BeaconWorship's Weblog

Focus of the gospel is the point: that we may bear much fruit, fruit that will endure. Who bears much fruit that endures where you are? Where does discipleship not only begin but grow, flourish, and multiply? Note the question: not “which congregation has the largest or fastest-growing attendance” but where are you seeing the multiplication of followers of Jesus and signs of God’s reign happening most? How are people who are part of this movement abiding in Jesus? What practices are helping them grow personally and in mission? Where and to what sorts of places do they understand themselves to be sent?

In Moments Like These

Shout to the Lord

Eagle’s Wings

You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)

You’re Worthy of My Praise (D)

Listen to the Songs

4th Sunday in Easter, May 3

beaconworship — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:46:23 +0000

Time Has Come (transposed)

Time Has Come (original key of A)

Friend of God (Transposed)

Friend of God (original key of E)

Mighty to Save (transposed)

How Great is Our God (G)

Texts for this week

Acts 4:5-12. The leaders who had Peter arrested for healing the lame man and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus demand by what authority he acted. Peter boldly proclaimed it was by the power and name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and that all salvation there is comes through him.
Psalm 23 (UMH 754 or 137). Use response two, spoken or sung. If you will be singing the version on 754, use Tone 1 in E-flat major. Avoid the temptation to sentimentalize this very familiar (and often sentimentalized!) text. Remember that the psalm is a response, NOT a “text” to be preached! Please also see the contemporary musical setting of Psalm 23 by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan.
1 John 3:16-24. By the authority and power of the Risen Christ we are led to love not in words only, but also in truth and in action.
John 10:11-18.The authority of the Risen Lord, the Good Shepherd over his flock, comes from knowing his sheep by name, caring for them, and laying down his own life to protect them. Jesus also identifies his “flock” as including people not in “this fold,” and he extends the same mission and care to them.