Easter Sunday – We’re Back! Our True Identity in Christ
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Gathering
Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline. If you'd like to participate in communion, please be prepared to do so.
Service
I. Opening
Welcome and Introduction: Good morning, and welcome to our Easter service—a celebration of resurrection, renewal, and the incredible love of God. Today, we rejoice because Jesus Christ has risen, defeating death and opening the way for us to be restored to our true selves in Him. Together, let's embrace the joy and hope of this day, reflecting on the profound transformation that Easter represents for each of us as members of God's family.
Opening Prayer: Lord God, on this glorious day, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the victory over death, for the promise of new life, and for the assurance of Your love that Easter brings. As we celebrate His resurrection, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and guide us into deeper understanding and appreciation of the freedom and restoration You offer. Help us to live out the truth of the gospel, boldly stepping into the identity You have designed for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Linus really delivers the mail in explaining to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. Unfortunately, the same lesson wasn’t presented in It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. If it were, it might have gone like this:
Charlie Brown: Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Easter is all about. [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone who knows what Easter is all about?
Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Easter is all about. [moves toward center stage]
Lights, please. [the lights dim, and a spotlight shines on Linus]
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women,
[Linus drops his blanket]
Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which 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, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you."
[Silent pause as Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Easter is all about, Charlie Brown.
II. Worship and Praise
Let's enter into a time of worship.
Video Link: Risen - Easter At Saddleback (2021) - YouTube
Reflection: Here’s some points of reflection that can help deepen your engagement with the song's themes and how they relate to Easter:
- Repeated theme: Risen is an upbeat song that over and over celebrates that Jesus is Alive. How does this repetition emphasize this simple message?
- Victory: What is meant by the phrase in the song “Victory is Here”
- Celebration: How does the large number of people continually celebrating and dancing play toward the real meaning of the Good News of the Resurrection of Christ?
III. Communion
Communion is a sacred time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, offering us forgiveness and eternal life through faith. This act is for those who have welcomed Jesus as their Savior and leader. If you're still on your journey of faith, please feel free to observe and reflect during this time. Know that you're valued and respected, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.
For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, let's share in communion together. We'll start with the bread, symbolizing Jesus' body given for us, and then share the cup, representing His blood shed for a new covenant of grace and forgiveness.
- "Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, 'Take, eat; this is My body.'" (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22) -- Please partake of the bread.
- “He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24) -- Please partake of the cup.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who established this new covenant of love and forgiveness with His sacrifice. May this communion deepen our connection to You and to each other as Your family. Guide us to live out the grace we've received in our words and actions every day. Amen.
IV: We’re Back! Our True Identity in Christ
Today, we’re focusing on our real and true identity. The identity that God designed for us. It’s not defined by our past or how the world sees us. It's about being recognized by Christ's grace and the purpose He sets for us.
Designed with Purpose
Our purpose comes straight from our identity in Christ. It's real and evident in our victories against doubt and world pressures. Ephesians 2:10 teaches us, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We’re crafted by God for specific actions and purposes, meant to follow His plans with conviction.
The Power of the Cross
Our identity today is built on the Crucifixion and Resurrection. This transition from the old to the new changes our entire perspective and actions. 2 Corinthians 5:17 puts it clearly: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This transformation, triggered by Jesus’ sacrifice, refreshes our existence and steers our life towards God’s grace.
We are no longer who we once were. We are changed. We are changed by the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. We are now fully restored to our original design, our original purpose, our original being. We are one with Christ. The Holy Spirit now dwells in us and we can once again go before the Father as a renewed member of His Family.
Reflection and Action
You are valuable to God, made with a specific purpose. This truth isn’t just for personal change; it calls for active living. James 2:17 states, 'faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.' Being in Christ means we're moved to act, living boldly in our faith. Philippians 2:12-13 pushes us towards this active faith, aware that God is working in us. Our identity in Christ encourages us to not just transform ourselves but also to make a difference in the world.
This understanding calls us to boldly influence our surroundings and the broader world. Through acts of kindness, sharing the Gospel, and pursuing justice, let your actions reflect Christ’s transformative work in you. This is how we align with God’s plan for our lives.
Conclusion
In Christ, we find our true selves—not defined by our past mistakes or the world's labels, but by the grace and purpose He explicitly designed for us. As we step forward, be bold. Reshape not just our lives but also the world around us according to God's design.
V: Offering
As we continue in our worship, we have the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Join me in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this act of giving. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As we bring our offerings before You today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. May these gifts be used for the furthering of Your Kingdom and the spreading of Your love. Bless each giver abundantly, and may our cheerful giving be a reflection of Your generosity toward us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As we collect the offering, we do want to remind everyone that this part of the service is an opportunity to give but is in no way considered a requirement. We have the special opportunity here at Prepper Church to give all of the offering to a good cause that we choose.
Thank you for your generous hearts and faithful giving. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting the causes that we support. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be cheerful givers. Amen.
VI: Closing
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we conclude our Easter service, we carry with us the joy and hope of the resurrection. Thank You for Jesus, whose victory over death renews our lives and reshapes our future. Guide us to live each day in the light of this truth, boldly embodying Your love and grace. May we carry the message of Easter into the world, living as testimonies to Your power and love. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray, Amen.
Closing Remarks: As we go forth from here, let the truth of Easter inspire and sustain us. Remember, in Christ, we are transformed, called to live boldly in the identity and purpose He has given us. Let's not just celebrate resurrection on this day but every day, as active, joyful members of God's family. May the peace and hope of the risen Lord be with you always. Happy Easter, and God bless you all.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Here are a few suggestions to consider for discussion points after the service, aimed at deepening the congregation's engagement with the message:
- Resurrection Impact: How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ personally impact your faith and daily living? Discuss ways we can embody the hope and transformation of Easter throughout the year.
- Living Boldly in Identity: Reflect on what it means to live boldly in the identity and purpose God has designed for us, as highlighted by the Easter message. How can we more fully step into this calling?
- Transformation Through Christ: Share personal stories or reflections on how understanding your identity in Christ has transformed your life. What changes have you noticed, and how do you continue to grow?
- Witnessing to the Easter Message: Discuss practical ways we can share the message of resurrection and hope with those around us. How can our transformed lives serve as a witness to the power of the Gospel?
- Community and Support: How does the message of Easter inspire us to foster community and support within the church? Share ideas on how we can better encourage and uplift one another in our journeys of faith.
- Challenges and Victories: Reflect on the challenges of living out our faith in today’s world. How does the victory of Christ over death inspire us to face these challenges? Share instances where you’ve experienced victory through faith.
These points are designed to facilitate deep reflection and meaningful conversations among attendees, encouraging them to personally connect with the message of Easter and its implications for their lives.
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