Welcome
Good morning!
Each week Christians rise on Sunday to worship the risen Jesus. Yet, one week out of the year we set aside a special time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord - remembering that he rose from the dead bodily on a Sunday morning, was found by three disciples, and reported to a larger group that ran to confirm the empty tomb. Today we celebrate this unique Sunday - Easter Sunday.
I know this Easter may feel odd, empty, or even sad as we are not gathering together. As far as I am aware, this will be the first Easter holiday that First Baptist Church of Chattahoochee has not gathered. But be encouraged that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because Christ has risen from the grave, we are not alone. We can and should remember the joy of the risen Savior this morning - the joy of an empty cross and an empty tomb!
Let us begin this morning by reciting one of the oldest liturgies of the church -the Paschal Greeting- a call and response exclamation of “He is risen!” and “He is risen, indeed!”
He is risen!
Call to Worship
Please read aloud 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Let’s sing together of our risen Lord.
I found this old recording, we did not have the piano mic’d at this point, but hope you enjoy
New City Catechism
Please read aloud these three questions and answers
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us?
Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. But those who do not trust in Christ will be raised to everlasting death.
Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension?
Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit.
What hope does everlasting life hold for us?
It reminds us that this present fallen world is not all there is; soon we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new city, in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be fully and forever freed from all sin and will inhabit renewed, resurrection bodies in a renewed, restored creation.
Recorded April 11, 2020 by Charlie Brooks and Tyler Skelton
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise you for the work of your only begotten son whom you sent to earth. Christ Jesus, we praise you for leading the life we could not live - by being born into the likeness of sinful flesh, yet living a sinless life; you have fulfilled the righteous requirement of the Law. Holy Spirit, we praise you, because it is through you that the love of God is poured into our hearts.
God, we come before you now because of the finished work of the cross. By the blood of Easter lamb we boldly enter into your presence and make our requests known. We ask that you remind us of our sin and give us a heart of repentance. We know that your rich mercy enables us to be made alive together with Christ. We repent of any apathy in our heart towards the riches of Christ and the goodness of his work of salvation. Lord, we ask that this morning we would not be discouraged by the distance between us. You are sovereign over all things, so we ask that you would encourage our hearts, and give us the gift of joy as we remember you.
Finally, we pray that you would open our mouths to sing praises to you. We pray that we would sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs that allow your word to dwell richly in us. Help us to be bold to share the gospel with those we know, and to continue to celebrate your resurrection each day.
Now, to you who are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us - to you be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Tithes & Offerings
We are still taking offerings online. If you prefer to write a check you can mail it to our church address. While we are not meeting in person, we need your generosity in order to fulfill our financial obligations. Contributions to FBCC go towards our weekly needs, serving our neighbors, and supporting SBC missionaries across the world.
Additionally, we know this is a time of economic hardship for many. David Bracewell chairs our Benevolence committee, which exists to help members of the church and our community who are in need. If you are in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to email him or the church office at admin@fbccatl.com
Children’s Program
During this Easter season, many of our parents and grandparents are surely grieving the family traditions that so often surround this Christian holiday. Please pray for our families - that they might be able to connect through creative ways even while social distancing.
Our church family also misses seeing the oldest among us and the youngest and everyone in between. Consider posting pictures and tagging the church, or email us at admin@fbccatl.com, so we can share in holiday Spirit together. #HeIsRisen2020
Scripture Reading
Today’s passage is Romans 5:12-21.
Please read the text before continuing to today’s sermon.
Sermon
Closing Song
Recorded April 11, 2020 by Charlie Brooks and Tyler Skelton
Benediction
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above the Heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
Resources
During this time when we are apart, one of the things that we miss out on is singing together. While we will have songs built into our online service each week, I wanted to share a couple of other ways that we can listen to/sing along with the songs we are accustomed to singing throughout the week.
I have created YouTube and Spotify playlists with each of our songs. May God bless you as you continue to sing throughout the week
It is our hope that, while we are apart, you will continue to invest in your walk with God. You can visit https://www.desiringgod.org/solid-joys each day to read a short devotional that will hopefully nourish your soul.