SUNDAY SERVICES:

Scriptures for today.
Psalm 116.1-3, 10-17 · Acts 2.14a, 36-41 ·1 Peter 1.17-23 · Luke 24.13-35

Prayer for today.

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Question for today.

How closely do you connect the Easter story with the call for people to trust Jesus as their Savior? What difference does it make that Jesus not only died for sins, but is alive and is calling to us to trust and follow?

Pioneer Christian musician Keith Green recorded this Easter Song live in the early 1980s. (A decade closer to now than our first musical reflection) and makes a clear appeal for people to trust Jesus as Savior.) The apostles followed a similar pattern and people responded with faith in the Risen Lord.

Lyrics are provided below and you may watch the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3kc1jDahU4

Here the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah