Sunday, April 18, 2021 - Accessing what we need
Theme - Sustainable Hope: Accessing What We Need
Prayer
Ephesians 2:12-13 Common English Bible Translation
At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Psalm 4:1-2) Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer! How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? (Question: When do you struggle the most with having hope?)
Ephesians 2:14-16
Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God. (Question: How do others help or hinder you having hope?)
Hymn My Life Flows On (In Person Only)
Ephesians 2:17-19
When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away From God and to those who were near. We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. (Psalm 4:3) Know this: the Lord takes personal care of the faithful. The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him. (Question: When have you been the most hopeful?)
Ephesians 2:20-21
As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. (Psalm 4:4-5) So be afraid, and don’t sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Bring righteous offerings, and trust the Lord! (Question: What do you base your hope upon?)
Hymn Lord of All Hopefulness (In Person Only)
Ephesians 2:22
Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit. (Psalm 4:6-8) Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, Lord!” But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.
(Question: How does having hope impact your identity)
Reflection Together (In Person only)
Offering Ourselves to God
During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.
Hymn Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Blessing
Hymn There is Now a New Creation
Song List
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me – 438 GTG
As the Deer – 626 GTG
Lord of All Hopefulness – 683 GTG
There Is Now a New Creation – 774 GTG
My Life Flows On – 821 GTG
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Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season
Isaiah 33:2
“Lord, show us favor;
we hope in you.
Be our strength every morning,
Our salvation in times of distress.”
Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th
April 25th – Elevating Our Expectations
May 2nd – Cultivating the Practices that Matter
May 9th – Insight into Thriving
May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence