Nicodemus, a ruler, teacher, and member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus by night to inquire about his ministry. Jesus declared that one must be born again, of the water and the Spirit, to see and experience the Kingdom of God. Baffled by Jesus’ words, Nicodemus asked how this spiritual change occurred. Jesus assured Nicodemus that he, as the Son of Man, was testifying of spiritual things, heavenly things, from personal testimony, for he had come down from heaven. In the midst of this explanation, Jesus declared that God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but rather, to save it.
Rather than discuss technical matters of Jewish law, Jesus declared that it was the love of God that was the source ofhis being in the world, the heart of God’s redemptive work, and the foundation of his offer for eternal life. God’s matchless, unfailing, and amazing love is the source ofour life and our hope.Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God, thank you for your sweet and abiding love. This is love – not that we loved you but that you loved us and gave to us your very own Son as a sacrifice and atonement for our sins. What shall we do with such love, but to simply love you back, and love our brothers and sisters as ourselves. Flood our hearts with your grace and love, for Christ’s sake, amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings
Psalm:Ps. 121 OT:Gen. 12.1-4a Gospel: John 3.1-17
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. [2] He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. [4] Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
~ Psalm 40.1-4
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
I thank you, dear Savior, for showing to me the love of the Father in your sacrifice for me!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
For God So Loved the World
John 3.1-17Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Book Discussion: Monday, March 13, 2017
Concert of Prayer: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Church Year Overview
Season of Lent Description
2016-2017 Annual Resources
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