In today’s Scripture reading, we will hear about the earliest years

Leader: In today’s Scripture reading, we will hear about the earliest years of the Christian church. What we find is a variety of messengers reaching diverse people groups, all with the same basic message: “Jesus is Lord! Turn to Him for forgiveness and life.”

Today, that same message comes to you: Jesus is Lord! Turn away from sin, which leads to death, and turn to Jesus for forgiveness and life. Let us turn to Jesus now in prayer, seeking His mercy and forgiveness:

People: Jesus, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have become blind to the sin in our hearts, producing pain and disaster in our lives. Turn our hearts back to you, that we would follow You in everything we do.

Silence for personal reflection

Leader: Hear this good news: Jesus died and rose again, promising life and forgiveness for all who turn to Him. What Jesus accomplished on the cross, He accomplished for you. When Jesus rose from the grave, He rose for you. Because of Jesus, your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen. Thank you, Jesus.