May 3, 2020

Victory Over Heartbreak

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We’re so glad you decided to worship with us today. Thank you! It’s an

honor to have you listening in and to have the chance to fill you with hope

in these troubling times. Welcome to Living Hope.

Easter Series: Victorious!

Victory is sweet...the joy...the excitement.

But victory often lasts just for a moment. It eventually fades away.

Except when it’s a victory that lasts forever.

This Easter celebrate a victory that will never fade. A victory won for you. A victory that gives you more than a thrill. A victory that gives you eternal life.

One life. One death. One empty tomb.

Today’s Focus: Victory Over Heartbreak

If that Easter joy seems to be fading by now and the heartbreaking reality of life in a pandemic

is setting in—don’t give up hope. Even though many of our present hopes have been dashed

the great anchor of our hope is holding secure. Jesus lives the victory’s won!

Heartbreak , of all kinds, will be an ongoing reality in this world but God’s Word can be your

source of burning hope, just like it was for the Emmaus disciples. If Jesus lives, hope lives.

welcome to

WORSHIP

CURRENT SERIES INFO

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ABOUT LIVING HOPE

Living Hope Lutheran Church is a brand new mission church on Chattanooga’s east side. We are funded

by and a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a collection of over 1,300 churches

across the United States and Canada.

Living Hope succeeds in its mission when hope forever in Jesus brings hope for every day in life.

For more on our mission, background, and beliefs just visit our website: livinghopechatt.com

ABOUT WORSHIP

Worship at Living Hope is designed to fill you with hope! The message you hear at Living Hope will cen-

ter you on your Savior, Jesus, and what he's done for you. Worship isn't just about filling up God with

praise. Worship is all about God filling you with good news!

We follow a basic order of service, called the liturgy. In the message, in specially selected Scripture

readings, and in carefully crafted songs, prayers, and creeds, the liturgy proclaims the good news

(gospel) about Jesus from start to finish.

Please use this worship folder as you watch the Facebook Live wor-

ship livestream. Visit the Living Hope Facebook page to join in. If you

were unable to tune in live at 10:00AM on Sunday you can still watch

the worship video on the homepage of livinghopechatt.com

Show friends where you’re livestreaming and finding hope today —check in!

/livinghopechatt

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VERSE 1

Jesus, Refuge of the weary, Blest Redeemer, whom we love, Fountain in life's desert dreary, Savior from the world above, Oh, how oft your eyes, offended, Gaze upon a sinner's fall! Yet, upon the cross extended, You endured the pain of all.

VERSE 2

Dare we pass that cross unheeding, Breathing no repentant vow, As we see you wounded, bleeding, See your thorn-encircled brow? Since your sinless death has brought us Life eternal, peace, and rest; Only what your grace has taught us Calms the sinner's deep distress.

VERSE 3

Jesus, may our hearts be burning With more fervent love for you! May our eyes be ever turning To behold your cross anew Till in glory, parted never From the blessed Savior's side, Graven in our hearts forever Dwell the cross, the Crucified!

Text: Girolamo Savonarola, 1452-98

Tune: Arranged by Tracy Fedke

OPENING SONG—Jesus Refuge of the Weary

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Feel free to read the bolded portions out loud with pastor.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Minister: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION + ABSOLUTION M: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we

confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all

unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

C: For the wrong we have done, and all the good we have failed to do;

for angry deeds, for hurtful words, for uncharitable thoughts;

for self-centered living, and for failing to walk with humility and gentleness;

for longing to have what is not ours, and for failing to give thanks for what is ours;

for those sins we do not even remember committing:

Holy God, have mercy on us.

M: God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive

together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins

are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that

Christ may live in your hearts through faith.

C: Amen.

In every worship service we confess our sins then cling to the forgiveness that Jesus gives us. Confession is called the “heartbeat of the Christian.”

The name of the Triune God and sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms.

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PRAYER OF THE DAY M: O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the des-

pair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart

and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with

you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

GOD’S WORD

FIRST LESSON___ Acts 2:14a,32-41

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to

the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit

and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to

heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you

crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the

other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus

Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom

the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save your-

selves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were bap-

tized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

NIV

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SECOND LESSON 1 Peter 2:19-25

19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering

because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a

beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you

endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he

made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He

himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live

for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like

sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of

your souls. NIV

CHILDREN ’S MESSAGE

A short message designed for children that ties in with the sermon.

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SERMON Luke 24:13-35 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven

miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had hap-

pened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up

and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you

the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in

these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed be-

fore God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sen-

tenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was

going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addi-

tion, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t

find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was

alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had

said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have

spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And

beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the

Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were

going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is

almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give

it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from

their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked

with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with

them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to

Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized

by them when he broke the bread. NIV

The gospel of our Lord. Praise be to Christ.

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VICTORY OVER HEARTBREAK

Questions to consider while hearing the sermon:

1. What makes the Emmaus disciples so relatable for us?

2. Which 2 emotions associated with heartbreak show up here?

3. In what ways did the Emmaus disciples display their heartbreak?

4. What kills the humans soul?

5. Our heartbreak might be ____________ — _____________________________.

6. How does Christ restore hope?

7. In what ways did Jesus experience heartbreak?

8. How do we have hope kindled in our hearts the same way as the Emmaus disciples?

9. What does it mean to have a “heart burning within us”? What does it not mean?

10. This sentence revives the soul: I know that my ___________________________________!

Discussion questions: 1. What about this pandemic has disappointed or confused you the most?

2. Share a favorite Bible account or passage that makes your heart burn with hope.

3. Name some reasons the phrase “happy everyday” is a bad motto to live by.

4. Let’s share some hope! Name 2 things you’re really looking forward to right now.

(Join us virtually for theology on tap Tuesday night—we’ll discuss these questions and any others you want to talk about — email pastormelso@livinghopechatt.com to be part of it)

TRUTH — Christ’s victory lets us go from broken hearts to hearts burning with hope.

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OFFERING We collect offerings out of thanks for what God has done for us so that we can support Gospel work here and around the world. Thank you for continuing to support Living Hope’s ministry even in this time. We pray that one day soon we can pick up where we left off in our ministry plans. Thank you! Visit the webpage below to donate through Paypal. It’s quick and easy to do.

https://livinghopechatt.com/donate

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING M: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace. C: AMEN.

The historical “blessing of Aaron” (Numbers 6:24-26) has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years.

When Jesus’ disciples asked him how to pray he gave them the words of this prayer. (Matt. 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4) Since Jesus advises we pray this way, we say “The Lord’s Prayer” every Sunday.

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CLOSING SONG

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After the service you can confess your faith together as a family or just read the Creed on your own. This is always a good reminder of everything our Triune God does for us. APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was

buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He as-

cended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From

there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the

forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Christians have used the Apostles Creed since the first century to unite themselves together and to obey God’s invitation to “confess with our mouth and believe with our hearts” (Romans 10:9). You are invited to share this confession of faith with us but please do not feel obligated if you feel uncomfortable or have more questions.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming livestream services

Sundays in April + May—”Victorious” sermon series Victorious living empowered by the Spirit—May 10 Victory no matter what happens in this life—May 17 A victory to share with all people—May 24

Children’s Sunday School Jennifer Melso is going to continue giving children a Sunday school lesson and other at-home ideas for parents to do with their children. If you would like to get your kids involved please email her:

jdmelso91@gmail.com Connect with LIVING HOPE

Since we can’t have you fill out a handy connection card please just email pastor at pastormelso@livinghopechatt.com to be added to our email update list. We’d love to have you visit worship at Living Hope at Regal Cinemas Hamilton Place when we’re able to once again.

Special Assistance Fund

Living Hope has take some special donations in order to be able to supply some essentials to people in need within our congregation and others we’ve come in contact with. If you’d like to inquire about getting some help email: info@livinghopechatt.com. Or if you are self-quarantined and in need of assistance to pick up groceries or oth-er items please contact pastor. We have people willing and able to help or be run-ners to get you supplies. Now with the tornado doing its damage we’re also look-ing to help families in need by clearing debris and getting essential supplies.

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Foundations Bible Study We all want answers to life’s biggest questions. But the process for finding them often seems a bit intimidating. Where do I even start? How do I read the Bible? Will I even understand it? There’s no better place to start than by jumping into a Foundations Class. Foundations is a class designed to explore the good news that God has for us in his Word and gives an overview of the Christian faith. The class is now being offered via Google Hangouts or Zoom! We can go through the class at your own pace. If you’re stuck at home, now is a great time to take the class if you haven't yet. Email or text: pastormelso@livinghopechatt.com 423-933-2452

Bible Study—Theology on Tap—Tuesday, May 5 @ 7:00PM We’re unable to meet in person at Lupi’s for this study now but we’ll keep it going with a virtual format. For this study, each week we take a deeper look at Sundays ser-mon content and discuss how to apply that message to everyday life. We’ll use the discussion questions listed with the sermon to guide our conversation. If you want to join the discussion on Tuesday email pastormelso@livinghopechatt.com Or text 423-933-2452 We’ll get you setup with access to the class! And of course feel free to still grab a drink or bite to eat as we have good conversation in a laid-back setting.

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Pastor Eric Melso

423-933-2452

pastormelso@livinghopechatt.com

www.livinghopechatt.com

/livinghopechatt

@livinghopechatt

Hope for everyday!

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