THE GOD OF THE SECOND CHANCE

Theme: The God of Easter is the God of resurrection, the God of new life, the God of fresh starts, new beginnings and an infinite number of second chances. Consider Peter, his name is mentioned in our text, Peter blew it! He messed up. We know his failure. Yet, on Easter morning the angel instructs the women to tell the disciples and Peter, (the one who ran away, the one who denied Jesus three times), that he will see them in Galilee. It seems our Fathers grace is strongest when our devotion is weakest. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches Easter Sunday March 31, 2024 The flame which shines bright from our altar candle serves as a constant reminder to us of God’s abiding presence in our lives and our worship today. Prelude Joyful, Joyful arr. Edward Broughton Prelude Crown Him With Many Crowns arr. L. Larson Chiming of the Hour Randy Peters We Open Our Hearts to God’s Presence Please observe a time of silence during the prelude in preparation for worship. Let all worshipers ask God’s blessings on the service, themselves, and on all who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth. Anthem Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise D. Forrest ~Congregation to sing as directed~ We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: Alleluia! Christ is Risen! P: Christ is Risen indeed! L: Darkness has been vanquished! P: The brilliant light of hope has come! L: Come let us worship and celebrate the good news! ALL: Alleluia! Christ is Risen! AMEN! Hymn of Praise Christ the Lord Is Risen Today No. 234 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration The Day of Resurrection (vs. 1) No. 247 The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free, Our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory. The Reading of Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn Christ Arose! No. 235 Offertory Prayer Bill Barr Offertory An Easter Celebration arr. J. Raney Doxology Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks No. 240 (Refrain) Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord, Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name! (Verse 1) Jesus is Lord of all the earth. He is the king of creation. (Repeat Refrain) We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Gospel Reading: Mark 16:1-8 (p. 83, pew Bible) L: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bill Barr All: Thanks be to God. Anthem Behold the Lamb arr. L. Larson Sermon THE GOD OF THE SECOND CHANCE Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Invitation Hymn I Know That My Redeemer Lives No. 239 Benediction Dr. Jim Hewitt L: Go forth as God’s chosen witnesses, to proclaim all you have heard and seen and experienced. P: We go forth in the name of the Risen Christ. L: Go forth sustained by God’s steadfast love. P: We go forth transformed and transforming. L: Go forth with shouts of joy. P: Christ is risen, indeed. Choral Benediction Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! Larson/Martin Postlude I Sing the Mighty Power of God Vicki Collinsworth Next Week: Communion Sunday Resurrection People Acts 4:32-35 We welcome our brass accompanists this morning and we thank them for sharing their musical talents with us and for enhancing our worship! Trumpets-Eric Davis and Stephen Smith and Trombones-Michael Dotson and Michael Swagger. ANNOUNCEMENTS Reminder- There will be NO regularly scheduled Wednesday night Zoom Bible Study/Prayer meeting this week.