Hey church!
Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. This is one of the most important weeks in the life of Christ’s church. This week, we celebrate the coming of the King Jesus, yelling, “Hosanna!” all the while knowing that this Friday (Good Friday), this King would be crucified, dead, and buried. But we also know that he would not remain there – he would be resurrected from the dead! This is what we will celebrate together next Sunday at our online Easter service. But today, worship the King who brings peace!
Welcome and Call to Worship:
SPECIAL GREETING TIME –> Click on the following link to say hi to Pastor Gabe from 11:00-11:30 am on Sunday, 4/5!
LINK FOR GREETING TIME
Calvary Kids Resources –>
Unit 15 Activity Sheets – Elementary
Unit 15 Activity Sheets – Pre-K
Calvary Kids Sermon Note Sheet
*Posted with permission by The Gospel Project with Lifeway
Call To Worship
Zechariah 9:9-10, 16-17
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the warhorses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
The Lord their God will save his people on that day
as a shepherd saves his flock.
They will sparkle in his land
like jewels in a crown.
How attractive and beautiful they will be!
Grain will make the young men thrive,
and new wine the young women.
Worship Through Song:
Worship Through Giving:
Click here to give online
Worship Through the Reading of God’s Word:
Messengers from John the Baptist
1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
Woe to Unrepentant Cities
20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Worship Through the Preaching of God’s Word:
Worship Through Prayer:
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Most caring Lord Jesus, this Scripture has never been more precious, timely, and necessary. No one is more mindful of our needs, and generous with his provisions.
If we were your violin students, you’d say to us, “Put down your toy instrument, and take up my Stradivarius.” If you were teaching us how to cook, you’d say, “Have done with your microwave, and come into my kitchen.” Silly thoughts? Perhaps.
But what isn’t silly is our need for what you so lovingly promise. Not just any garden-variety peace, but your peace. Not the insufficient peace the world dispenses; but the quality and quantity of peace which marks you as the Prince of Peace.
Jesus, our hearts do get troubled as this pandemic continues, and we doexperience moments of “afraid-ness.” Some of us have friends and family who are infected. Some of us have lost jobs. Some of us are working with COVID-19 patients every day. You know all this and much more.
We remember you spoke these words to your disciples just before they would enter the greatest loss, fear, and confusion they would ever experience. Within hours you would be taken from them, and nailed to your cross.
Oh holy, glorious, wondrous paradox. By your death, we have life; Satan was crushed, and we are cherished. Death was defeated, the grave robbed, and brokenness broken.
The judgment that brought us peace fell on you. Every sickness, virus, and germ; all dying, mourning, and sighing now have an expiration date. Hallelujah.
As we now begin Holy Week 2020, may we boast in your cross, glory in your resurrection, and rest in your peace like never before. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
Worship Through Song:
How Deep the Father’s Love (Stuart Townend); #1558110
A big thank you to Kyle Riggins for shooting and editing our videos!
In Closing:
We love you! We pray that this time in worship from your home was just as encouraging as when we are together. God hears our praises – and He delights in it!
Check in with any neighbors you think might need help. Let them know you are available. Walk by faith, not fear. We look forward to seeing you in person. We long to pray with you face to face, hand in hand. But until that time comes, let’s make Jesus non-ignorable through our trust in His sovereignty.
We leave you with this Palm Sunday hymn, written by Theodulph of Orleans, somewhere around the year 820. Read it aloud as a benediction May it bless you as you begin this Holy Week in your home.
All glory, laud and honor,
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.
The company of angels
Are praising Thee on High,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.
To Thee, before Thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.
– Theodulph of Orleans, circa 820
Gabe says:
Aaron, Thanks for putting this together every week. We are singing along with you! Much easier to follow you than a random artist on youtube!