The text for this week is Ephesians 5:1-14, in which Paul warns his readers against continuing in the ways of darkness and encourages them to walk as children of the light. The visual theme will be ‘Walking in the Light’ and the worship theme will be “All Things New,” based on the Andrew Peterson song that says “Rise Up O You Sleeper, Awake, the Light of the Dawn is Upon You.”
Here is the link to the YouTube Playlist: 160501 Heart Prep
Prelude:
New Wonders – Sandra McCracken
Worship Set:
Second Chances – Rend Collective
Salt and Light – Lauren Daigle
Jesus, I Come – Indelible Grace
Offertory:
Lead Kindly Light – Audrey Assad
Invitation to Communion:
All Things New – Andrew Peterson
Benediction:
Christ is Risen from the Dead – Matt Maher
Scripture for Meditation:
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 3:19-21 “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Ephesians 5:1-14 (DSV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or greedy (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not become partners with them; 8for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14for what makes everything visible is light. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
1 John 1:5-9 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
