Welcome to our time of preparation for the 5th Sunday of Easter. This is a time to take a moment to reflect on the themes of the day. Today I wanted to take a look at our Opening Sentences for this weekend which comes from Psalm 146. The theme this weekend is about Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. With this in mind, we approach the one true God in prayer and praise…not only on Sunday but every day.

Take a look at this weekend’s readings. Think about the context, images, and implications of the passages with regards to our Christian life:  Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14

This weekend’s Hymns from Lutheran Service Book (LSB):

  • 461 – I Know That My Redeemer Lives
  • 795 – Voices Raised to You We Offer
  • 722 – Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me
  • 781 – We Give Thee But Thine Own
  • 564 – Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand

Here’s the thematic summary of this weekend’s service.

The Lord Jesus Christ Is the Way, the Truth and the Life

The risen Lord Jesus alone is “the way, and the truth, and the life,” and we come “to the Father” only through Him (John 14:6). God is thus “glorified in the Son,” and those who believe in Him will do the works of Christ because He goes to the Father for us (John 14:12–14). Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8), did the works of Christ. When he was falsely accused and put to death, he “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Fixing his hope there, he commended his spirit to the Lord Jesus and prayed for his murderers. In the same way, all the baptized are called to follow the example of Christ Jesus by faith. Though He was “rejected by men” in the sight of God, He is “chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). He is the chief cornerstone of the Father’s “spiritual house,” and we are built upon Him as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5).

You can also listen to a deeper discussion about the themes of this week’s service on IssuesEtc…: Looking Forward To Sunday Morning.

If you have questions or want to chat about anything for this weekend, please just let me know.

Published by pastordemski