CALL TO WORSHIP
Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.
However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!
OUR SCRIPTURE READING
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
One: God of resurrection, who turns death into life and mourning into dancing, we stand in awe of you. In your perfection, you humbly chose imperfection — the messiness of human existence became the very place you revealed to us your nature.
All: In the light of Easter Morning, we see the reality of your hope. We trust the mystery of your love. We abide in the promise that you will come again.
One: God of revelation, whose power is wielded as relentless love, we raise our hallelujah in thanksgiving today. In your authority, you have promised the unfathomable — you are continuously bending the story arc of humanity toward your love.
All: In your victory, the chains of death have been forever broken. Heal us to be healers who proclaim this truth now and forevermore. Amen.
LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion
Looking at your faith journey, there were likely seasons that felt like death where, in time, God brought resurrection hope and change. Maybe this season feels like death. As you spend time in prayer this week, bring that “death” to the cross. Ask the Spirit of God to breathe resurrection life into this place in your journey.
Community
Talk it over with your Home Church (or a group of friends) this week. 1. “We have a future strong enough to sustain us in the present.” Read Revelation 21:1-5. How can this future hope as disciples of Jesus shape the way we live in the present? 2. Theologian Herman Bavink wrote that “The resurrection of Christ is the ‘Amen’ of the Father upon the ‘Finished’ of the Son.” How does the resurrection of Jesus speak to what Jesus has accomplished on the cross?
Co-Mission
In the words of poet Wendell Berry, we should “Practice Resurrection.” In other words, the resurrection is the shape of our ministry and calling together – joining the Spirit’s work to bring life where there was death. This week, speak life into someone in need or encouragement and comfort. Give life through acts of kindness, generosity, service, and love. In a world familiar with death, let your life this week be a sign of the empty tomb.
NEXT STEPS AND RESOURCES
