The Strength to Sacrifice: The Sacrificial Love of a Godly Husband

THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

Overview: >

How does this message change lives?> 

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✔️CHECKLIST

Complete the Sermon Notes Insert.

CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.

Select Background

Create an Introductory Slide (with name).

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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CALL TO WORSHIP

PSALM 4

(LAY LEADER) God, You gave me relief from all my troubles.

(PEOPLE) So listen to me now when I call to You for Help.

(LAY LEADER) You can be sure that anyone who serves the Lord faithfully is special to Him

(PEOPLE) Lord, be kind to me and Hear my prayer this morning.

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CHOIR / SONG🎵146 (Location)

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (2X)

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Today’s Bible Reading

(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): 2 Timothy 1:3-7

2 Timothy 1:3–7 NIV

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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CHOIR ANTHEM / SONG🎵(Choir Performs Song) (Song Title)

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PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.

Unspoken Prayer

Warden Community Church (Leaders, Volunteers, Givers, all other needs)

Mission Organizations (Navratils, the Elliots, the Killions, the Gideons, the NACCC, and others)

Homeless,

Sick and Injured,

Hungry and Needy,

In Prison

Military, Fire, Police, all other Emergency Services and Rescue,

Those who are new or visitors to Warden Community Church.

Those who are seeking after You and those who are lost. We pray for redemption.

And we lift up our families, friends, and and those close to our hearts, that they may seek and find You, Lord.

Others that we may not have mentioned.

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was

in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen,

Amen.

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#(INSERT IN BULLITEN)

Faith of our Mothers

[GO UP near the end of the music]

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . . (CAN BE CHANGED!

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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MESSAGE TITLE

LORD, as one who has received a special gift, help me to EMPLOY IT in serving others as a good steward of Your manifold grace, God.

Lord, whenever I speak, let me speak as one who is speaking Your utterances, my God;

Whenever I serve , let me do so as one who is serving by the strength which You, God, supply;...

so that in ALL things You may be glorified through Your Son, Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (from 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

Welcome 😊❤️

Good morning, everyone! What a gift it is to be together this morning.

As the Prophet Jeremiah wrote in . . .

Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Today, we pause to thank God for our mothers and the incredible role they play in our lives.

Today is a special day to honor the special women in our lives who have loved, nurtured, taught, and prayed for us, often behind the scenes, often without recognition.

To every mother here today—whether your days feel full or weary, seen or unseen—

your labor in the Lord is not in vain. We thank God for you.

On this Mother’s Day, we’re reminded of the blessing of godly women—

those who model faith in everyday life.

As Scripture reminds us, ‘her children rise up and call her blessed.’ (Proverbs 31)

To all the mothers with us today—

we honor you,

we are grateful for you,

and we thank God for you .

2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors

And if you’re visiting with us for the first time, we want to extend a very special welcome—you are not here by accident.

We’re truly glad you’ve joined us, and we pray that today would be an encouragement to your heart.

Please join us for some time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hall (other side of the lobby) after the service.

3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️

We are a Bible-believing church where

we gather to worship God,

grow in His Word,

and encourage one another in genuine community.

We are a people who seek the Lord together through

prayer,

fellowship, and

a desire to live out our faith daily.

4. Special Announcements or Messages

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

YOU MAY BE PONDERING THE TITLE OF THIS MESSAGE AND WONDERING . . .

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH MOTHERS DAY.

STAY WITH ME ON THIS, AND YOU’LL SEE WHERE I AM GOING.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

How many of you recall the Art Linkletter Show.

We used to watch it when we were growing up. He had a segment at the end of his show where he asked a line up of young kids various question. It was probably the most popular part of his show. He eventually took the transcript from show and published a book called, “KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS.”

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW . . . DESCRIBE THE SHOW.

One young girl, I’m guessing about 10 years old, was asked to describe the perfect husband.

Lot’s of money

Loves horses

Will let her have 22 kids

And won’t put up a fight.

He then asked her a follow up question.

What do you want to be when you grow up.”

To which she replied without hesitation.

“A NUN”

Story or Quote (with history)

Kids have a way of saying things that don’t quite line up with our expectations, don’t they?

But if we’re honest… sometimes our own expectations about love, marriage, and relationships aren’t all that different.

We want what benefits us.

We want ease, comfort, and happiness—without cost and without risk.

Most of us HAD NO IDEA WHAT WE WERE GETTING INTO WHEN WE SAID “ I DO”

But we did . . .

And we were right . . . we had no idea.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

A woman was cleaning out her late husband's desk

after 47 years of marriage when

she found a small, folded piece of paper tucked in the very back of the drawer.

She opened it. It was in his handwriting —

dated the morning of their wedding day.

It read:

"I don't know what I'm doing. I'm nervous. I don't know if I'll be a good husband. I don't know what's ahead. But I know I love her — and I'm going to figure the rest out as I go."

She sat and cried for a long time.

Not because she was sad —

but because that's exactly what he did.

He didn't have it all figured out.

He was scared.

He was imperfect.

But he showed up, every single day, and figured it out with her.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

That's the secret nobody tells you about love.

You don't say "I do" because you're ready.

You say "I do" because you're willing.

And generally, we are willing to do ALMOST ANYTHING,

anything to a point,

as long as its mutual,

as long as it’s reciprocal,

as long as there is something in it for us.

But when we come to Scripture, we find something very different.

The Bible turns that idea upside down.

God doesn’t define love by what we get…

but by what we are willing to give. (and the bar is set high!!!)

When Scripture speaks about love—especially in marriage

it doesn’t point us to comfort…

it points us to the cross.

It’s the kind of love we see perfectly in Jesus Christ.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

THEOLOGIAN James Montgomery Boice, Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary

tells this story about the Persian Leader CYRUS, whom we read about in Scripture.

This is a story that is taken from EXTRA BIBLICAL resources.

NOT found in Scripture

Similar to our archeology class . . .

Another Story

A general in Cyrus’s Persian military had a wife accused of treason.

She was taken before the Persian court and sentenced to death.

When the husband learned of her fate, he rushed into the throne room.

He humbled himself before the king, pleading,

“Oh, Lord Cyrus, take my life instead of hers. Let me die in her place.”

Cyrus, described as a noble and sensitive ruler, was moved by this act of devotion.

The king responded, “Love like that must not be spoiled by death,” and pardoned the wife.

As the couple departed, the husband asked his wife if she had noticed the king’s kindness in granting the pardon.

She replied No, that she did not notice that.

She said that she had eyes only for the man willing to die for her. For her husband.

Point or Perspective from Story

Boice uses this narrative to illustrate sacrificial love in marriage.

It’s the love God commands of husbands in Ephesians 5:25.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

The story appears in three of Boice’s commentaries:

One of them is in the passage that we are reading today, in part, and where we will start.

Ephesians 5:25 NASB95

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

He argues that when husbands love their wives as Christ loved the church—willing to be crucified for them—wives will naturally submit.

NOT because of unconquerable power and authority . . .

because of unconditional love and sacrifice.

Wrapped up in this command to husbands are some revelations that many husbands do not know or understand.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

HOW DO WE LOVE OUR WIVES?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Love Through Sacrifice

The foundation is Christ’s self-giving: he “gave Himself up for” the church (Eph 5:22–33).

This isn’t sentimental affection

It’s radical commitment.

Just as Christ’s love took him to the cross,

a husband’s love involves similar self-surrender.

It may not be as dramatic, but its there.

How do we, as Husbands, demonstrate this.

By sacrificing time to meet our wives’ needs—

by listening,

by talking,

by helping with work,

by setting aside our own preferences to please and support our wives,

by becoming living sacrifices.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

As we see in Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 NASB95

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

As husbands, we demonstrate that love to our wives every day.

We provide for her,

protect her,

care for her,

pursue her,

encourage her,

lead her.

IN John 15:13 JESUS SAID . . .

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

John 15:13 NASB95

13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

In the role of Jesus to our wives, husbands, we are commanded to do the same.

Not just when we feel like it.

Not just when they are easy to live with.

Not just when everything is going well.

MEN . . . JESUS DIED FOR US WHEN WE WERE STILL IN OUR SINS.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

HOW DO WE LOVE OUR WIVES?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Love That Elevates and Sanctifies

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Ephesians 5:25–27 ESV

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

When I was being considered for the pastoral position here at WCC, there was a lot of communication going on between the search committee and myself.

There were interviews, phone calls, emails, presentations both in this congregation and in the Mennonite church.

There were reference checks and background checks, applications, and contacts with the NACCC.

This was the application and screening process, to determine if they would see value in me enough to trust me with this cherished and responsible position before the Lord, and before them.

Numerous times I reviewed the documents I was sent, including and especially, the position description and the terms of call.

When we, as husbands, were dating our wives, you were going through the same processes

We were being evaluated to determine if we were worthy and responsible to assume the position of CEO of this new start up company called OUR FAMILY.

We had to pass the background tests,

the communication,

the reference checks, and all the rest.

We may or may not have looked at the position description then, but here we are at the position description now. WHAT DOES IT SAY?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Love your wife sacrificially [CLICK THE SLIDE]

Sanctify her[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Cleanse her with the Word of God[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Present her before God with splendor[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Present her that she might be holy and without blemish.

This is your job description, and your reporting authority, none other than God Himself.

NO PRESSURE HERE, RIGHT?

When you choose to be obedient in accordance with Ephesians 5, there is only one term, no renewal.

Transform your wife through spiritual growth and personal development.

In this you need to be totally invested.

For life.

Every one of us, as husbands, should be intimately concerned about the spiritual growth and personal development of our wives.

We must promote the sanctification of our wives by embodying Christ’s example in nurturing His church.

A husband should be like Christ with his self-sacrificing love.

We can’t die for her sins. Jesus is the only one who can do that.

However, we do bear the responsibility for the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our wives.

We must promote their sanctification by embodying Christ’s example in nurturing His church.

We need to be CHRISTLIKE in our positions as ‘head of household.’

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD is not just a checkbox on our tax return.

As Christ’s love has redeemed us for His glory,

our love for our wives ought to be directed toward their spiritual growth,

reminding her of God’s love

and ministering grace for her blessing

and her increased spiritual joy.

Our love should make our wives better

by setting a holy standard in the home—

by living free from slavery to

pornography,

immorality,

infidelity

irresponsibility,

vugarity,

dishonesty,

addictions (drugs, alcohol, gambling, anything),

We bear the responsibility for our wives’

emotional,

physical, and

spiritual needs,

by promoting sanctification

by embodying Christ’s example in nurturing the church.

this means being a testimonial example of what it means to be CHRISTLIKE

This isn’t a bad model to set for our children as well.

When a husband obeys Ephesians 5, he embraces all of this

BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED.

IT’S NOT ABOUT US.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

HOW DO WE LOVE OUR WIVES?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Love That Cherishes as Self

Ephesians 5:28–30 ESV

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.

Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies—

Embrace the principle that when we love our wives, we are loving ourselves.

This sacrificial love doesn’t obliterate our worth men . . .

Our worth is not tied to our wives.

It’s tied to our Lord, our Creator, who made us in His image.

Colossians 3:19 NASB95

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

HOW DO WE LOVE OUR WIVES?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Love That Reflects Christ’s Headship

And this point is not just for the husbands. Listen up.

Christ’s love for the church is the fundamental pattern for the husband’s relationship to his wife,

We, as husbands, are grounding our headship in sacrificial love, as our Lord commanded us to do.

To fulfill this calling, a husband must look to Christ’s headship over the church—

This is headship or leadership that liberates rather than dominates,

It is exercised through servant-leadership that frees our wife to flourish.

Summary: When a Husband Loves His Wife as Christ Loves the Church, What is he saying to her.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

What He Is Telling Her About His COMMITMENT TO GOD

When a husband loves his wife according to Ephesians 5:25,

he is declaring that the Bible is not merely a book of suggestions —

it is the authoritative Word of God that governs how he lives, leads, and loves.

This kind of obedience says, "I don't get to pick and choose which commands I follow."

He can't claim to love God on Sunday and ignore His commands on Monday.

His love for his wife is a direct expression of his reverence for God's Word.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

He’s telling her: "I Fear God More Than I Fear Sacrifice"

Christ-like love is not cheap love.

It is costly, sacrificial, and often inconvenient.

When a husband commits to this kind of love,

he is saying that his obedience to God outweighs his desire for personal comfort and ease.

He is saying that his love for his wife is worth his very life, his very breath.

He is saying, "Even when loving you is hard —

when I am tired,

when I have been wronged,

when sacrifice is required

when I don’t feel loved myself

I will still choose to love you because

I fear God more than anything in this world.

I CHOOSE TO LOVE YOU.

LOVE IS NOT AN EMOTION!

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

IT’S A CHOICE.

There was a Focus on the Family radio broadcast where Dr. James Dobson, who passed away last year, shared an insight on his personal life.

I believe it may also be in his book Love for a Lifetime

He said that there are days when he wakes up in the morning, looks at his sleeping wife, Shirley, and feels great love for her.

He also said that there are days when he wakes up and feels nothing.

He says that the definition of love is that

his wife will never know the difference.

Love is not an emotional state.

Dobson said “love is a commitment, not just a feeling”

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

He’s telling her: "I Know and Understand What Christ Did For Me"

A husband cannot love his wife the way Christ loved the church until . . .

until he truly understands and has been transformed by what Christ did for him.

This level of love is not natural — it is supernatural.

It flows out of a genuine encounter with the grace of God.

When a husband loves sacrificially, he is testifying before God and to his wife —

"I have been to the cross.

I know what it means to be loved when I didn't deserve it.

I know what it means to receive unconditional love.

I know what it means to receive mercy and grace.

And because Christ gave Himself for me,

I am now able to give myself for you"

His love for YOU, his wife, becomes a living testimony of the Gospel.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

He is telling her “God Is the Head of This Home"

When a husband obeys Ephesians 5:25, he is making a public declaration

that his home is not run by

cultural trends,

personal opinions,

or societal pressures

it is ordered by the design of God.

He is saying, "Christ is the head of this house, and I submit to Him as I lead this family."

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

He is telling his wife, "I Am Accountable to Someone Greater Than Myself"

When a husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church,

he is acknowledging that his love is not just a personal choice —

it is a divine obligation.

He loves her

not because you have earned it,

not because you always deserve it,

but because he answers to a God who commands it.

This is one of the most stabilizing truths in marriage.

A husband’s love for his wife is not contingent on her behavior —

it is rooted in his obedience to God.

That means on her worst day,

on her hardest days,

his commitment remains —

because it was never just about her —

it was about his relationship with God.

When a wife knows that her husband IS TOTALLY SUBMITTED TO JESUS. TOTALLY!!!

She knows his love is sacrificial.

His love is accountable to one higher than himself.

His love is as unconditional as humanly possible.

Men!!! What woman would not acquiesce leadership in a family when she knows she is loved by a love like that? (PAUSE)

True biblical headship is never about dominance or control.

It is about a man willingly placing himself under God's authority

so that he can properly care for those God has entrusted to him.

MEN, WHAT ARE WE TELLING OUR WIVES ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO HER?

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Are we saying to our wives . . . "You Are Worth Dying For"?

This is the very heart of Ephesians 5:25.

Christ did not just inconvenience Himself for the church —

He died for her.

When we embrace this command, we are saying to our wives, "

Your life, your wellbeing, your joy, your flourishing —

these matter more to me than my own.

This is not hyperbole.

This is covenant love.

[CLICK THE SLIDE]

Are we saying to our wives . . . "I Choose You — Every Single Day"

Covenant love described in Ephesians 5:25 is not primarily an emotion — it is a decision.

Feelings fluctuate.

Circumstances change.

But a husband who loves as Christ loves has made a covenant decision that transcends how he feels on any given day.

He is saying,

"On the days when love feels easy — I choose you.

On the days when love is hard — I still choose you.

On the days when we disagree, when life is stressful, when you are difficult to love —

I choose you.

Not because of how I feel, but because of what I promised — before God."

This is what separates biblical love from worldly love.

Worldly love says, "I will love you as long as it doesn't cost me too much."

Biblical love says, "I will love you because God commands it — regardless of the cost."

CONCLUSION / SUMMARY

Today we've been reminded that love is not a feeling — it's a choice.

And it’s not just any kind of love.

It’s the kind modeled by Christ:

sacrificial,

sanctifying,

unconditional,

and accountable to God.

Husbands, Ephesians 5 isn't just a verse —

it's your job description,

and the One you report to is God Himself."

Preview of Next Message

NEXT WEEK WE’RE GOING TO START A NEW SERIES

WE’RE LOOKING AT THE LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

This is a change in the original series plan because I felt the Holy Spirit on my heart to make this change.

The bulletin will not reflect that change next week because it was printed before I made the change.

Some of the original message will be covered in these letters.

It is a great study, and one we, as a church, need to look at.

THERE’S A MESSAGE FOR EVERY CHURCH IN EVERY ONE OF THESE LETTERS.

Call to Action

"So today, on Mother's Day, I want to ask you —

not as a husband evaluating your wife,

but as a man standing before God:

Are you showing up?

Are you telling her with your life,

not just your words,

'You are worth dying for. I choose you — every single day'?

If you need to start fresh today, start fresh.

Go home and tell her. Then live it."

Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)

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[Sit/Stand]

CHOIR / SONG 🎵#237

Loving Spirit

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COMMUNION

(1st Sunday only - LAST PAGES)

INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)———————————————————

(LAY LEADER) OFFERING

(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵 #163

Tell Me the Old Old Story

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BENEDICTION

PASTOR: Inspirational Conclusion🎉😁❤️

"That man who wrote a note on his wedding morning didn't have it all figured out.

But he showed up. Every. Single. Day.

That's what we're called to, men —

not perfection, but presence.

Not a flawless performance, but a faithful covenant.

You don't have to be the perfect husband. You just have to be a willing one.

The God who commanded you to love like Christ

is also the God who will equip you to do it.

And wives — you are not just the recipients of that love.

You are the living proof of what it produces.

When a woman is loved sacrificially,

consistently,

and with the love of Christ

— she flourishes.

She becomes more fully who God made her to be.

So receive that love well.

Encourage it.

Honor it.

And reflect it back.

Because a home where both husband and wife are surrendered to Christ —

that is a place where heaven touches earth.

that is where God is truly glorified.

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PASTOR: BENEDICTION

"Go now as men who have been to the cross — who know what it is to be loved when you didn't deserve it, and who are freed by that grace to love without condition.

May your homes reflect the headship of Christ: not in dominance, but in servant-love.

May your wives flourish because of how you lead.

And wives — go knowing you are cherished.

Not just by your husbands, but by the God who loved you first and best.

May you receive love with grace, give it with joy, and stand alongside your husbands as true partners in building homes that honor God.

Together, may your marriages be a picture of the Gospel to a watching world.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — go in peace."

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PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->

As we bow our heads .

Please pray with me . . . (While walking)

(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)

FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:

Go with God in Peace and Joy; Please, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship together.

Go in the Peace of Christ You are invited to continue in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. Please come join us.

Go with God in Peace and Joy We’d love to spend time with you—join us in the Fellowship Hall!

Go in Peace, Serve in Joy, Live in Love Please come connect with others in the Fellowship Hall.

Go with God’s Peace and Joy and in the power of the Holy Spirit But don’t rush off—Please join us for fellowship just across the lobby in the Fellowship Hall!

Go in the Peace of Christ and the Joy of the Lord and the Power of the Holy Spirit Please, come continue in fellowship with us in the Fellowship Hall.

Go in Peace, Filled with His Joy Please, let’s continue together in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.

Go in Peace and Joy with God Stick around—we’d love to see you in the Fellowship Hall!

You Are Sent by Jesus Christ with Peace, Joy, and a Mission Now, please come and let’s enjoy fellowship together in the Fellowship Hall.

============================

PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 11:23–29 NASB95

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

1. Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.

May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)

Text: Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

(NASB)

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)

Condemned men in prison are customarily given a last meal before they are put to death. Jesus, too, was a condemned man, with one last meal to eat before dying. Soon He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified for crimes He did not commit. He would be arrested, beaten, abused, and killed. He endured this suffering for us, giving grace to all believers, and inaugurating this celebration of redemption. As we partake, let us all remember the cross, and the love that led Him there. Let us take a moment and examine ourselves, repent, and come to the table with renewed faith and reverence.

4. The Lord’s Supper

Invitation (Variable)

All who have put their trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited to join with us in communion.

Distribution of the Bread:

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

(Eat the bread together)

Distribution of the Cup:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

(Drink the cup together)

5. Closing Prayer (Options)

Gracious Father,

As we sit in stillness before You, we thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us. May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts. Strengthen our faith, deepen our repentance, and renew our love for You and for one another.

Help us leave this Table not unchanged, but resolved to walk in holiness, bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation, until Christ returns in glory. To you be all glory and honor and praise.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.