Because He Lives | Easter 2022

Preparing for Worship

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 (NKJV)

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Prayer

All praise and glory to You, our God, for You have given us victory in Christ. Death can no longer hold us in the grave forever. We have eternal life in Christ. Glory and honor belong to You, O Triune God. We worship and celebrate Your mighty work of salvation to all those who believe in Jesus Christ, the anointed Son, who will come to rule as the supreme King of all in righteousness and peace forever. 

Worship Through Songs

R-61 CHRIST’S RESURRECTION 基督的復活

Matthew 28:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NKJV)

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Sermon

Song of Response

Worship Through Prayer

1. Lord, may I never forget the great cost of my salvation that I had received freely through Christ Jesus. He suffered for the penalty of my sins and died on my behalf to free me from the power of death and secured for me eternal life. Forgive me for taking it for granted and devaluing this priceless gift. Let me be truly grateful always. May my life reflect thanksgiving for Your love, mercy and sacrifice.

2. Praise be to You, Almighty God, for the resurrection of my Lord Jesus. You demonstrated Your mighty power over death. This is the basis for the blessed hope I have in Christ. The promise of resurrection is mine through Christ. May this hope allow me to find courage and strength to face the pain and grief caused by physical death. It is inevitable, yet not final. It is but a brief passage to enter into eternity with You, O Lord.

3. Let me live with eternity in mind. Lord Jesus, You have promised to come again and take me to be with You. Help me live my life knowing that You will come to take me to be with You forever. You have not made known the time of Your return. However, You want me to be ready for Your return by keeping myself pure and faithful unto You. As I wait for Your return, help me to keep myself holy and pure for You, my Lord. May the Holy Spirit keep me safe until You return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Worship Through Giving