Theme of the Day: The Living Lord Completely Changes Our View Of Death
Most people fear death to some degree. Some fear death because they assume it is the end. Others fear death because they assume it isn’t the end at all, but that there is some sort of reckoning after death which might not go well for them. And have you seen what happens to a dead body? It is far from pretty. So, it is understandable that most people would fear death.
Christianity teaches that for God’s children death is not discipline but deliverance. The living Lord gives Christians such a radically different view of death that they can have confidence to face death in their effort to give Christ glory. They understand that death does not cut us down, but only raises us up. Finally, the Christian has been given the top-down faith that believes Jesus can wake us from death as easily as we can wake a sleeping child from his nap.
Mark 5:21-24a,35-43
Lamentations 3:22-33
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 30A
803 – Day by Day
831 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
667 – Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared
846 – I Know of a Sleep in Jesus’ Name
Prayer of the Day: God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us love you with all our heart, strengthen us in true faith, provide us with all we need, and keep us safe in your care; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Alleluia.