"The Difference a Day Makes"

Call to Worship (Psalm 91)

Those who love God, God will deliver. Those who know God by name, God will protect. Those who call out to God, God will answer. We gather this morning, as those who trust God.

Opening Prayer or Prayer of the People (Jeremiah 32, Psalm 91, 1 Timothy 6)

Almighty God, you create, redeem and sustain us, every moment of our lives. In you we place our trust. When we face illness, conflict, and fear, you are our steadfast protector. When we suffer setback and loss, you restore us through your love. When our lives prosper and we are comfortable, you move us to share our blessings with others. In times of hardship and plenty, you alone are the source of the life that really is life. Holy God, in love and trust, we live the power of your resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Invitation to the Offering (1 Timothy 6)

Wealth, status, and success are uncertain, but we can trust God’s abundant provision, and God’s desire that we enjoy what we have. Let us respond by working for justice, living generously, and sharing with others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, what a joy to be part of Your family and accepted in Christ. Thank You, Jesus, that You loved the Church so much that we have received Your Resurrection life and are exempt from the sentence of death and the curse of the Law. In Your name I pray, AMEN.

Acts 2:32-33 New International Version 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Benediction (Psalm 91, 1 Timothy 6)

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Live boldly, trusting God with everything you are and everything you have. Take hold of the life to which God calls you. Go forth, rejoicing in God. Thanks be to God! Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.