Resurrection living today

Sunday, April 12, 2020 - 10:15 AM

Covid Worship Week Four—Sunday, April 12

Preparatory content

View the bulletin View the slides

View the worship service video playlist on YouTube

Prepare to hear His word

Listen to The Easter Story (read by the Troboughs)

Sing together The Power of the Cross (by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, arranged by Bob Kauflin)

Read His word

Read through 1 Th 5:12-22

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 New International Version (NIV)

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

Sermon

Watch the video of PB’s message

Align time

Connect with your group for discussion of our text together. 

Questions to probe our text and live it: 

1. Welcome! Anyone with us today who was not with us last week? Any job changes or health news since our last meeting?
2.  Re-read 1 Thess 5:12-22.
3. What do you like to do while you wait—at the dentist or doctors? In a checkout line? For the arrival of a new baby? For the day you leave for vacation?
4. 17 commands, so little time. Which command do you think the church—Grace Church—really needs to hear and heed today?
5. Historical fact, religious doctrine, or dynamic reality—of the people you know how do they view the resurrection of Jesus (in your humble opinion)? What about Joe Average Christian? What about the church of Thessalonica?
6. How does the open tomb of Jesus and his presence with us today make obedience to these four statements do-able and desirable?
   1. Rejoice always.
   2. Pray continually.
   3. Give thanks in all circumstances.
   4. for this (all three of these) is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
7. What do you think God is trying to teach us as a church during this COVID quarantine? What do you think God is trying to teach us as a nation during COVID?
8. In view of 1 Thess 5:12-22, social distancing, and “stay in place” orders, how is this Easter different for you? How do you hope it can be the same? How about a way it could be even better this year?
9. Please share your prayer requests for the group.
10. Pray together and include, “God guide me to responsive people.” Feel free to add specific names of any who are responding. “Amen!”
11. Any news to pass along? What do you need help with? How are you financially? Any neighbors in need?
12. Do you have questions about how our offerings work with the new online site? Your gifts are still needed to meet current obligations and to respond to needs that will arise in the church and in the community.
    1. On-line giving is ready at www.hhgcc.org. Use ACH transfer to maximize your gift.
    2. Mail in to/drop by the church office mailbox.

Close

Let’s close today by singing any or all of the songs below:

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (written by Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Edwin Othello Excell, John P. Rees, & John Newton, performed by John Jacobs)

O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer (written by Nathan Stiff; performed by John Jacobs)

Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) (by Kari Jobe)

He Will Hold Me Fast (written by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend, performed by The Gettys)

Good Good Father (written by Pat Barrett & Anthony Brown, performed by John Jacobs)