Hey everyone! This is Pastor Jude and this is the first time I have ever put together a worship set. Dave was supposed to be leading worship this Sunday, but we decided we would let him focus on getting the team back from Peru. Be warned, I have no idea how these songs fit together musically; that is a realm way beyond any expertise I have. Rather, I put these songs together based on ideas and themes coming out of the sermon, as well as the context of our lives.

Pre-sermon Set

A Mighty Fortress I Our God – In light of the global pandemic and the social and societal ramifications of the COVID-19 virus, Martin Luther’s famous hymn reminds us of the sovereign protection that God has promised his people. I hope you sing the very first line with faith and hope: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”

Holy, Holy, Holy – With an Easter sermon focused on the suffering of Christ on our behalf, I wanted to remind God’s people that behind the sin and behind the salvation offered in Christ is the awesome reality of a holy God who must pursue justice in regards to evil and sin. The holiness of God requires he be satisfied. This truth stands behind the atonement. Further, the “Holy, Holy, Holy” refrain connects us to the 6^th chapter in the book of Isaiah, which is the book our passage comes from.

And Can It Be – One line from this hymn was on my mind for the entire time I prepared the sermon: “Died He for me, who caused His pain?” The shocking truth of our sin—my sin—being the cause of the Servant’s suffering is expressed clearly in the passage we consider today. If you have children, you may want to pose this question to your children before singing. This is a heavy reality, but one I want people to be thinking about as we open God’s Word.

Post-sermon Set

All I Have Is Christ – This sermon will expose us to the holiness of God, the judgment that sin requires, and the penal substitutionary sacrifice of the Servant. This song will resonate with every believer. All we have is Christ.

The Glories of Calvary – This song is an anthem focused on application of the gospel in our lives. “Lord, You're calling me to come/And behold the wondrous cross/To explore the depths of grace/That came to me at such a cost.” This is my prayer for you, that you would explore the depths of grace while beholding the wondrous cross throughout this Easter season. May the Lord take you deeper into the glories of Calvary.