Friends,
Christ is Risen! This is the good news of Easter that we joyfully proclaim together, the foundation on which we ground our faith. Christ’s victory over death has done something so dramatic in our lives, it’s as if we have been raised from the dead and given a new life. Yet how does the reality of the resurrection lead to changes in our everyday lives, changes that are akin to being given a brand-new life? How do we access all that is available to us through Christ’s resurrected life? Each week during the season of Easter, we will look at “The Easter Way,” the new way opened to us by Christ’s resurrection, and its implications for our lives today. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to empower us, give us peace, transform us, renew our hope, and make all things new.
Miriam
PS: Please pray for the Straw family, as Matthew’s mother passed away earlier this week. We stand in solidarity with Matthew as he celebrates and mourns the life of his mother.
Opening Quote
“Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love. It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.” – Richard Rohr
Full Worship Service – Click Here
Call to Worship – based on Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20
People of God, open your eyes!
Look around!
The presence of our Lord Jesus Christ is here—
among us and within us.
God’s salvation is close at hand—
nearer than you know.
So, open your hearts and minds to the Spirit,
and let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer
O Lord our God, you are worthy of all our praise. You are the God who never fails to keep his promises. We thank you that in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection we see your love, justice, mercy, provision and victory. You are the God who lifts those who are weighed down. You are the God who provides for your children. Our desire is to praise you as long as we live. Inhabit our praises as we worship you today. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Worship Song – Praise the Lord Ye Heavens
Prayer of Confession / Assurance of Pardon
Gracious God, we confess before you our restless hearts and our longing for the comforts of this life. We confess that we desire our familiar routines, and the gifts you give us, more than we desire You. Lord, forgive us for our negativity, for fixating on what is wrong, and assuming the worst, rather than turning to You in prayer. Forgive us for the ways we have given into frustration, lacked patience, and not allowed You to be our source of strength. Lord, we confess that we need You to open our eyes, to give us a new perspective, and the ability to see Your presence in the midst of our current circumstances.
In the quietness of our own hearts, we take a few moments to confess the things that weigh upon our hearts this morning.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news!
Christ died for us,
Christ rose for us,
Christ reigns in power for us,
Christ prays for us.
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
The old life has gone; a new life has begun.
Believe the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
Worship Song – O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Tithes & Offerings
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Text “Kairos Gift” and the amount of gift to 73256
(i.e., “Kairos Gift $100”)
Offering Prayer
You are the Great Provider,
the Giver of all gifts;
your love the only true currency.
Thank you for putting money into our hands,
we freely offer it back to you,
for use in your service.
We do this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Scripture – Luke 24:13-43
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Link to Sermon– Resurrection Perspective
Parents click here to download a coloring page for preschool or elementary students. The sheets correspond to the Kairos Kids stories for this week. Encourage your child to color the picture while watching the sermon.
Worship Song – How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
Communion
Worship Song – We Will Feast In The House of Zion
Prayer Requests
Prayer remains a tangible way we can engage the needs of our community and the world. If you have a prayer request or praise that you would like our Kairos prayer leaders to lift up on your behalf in prayer, please email your prayer requests to Miriam at miriam@kairosatlanta.org.
Benediction
Go into your week
knowing you are
loved perfectly,
saved eternally,
and empowered
as a disciple of Jesus
to share God’s love
with everyone you encounter. Amen!