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Welcome to our Easter Sunday service. Today is a significant occasion in the Christian calendar, and in the lives of all Christians. It is a joyful day as we celebrate the resurrection – the coming back to life – of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
As we begin our service we start with some words from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet in the 8th century BC. He spoke these words of hope to God’s Old Testament people, Israel, when they faced threats of various kinds and particularly the prospect of God’s judgement. His words find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus’ resurrection and return.
Isaiah 25:8-9
please click the play button below to hear and see the reading.
Song – ‘Christ is risen (In the tomb so cold)’
We have an opportunity now to rejoice and to express our gladness in God’s salvation. Click on the play button below to listen and sing along to the song, ‘Christ is risen’.
Kids Spot – ‘The very best morning’
The message of that first Easter Sunday morning is good news for young and old alike. We trust that the kids might enjoy watching the following …
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Second Bible Reading – Matthew 28:1-10
Our second Bible Reading, and the passage that today’s talk is based on, comes from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 28 verses 1-10 … please click the play button below to hear and see the reading.
Prayer
Please make use of this prayer, and also use the Bible verses following, to prompt you in your prayers.
Lord God, great was the joy of Israel’s sons when their enemy Egypt died upon the shore. Far greater the joy when Jesus, our Redeemer, strode forth as victor, conqueror, of death, hell and all his opposition.
He burst the bonds of death. Trampled the powers of darkness down. And now lives for ever. He covered the payment of our debt. Comes forth from the prison house of the grave. Free, and triumphant, over sin, Satan, and death.
Here is our proof that his offering on our behalf was accepted. That the claims of justice are satisfied. Give us the assurance that in Christ we died. In him we rose. In his life we live. In his victory we triumph.
Our Redeemer, you were lifted up upon a cross. You are ascended to the highest heaven. You, as Man of Sorrows, were crowned with thorns. Now as Lord of life you are crowned with glory.
Once, no shame more deep than yours. No agony more bitter. No death more cruel. Now, no exaltation more high. No life more glorious. No advocate more effective. What more could be done than you have done. And so we praise you this day, Amen1.
Adapted from ‘Resurrection’ (From ‘The Valley of Vision – A collection of Puritan prayers and devotions’)
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’. ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”
Colossians 3:1-4
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”
2 Timothy 1:9-10
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you”
1 Peter 1:3-4
Bible verses above from the Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Song – ‘Jerusalem’
Before listening to today’s talk from the Bible, please click on the play button below to listen and sing along to the song, ‘Jerusalem’. It starts by reflecting on Jesus’ death but reaches a joyful crescendo as we sing about Jesus’ rising again.
Bible Talk – “Do not be afraid”
Please click on the play button below to listen to today’s Bible talk.
Talk Outline
- Fear
- The angel’s message – “Do not be afraid” (vv. 1-7)
- Jesus’ message – “Do not be afraid” (vv. 8-10)
Song – ‘Thine be the glory’
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If you would prefer to listen and sing along to a more traditional version, please use this link …
Close
As we close, hear these words of the apostle John from the book of Revelation.
“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!’” (Revelation 1:18)
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Thank you for participating in today’s service. We trust you continue to have a joyful and hope-filled Easter.