May 3rd, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"The Way that Wears a Face" (John 14:1-14)

Lectionary Readings — Fifth Sunday of Easter — May 3, 2026

Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5,15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14

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Call to Worship (based on John 14:1-14)

Leader: Do not let your hearts be troubled.

People: We believe in God; we believe also in You, Lord Jesus.

Leader: In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I go to prepare a place for you.

People: We come today as those who belong to You — welcomed, known, and not forgotten.

Leader: Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

People: No one comes to the Father except through You. You alone are our way home.

Leader: If you know me, you will know my Father also.

People: We gather to know You more — to see the Father revealed in the Son.

Leader: Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these.

People: Send us out as those who carry Your presence into the world.

Leader: Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

All: We come in Your name, Lord Jesus. Glorify the Father through us — in our worship, our witness, and our lives. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Acts 7:55-60)

Let us pray:

Gracious Father,

We come before You this morning with eyes lifted toward the One who is seated at Your right hand — the Lord Jesus Christ, exalted above every power, crowned with glory after His suffering. Like Stephen, who gazed past the hostility of this world and fixed his eyes on heaven, we ask that You grant us that same clarity of vision — the ability to see what is eternal when what is temporary presses in.

We confess, Father, that we do not always stand with Stephen’s courage. Forgive us for the times we have softened our witness, silenced our testimony, or turned away from what faithfulness cost. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to speak the truth with grace, to live without apology for the gospel, and to trust that our lives — like his — are held in Your hands.

And where we have been wronged — where resentment has taken root — pour out in us the mercy that marked Stephen’s final breath. Give us the grace to pray for those who have hurt us, to release what You alone have the right to judge, and to leave justice in Your keeping.

As we gather now around Your Word, open our hearts to receive it fully. May what we hear today shape not only our understanding, but our willingness — to follow Christ wherever faithfulness leads.

In the name of Jesus, who stands to welcome those who are faithful,

Amen.

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[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]

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Sermon Outline: "THE WAY THAT WEARS A FACE"

Based on John 14:1-14

I. A Promise for Troubled Hearts (vv. 1–3)

II. A Path for Searching Souls (vv. 4–6)

III. A Portrait of the Father (vv. 7–11)

IV. A Power for Faithful Hands (vv. 12–14)

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Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers