The Festival of The Resurrection of Our Lord

April 05, 2026

Celebrating the Resurrection over the Years

with the Church’s Hymns and God’s Word

A Blessed Easter To You! Today’s worship service has been arranged around a series of specially-selected “Easter Hymns” which span 14 centuries’ worth of Christian celebrations of our Savior’s resurrection….taking us, with one hymn, all the way back to AD 590. Some of the words and melodies we’ll sing are familiar, while others might be a bit unfamiliar, and still others quite new to us. Some background information is provided for each musical selection. It’s our hope that in our using some 1400 years’ worth of hymns today, you will feel both appreciation to the Lord and a debt of gratitude to those Christians of years and generations gone by which God enabled His truths about Jesus’ bodily resurrection (and our own future resurrections) to be preserved and handed down to us this morning….so that we might share those truths with each other and celebrate these facts today.

Today’s Initial Scripture Lesson is our Easter Gospel Lesson for today, John’s account of Christ’s resurrection.

Our Second Lesson takes us back to Peter’s contact with the Gentile, Cornelius, years after Jesus’ resurrection. Having been directed through a vision from the Lord to reach out to the Gentiles, Peter is reminded that the Gospel is intended by God for all people. In light of this, our celebration of the resurrection today should not be kept to ourselves. Instead, consistent with our purpose as a Church, it’s the privilege and calling of every one of us, as Christians, to testify about our risen Lord to others so that they might believe in Him and be saved.

Our Third Reading consists of selected verses from Psalms Isaiah, Ezekiel and I Corinthians, all of which praise God and speak to the reality of our Savior’s and every believer’s bodily resurrections.

Our Fourth Lesson also has us listening to Peter, this time as he preaches to people in Jerusalem on Pentecost Day. He lays out before them the truth that they, along with their religious leaders, had killed the Messiah, the Lord of life, but that God has raised Jesus from the dead, and that he (Peter) along with his fellow apostles were eye-witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.

In our Children’s Lesson this morning, we’ll use the concept of “recycling” to illustrate God’s plan for “recycling” our bodies in the resurrection on the Last Day, and making those bodies better than they’ve ever been – because they will become transformed/perfect ….prepared for the eternity in heaven that is ours through faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified, risen Lord.

Through The Next three Readings, we’ll cover the following truths connected to the resurrection: 1) that it proves Jesus is the true God, our Lord; 2) that by raising Jesus from the dead the Father proved that He accepted Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross as the all-sufficient payment for our sins; 3) in the reality of Jesus’ Resurrection we can find peace and confidence for daily living. And, 4) that Christ’s Victory over the grave points ahead to our own glorious, bodily resurrection from the grave on the last day.

Our Sermon for this morning will have us focusing on “The Great Easter Lie” that was told by Jesus’ enemies about Him in Matthew 28:11-15: namely, that He had not risen….but that His body was stolen by His disciples instead.

In our Final reading, Job expresses his confidence in the bodily resurrection. As you hear Job’s beautiful profession of faith, you will also be reminded of our closing hymn for today,”I Know That My Redeemer,” since it is from Job 19 that the words of this familiar Easter hymn were taken.

Praise God today that what our human reason cannot comprehend, the Lord in His mercy has convinced us of, through the faith-imparting and sustaining work of the Holy Spirit! Perhaps that’s why Martin Luther once wrote: “The Gospel does not explain the resurrection. The resurrection explains why we have the Gospels.” It also explains why you and I have come to this house of worship today to celebrate Christ’s real resurrection and the all-encompassing significance it has for our earthly and eternal existence. There is no mistaking the fact that the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of our Christian faith; in many ways the fact of Jesus’ bodily resurrection from the grave is the Christian Church’s “crown jewel”…..making the faith we will confess this morning (and live every day) not only precious to us, but one in which we can confidently rest all our hopes for here and especially for heaven.

Because Jesus really and truly rose from His grave after three days, we know that He is our God, and that our sins are fully forgiven (the resurrection is the proof that the Father accepted His Son’s sin-sacrifice as the world’s Substitute). We also know that just as He has conquered death and lives eternally…..even so we will share both in His victory over death – death no longer has eternal mastery over us – and in His resurrection, since He has promised (and has the power to insure) that one day we too will bodily rise from our graves to everlasting life through faith in Him.

Welcome To Grace Lutheran Church – If you are a first time friend and guest today, we are honored that you’ve chosen to worship with us. If you have been before, we are glad to have you back! We pray that you will be comfortable during today’s worship service and in these surroundings. If you have any questions about our church, or if we can be of service to you in any capacity, now or in the future, please talk with our Pastor or any of our other members. At the end of today’s service we invite you to join those around you for our Easter Brunch, which will be held in our gymnasium/fellowship building – immediately east of this church building. We also invite you to return to Grace Lutheran on future Sundays to worship our Lord with us. It would be our privilege to have you become a partner in our church family. May the comfort of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ be with you throughout this worship service and always.

If You Would Like to Know More about this Congregation as a result of your time spent among us today, our pastor would be pleased to speak with you at your convenience. We also have available for you a number of informative brochures which you can find in our entryway. They describe our church family and the work we have been called to carry out in Christ’s name. They also explain, in some detail, the Bible-based beliefs that we hold as members both of this Lutheran-Christian church family and of our parent church body, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (the WELS). Please help yourself to them. Communicant membership in Grace Lutheran Church is established by an informed declaration of fellowship upon transfer from a Lutheran church, or upon completion of our Membership Classes, whichever is appropriate for you. Please make an appointment with our Pastor if you would like to discuss this further.

If Your Child Becomes Restless during the service this morning, that’s okay … all of us who are adults we once children too. We understand that it’s not always easy for a child to sit comfortably and quietly through an entire worship service. Still, we’re glad that you’ve brought your child(ren) to worship Jesus with us here today. In fact, we encourage parents to bring their children to worship whenever possible. This helps children learn why we come here each week: to praise God and to hear His Word. What’s more, we believe the power of God the Holy Spirit in the written and spoken Word blesses the hearts and souls of little children, no less than adults. However, a restless child might, from time to time, need a moment or two alone with mom or dad. If your little one needs some time to gather composure again, feel free to view a few moments of the worship service from our children’s nursery which has a window to our worship area. It is located just outside the main chapel area in the first room along the north wall of our rear/second seating area. And one additional note….for the convenience of our smaller worshipers and their parents, we have included a restroom as a part of our nursery area; if necessary, you can also find a pull-down changing table there.

Pre-Service Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, by Your divine grace and through Your almighty power You raised Jesus Christ from the dead and, thereby, declared Him to be Your Son and our Savior from sin, death, and Satan. On this Easter Sunday as we come before You to hear Your Word and to thank You for Your many blessings, please send Your Holy Spirit to fill our minds with understanding and our hearts with zeal. Cause us, O Lord, to fill Your house with praise, even as You have filled our lives with Your certain love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831

Pre-service prayer Pre-service music

We Praise Our God

The Greeting and Invitation to Worship

The Easter Gospel John 20-1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she left and ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she told them, “and we don’t know where they put Him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. 5 Bending over, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was following him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The cloth that had been on Jesus’ head was not lying with the linen cloths, but was folded up in a separate place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who arrived at the tomb first, also entered. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not yet understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she bent over, looking into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white clothes sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She told them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid Him.” 14 After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.

15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if You carried him off, tell me where You laid Him, and I will get Him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and replied in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means, “Teacher”). 17 Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things He said to her.

The Festival Choral Selection

and Congregational Hymn “The Tomb Is Empty”

verses 1-2 sung by the choir

verses 3-5 by the choir and congregation

After a brief, arduous battle with liver cancer, Canadian Sylvia Dunstan died in 1993 at the age of 38. She is remembered for her passion for those in need, her gift of writing, and her love of liturgy. Dunstan wrote the first four verses for this hymn. David Haas wrote the last verse and adapted the tune for “The Tomb Is Empty” from another hymn, AZMON, originally composed by Carl G. Gläser in 1828 and subsequently re-written by Lowell Mason. Mason often used obscure Biblical names for the titles of his tunes. Azmon is a city south of the land of Canaan. It is mentioned in Numbers 34:4-5.

The tomb is empty, is empty! Come and see

Where once the body lay.

Can it be true, be true, that Jesus Christ

Is raised to life today?

Sing alleluia! Sing alleluia!

The tomb is empty, is empty! Come and hear

These words of life and peace:

“He is not here, not here. He lives again

In all your Galilees.”

Sing alleluia! Sing alleluia!

The tomb is empty, is empty! Come and touch

The stone and folded shroud.

Christ lives indeed, indeed. Alleluia!

Believers shout aloud.

Sing alleluia! Sing alleluia!

The tomb is empty, is empty! Come and meet

The risen Christ, our Lord.

In Whom we have, we have, our victory

In Whom is life restored.

Sing alleluia! Sing alleluia!

The tomb is empty, is empty! Come and serve

All people who long to be free!

Raise those who sleep, who sleep, in tombs of fear,

And give them eyes to see!

Sing alleluia! Sing alleluia!

After which the Congregation will rise for

The Invocation

In the name….

of the Father, Who gave His Son into death for us

and raised Him in glory on the third day;

And of the Son, Who laid down His life

only to take it up again on the third day;

And of the Holy Spirit through Whom Christ was made alive,

Who has worked saving faith in our hearts,

Who lives in us now through the Word,

and Who will one day give life to our mortal bodies. Amen.

The Opening Prayer offered in unison

Almighty and everlasting God, + through the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, + death has been defeated + and the gates of eternal life have been opened to us all. + Although our sin-limited minds + cannot begin to understand how all this is possible, + Your Holy Spirit – working in the Word – has convinced us that this miracle is real: + Jesus Christ our Lord is risen + He is risen indeed! + As we celebrate His resurrection this morning + please fill our hearts with the joy that comes + from knowing our sins are fully and freely forgiven, + and the confidence that everlasting life in heaven is surely ours + through faith in Christ, our Savior and God. + And may this Gospel that we are hearing again this morning, + motivate us daily to produce in our lives + the good fruits of the true Christian faith + that we are proclaiming with our hearts and lips today. + In the name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. + Amen.

after which the Congregation will be seated

The Choral Selection “Easter Allelluia”

Another Twentieth century musical contribution to today’s worship service is this choral piece. The lyrics and music were written by Gordon Young. The song, with a copyright of 1986, is distributed by Sacred Music Press.

Christ is risen from the dead!

Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia. Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia.

Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia.

For three days He lay in prison. For three days in darkest gloom;

Then, from heav’n God sent His angels

There proclaimed that He arose. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia. Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia.

Alleluia, Christ is risen, alleluia.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Sing Alleluia!

The Resurrection Is Reason for our Celebration

and Provides the Church with a Gospel Purpose

The Resurrection in the Apostles’ Ministry Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really am beginning to understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but in every nation, anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. 36 He sent His word to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, because God was with Him.

39 “Indeed, we are witnesses of all the things he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem, yet they killed Him by hanging Him on a cross. 40 But God raised Him on the third day and caused Him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had already chosen—by us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify solemnly that He is the One appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about Him that, through His name, everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

The Third Hymn Hymn 144 “Christ Is Arisen”

The following hymn has been sung for nearly 900 years by Christian congregations celebrating Christ’s resurrection. It is of German origin, dating back to A.D. 1100. In fact, it is one of the earliest German hymns of any kind. Martin Luther’s high regard for this hymn is shown in the following quote: “After a time one tires of singing all other hymns, but the ‘Christ is erstanden’ (“Christ is arisen”) one can always sing again and again.” The tune we sing today is is as old as the words of this traditional Easter hymn, and is based on the Gregorian Chant whose Latin name is “Victimae paschali” (“to the Paschal Victim”).

Christ is arisen from the grave’s dark prison.

We now rejoice with gladness; Christ will end all sadness.

Lord, have mercy.

All our hopes were ended had Jesus not ascended

From the grave triumphantly.

For this, Lord Christ, we worship Thee.

Lord, have mercy.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

We now rejoice with gladness. Christ will end all sadness.

Lord, have mercy. Amen.

after which the Congregation will be asked to rise for

An Easter Proclamation

of Faith in our Risen Lord! selected Scripture verses from Ps 118,

Is 25; Eze 12; Rom 4; I Cor 1; I Cor 15)

P: God is faithful.

C: He fulfills whatever He says.

P: The Stone the builders rejected has become the Capstone;

C: The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.

P: The Lord Almighty will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever.

C: Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.

P: Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins,

C: And raised to life for our justification

P: Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous.

C: The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things.

P: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

C: Thanks be to God Who gives us the victory + through our Lord Jesus Christ.

P: I will not die, but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

C: I will give You thanks for You answered me; + You have become my salvation.

P: Christ the Lord is risen today!

C: He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!

P: This is the day the Lord has made;

C: Let us rejoice, and be glad in it. Hallelujah!

after which the Congregation will be seated for

The Fourth Hymn Hymn 166 “The Day of Resurrection”

This hymn, by John of Damascus, was written about the middle of the eighth century (the 700s). It is the first of eight hymns that make up his “Golden Canon for Easter Day,” which has been called “the grandest piece in Greek sacred poetry.” Finally, the tune’s composer, Henry Smart, gave us this melody, “Lancashire,” in 1867 — two years’ after he went blind. Lancashire was originally written to be sung to “From Greenland’s Icy Mountains.”

The day of resurrection, Earth, tell it out abroad,

The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God.

From death to life eternal, From this world to the sky,

Our Christ has brought us over With hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil That we may see aright

The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light

And, listening to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain,

His own “All hail!” and, hearing, May raise the victor strain. Amen.

The Resurrection is our

Motivation for Godly Living

The Children’s Lesson Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 By the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, He will transform our humble bodies to be like His glorious body.

One Day We Will be “Recycled” by Jesus’ Power

Sermon Hymn Hymn 150 “Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia”

verses 1 & 2

This ancient Easter “sequence hymn” is of 11th or 12th century

origin and of unknown authorship. Martin Luther had a very

high regard for it, and incorporated almost its entire third

stanza into the second verse of an Easter hymn that he wrote, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands,” (TLH 195). Our tune, “Llanfair” (pronounced “thlahn viar”), was composed by Robert Williams in 1817.

Its foundation is said to be taken from a traditional Welsh air.

Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia!

Christians, hasten on your way; Alleluia!

See the place where He was laid; Alleluia!

Praise Him for the ransom paid. Alleluia!

“For the sheep the Lamb has bled, Alleluia!

Sinless in the sinner’s stead. Alleluia!

“Christ is risen,” today we cry; Alleluia!

Now He lives no more to die. Alleluia!

Jesus’ Resurrection Proves that He is the True God

Peter’s Pentecost Preaching Reminds us that the

Resurrection Proves Jesus Truly is God’s Son, our Lord Acts 2:22-36

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a Man recommended to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through Him among you, as you yourselves know. 23 This Man, Who was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, you killed by having lawless men nail Him to a cross. 24 He is the One God raised up by freeing Him from the agony of death, because death was not able to hold Him in its grip. 25 Indeed, David says concerning Him: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. My flesh also will rest in hope, 27 because You will not abandon my life to the grave, nor will you let Your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

29 “Gentlemen, brothers, I can speak confidently to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that He would seat One of his descendants on his throne, 31 he saw what was coming and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, saying that He was neither abandoned to the grave nor did His flesh see decay. 32 This Jesus is the One God has raised up. We are all witnesses of that. 33 So, after He was exalted to the right hand of God and after He received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out what you are now seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into heaven, and yet he says: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, 35 until I make Your enemies a footstool under Your feet.’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, Whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

The Fifth Hymn Hymn 163 “Welcome Happy Morning”

verses 1 & 2

“Welcome Happy Morning” is the oldest Easter Hymn in our hymnal and is one of the oldest hymns still in use in the Christian Church. Written in the Latin language near the end of the sixth century (@ AD 590), this hymn is originally part of a 110 line poem about our Lord’s resurrection. It was written for Bishop Felix of Nantes in Brittany (France). The melody dates to the time of the Lutheran Reformation (1545).

“Welcome happy morning!” Age to age shall say;

“Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!”

Lo, the Dead is living, God forevermore!

Him, their true Creator, all His works adore.

“Welcome happy morning!” Age to age shall say;

“Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!”

Maker and Redeemer, Life and Health of all,

God from heaven beholding human nature’s fall,

Of the Father’s Godhead, true and only Son,

Manhood to deliver manhood did put on.

“Welcome happy morning!” Age to age shall say;

“Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!” Amen.

Jesus’ Resurrection Assures us that our

Sins are Forgiven and our Salvation is Sure

With Jesus’ Resurrection, The Father Showed Christ’s Sacrifice for

our Sins as Sufficient and Complete I Corinthians 15:12-20

12 Now if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is pointless, and your faith is pointless too. 15 Then we are even guilty of giving false testimony about God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, Whom He did not raise, if it were true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then it also follows that those who fell asleep in Christ perished. 19 If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

The Sixth Hymn “Because He Lives”

(used, with permission, under CCLI 1366699)

The lyrics and words for the following Easter hymn were written by the popular Christian song-writing team of Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971. Since its introduction four decades ago, “Because He Lives” has become one of the most popular contemporary Christian music songs.

God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died To buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, All fear is gone;

Because I know —- He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river,

I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;

And then as death gives way to victory,

I’ll see the lights of glory – and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, All fear is gone;

Because I know —- He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Jesus’ Resurrection Guarantees That One Day

Our Bodies Also Will Rise to Everlasting Life

Paul points us to Christ’s Victory over the grave,

which points ahead to our own glorious bodily

resurrection from the grave on the last day I Corinthians 15:50-58

50 Now I say this, brothers: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and what is perishable is not going to inherit what is imperishable. 51 Look, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 But once this perishable body has put on imperishability, and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

The Sermon Hymn Hymn 143

“He’s Risen, He’s Risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord”

The following hymn is taken from a longer eleven stanza work, written and composed by C.F.W. Walther in 1860. Dr. Walther was undoubtedly one of the preeminent Lutheran theologians from our country. He founded the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and was also one of the founders of the North American Synodical Conference to which our WELS belonged from 1872- 1963. Walther’s most enduring contribution to Christianity is his book, “The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel,” – a work well worth our reading.

He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;

He opened death’s prison, the Incarnate Word.

Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song,

And earth, sea, and mountain, the praises prolong.

The Foe was triumphant when on Calvary

The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.

In Satan’s domain did the hosts shout and jeer,

For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear.

But short was their triumph, the Savior arose,

And death, hell, and Satan, He vanquished, His foes;

The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high.

He lives, yes He lives, and will nevermore die.

O where is your sting, Death? We fear you no more;

Christ rose and now open is fair Eden’s door.

For all our transgressions His blood does atone;

Redeemed and forgiven we now are His own. Amen.

After which the Congregation will rise for

The Pre-Sermon Greeting

Grace and peace to you from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Hallelujah!

The Sermon Text Matthew 27:62-66

62 On the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered in the presence of Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remembered what that Deceiver said while He was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give a command that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise His disciples might steal His body and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead.’ And this last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard.

Matthew 28:11-15

11 As they were on their way, there were some members of the guard who went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the chief priests had assembled with the elders and had reached a decision, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we were sleeping.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 After the soldiers took the money, they did as they were instructed. And this story has been repeated among the Jews until this day.

The Great Easter Lie

The Post-Sermon Blessing Jude 24-25

Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

The Post-Sermon/Offering Hymn “In Christ Alone”

by Keith Getty (music) and Stuart Townend (lyrics)

(used, with permission, under CCLI 1366699)

In Christ Alone” is a popular, modern Christian song written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, both songwriters of Christian hymns and contemporary worship music. The song has a strong Irish musical flavor to it. “In Christ Alone” is considered a Christian credal song because of its emphasis on the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and that He is our God Who even death cannot contain. The song was composed in 2001 and gained increased popularity first in Ireland and the UK and then in the United States and internationally. In 2021, the WELS’ Northwestern PublishingHouse released “Christian Worship”, which contains “In Christ Alone”as hymn 510.

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my Light, my Strength, my Song

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Til on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

We Bring our Offerings to the Lord

Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.

However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:

1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address

(415 N. 6^th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)

2) You can also donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com

as the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise for

Give Online

The Prayers for this Day

Today’s Special Prayers

The Litany Prayer for the Festival of the Resurrection

P: O God of peace, Who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep,

C: we thank and praise You for the mercy You have shown us through His glorious resurrection.

P: Grant that this day all believers throughout the world may see the fullness of Your grace and peace.

C: Through Your Word and Sacraments keep us all faithful unto death that we may receive the crown of life.

P: Give to Your Church faithful and true shepherds who are not ashamed to powerfully proclaim to all the Gospel of life and salvation,

C: and who are committed to teaching the whole counsel of Your Holy Word.

P: Almighty God, as Your Son on this day rose from the dead for us, victorious over sin and the grave, grant that sin may no longer live in our hearts.

C: By the power of His resurrection set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

P: Grant that in Christ’s resurrection we may conquer sin and find strength to resist the devil’s temptations.

C: Give us a confident, active faith to serve You here, until – for Jesus’ sake – we live with You in heavenly glory forevermore.

P: Rule over the nations and all the inhabitants of the earth, O Lord, that they may join the hosts of heaven in devoted service and faithful living to the honor of Your glorious name.

C: Bless and preserve our President and Congress, and all those who govern us in our nation, state, and community, that freedom, justice, righteousness, and peace may prevail.

P: Watch over the members of our armed forces as they protect our nation from harm and evil.

C: Grant peace to both soldiers and their families as they spend these holy days apart from each other.

P: Grant comfort to those whose sons and daughters have been killed in conflict,

C: and sustain the many innocent civilians who have been injured or mourn the death of loved ones.

Lord, in all adversity and in the face of every adversary, preserve us.

C: Defend the weak and vulnerable, especially the unborn, the aged, those who are hungry, homeless, unemployed, and those who are struggling under the load of troubles and trials.

P: According to Your will, heal those who are sick. In the promise of Easter take from the dying the fear of death.

C: Grant to them, to us and to all who believe in You, the sure hope of a glorified body through the resurrection of the dead.

P: And to those who mourn the loss of loved ones, grant them the comfort of knowing that those who have fallen asleep in Jesus already are enjoying life eternal in heaven with You.

C: Bestow Your gracious favor on our homes and families and bless us all with both the consolation and the joy of Easter.

P: Hear us, O Father, for the sake of Him who is the firstborn of the dead and is now alive forevermore, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. In His name we offer these requests, and continue now by praying:

C: Our Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing

The Final Scripture Reading: Job’s Confidence in His

Resurrection and our Confidence in our own Resurrection Job 19:25-27

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

The Benediction

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The Lord look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.

Certainly one of the most beloved hymns in Lutheran circles, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” also enjoys great popularity throughout the English-speaking Christian world. Its writer, from Liverpool, England, was a Baptist minister by the name of Samuel Medley. He penned this hymn in 1773. The musical side of this hymn, the tune “Duke Street,” is also a product of the eighteenth century, having been composed in 1793 by John Hatton.

Closing Hymn Hymn 152 “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

V.1 Congregation

I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, Who once was dead;

He lives my ever-living Head.

V.2 Choir

V.3 Congregation

He lives to bless me with His love.

He lives to plead for me above,

He lives my hungry soul to feed.

He lives to help in time of need.

V.4 Choir

V.5 Congregation

He lives to silence all my fears,

He lives to wipe away my tears,

He lives to calm my troubled heart,

He lives all blessings to impart.

V.7 Choir

V.8 Congregation and Choir

He lives all glory to His name!

He lives my Jesus still the same.

Oh the sweet joy this sentence gives.

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

“Amen.” (by the Choir)

Silent Prayer, Announcements

Post-service music