he come to us? God has not left the answer to those questions in doubt. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, he indicated that the Spirit’s work would be connected to words, specifically to God’s Word. As a result, we need never wonder where we can find the Spirit or how he comes to us. Where the Word is proclaimed, there you will find the Holy Spirit’s presence and blessing.

Gospel—John 14:23–27

First Reading—Genesis 11:1–9

Second Reading—Acts 2:1–21

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 104

Hymn of the Day—Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (CW 585)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkvIsNRvBeJe5NPMTCv4ufi&si=kzuRmFF3KV6Xwgdt