GOOD FRIDAY
WORSHIP GUIDE
March 29, 6:30pm
MEDITATION & PREPARATION
(Please humble yourselves quietly and prepare your hearts.)
Quotes for Reflection:
“Ye who think of sin but lightly;
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly;
Here its guilt may estimate
Mark the Sacrifice Appointed;
See who bears the awful load
Tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.”
From the Hymn, “Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted”
“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” The old spiritual asks. And we must answer, “Yes, we were there.” Not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance). Indeed, ‘only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross may claim his share in its grace.’”
- John Stott, “The Cross of Christ”
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Pastor: Adam Williams
This evening, we are hearing the story of Jesus’s death through Scripture & Song. We come before the Throne of Grace and prepare our hearts to walk with Jesus to the Cross. Every word He spoke, every step He took and every action He performed was out of His great love for you. May this service guide you to treasure more deeply the love, grace and mercy of Christ.
Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
OPENING PRAYER
SONG #1: Man of Sorrows
Man of sorrows, Lamb of God,
by His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused,
beaten, mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father’s will
He took a crown of thorns
Chorus:
Oh that rugged cross, My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah!”
Praise and honor unto Thee
Sent of heaven, God’s own
Son to purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
who nailed Him to that tree
Now my debt is paid,
it is paid in full
By the precious blood
that my Jesus spilled
Now the curse of sin,
has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free,
Oh, is free indeed
(Repeat)
THE SUPPER
John 13:1-11, 21
Reader1:
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of the world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, beloved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
Reader2:
“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Reader3:
"…The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as your drink it, in remembrance of me.”
SONG #2: Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Man of Sorrows, what a name,
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude.
In my place condemned He stood
He sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Chorus:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Guilty, vile and helpless me,
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement can it be.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die.
“It is finished” was His cry
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King.
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we’ll sing.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Matthew 26:17-19
Reader4:
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:20–22
Reader5:
When it was evening, he reclined at the table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
CONFESSION OF SIN
Pastor: Adam Williams
In the Scriptures and throughout history, many false believers have “rejected the faith.” Those who claimed to be followers of Jesus, have betrayed Him. Knowing that we are just as weak as the first disciples and all other followers of Jesus, we too are “prone to wander,” capable of rejected the faith, walking in unrepentance and are potential betrayers of our Lord and Savior,, let us then confess our sinfulness to the Lord using the same words as his first disciples.
RESPONSIVE READING & CONFESSION:
Pastor: Jesus said to his disciples, “One of you will betray me.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said during his preaching, “Many who say to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will not enter the kingdom of heaven…I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doer.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said to Peter, “Truly, I tell you, you will deny me.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: The Apostle Paul said of one of his friends and partners in ministry, “he has fallen in love with the present world.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: The Apostle John said, “They went out from from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said to the church in Revelation, “You have abandoned (me), your first love.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: But Jesus promises to His sheep, that is all true believers, “I will not lose one of you. No-one will snatch you out of my hands. And I will always be with you.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: And Paul says of all true believers that “He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: “If you have placed your faith in Jesus, the Savior. Then yes, it is you.”
SONG #3: Nothing But The Blood
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my pardon, this I see.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing, this my plea.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow.
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing can for sin atone.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my hope and peace.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
John 13:26-32
Reader6:
So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Reader7:
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.
Matthew 26:24-25, 30
Reader8:
“The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
THE GARDEN
Matthew 26:36–44
Reader1:
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Reader2:
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Luke 22:43–44
Reader3:
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
SONG #4: Your Will Be Done
Your will be done my God and Father.
As in heaven so on earth
My heart is drawn to self-exalting.
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk.
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
How in that garden He persisted.
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience.
It was held by Him alone
What wondrous faith
to bear that cross
To bear the sin,
what wondrous love.
My hope was sure when there my Savior prayed.
Father, not my will but Yours be done
When I am lost, when I am broken.
In the night of fear and doubt
Still I will trust in my good Father.
Yes to one great King I bow
As Jesus rose, so I will rise.
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored
with all Your saints I sing
Father not my will but Yours be done
As we go forth our God and Father.
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high.
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home.
Now as Your church
we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
And in this Name we overcome.
For You shall see us safely home
Now as Your church we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
Matthew 26:45-46
Reader4:
Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Luke 22:47–53
Reader5:
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
John 18:11-14
Reader6:
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
SONG #5: How Deep The Father's Love For Us
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son.
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there.
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart.
His wounds have paid my ransom
THE TRIAL
Matthew 26:59–68
Reader7:
Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Matthew 27:15–31
Reader8:
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Pastor: Adam Williams
Just as the crowd cried out for the punishment of the One who came to bring salvation to sinners, we are just as guilty of Jesus’s death. As we will sing in a moment, it was our sin that nailed Him there. And just as Jesus became a substitute in the place of Barabbas, He came to take our place and the punishment that we deserve. So let us confess together with the crowd our role in sending Jesus to the Cross. Following this sober moment, we will have an extended time of silence as we reflect on what we have admitted.
RESPONSIVE READING
(Progressively get louder, even to the point of shouting, with each “Crucify Him.”
Let the power and significance of these words speak to you.)
Pastor: Let him be cursed that we may be blessed
ALL: Crucify Him
Pastor: Let him be cast out that we may be brought in
ALL: CRUCIFY Him
Pastor: Let him be wounded that we may be healed
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM.
Pastor: Let him become sin that we may become righteous
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!
Pastor: Let him be forsaken that we may be forgiven
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!
Pastor: Let him die that we may live
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!!
Pastor: Because we need a Savior, we cry out with the crowd
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!!!
[SILENCE]
for personal reflection, repentance & prayer
SONG #6: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed
Alas! And did my Savior bleed.
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head.
For such a wretch as I?
Was it for crimes that I had done.
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Chorus:
At the cross, at the cross,
where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart
rolled away
It was there by faith
I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Thus might I hide my blushing face.
While His dear cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness.
And melt my eyes to tears
But drops of grief can ne’er repay.
The debt of love I owe
Here, Lord, I give myself away.
’Tis all that I can do
It was there by faith.
I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Matthew 27:15–31
Pastor: Adam Williams
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
THE CRUCIFIXION
(The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross)
1st Word | Forgiveness Sought
Luke 23:26-34
Reader1:
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
[SILENCE]
2nd Word | Salvation Promised
Luke 23:39-43
Reader2:
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
[SILENCE]
3rd Word | Love Manifested
John 19:23-27
Reader3:
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
[SILENCE]
4th Word | Abandonment Questioned
Psalm 22:1–8,11,14-18
Reader4:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
Matthew 27:45-49
Reader5:
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
[SILENCE]
5th Word | Suffering Endured
John 19:28-29
Reader6:
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.
[SILENCE]
6th Word | The Work Completed
John 19:30a
Reader7:
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,”
[SILENCE]
7th Word | A Life Entrusted To God
Luke 23:44b-46a
Reader8:
There was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
[SILENCE]
Death | A Life Entrusted To God
Matthew 27:50-56
Reader1:
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
SONG #7: The Power of the Cross
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men.
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood
Chorus:
This the power of the cross.
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath.
We stand forgiven at the cross
Oh, to see the pain.
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Every bitter thought
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow
Now the daylight flees.
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head
Curtain torn in two.
Dead are raised to life
“Finished!” the victory cry
We stand forgiven, We stand forgiven,
We stand forgiven, WE STAND (4x)
Oh, to see my name.
Written in the wounds
For through Your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death.
Life is mine to live
Won through Your selfless love
THE BURIAL
Luke 23:50–54
Reader2:
Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
Matthew 27:62-66
Reader3:
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the
Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Luke 23:56
Pastor: Adam Williams
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
SONG #8: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
THE GOSPEL
(The Good News of Good Friday)
Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Reader4:
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
Reader5:
Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Reader6:
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed,
Reader7:
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth… Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Reader8:
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
GOSPEL MESSAGE: “Is it YOU?”
Pastor Adam Williams
Benediction:
Pastor Adam Williams
[SILENCE]
Please Remain Silent while in the Amphitheater.
You can greet friends and family in the Pavilion after exiting quietly.
Thank you!
Thank you to all of the participants from our partnering churches!
READERS:
Pastor:
Adam Williams (RiverCrest)
Reader 1:
Jason Prouse (Christ Community)
Reader 2:
Marsha Johnson(Cornerstone)
Reader 3:
Wayne Lown (Covenant Community)
Reader 4:
Dori Bolin (Rivercrest)
Reader 5:
Curt McDaniel (Lexington Pres.)
Reader 6:
Isabel Korn (Watershed)
Reader 7:
Jim Wright (Heritage)
Reader 8:
Hazel Livingston (Watershed)
MUSICIANS:
Matt Middleton:
Vocals/Acoustic Guitar (Watershed)
Katie Middleton:
Vocals (Watershed)
Eric Caldwell:
Electric Guitar (Watershed)
Shanez Padgett:
Keys (Christ Community)
Lily Boatwright:
Cello (Christ Community)
Kent Suits:
Drums (Christ Community)
Joshua Knott:
Bass (Cornerstone)
Merissa Ritch:
Vocals (Rivercrest)
Gregory Suits:
Cello Arrangements (Rivercrest)
We would love to welcome you to one of our churches for Easter Sunday!
Christ Community Church, PCA
144 E. Columbia Ave.
(Batesburg-Leesville)
Breakfast 9:00am I Worship 10:30am
www.ChristCommunityBL.com
Cornerstone Church, PCA
5637 Bush River Rd.
(Irmo)
Worship 11:00am
www.cornerstonesc.org
Covenant Community Church, PCA
1302 Old Orangeburg Rd.
(Red Bank)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 11:00am
www.growingnewlives.org
Heritage, PCA
2547 Rainbow Dr.
(West Columbia)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 11:00am
www.heritagepca.com
Lexington Presbyterian Church, PCA
246 Barr Road
(West Lexington)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 10:30am
www.lexpreschurch.com
Rivercrest Presbyterian Church, PCA
4766 Sunset Blvd.
(East Lexington)
Worship 8:30am & 10:30am
www.rivercrestpca.org
Watershed Fellowship, PCA
711 E. Main Street Old Mill
(Downtown Lexington)
Easter Brunch 8am-9:30am
Sunrise 7am I Worship 10:30am
www.watershedfellowship.org
MEDITATION & PREPARATION
(Please humble yourselves quietly and prepare your hearts.)
Quotes for Reflection:
“Ye who think of sin but lightly;
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly;
Here its guilt may estimate
Mark the Sacrifice Appointed;
See who bears the awful load
Tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.”
From the Hymn, “Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted”
“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” The old spiritual asks. And we must answer, “Yes, we were there.” Not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance). Indeed, ‘only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross may claim his share in its grace.’”
- John Stott, “The Cross of Christ”
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Pastor: Adam Williams
This evening, we are hearing the story of Jesus’s death through Scripture & Song. We come before the Throne of Grace and prepare our hearts to walk with Jesus to the Cross. Every word He spoke, every step He took and every action He performed was out of His great love for you. May this service guide you to treasure more deeply the love, grace and mercy of Christ.
Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
OPENING PRAYER
SONG #1: Man of Sorrows
Man of sorrows, Lamb of God,
by His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused,
beaten, mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father’s will
He took a crown of thorns
Chorus:
Oh that rugged cross, My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out, “Hallelujah!”
Praise and honor unto Thee
Sent of heaven, God’s own
Son to purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
who nailed Him to that tree
Now my debt is paid,
it is paid in full
By the precious blood
that my Jesus spilled
Now the curse of sin,
has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free,
Oh, is free indeed
(Repeat)
THE SUPPER
John 13:1-11, 21
Reader1:
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of the world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, beloved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
Reader2:
“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Reader3:
"…The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as your drink it, in remembrance of me.”
SONG #2: Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Man of Sorrows, what a name,
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude.
In my place condemned He stood
He sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Chorus:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Guilty, vile and helpless me,
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement can it be.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die.
“It is finished” was His cry
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King.
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we’ll sing.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Matthew 26:17-19
Reader4:
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:20–22
Reader5:
When it was evening, he reclined at the table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
CONFESSION OF SIN
Pastor: Adam Williams
In the Scriptures and throughout history, many false believers have “rejected the faith.” Those who claimed to be followers of Jesus, have betrayed Him. Knowing that we are just as weak as the first disciples and all other followers of Jesus, we too are “prone to wander,” capable of rejected the faith, walking in unrepentance and are potential betrayers of our Lord and Savior,, let us then confess our sinfulness to the Lord using the same words as his first disciples.
RESPONSIVE READING & CONFESSION:
Pastor: Jesus said to his disciples, “One of you will betray me.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said during his preaching, “Many who say to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will not enter the kingdom of heaven…I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doer.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said to Peter, “Truly, I tell you, you will deny me.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: The Apostle Paul said of one of his friends and partners in ministry, “he has fallen in love with the present world.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: The Apostle John said, “They went out from from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: Jesus said to the church in Revelation, “You have abandoned (me), your first love.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: But Jesus promises to His sheep, that is all true believers, “I will not lose one of you. No-one will snatch you out of my hands. And I will always be with you.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: And Paul says of all true believers that “He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”
ALL: “Is it I, Lord?”
Pastor: “If you have placed your faith in Jesus, the Savior. Then yes, it is you.”
SONG #3: Nothing But The Blood
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my pardon, this I see.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing, this my plea.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow.
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing can for sin atone.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my hope and peace.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
John 13:26-32
Reader6:
So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Reader7:
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.
Matthew 26:24-25, 30
Reader8:
“The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
THE GARDEN
Matthew 26:36–44
Reader1:
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Reader2:
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Luke 22:43–44
Reader3:
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
SONG #4: Your Will Be Done
Your will be done my God and Father.
As in heaven so on earth
My heart is drawn to self-exalting.
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk.
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
How in that garden He persisted.
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience.
It was held by Him alone
What wondrous faith
to bear that cross
To bear the sin,
what wondrous love.
My hope was sure when there my Savior prayed.
Father, not my will but Yours be done
When I am lost, when I am broken.
In the night of fear and doubt
Still I will trust in my good Father.
Yes to one great King I bow
As Jesus rose, so I will rise.
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored
with all Your saints I sing
Father not my will but Yours be done
As we go forth our God and Father.
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high.
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home.
Now as Your church
we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
And in this Name we overcome.
For You shall see us safely home
Now as Your church we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
Matthew 26:45-46
Reader4:
Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Luke 22:47–53
Reader5:
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
John 18:11-14
Reader6:
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
SONG #5: How Deep The Father's Love For Us
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son.
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there.
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart.
His wounds have paid my ransom
THE TRIAL
Matthew 26:59–68
Reader7:
Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Matthew 27:15–31
Reader8:
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Pastor: Adam Williams
Just as the crowd cried out for the punishment of the One who came to bring salvation to sinners, we are just as guilty of Jesus’s death. As we will sing in a moment, it was our sin that nailed Him there. And just as Jesus became a substitute in the place of Barabbas, He came to take our place and the punishment that we deserve. So let us confess together with the crowd our role in sending Jesus to the Cross. Following this sober moment, we will have an extended time of silence as we reflect on what we have admitted.
RESPONSIVE READING
(Progressively get louder, even to the point of shouting, with each “Crucify Him.”
Let the power and significance of these words speak to you.)
Pastor: Let him be cursed that we may be blessed
ALL: Crucify Him
Pastor: Let him be cast out that we may be brought in
ALL: CRUCIFY Him
Pastor: Let him be wounded that we may be healed
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM.
Pastor: Let him become sin that we may become righteous
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!
Pastor: Let him be forsaken that we may be forgiven
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!
Pastor: Let him die that we may live
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!!
Pastor: Because we need a Savior, we cry out with the crowd
ALL: CRUCIFY HIM!!!!
[SILENCE]
for personal reflection, repentance & prayer
SONG #6: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed
Alas! And did my Savior bleed.
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head.
For such a wretch as I?
Was it for crimes that I had done.
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Chorus:
At the cross, at the cross,
where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart
rolled away
It was there by faith
I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Thus might I hide my blushing face.
While His dear cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness.
And melt my eyes to tears
But drops of grief can ne’er repay.
The debt of love I owe
Here, Lord, I give myself away.
’Tis all that I can do
It was there by faith.
I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Matthew 27:15–31
Pastor: Adam Williams
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
THE CRUCIFIXION
(The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross)
1st Word | Forgiveness Sought
Luke 23:26-34
Reader1:
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
[SILENCE]
2nd Word | Salvation Promised
Luke 23:39-43
Reader2:
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
[SILENCE]
3rd Word | Love Manifested
John 19:23-27
Reader3:
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
[SILENCE]
4th Word | Abandonment Questioned
Psalm 22:1–8,11,14-18
Reader4:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
Matthew 27:45-49
Reader5:
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
[SILENCE]
5th Word | Suffering Endured
John 19:28-29
Reader6:
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.
[SILENCE]
6th Word | The Work Completed
John 19:30a
Reader7:
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,”
[SILENCE]
7th Word | A Life Entrusted To God
Luke 23:44b-46a
Reader8:
There was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
[SILENCE]
Death | A Life Entrusted To God
Matthew 27:50-56
Reader1:
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
SONG #7: The Power of the Cross
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men.
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood
Chorus:
This the power of the cross.
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath.
We stand forgiven at the cross
Oh, to see the pain.
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Every bitter thought
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow
Now the daylight flees.
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head
Curtain torn in two.
Dead are raised to life
“Finished!” the victory cry
We stand forgiven, We stand forgiven,
We stand forgiven, WE STAND (4x)
Oh, to see my name.
Written in the wounds
For through Your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death.
Life is mine to live
Won through Your selfless love
THE BURIAL
Luke 23:50–54
Reader2:
Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
Matthew 27:62-66
Reader3:
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the
Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Luke 23:56
Pastor: Adam Williams
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
SONG #8: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to a tree?
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
Oh – oh – oh…sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they laid Him in a tomb?
THE GOSPEL
(The Good News of Good Friday)
Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Reader4:
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
Reader5:
Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Reader6:
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed,
Reader7:
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth… Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Reader8:
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
GOSPEL MESSAGE: “Is it YOU?”
Pastor Adam Williams
Benediction:
Pastor Adam Williams
[SILENCE]
Please Remain Silent while in the Amphitheater.
You can greet friends and family in the Pavilion after exiting quietly.
Thank you!
Thank you to all of the participants from our partnering churches!
READERS:
Pastor:
Adam Williams (RiverCrest)
Reader 1:
Jason Prouse (Christ Community)
Reader 2:
Marsha Johnson(Cornerstone)
Reader 3:
Wayne Lown (Covenant Community)
Reader 4:
Dori Bolin (Rivercrest)
Reader 5:
Curt McDaniel (Lexington Pres.)
Reader 6:
Isabel Korn (Watershed)
Reader 7:
Jim Wright (Heritage)
Reader 8:
Hazel Livingston (Watershed)
MUSICIANS:
Matt Middleton:
Vocals/Acoustic Guitar (Watershed)
Katie Middleton:
Vocals (Watershed)
Eric Caldwell:
Electric Guitar (Watershed)
Shanez Padgett:
Keys (Christ Community)
Lily Boatwright:
Cello (Christ Community)
Kent Suits:
Drums (Christ Community)
Joshua Knott:
Bass (Cornerstone)
Merissa Ritch:
Vocals (Rivercrest)
Gregory Suits:
Cello Arrangements (Rivercrest)
We would love to welcome you to one of our churches for Easter Sunday!
Christ Community Church, PCA
144 E. Columbia Ave.
(Batesburg-Leesville)
Breakfast 9:00am I Worship 10:30am
www.ChristCommunityBL.com
Cornerstone Church, PCA
5637 Bush River Rd.
(Irmo)
Worship 11:00am
www.cornerstonesc.org
Covenant Community Church, PCA
1302 Old Orangeburg Rd.
(Red Bank)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 11:00am
www.growingnewlives.org
Heritage, PCA
2547 Rainbow Dr.
(West Columbia)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 11:00am
www.heritagepca.com
Lexington Presbyterian Church, PCA
246 Barr Road
(West Lexington)
Breakfast 9:30am I Worship 10:30am
www.lexpreschurch.com
Rivercrest Presbyterian Church, PCA
4766 Sunset Blvd.
(East Lexington)
Worship 8:30am & 10:30am
www.rivercrestpca.org
Watershed Fellowship, PCA
711 E. Main Street Old Mill
(Downtown Lexington)
Easter Brunch 8am-9:30am
Sunrise 7am I Worship 10:30am
www.watershedfellowship.org