Easter
Preached: April 4, 2010
The devotions for this service are available as several audios below, but they are not written out. Or try the podcast at iTunes (You will be leaving our website.)
Our Savior's suffering, death, and resurrection form the focus and heart of the Christian faith. Our remembrance began Maundy Thursday and continued Good Friday as we witnessed our Savior's death. Today we continue this three-part ceremony reaching the climax: Jesus' glorious resurrection.
Hymn 714 “The Lamb”
Children: “This Is the Day the Lord has Made”
Hymn 152:1-6 “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”
(All)
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my everliving Head!
(Men)
He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save.
He lives all-glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.
(Women)
He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives, my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.
(Pulpit side)
He lives to grant me rich supply;
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
(Lectern side)
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
Stand
(All)
He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives I'll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
The Easter Sunday Gospel: Luke 24:1-12
(All)
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
(All)
He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Be Seated
Devotion
Reading: Romans 6:3-11
Remembrance of Baptism
(Removed since content adapted from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal: Occasional Services, p. 239, 240 ©2004 Northwestern Publishing House)
Hymn 147:5 “Like the Golden Sun Ascending”
For the joy your advent gave me,
For your gospel's great reward,
For your baptism which has saved me,
For your supper and your Word,
For your death, the bitter scorn,
For your resurrection morn;
Lord, I thank you and extol you,
And in heav'n I shall behold you.
Devotion
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Stand
Hymn 145:2, 3 “Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won”
Jesus lives! To him the throne
High o'er heav'n and earth is given
I shall go where he is gone,
Live and reign with him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings hence!
This shall be my confidence.
Jesus lives! For me he died;
Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense;
This shall be my confidence.
Be Seated
Devotion
Reading: Exodus 15:1-11
Choir: “Crown Him Lord This Easter Day!” (Besig, Price)
Devotion
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Offering
Easter Prayer
Lord's Prayer, p. 32
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, p. 33
Distribution Hymns:
Hymn 143 “He's Risen, He's Risen”
Hymn 149 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
Closing Hymn 157 “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
Pastor Gregg Bitter