Category: Uncategorized

Holy Tuesday

Jesus is Challenged by the Religious Leaders

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to Him. They demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27)

Palm Sunday was filled with the pageantry of Jesus’ triumphal entry. Holy Monday was filled with surprise as a righteously angry Jesus turned over the merchants’ tables in the temple because they were hindering God’s worship. Some might have believed and even hoped for a quieter day in Jerusalem on Holy Tuesday. Instead, it was filled with drama, with Jesus experiencing a direct, verbal showdown with the Jewish leaders.

These leaders were learned men. Everyone in Jerusalem knew it, and as they approached Jesus in the temple, every eye must have looked to see what they would do while every ear certainly listened to hear these leaders lower the boom and put Jesus in His place. But, as everyone could see, they failed miserably. Instead of being mentally intimidated, Jesus responded with smarter questions and gave clearer answers than they did. They tried to question His motives, but He exposed their hearts. 

Everyone knew Jesus had defeated the Jewish leaders at their own game. But, as these “holy men” walked away, they must have muttered under their breath, “This isn’t over, not by a long shot.” Their hand, in their way of thinking, had been forced. If they wanted to reduce Jesus’ influence, they couldn’t rely on verbal warnings or mere strength. They were going to have to take Him out because it was crystal clear to them that He was not going to yield to their way of thinking. Jesus stood His ground and spent the rest of the day teaching in the temple. It was the last time He would teach in the temple. When Jesus left the temple, the Jewish leaders conspired about how they might have Him arrested and executed. But Jesus knew their plans would actually fit into the will of the Lord.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for standing up to the Jewish leaders and fulfilling Your mission, making a way for us to be forgiven of our sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Activity: In your journal or on a piece of paper, write a prayer thanking God for His determination in fulfilling His plan for our salvation. If you are leading your family through this devotion, encourage each member to compose their own prayer. Help them write if necessary.

*Photo courtesy of Jonny Gios

**This devotion is a part of the 8 Day RENEWED Holy Week devotional available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Holy Monday – Jesus Clears the Temple

Scripture – Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Matthew 21:12-13) 

Devotional Thought: What is the first thing you do when you arrive at the church building for worship? It’s probably different from what Jesus did on Holy Monday. That day, Jesus became angry and immediately started overturning the tables of the merchants and driving them out of the temple. This almost seems out of character for Jesus because we think of Him as a peacemaker. However, God is serious about worship. Jesus, being God the Son, realized that the merchants and the moneychangers were making it difficult for people to enter into the temple and worship so He took the appropriate steps to cleanse the temple in order to restore it as a house of prayer and worship. 

In the world of Marvel comics, Bruce Banner transformed into the Incredible Hulk whenever he became angry. This is not what happened to Jesus. He didn’t suddenly transform into a destructive creature while He wasn’t aware of His actions. He was in His right mind and in that moment, it was appropriate for Him to display His righteous anger because of this disruption of worship. Righteous anger is being angry about what makes God the Father angry. Because we are sinful, this is often hard for us to understand because we typically fall into sinful anger which is completely prideful and does not glorify God.

Many of the Jewish leaders were already angry with Jesus. He was well aware that His cleansing of the temple would not improve His relationship with them. He knew that in just a few days, the religious leaders would come to arrest Him. He knew that before Him lay a tremendous amount of pain before His own death on a cross. Even so, He continued to honor and glorify His heavenly Father. When all is said and done, we should strive not to be like the merchants who were distracting people from worship, but like Jesus who knew the heart of God and had the courage to take action. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for showing us how important worship is to You when Jesus cleared the temple. Thank You that He didn’t back down even though it was so close to His crucifixion. Help me to never be a distraction or a hindrance to others when it is time to worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Activity: In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of ways you might intentionally or accidentally distract others from worshiping the Lord. Then, next to your first list, make another list of ways you can encourage others when they are worshiping the Lord. Then, pray and ask the Lord to help you always assist others when they come to worship the Lord. If you are leading your family through this devotion, encourage them to do this activity as a family.

*Image courtesy of Marek Studinski

**This devotion is part of an 8-day Holy Week devotional titled RENEWED. It is available as a free download from Celebration Church in New Orleans at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library.

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My Top Book Recommendations from 2024

A few years ago, I started an ongoing list of the books I read each year. I was surprised to learn that, on average, I read about 100 books each year. I know that sounds like a lot, but I don’t watch sports and I don’t have kids so there you go. Anyway, here are the top ten books I recommend from my reading in 2024. They are in no particular order of preference. I hope you find them helpful.

(Disclaimer: Please know that just because I read and enjoyed these books doesn’t mean I agree with the lifestyles or agendas of the authors. I just liked and learned from the books.)

Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai – I found this book in Nairobi while on a trip to Kenya. It is an autobiography of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement and won a Nobel Peace prize.

The Next Worship: Glorifying God in a Diverse World by Sandra Maria Van Postal – This book is about the growing trend of multicultural worship across the United States and around the world. Tremendous insight from a well read practitioner.

Teaching Across Cultures: Contextualizing Education for Global Mission by James E. Plueddemann – I know, the name is a handful in and of itself, but I found this textbook, which I read for a seminar, to be incredibly insightful for anyone leading in cross cultural teaching.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder – As a child, my family loved the Little House series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. After all of these years, I found this a fun book for escape reading.

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig – Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you. It is well worth the read. This biography gave me a broader perspective of and a deeper appreciation for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey – A friend recommended this book to me this past year, but I was hesitant to read it until I found it in a Little Free Library. It has great perspective on emotional healing. I love that the book moves the reader from asking people, “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Future Church: Seven Laws of Real Church Growth by Will Mancini and Cory Hartman – Ok, I have to admit, I didn’t want to like this book. Even though I don’t agree with everything written within regarding the church, I have gleaned so much from it over this past year. If you are involved in church leadership, this is an excellent read.

Right Color Wrong Culture: A Leadership Fable by Bryan Loritts – This book is a must read for anyone involved in multicultural or multiethnic church leadership. I heard Bryan Loritts speak at a conference after I read the book. I recommend the book and Bryan as a speaker.

High Road Leadership: Bringing People Together in a World that Divides by John C. Maxwell – I wish this book would have been required reading across the United States before this past presidential election. It’s one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read on bringing divided people together.

Not In It To Win It by Andy Stanley – I learn important lessons everytime I read something by Andy Stanley, even if I don’t always agree with him. This book helps the reader focus on what’s important, which by the way, isn’t always about winning.

Bonus – Karma by Boy George – Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Boy George? Yeah, I know, but I actually enjoyed this memoir by the artist and former lead singer of Culture Club. I found his narrative to be a good commentary with good insight on the culture of our day. Here’s a tip, if you have Spotify audiobooks, listen to it for further insight.

Happy reading.

Image courtesy of Drew Coffman

by Categories: Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

“Jingle Bell Joy” Kid’s Christmas Object Lesson

Props Needed: Hand held jingle bells

(Gather kids around you, dialogue with them about what they want for Christmas, then move into the children’s sermon).

What kinds of sounds do you hear at Christmas? 

(listen for answers – they might say Christmas music, singing, shopping, traffic, etc…) 

I have one more sound for you to hear. 

(Pull your jingle bells out from a bag and ring it loudly)

These are jingle bells. What does it make you think of when you hear them ring? 

(Let one or two of the children answer) 

Some people think of the song, “Jingle bells.” Other people think of horses pulling sleighs through the snow. Other people think of Santa’s reindeer. All of these things are happy sounds for many people. 

Do you know what makes the sound of a jingle bell? There’s a small ball on the inside of this jingle bell and hits against the sides of the metal bell causing the sound. 

And what causes the bell to make the sound? (when it’s shaken).

So the sound is caused by something on the outside (the shaking) but it’s made by something on the inside (the ball). 

Even at a happy time like Christmas, life can sometimes shake us up. This happens when someone is mean to us or if we don’t get something we really want. Sometimes it might happen if we have to move from a house we really like or if we lose someone who is really close to us. 

One group of people who were shaken in the Bible were the shepherds. They were out in the fields in the middle of the night when an angel appeared to them and really scared them a lot. They were probably shaking with fear. But the Bible says that “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people!’” (Luke 2:10)

What was the good news they were talking about? 

(Wait for a couple of answers) 

That’s right, the angel was talking about Jesus being born. That’s the best news anyone could ever hear because the Bible says Jesus “would save His people from their sins.” That’s a good reason for us to have joy, isn’t it?

Even now, when our lives are shaken, we may feel bad and quiet, but if we know Jesus, we can still ring with joy because Jesus lives inside us! 

Let me pray with you before you go back to your seats… 

(Depending on the kids, you may choose to have them pray with you or have one of them pray. After praying, send them back to their seats.)

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

O Come All Ye Faithful – From Bonnie Prince Charlie to Twisted Sister

Adeste Fideles, is a Latin hymn translated O Come, All Ye Faithful. The official authorship has been given to John Francis Wade (1711-1786), whose name is included on most, if not all, of the earliest manuscripts. Even so, the lyrics and tune appear to be the result of a collaboration of several people over hundreds of years, although what we sing today is a 19th-century version of an 18th-century compilation.

Some historians believe Adeste Fideles is not actually about Christ, but is instead about Bonnie Prince Charlie, grandson of James II, England’s last Catholic king. In 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie led a rebellion to restore the Catholic House of Stuart to the English throne. Fideles is believed to mean Faithful Catholic Jacobites. Bethlehem is also believed to be a term for England. If this is true, the song is a war cry shouting out, “Come and Behold Him, Born the King of the English.” 

More recently, others believe the 1980’s rock band Twisted Sister sampled the melody and chord structure of their hit, We’re Not Gonna Take It from O Come, All Ye Faithful. The melodies of the songs are very similar, but it’s purely coincidental. Jay Jay French, lead guitarist of Twisted Sister stated in a radio interview that the band discovered the similarities and recorded a version of O Come, All Ye Faithful for their Christmas album A Twisted Christmas. 

I don’t know about you, but I can ignore the possibility of O Come, All Ye Faithful having its origins with Bonnie Prince Charlie if it results in a song that God can use to get a rock group like Twisted Sister to sing “O Come, Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

Click here to hear Adeste Fideles by Andrea Bocelli

Click here to hear O Come, All Ye Faithful by Tasha Cobbs

Click here to hear O Come, All Ye Faithful by Twisted Sister 

by Categories: UncategorizedTags: , , , , Leave a comment

“Like”

Are you ever confused by the texting “like” function?

I am.  

Sometimes it means the text is “liked” but often it is just an acknowledgement of what has been sent. 

A few months ago, I texted “I think I have Covid” to a friend (or former friend). He clicked like. 

😑 I guess I should be glad he didn’t click “love” which is a thing now.

I guess someone “loves” a text if they either truly “love” it, really “like” it, “like” it more than a regular “like,” or are overly emotional in general about acknowledging text messages.

Both “like” and “love” functions do quickly express emotions. However, if we’re all honest here, sometimes a “like” is just a short, curt answer meaning, “Ok, thanks, now shut up?”

“Likes” seem to have become a thing on social media. Society, even pastors and church leaders, seem bound by the approval generated by “likes.” On Facebook, the “like” is a thumbs up, on Instagram and TikTok, it’s a heart. Maybe it should be called “Insecuritygram.” 

My love language is “Words of Affirmation.” I admit that I smile when I see my posts being “liked,” especially by lots of people. I love seeing hearts and thumbs up emojis. Just like the rest of the world, I post and then check my posts to see how many people “like” what I’ve said. On the outside, I’m nodding my approval of their approval of my words. On the inside, I’m screaming, “They like me, they really, really like me!”

What we often don’t realize is that chasing after “likes” can be so devastating to our own self worth. We don’t realize that we’re setting ourselves up to be disappointed. 

Louie Giglio writes, “If we live for people’s approval, we will die by their rejection.” 

I think he’s right. If it would have been a social media post or text, I would have liked it. 

👍❤️

*Image courtesy of Jackson Sophat

by Categories: Creativity, Humorous, Response, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Night of Worship Outline based on Ephesians 3:14-21

Opening Worship Set and Prayer

  • Song
  • Song
  • Prayer – Inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit to lead us as we worship together 

Empowering Section (When we pray, God empowers us through His Holy Spirit)

  • Song – Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here  
  • Scripture and Sharing – “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:14-16)
  • Prayer – Asking God to continue empowering us through His Holy Spirit

Understanding Section (When we pray, God gives us glimpses of His infinite love)

  • Song – How He Loves, Reckless Love, Goodness of God
  • Scripture – “Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.” (Ephesians 3:17-18)
  • Prayer – Asking God to help us understand His love for us and for the world.

Experiencing Section (When we pray, we experience the love of Jesus and the power of God in our lives)

  • Song – Same God
    • Scripture – “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God”. (Ephesians 3:19)
  • Prayer – Asking God to allow us to experience His love and power.

Accomplishing Section (When we pray, God allows us to see Him accomplish more than we can ever imagine)

  • Song – I Speak Jesus
  • Scripture – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
  • Prayer – Asking God to continue to accomplish more than we can ask or think in our lives, our families, our church, and our country. 

Closing – Encourage the people to keep on praying because God can do miracles. 

Upbeat Closing Song

*Photo courtesy of Ben White

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , Leave a comment

55 and up

So, I recently turned 55, the legal speed limit in many areas. 

To celebrate, I decided to buy two new pairs of Levi’s, the jeans of my youth. However, my high school Levi’s were 501’s with the button fly. At my current age, that sounded dangerous somehow. So since I’m 55, I searched for Levi’s 550’s. Doing so seemed easier than researching the meanings of the jean numbers.

Buying “new” jeans at my age means a visit to my favorite thrift store which gives an even further discount to customers 55 and up (hence, my favorite). To my surprise, the first pair of jeans on the rack were Levi’s 550’s in my size. I know what you’re thinking. How could the jeans be “new” if I purchased them from a thrift store? I’m cheap, ok? Shut up.

However, there was only one pair of 550’s at the thrift store, so I went to a department store in search of a bargain. To protect the store’s identity, let’s call them J.C. Dollar’s. 

Once inside, I headed straight for the 80% off racks. I knew exactly how to find them because I’m old. You might be familiar with the discount racks at J.C.’s – they give a “discounted” price on long sleeve flannel shirts and woolen coats to customers in southern Louisiana in June. However, I also found a pair of Levi’s 550’s on the rack identical to my thrift store find. I say “Identical” meaning they were both blue. 

After trying them on, I walked to the counter with my 80% off discounted jeans. The clerk scanned my jeans and said, “With tax, that will be $32.57.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said as if I should be apologizing. “But those were on the 80% off rack.”

“Yes,” she replied, “Those jeans were originally $85.”

“$85?!” I gasped. “That’s a lot for jeans!”

“Yes, Sir,” she smirked as if I had just offered to pay with S & H green stamps. “Jeans have gone up in price, uh, recently.” 

“Wait a minute,” I said. “If these jeans are 80% off of $85, wouldn’t they be $17 before tax?”

“Sir,” she replied with a look that said shut up and pay, “Those jeans were on the wrong rack. They are discounted but not a full 80%. Now, there’s a line, so tell me, do you still want them?”

“Yes,” I answered in the voice of someone who has a stack of AARP invitation letters next to his chair, “But it’s entirely unheard of!”

Anyway, I’m headed back to the thrift store next week. Here’s to being 55 and up.

*Photo courtesy of Ashkan Forouzani

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Humorous, Response, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

My Mama Told Me: A Proverbs 31 Sermon

Recently, I had the opportunity to build out a sermon based on Proverbs 31. I’ll post it below. I hope you find it helpful.

MY MAMA TOLD ME (MAMA’S WISDOM)

Proverbs 31:1-31

  • Proverbs 31 is often held up as a standard for Christian women.
  • “The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1)
  • Most of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon, but Proverbs 31 was based on the sayings of King Lemuel, which were originally spoken to him by his mother.
  • A “wise man” heeds the words of his Mother.
  • What lessons can Men, Women, and Children learn from the sayings of King Lemuel’s mother that are helpful for us today?

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand the: ACTIONS OF A GODLY MAN

  • What are some of the actions of a Godly Man?
  • Proverbs 31 tells us that a Godly Man Searches for a Godly Wife.
    • “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.” (Proverbs 31:2-3)
    • “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
    • “Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! (Proverbs 31:28-29)
  • Proverbs 31 tells us that a Godly Man Lives a Godly Life.
    • Living a godly life includes avoiding intoxication. 
    • “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. (Proverbs 31:4-5)
    • “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
    • Living a godly life means developing a good reputation.
    • “Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with other civic leaders.” (Proverbs 31:23)
    • Sitting at the city gates in Biblical times meant you were a leader, a decision maker, an influential man, and an administrator of justice. 
    • Living a godly life means supporting justice for the poor and oppressed.
    • “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) 
    • Jesus – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…” (Luke 4:18)

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand The: ACTIONS OF A GODLY WOMAN

  • What are some of the actions of a Godly Woman?
  • A Godly Woman is Virtuous.
    • “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)
    • “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12) 
  • A Godly Woman is Industrious
    • “She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. (Proverbs 31:13-18)
  • A Godly Woman Provides for her Family and Cares for Others.
    • “She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.” (Proverbs 31:20-21) 
  • A Godly Woman is Spiritually Mature
    • “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” (Proverbs 31:25-26)
    • A godly woman is strong and courageous, filled with integrity, and always dignified. She is filled with faith in the Lord and is not anxious about what’s to come. Wisdom and kindness permeate her words and actions. 

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand the: ACTIONS OF GODLY CHILDREN

  • What are some of the actions of Godly Children?
  • Godly Children Bless Their Mothers.
    • “Her children stand and bless her.” (Proverbs 31:28)
    • “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
    • Jesus set a great example by showing respect for His mother from the cross.
    • “When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And He said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
  • Godly Children Honor All Godly Women.
    • “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
    • “Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” (Proverbs 31:31)
    • Proverbs 31 women are worthy of the rewards they receive.
  • The Lord expects us all to respect and honor the godly women in our lives.
  • Who are the godly women in my life I can honor today?

*Image courtesy of Luemen Rutkowski

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Good Friday Service Outline – The Seven Last Words of Christ

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST – 2024 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE OUTLINE

OPENING

  • Welcome
  • Suggested Song – “The Lion and the Lamb”
  • Suggested Song – “Hallelujah For the Cross”
  • Communion
  • Song (Repeated or new)

Offering and Transition

  • Offering Intro and Prayer
  • “This is the Cross” video from Hyper Pixels Media available at this link

Transition into the Seven Last Words of Christ

INTRO: Tonight, we remember the cross. In John 3:16, when Jesus said those words, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” He knew the price He was going to pay in order to fulfill that scripture. So tonight, before we rush into the celebration of the resurrection part of Easter, we need to remember what Christ did for us on the cross. Until we understand the significance of Good Friday, we can’t fully appreciate Easter Sunday. So tonight, we’re going to remember the final words Jesus spoke before His death so we can gain that full appreciation. You can follow along with us in your special insert in your worship guide. 

FIRST WORD – FORGIVENESS

  • Spoken – We read in Luke 23 that the Roman soldiers took Jesus to Calvary, the place of the skull, and there they nailed Him to a cross and lifted Him up for all to see. These were strong men performing their duty, but I’m sure they weren’t concerned with being respectful to Jesus, the Son of God. But Jesus’ reaction to the soldiers was the first of His seven last words. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) 
  • Prayer Activity – Jesus offered forgiveness to the very soldiers who took His life. Through His death, He offers forgiveness to us as well if we will repent of our sins. The Apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Take a moment and ask the Lord to remind you of sins of which you need to ask Him for forgiveness. Once they come to mind, pray and ask His forgiveness. (Give them a moment to pray, then lead them in prayer of forgiveness).

SECOND WORD – SALVATION

  • Spoken – Jesus was crucified between two thieves. One of them scoffed at Jesus, saying “So You’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving Yourself – and us, too, while You’re at it. But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.”
  • Spoken – Then Jesus said the second of His seven last words. To the repentant thief, He said, “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
  • PRAYER ACTIVITY – Many of us rejoice when we think about how Jesus can give us access to Heaven. However, many of us also think about those people we know who we long to be in Heaven with us. Take a few seconds and think about those people you want to see in Heaven. (Give them a moment to do so)
  • In your worship guide (or on a piece of paper), write the names of those you know who you desire to see in Heaven. (Give them a moment to do so) Now, pray for each of them. (Give them time to pray then lead in prayer, asking the Lord to draw these people to Himself so they can be with us and Him in Heaven.)

THIRD WORD – RELATIONSHIP

  • Spoken – Even as Jesus was suffering on the cross, He was concerned for the needs of others. He forgave the soldiers, offered salvation to one of the thieves, but then, He saw His mother standing beside the disciple John. He had compassion for her. 
  • Action/Spoken – The third of Jesus’ seven last words was spoken to His mother Mary and to His disciple John. To Mary, Jesus said, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And to John He said, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
  • Action/Spoken – The Bible tells us that “From then on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:27). Apparently, a cherished bond developed between Mary and John, in a similar way as if John had been her son. Just as Jesus showed love for His mother and His friend, He also shows love for us by helping us establish lifelong relationships with those who will help us through this life. Take a moment and thank the Lord for the cherished friends and family He has surrounded you with. You can write their names in your insert.
  • (After a moment, lead the people in prayer, thanking God for our family/friends/church)

FOURTH WORD – DISTRESS

  • Spoken – The fourth of Jesus’ seven last words reminds us of His humanity. We read in John 19:28 – Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture, He said, “I am thirsty.” 
  • Action/Spoken – Jesus truly suffered during the crucifixion. He was thirsty. He felt every lash, every thorn, and every nail. He endured it all because of our sin. An older Christian song asked the question, “Does He still feel the nails every time I fail? Can He hear the crowd cry “crucify” again. Am I causing Him pain? Then I know I’ve got to change. I just can’t stand the thought of hurting Him.” 
  • Jesus went through physical distress because of our sin. Romans 5:8 says, But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He shed His blood for You and for me. Let’s stand together. Remember this and thank Him as we sing.

SUGGESTED SONG – Thank You, Jesus, for the Blood Applied

FIFTH WORD – ABANDONMENT

  • (Direct everyone to be seated)
  • Spoken – The fifth of the seven last words of Christ is Abandonment. In the Gospel of Mark, we read At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then… Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34). Many of us at one time or another may have felt abandoned in one way or another. We may have felt forsaken. We may have felt like crying out to the Lord using those words of Jesus. 
  • Engagement 
    • If you would say that phrase of Jesus with me starting with “My God, My God” Say – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” 
    • Say it again – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” 
    • Say it one more time – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” 
  • Action/Spoken – Saying those words out loud helps us realize the abandonment Jesus must have felt when he was temporarily separated from His Father. Imagine Him crying out to God the Father from the cross. He must have felt so alone when “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • PRAYER – (Lead the people in a pastoral prayer, emphasizing our thankfulness to Jesus for the abandonment He must have endured while on the cross.)

SIXTH WORD – TRIUMPH

Object Needed – Slightly torn swatch of material representing the Temple curtain before the Holy of Holies

  • Spoken – The sixth of the seven last words Jesus spoke before His death was “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Even though it is a sad moment because Jesus is about to die. A word that is synonymous with this phrase, in Jesus’ case, is Triumph. 
  • Action/Spoken (Pick up the material). This swatch of curtain material is symbolic of the curtain in the temple in Jesus’ day. It separated the people from the Holy of holies. Matthew 27:51 reports that when Jesus breathed His last, “the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” (Tear the material into two pieces) This symbolized the division between God and humanity being removed, signifying the completion of Jesus’ redemptive work and the direct access to God made possible through His sacrifice. 
  • Prayer – Take a moment to thank Jesus for finishing His redemptive work for us on the cross. Surrender Yourself to live in obedience to His will. (Allow them to pray silently for a moment, then lead them in prayer)

SEVENTH WORD – RELEASE

  • Spoken – Finally, Jesus said, “Into Your hands I commend my Spirit.” It is a bittersweet moment because, although it was sad because of His death, it was also said in anticipation of His Reunion with His heavenly Father. (Luke 23:46)  
  • PRAYER ACTIVITY – Jesus released His Spirit to His Heavenly Father. This is a good example for us all. We all have things we’re holding back from the Lord, things we should be releasing to Him today. Right where you are, bow your heads and ask the Lord, “Who or what do I need to release to You today? Then, pray and ask God to help you release those people or items to Him.” (Give them a moment to do this)
  • Now, in your worship guide is a separate blank sheet of paper. On it, go ahead and write out the people or things you need to release to the Lord today. As you finish, bring them to the foot of the cross, symbolizing that you are surrendering them to Him on this Good Friday. 
  • Action – (Give time for people to do this. The way it is done at each campus will need to be determined because of traffic flow and space. 
  • (Prayer of Thanksgiving transitioning to a Salvation and Rededication DECISION prayer) – (AFTER everyone has brought up their items, say a Pastor led Prayer thanking God for receiving all of these items we’ve released to Him and asking Him to help us remember as well. THEN transition into a decision time focusing on Salvation and Rededication in your own words)

CULMINATION 

  • Spoken – Jesus commending His spirit was the sweet part, but Him breathing His last was the bitter part, especially for those around Him. We look at what He went through and remember the rest of the story, but those who were with Him at the time could only understand that Jesus was dead. Their Lord, their Messiah, had departed this life. We’ve remembered the seven last words of Christ tonight. Now, let’s remember what happened next as we sing. 

Celebration Song – O Praise The Name or Forever

CLOSING 

  • Communication Cards/Giveaways
  • Share remaining Easter Service times/Challenge people to bring others

Production Notes 

  • This service was created for the 2024 Good Friday Services at Celebration Church in New Orleans. Please forgive any church specific references you might see.
  • We created an insert using the image at the top of this blog post as the entire inside of our worship guide. Kudos of Brenda Miranda from our staff for the drawing and for our marketing/communications department for working it into the service materials.
  • We used a piece of purple material to represent the curtain in the temple that was torn in two during the Sixth Word.
  • We also added a small piece of blank paper (1/4 sheet) for the exercise during the Seventh Word
  • A cross at the front is best. If a large cross is not available, a smaller version is sufficient.
  • Have a keyboardist or guitarist play behind the presentations for effect.
by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Response, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , Leave a comment