May 7, 2023: Our Rock and Our Fortress

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Note: due to electrical problems, video is limited to the sermon

Video:

Scripture: Acts 7:44-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10

Reverend Dr. Desi Larson

  • Prelude: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” arr. by Gayden Sikes; Donna Grubbs, piano, and Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 1994 Broadman Press (SESAC), admin. by LifeWay Worship
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Introit: “Spirit of the Living God,” by Daniel Iverson; Trinity Singers
  • Hymn 71: “Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri),” by Henry W. Greatorex
  • Hymn 545: “The Church’s One Foundation,” music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, words by Samuel J. Stone
  • Hymn 534: “Be Still, My Soul,” music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, words by Samuel J. Stone, arr. © 1933, Presbyterian Publishing/Westminster John Knox/Geneva Press
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Offertory: “Cantilena,” by David Paxton; Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 1979 Lorenz Publishing Company
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Hymn 95: “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow,” words by Thomas Ken, music attr. to Louis Bourgeois
  • Special Music: “Look at the World,” by John Rutter; Trinity Singers
    © 1996, Oxford University Press
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Readings from Scripture: Acts 7:44-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; Dave Herr
  • Sermon: “Our Rock and Our Fortress,” Pastor Desi Larson
  • Communion music: “Reflection on the Cross,” by Lowell Mason, arr. by Heather Sorenson
    © 2008 by GlorySound, a div. of Shawnee Press, Inc.
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Hymn 2208: “Guide My Feet”, African-American spiritual; Harm. © Estate of Wendell Whalum
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Benediction Hymn 431: “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, harm. by Charles H. Webb
    © 1955. Assigned to Jan-Lee Music, © renewed 1983
    ONE LICENSE A-741127
  • Postlude: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus,” by Rowland H. Prichard, arr by Gregg Sewell; Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 1999 Lorenz Publishing Company
    ONE LICENSE A-741127

Sermon Outline: “Our Rock and Our Fortress”

Scriptures: Acts 7:44-60 Stoning of Stephen, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 Rock of Refuge, Mighty Fortress; 1 Peter 2:2-10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people

I. Sticks and Stones

a. Hiking
b. Hurting
c. Building

II. Rock and Fortress

a. Protection v. shame
b. “Into your hand I commit my spirit”
c. Redemption

III. Cornerstones

a. Rejected
b. Chosen and precious

IV. Living stones v stumbling stones

a. Martyrs
i. St. Stephen
ii. Melba Pattillo Beals
b. Living stones

Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land

African American Spiritual

Refrain:
Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
My Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.

1. No man can do like Jesus, not a mumbling word He said;
He went walking down to Lazarus grave, and He Raised him from the dead. Refrain]

2. When Jesus was on earth, the flesh was very weak;
He girdled himself with a tow I, and washed his disciples feet. [Refrain]

3. Yonder comes my Savior, Him whom I love so well;
He has the palm of victor, and the keys of death and hell. [Refrain]