Rethinking Religion
John 19:17-30 – Sacrifice
THE SERVICE OF DARKNESS On Good Friday, the Christian Church remembers the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. Although our remembrance is solemn, it is not a message of gloom. It is a message of adoration toward Jesus, the Lamb of God. On this day almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus offered up his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Service of Darkness—often called Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness”)—guides us to reflect deeply on Jesus’ sufferings for our…
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – I Want to Partake Of…
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. WHAT IS MAUNDY THURSDAY? Maundy Thursday receives its name from the Latin phrase novum mandatum, which means, “new command.” It refers to Jesus’ words which he spoke to his disciples on this night, “A new command I give…
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Look At Him
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP Almighty Savior, I can get caught up in the world’s definition of real strength, and I can exert the power and authority I have in various areas of my life for my…
HEBREWS 5:7-9 – JESUS MADE SURE TO REACH HIS GOAL
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP Heavenly Father, though I can claim to be a strong believer in you, my devotion to you can waver in good times and bad, in times of plenty and of want, and…
Ephesians 2:1-10 – Wanted: Alive, Not Dead
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP God of grace, you stand alone in all the world as the only God, the only truth, and the only way to eternal life. Forgive me when I follow along with the…
John 2:13-22 – Jesus Whips His Temple into Shape
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP Father, you have saved me, a lost and condemned creature. Empower my love for you as I hear again today that you have purchased and won me from sin, death, and the…
Mark 8:31-38 – With Christ COmes the Cross
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP Lord Jesus Christ, you took up your cross to save me and give me life. As I now take up my cross and follow you, give me a right attitude toward the…
Genesis 22:1-18 – God Gives the Best Tests
WELCOME TO WORSHIP In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP Lord Jesus, you came to this earth in order to be tempted and face trials that you would win the victory I couldn’t win. Correct my heart to view the trials and…