INTROIT: Praise God!  Christ arose same-as HE said.  Christ arose from the dead.  Praise God.  Give thanks to the Lord, because HE is good; HIS love continues forever.  Let HIS people now say that HIS mercy continues forever.  People pushed me and I almost fell, but the Lord helped me.  I will thank YOU because YOU answered me and saved me.  The stone that the builders threw-away now becomes the chief stone for the corner.  Now is the day that the Lord made; we will be-excited and be-happy in HIM.  Blessed is the person coming in the name of the Lord; in the house of the Lord we bless YOU.

COLLECT: O God, YOU gave YOUR only Son to suffer death on the cross for our salvation, and YOU freed us from the pain of death by Jesus' glorious arising.  Help us to kill our sins every day so-that we can live with Jesus forever in happiness.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 10:34-43
    34.  Then PETER spoke: "Now I truly understand.  God doesn't pet one person.
    35.  Indifferent your nation, if you honor God and you do correct things, God accepts you.
    36.  God sent HIS word to the Jewish people to announce peace in Jesus Christ...Jesus is the Lord reigning over all people.
    37.  You know the things that happened in the whole country of the Jews, after JOHN preached and baptized.
    38.  God gave to Jesus the Holy Spirit and power, and Jesus began in GALILEE and traveled around doing good and healing people bothered with evil spirits, because God was with Jesus.
    39.  We saw everything Jesus did in the Jewish country and in the Holy City, and we can tell about it.  The people crucified Jesus and killed HIM.
    40.  But God raised Jesus in the third day, and Jesus showed HIMSELF to us.
    41.  Not to everyone, but to those people God chose to be witnesses.  We ate and drank with Jesus after HE arose from the dead.
    42.  Jesus commanded us to preach to the people and warn the people that Jesus is the man God made to judge the living and dead people.
    43.  All the prophets announce that everyone believing in Jesus will have the forgiveness of sins."

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4
     1.  Now if you became alive with Christ, be-eager for the things in heaven.  That is the place that Christ reigns same-as God.
     2.  Continue thinking about heavenly things and not about the things on earth.
     3.  Because you died and your life now is-hidden with Christ in God.
     4.  Happens that Christ, the center of our life, comes with glory, then you will also go with HIM in glory.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

MATTHEW 28:1-10
     1.  After the worship day on the first day of the week early-in-the-morning, MARY MAGDALENE and the other MARY went to see the grave.
     2.  That morning happened an earthquake.  And angel came from heaven, moved the large stone from the door, and sat-down.
     3.  The angel's body shone brightly, and the clothes were white same-as snow.
     4.  The soldiers were frightened and stood paralyzed.
     5.  The angel said to the women, "Don't be-afraid.  I know you want to see Jesus.  HE died on the cross.
     6.  Jesus is not here.  Jesus arose the same-as HE said.  Come!  See the place HIS body laid here before.
     7.  Go quickly and tell Jesus' friends.  Jesus arose from the dead.  Jesus is-going to GALILEE.  You will see Jesus same-as I told you."
     8.  The women leaving the grave with surprise and joy hurried to tell the friends.
     9.  On the way to town the women met Jesus.  Jesus said, "Be-happy!"  The women knelt and touched HIS feet and worshipped HIM.
    10.  Then Jesus said, "Don't be-afraid.  Go, tell MY friends to go to GALILEE and they will see me there."
 
 

INTROIT: You must want the pure spiritual milk, same-as new born babies want milk, that you can grow in your faith, now that you tasted that the Lord is good.  Praise God!  Thank the Lord, shout HIS name, tell the nations all the things God did.  Sing to God, sing praise to HIM; tell all HIS wonderful works.  Give glory to HIS holy name; you people searching-for the Lord be-happy in your heart.  Search-for the Lord and HIS strength; search continually.  Remember the wonderful things HE did, HIS works and HIS judgments.  HE remembers HIS agreement forever that HE ordered for thousands of years.

COLLECT: Almighty God, we celebrated with happiness the day of our Lord's arising.  Now we ask for the help of YOUR love to show the power of the arising in all we say and all we do.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 2:14a, 22-32
    14.  Then PETER stood-up with the other friends and spoke loudly for all the people to hear.
    22.  "You people of ISRAEL, attend to these words!  Jesus from NAZARETH, God showed HIS agreement for this Man with wonderful happenings among you, same-as you know and remember very good.
    23.  But God, following HIS plan from long ago, let you take Jesus and use evil men to crucify HIM and kill HIM.
    24.  Then God freed Jesus from death and raised HIM, because death couldn't hold HIM.
    25.  DAVID wrote these words about Jesus, (Ps. 16:8-11) 'I always see the Lord in-front-of ME.  HE is at MY right hand.  HIS power helps ME.
    26.  Now MY heart is-happy, and I speak words of praise; also MY body rests with hope.
    27.  Because YOU will not leave MY soul in the grave, and YOU will not let the body of YOUR Holy Son dissolve.
    28.  YOU show ME ways of life; YOU fill ME with happiness, because YOU are with ME."
    29.  Dear friends and brothers and sisters, let me speak clearly to you about our grandfather DAVID.  He is dead and buried.  DAVID'S grave is still here today.
    30.  DAVID was a prophet.  He remembered God promised him that one of his sons will be the Christ and sit on his throne. (Ps. 89:3-4)
    31.  DAVID saw far into the future and spoke about the arising of Christ, that God would not leave HIS soul in the grave, and would not allow HIS body to dissolve. (Ps. 16:10)
    32.  God raised Jesus...and we all saw that happen!

I PETER 1:3-9
     3.  Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God in HIS great mercy gave us a new birth by raising Jesus Christ from the dead.
     4.  So-that we can live and hope for God's promised gift.  God's gift is holy; HIS gift can't be-destroyed; HIS gift is always here for us, and we will receive that gift in heaven.
     5.  The same-as you believe, you are protected by God's power until you receive your gift, and you will get that gift on the last day.
     6.  That makes us enjoyable, although now for a little time we must suffer various tests.
     7.  You know that gold is tested with fire to make the gold pure and gold can be destroyed.  Your faith is tested also to make you have a pure faith.  Then you will have praise and glory and honor on the day Jesus Christ comes again.
     8.  You never saw Jesus, but you love HIM.  You don't see HIM now, but you believe in HIM.
     9.  Your faith fills you with great happiness, and through your faith you will receive God's gift, the salvation of your soul.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

JOHN 20:19-31
    19.  On the first day of the week in the evening, the twelve friends locked the doors, because they feared the Jewish leaders.  Then Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace to you."
    20.  After Jesus said this, HE showed them HIS hands and HIS side.  Then the friends were happy because they saw the Lord.
    21.  Then Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you.  Same-as MY Father sent ME, I also send you."
    22.  After saying that, Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
    23.  If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins I forgive.  If you refuse to forgive their sins, I will not forgive their sins."
    24.  But THOMAS was not with the twelve friends during   Jesus' appearance, and THOMAS was one of the twelve.
    25.  Then the other friends told THOMAS, "We saw the Lord."  But THOMAS said, "Except I see the nail holes in HIS hands and except I touch it, and except my hand touches HIS side, I will not believe."
    26.  After eight days Jesus' friends again were in the house, and THOMAS was with them.  They locked the doors, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace to you."
    27.  Then Jesus said to THOMAS, "Your finger touch MY hand and see.  And touch MY side.  Don't doubt, but believe."
    28.  THOMAS answered, "My Lord and my God."
    29.  Jesus said to him, "Because you see ME, you believe?  Happy are people with faith in ME, indifferent they never seen ME."
    30.  Jesus did many other wonderful works in-front-of HIS friends, but all those things are not written in this book.
    31.  But this story is written in this book so-that you can believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  And through your faith you can have eternal life in Jesus' name.
 
 

INTROIT: With YOU, Lord, is perfect happiness.  Near YOUR right hand is happiness forver.  I shall praise YOU, O Lord, because YOU helped me, and YOU didn't let my enemies laugh at me.  O Lord, my God, I called to YOU and YOU healed me.  O Lord, YOU led my soul from the grave;  YOU saved me from going to hell.  Sing to the Lord, you dear people; praise HIS holy name.  Because HIS anger is for a short time, but HIS love stays for a long time;  crying maybe will continue all-night, but happiness begins in the morning.

COLLECT: O Almighty and eternal God, YOU show us that YOU finished saving us through the arising of our Lord Jesus, help us to show in our lives the same-as we confess with our lips.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 2:14a, 36-47
    14.  Then PETER stood-up with the other friends and spoke loudly for all the people to hear.
    36.  "Now, I want all people in ISRAEL to understand clearly...God made that same Jesus, you crucified HIM, God made HIM Lord and Christ (Promised Savior)."
    37.  These words from PETER bothered their consciences much.  They asked PETER and the other men, "Dear friends and brothers, what must we do?"
    38.  Then PETER answered them, "Change your hearts and get baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
    39.  Because this promise is for you and for your children, and to people in other nations, to every person our Lord calls."
    40.  And PETER continued to teach and encourage with many more words and warned, "Save yourselves from these stubborn and evil people."
    41.  Then the people that happily accepted PETER'S words got baptized.  On that day about 3,000 persons were added to the Church.
    42.  And the people continued believing the things Jesus' friends taught, and continued in fellowship, and continued with the Lord's Supper and with prayers.
    43.  Each person had a great respect, and the twelve friends did many wonderful works.
    44.  And all believers met together and shared everything they had with one-another.
    45.  They sold their lands and all they had and shared with poor people according to each one's need.
    46.  All the believers agreeing in heart went daily to the temple for worship; they met in homes for the Lord's Supper and enjoyed their meals with praise and thanksgiving.
    47.  They praised God, and all the people liked them.  Every day the Lord added to the Church those being saved.

I PETER 1:17-21
    17.  Happen you pray to God, you name HIM Father.  HE judges all people the same.  HE judges people by the things they do.  Now, during the time you live on earth, continue to honor HIM.
    18.  You know HE made you free from the old worthless life you had before.  God didn't use gold or money;  those things melt-away.
    19.  HE made you free with the expensive gift of the blood of Christ, the same-as the blood from a clean perfect lamb.
    20.  Before God made the world HE chose Christ.  And now Christ came to help you.
    21.  Through Jesus you believe in God.  HE made Jesus rise from the dead and give HIM glory.  Now you hope and trust in God.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

LUKE 24:13-35
    13.  On the same day Jesus arose from the dead two of Jesus' friends walked toward a city named EMMAUS, about seven miles past JERUSALEM.
    14.  The two men discussed about everything that happened to Jesus.
    15.  Then while they talked, Jesus HIMSELF met them and walked with them.  But their eyes remained dark, and the two men didn't-know HE was Jesus.
    16.  Jesus asked, "What are you two talking about?"
    17.  They stopped walking and stood with sad faces.
    18.  One of the men, named CLEOPAS, said, "You are the only visitor in JERUSALEM not knowing the things that happened here the past few days?"
    19.  Jesus said, "Why?  What happened?  Explain to ME."  CLEOPAS answered, "All the things that happened to Jesus from NAZARETH...Jesus was a wonderful prophet.  Both God and all the people honored Jesus' words and deeds.
    20.  But our chief priests and leaders condemned Jesus to death and crucified HIM.
    21.  We hoped Jesus would save the Jewish nation.  But Jesus got killed three days ago.
    22.  And now several women from our group surprised us.  Early this morning the women went to the grave.
    23.  But they couldn't find the body of Jesus.  The women came to us saying they saw a vision of angels.  The angels said that Jesus is alive.
    24.  Then several of our friends went to the grave and saw the empty grave same-as the women said.  But our friends didn't see Jesus.
    25.  Jesus said, "You foolish men!  You are slow to believe everything the prophets wrote!
    26.  The Savior must suffer that way, then enter HIS glory, Correct?"
    27.  Then Jesus explained to them all the writings about the Savior, beginning with the books of MOSES and the books of the prophets.
    28.  They finally came near the city.  Jesus seemed HE was going  father.  But the two men said,
    29.  "No, please stay with us.  The time is almost night, and it's becoming dark now."  Jesus accepted the invitation and stayed with them.
    30.  Happened all the men sat to eat, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke the bread and gave it to the men.
    31.  Then their eyes opened, and they knew that Man was Jesus!  But then Jesus disappeared.
    32.  The two men said to one-another, "Truly our hearts burned while Jesus talked with us on the road and while HE explained the Holy Writings to us, Correct?"
    33.  Then quickly the two men leaving went to JERUSALEM and found the eleven friends and all the people with them.
    34.  And the eleven friends said, "The Lord is really risen!  Jesus appeared in-front-of SIMON!"
    35.  The two men explained everything that happened on the road, and the way Jesus showed HIMSELF through the breaking of the bread.
 
 

[A]
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

INTROIT: I am the Good Shepherd; I know MY sheep and MY sheep know ME, and I give-up MY life for the sheep.  The Lord is my shepherd, I need nothing.  HE makes me lay-down in green growing places, HE leads me near the quiet rivers, HE supports my soul. HE leads me on the correct ways because-of HIS name. Happens I walk through the dark valley named death, I will not fear trouble, because YOU are with me.  YOUR wooden stick and YOUR shepherd's staff comfort me.  YOU prepare for me a table in-front-of my enemies; YOU pour perfume on my head;  my cup is full and overflowing.  Yes, YOUR goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord's house forever.

COLLECT: Almighty God, mercy filled Father, because YOU awake from death the Shepherd of YOUR sheep, fill us with the Holy Spirit that we will hear the voice of our Shepherd and follow HIM that sin and death will never take-away us from YOU.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60
     1.  During these days the number of Christians grew larger, and the Greek people complained that the Greek WIDOW ladies speaking only Greek the people forgot about them and they didn't receive much food during the daily sharing of food the-same-as those WIDOW ladies speaking Jewish.
     2.  Now the twelve friends called a meeting of all believers and said, "It is not correct for us to stop teaching God's Word and instead serve tables.
     3.  Now then, dear brothers, look around among you and choose seven men -- good, honest men, full with the Holy Spirit and wisdom -- and let them control this food program.
     4.  Then we can use our time to pray, and to preach, and teach God's Word."
     5.  The whole group accepted this idea.  Now they chose names: STEPHEN, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; PHILIP; PROCHORUS; NICANOR; TIMON; PARMENAS; and NICOLAS -- he joined the Jewish Church at ANTIOCH.
     6.  These seven men stood in-front-of Jesus' twelve friends and they prayed for them and laid their hands on them in blessing.
     7.  God's Word continued to spread, and the number of followers in JERUSALEM grew and grew greatly.  Also a large group of Jewish priests believed and obeyed God's Word.
     8.  STEPHEN received a great blessing.  God gave STEPHEN power to do wonderful works and to show proof from God to the people.
     9.  But some Jewish people from one of the churches came and argued with STEPHEN.  Their Jewish church was for people from CYRENE and ALEXANDRIA.  All the people came and argued with STEPHEN.
   7:2.  STEPHEN answered, "My Jewish fathers and brothers, attend to me.
    51.  You stubborn Jewish leaders!  You haven't given your hearts to God!  You won't listen to HIM! You are always against the things the Holy Spirit tells you.  Your fathers did the same thing, and now you are same-as them.
    52.  Your fathers did bad things to every prophet.  Those prophets said long ago that Jesus would come.  But your fathers killed those prophets.  And now you are against Jesus and you killed HIM.
    53.  You are the people that received the law of MOSES.  God gave you this law through HIS angels, but you don't obey this law!"
    54.  The Jewish leaders heard STEPHEN say those things, and they became angry.  They stood grinding-their-teeth at STEPHEN.
    55.  But STEPHEN was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked to the sky, and he saw God's glory with Jesus standing at the right.
    56.  STEPHEN said, "Look! I see heaven open.  And I see the Son of Man standing near God at the right!"
    57.  Then all the Jewish leaders shouted with a loud voice.  They covered their ears with their hands, and ran together against STEPHEN.
    58.  They lead STEPHEN outside the city and threw rocks at him until he died.  They spoke lies about STEPHEN, and gave their coats to a young man named SAUL to hold.
    59.  STEPHEN prayed during this time and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"
    60.  STEPHEN fell-down kneeling and shouted, "Lord, don't blame them for this sin!"  Then he died.  And SAUL agreed that was a good thing to kill STEPHEN.

I PETER 2:19-25
    19.  It is a fine thing if a person wants to please God and patiently suffers while someone does wrong against him.
    20.  You get no praise if you sin and you patiently accept the punishment for that sin.  But if you patiently accept the punishment for doing good, then you get the praise from God.
    21.  This is God's plan for you, because Jesus HIMSELF accepted the punishment for you, and Jesus gave the example to you, so that you will follow Jesus' way.
    22.  Jesus never sinned, and Jesus never spoke one lie.
    23.  Happened other people mocked Jesus, then Jesus didn't mock them.  Happened Jesus suffered pain, no angry words did Jesus speak; but Jesus let the righteous judge, God, decide the correct and wrong things.
    24.  Jesus accepted our sins and gave HIS body to be nailed to the cross, so that our sins would die on that cross, and we would begin a new righteous life.  By Jesus' bleeding-hands you become healed.
    25.  You were the same-as lost sheep, but now you come again to the Shepherd taking-care of you.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

JOHN 10:1-10
     1.  "Honestly I tell you, if a man doesn't enter the sheep yard through the door, but he enters another way, that man is a thief and steals.
     2.  But the Shepherd of the sheep enters through the door.
     3.  The gate keeper opens-the-gate to HIM, and the sheep hear HIS voice, and HE calls to HIS sheep with their names, and HE leads them out.
     4.  After HE leads all HIS sheep out, then the Shepherd goes first and the sheep follow HIM, because they know HIS voice.
     5.  They will not follow another man, but they escape from him, because they don't-know the voice of the other man."
     6.  Jesus told this hard picture language to HIS friends, but they didn't understand HIS words to them.
     7.  Again Jesus said, "Honestly I tell you, I am the only door for the sheep.
     8.  All the other men before ME were thieves and stole;  but the sheep didn't attend to them.
     9.  I am the only door.  If anyone enters through ME, then God saves him.  And he will enter and leave and find good food.
    10.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came because then they can have life and have life much better."
 
 

[A]
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

INTROIT: In a short time you will not see ME, and then later you will see ME.  I will give glory to YOU, my God, my King, and I will praise YOUR name forever.  Every-day I will praise YOU and celebrate YOUR name forever.  The Lord is full-of mercy and kindness, slow to anger and full-of much love.  All YOUR works will thank YOU, O Lord, and YOUR holy people will praise YOU.  My mouth will speak words of praise to the Lord, and let all people praise HIS holy name forever.

COLLECT: O God, make the wishes of YOUR faithful people the same-as YOUR wishes.  Make us love the things YOU command and make us want to have the gifts that YOU promise.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 17:1-15
     1.  PAUL and SILAS traveled through the cities named AMPHIPOLIS and APOLLONIA and came to the city named THESSALONICA.  That city had a Jewish church.
     2.  PAUL went to the Jewish church every Saturday for three weeks to discuss the Holy Writings with the people.
     3.  PAUL explained the Holy Writings and showed the promised Savior must suffer, die and arise from death, and that Jesus is the promised Savior.
     4.  Some of the Jews, and some of the Greek people believing in God, and many of the wives of the leaders believed the words of PAUL and SILAS.
     5.  But the Jewish people not believing became jealous, and they hired some bad men from the city to begin trouble in the city.  They went to the house of the man named JASON searching for PAUL and SILAS.
     6.  But they didn't find them, and so they pulled JASON and some other Christians and brought them in-front-of the city officials.  The people shouted, "Those two men made trouble all over the world  and now they are here.
     7.  They are visiting JASON'S house.  They speak against the laws of the Roman king by teaching about another king named Jesus."
     8.  The leaders of the city and the people became upset.
     9.  JASON and the other believers must pay a tax, but then they were freed.
    10.  That same night the believers sent PAUL and SILAS to another city named BEREA.  PAUL and SILAS went also to the Jewish church again.
    11.  The Jewish people in BEREA were better people than the people in THESSALONICA, because they eagerly studied the Holy Writings and wanted to know if these things were true.
    12.  Many of the Jewish people, and important Greek men, and women believed in Jesus.
    13.  But happened the not believing Jews from THESSALONICA heard that PAUL preached in BEREA, then they came to BEREA and made trouble for PAUL and SILAS.
    14.  Now the believers sent PAUL away in a boat quickly.  But SILAS and TIMOTHY satyed in BEREA.
    15.  Some believers went with PAUL to the city named ATHENS.  These believers then went home again with a letter from PAUL to SILAS and TIMOTHY asking them to come to ATHENS shortly.

I PETER 2:4-10
     4.  Come to Jesus, the living Rock.  People didn't-want Jesus, but God chose Jesus same-as a precious Rock.
     5.  And let yourselves become built same-as living stones to make a spiritual temple, make yourselves holy priests bringing spiritual gifts that God happily accepts through Jesus Christ.
     6.  The Holy Writings says, "See, I am putting an important stone in the city named ZION, and if you believe in HIM, you will never be-disappointed.
     7.  HE is precious to you believers, but to those non-believers throwing-away that Rock, HE becomes the chief important stone;
     8.  A stone that the non-believers will fall-over and give them much trouble, because they go against HIM, and that is God's purpose.
     9.  But you are a special people, same-as priests and kings, you are a holy group, saved by God so that you can tell about HIS wonderful works.
    10.  HE brought you out of darkness named sin into the light from heaven.  In the past you weren't a group a people, but now you are God's people.  In the past you received no mercy, but now you received God's mercy.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

JOHN 14:1-12
     1.  Jesus says, "Don't feel troubled.  Believe in God, and believe in ME.
     2.  In MY Father's house are many rooms.  If that wasn't true, then I would tell you, because I am going to prepare a place for you.
     3.  And happens I leave and prepare a place for you, I will come again and bring you home with ME so that you will be in the same house that I live.
     4.  You know the place I am going."
     5.  THOMAS said to Jesus, "Lord, we don't-know the place you are going.  How can we know the way?"
     6.  Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through ME.
     7.  If you learned to know ME, you will also know MY Father.  From now-on you know God and finished seen God."
     8.  PHILLIP said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father; that's enough proof for us."
     9.  Jesus answered, "I stayed with all of you a long time, and you don't-know ME?  PHILLIP, if you see ME, you finished seen the Father.  Why do you ask to show you the Father?
    10.  Do you believe I am in the Father and the Father is in ME?  The things I tell you don't come from ME, but the Father living in ME tells you these things.
    11.  Believe ME; I am in the Father, and the Father is in ME.  Or believe ME because of the wonderful works I do.
    12.  I tell you the truth, if you believe in ME, you will do the same wonderful works I do, and you will do greater things, because I am going to the Father."
 
 

INTROIT: Come and listen, all you people honoring God; let me tell-you the things God did for me.  Shout with happiness to God all you on earth!  Sing about the glory of HIS name; give glory to God with praise!  Praise your God, all you nations, let all people hear your praise; because God keeps us alive and doesn't let our feet slip.  Praise God, because HE heard my prayers and showed much love to me.

COLLECT: Lord, because YOU promised to give us the things we ask in the name of YOUR only Son, teach us correctly to pray and with all YOUR holy people to give-YOU worship and praise.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 17:22-31
    22.  Then PAUL stood in-front-of the city leaders on MARS hill and said, "Men of the city named ATHENS, I see you are religious in every way.
    23.  While I walked through your city, I saw the things you worship, and I saw an altar with the words written 'To the Not Known God'.  Now I will tell you about this God that you don't-know.
    24.  That God made the whole world and everything in the world, and HE is the Lord reigning over the land and the sky.  HE doesn't live in a temple built by people.
    25.  That God gives life and breath and everything to people.  HE doesn't need any help from people.  God has everything HE needs.
    26.  God started with one man, and then made all the different people living in the world.  God decided the time and place they should live.
    27.  God wanted the people to search-for HIM and find HIM, because HE is not far from any of us.
    28.  We live and move and are with HIM.  Some of your poets said, 'We are HIS children.'
    29.  We are God's children, and now you must not think that God is same-as gold, silver, or stone, carved from a man's imagination.
    30.  In the past people didn't understand God, but God forgave that.  But now God tells all people to show sorrow for their sins.
    31.  God decided a specific day that HE will judge all people in the world.  God chose Jesus a long time ago for that job, and God proved that by Jesus arising from death!"

I PETER 3:15-22
    15.  Honor Christ in your hearts.  Let Jesus be king.  Always be-ready to answer to anyone asking you to explain your hopes, but show kindness and respect.
    16.  Keep a humble heart, so-that those people criticizing your good life in Christ will feel ashamed about their criticism.
    17.  If God wants that to happen, truly better to suffer for doing correct things, than to suffer for doing wrong things.
    18.  Because Christ died once for our sins;  the holy Jesus died for us guilty sinners; so-that Jesus can bring us in-front-of God.  Jesus' body died, but the Holy Spirit made Jesus become alive.
    19.  And HIS Spirit went and preached to the spirits in jail.
    20.  Those spirits refused to obey God a long time ago during the days of NOAH.  God waited patiently for them while NOAH built the boat.  Only eight people were-saved by the water.
    21.  Same now water saves you in baptism.  That isn't washing dirt from your body, but asking God for a pure heart, because Jesus arose from death.
    22.  Now Jesus ascended to heaven and reigns over all angels, all kings, and all powers.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

JOHN 14:15-21
    15.  If you love ME, you will do the things I command.
    16.  And I will ask the Father, and HE will give you another Comforter to stay with you forever.
    17.  That Comforter is the true Holy Spirit.  Non-believers can't accept HIM, because they don't see and don't-know HIM.  You know HIM, because HE lives with you, and HE will be in your heart.
    18.  I will not drop you same-as children without parents.  I will come again to you.
    19.  In a short time people will not see ME anymore.  But you will see ME.  Because I will live again, you also will live again.
    20.  Then you will know that I am together-with the Father, and you together-with ME, and I together-with you.
    21.  If you know MY Commandments and obey that, then you show your love for ME.  And if you love ME, MY Father will love you, and I will love you, and I will show MYSELF to you.
 
 

INTROIT: God ascended with shouting; the Lord ascended with trumpets.  The Lord God says to my Lord: "Sit near MY right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."  The Lord promised and HE will not change; "You are a priest forever, same-as the family MELCHIZEDEK."  The Lord near your right hand will destroy kings in the day of HIS anger.

COLLECT: Almighty God, we believe YOUR only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into heaven, we ask that we can also with heart and mind ascend and continually live in heaven with HIM.  HE lives and reigns with YOU, Father, and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 1:1-11
     1.  Dear friend of God, in the book I wrote before, I told about everything that Jesus did and taught.
     2.  Until that day Jesus went-up to heaven after HE gave orders from the Holy Spirit to HIS chosen friends.
     3.  After Jesus' suffering and crucifixion HE in many ways with strong proofs showed HIS friends HE was-alive while HE appeared to them for 40 days and talked to them about the kingdom of God.
     4.  Meeting with HIS followers, Jesus commanded them not to depart from the city JERUSALEM, but to wait for the promise from the Father - Jesus before told them about that promise.
     5.  Jesus reminded them, "JOHN baptized with water, but in a few days you will get-baptized with the Holy Spirit."
     6.  Again, happened Jesus met with HIS followers, they asked HIM, " Lord, do YOU intend now to establish again the free kingdom of ISRAEL?"
     7.  And Jesus answered them, "It-is-not for you to know the plans of the Father.  Only HE has the power to decide the time and day.
     8.  But happens the Holy Spirit comes on you, then you will receive power and will teach and preach about ME 1) in JERUSALEM; 2) in all JUDEA; 3) in SAMARIA; and 4) to the far places on earth."
     9.  Happened Jesus finished speaking, while the followers watched, HE ascended, and a cloud took-hid HIM and they couldn't see HIM anymore.
    10.  While they stood staring-up into the sky watching Jesus ascend, two persons clothed in white stood next-to them.
    11.  The two asked, "You men from the country GALILEE, why do you stand here staring-up into the sky?  That Jesus, exact same-as you see HIM ascend - HE will come-down here again exact same-as you see HIM go-up!"

EPHESIANS 1:16-23
    16.  I remember you in my prayers and always thank God for you.
    17.  I ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, to give-you HIS Spirit to make you wise and to show the truth to you while you are learning to know HIM better.
    18.  And to open your minds so-that you will know the reason HE called you, the wonderful glorious gift HE gives to all HIS holy people.
    19.  And the great power working in us believers.
    20.  That is the same power that arose Jesus from the dead and made Jesus the King in heaven;
    21.  Reigning over all kings, government people, strong leaders, lords, and every person in this world and in heaven.
    22.  And God put everything under Jesus' reign, and made Jesus the Chief reigning over all the Church.
    23.  The Church is HIS body-group, and HE fills every part of HIS body-group in every way.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

LUKE 24:44-53
    44.  Then Jesus said to them, "These are MY words I spoke to you, while I was with you.  I finished all things the law of MOSES and the prophets and the PSALMS wrote about ME."
    45.  Then HE opened their minds, and they understood the Holy Writings.
    46.  And HE said to them, "In the Holy Writings we read, 'Christ must suffer and arise from the dead on the third day.
    47.  And people must preach REPENTANCE and forgiveness of sins in Christ's name to all nations beginning in the city JERUSALEM.'
    48.  You are WITNESSES about these things.
    49.  I will send to you the One MY Father promised.  Wait in the city until you receive the power from heaven."
    50.  Jesus led them out to the place named BETHANY, and HE raised-HIS-hands and blessed them.
    51.  While Jesus blessed them, HE ascended and went to heaven.
    52.  They knelt and worshipped Jesus, and then happily went again to the city JERUSALEM.
    53.  And they continually were in the temple praising God.
 
 

INTROIT: Hear, O Lord, I pray to YOU; show mercy to me and answer me.  The Lord is my light and my savior; I will not fear.  One thing I asked the Lord;  that is the thing I search-for; that I can live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to look-at the beauty of the Lord, and to think about HIS temple.  Because in the time of trouble HE will hide me safe in HIS room; HE will hide me in HIS tent; HE will put me high on a rock.  Happens my father and mother depart from me, then the Lord will accept me.  Wait for the Lord; stay strong;  let your heart be-brave; wait for the Lord.

COLLECT: O King of glory, Lord of heaven, YOU live in heaven, we ask YOU please don't leave us without comfort, but send us the Spirit of Truth that YOU promised to us.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, YOUR Son, our Lord.  Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God.  Amen.

ACTS 1:8-14
     8.  But happens the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will receive power and will teach and preach about ME, first, in JERUSALEM; second, in all JUDEA; third, in SAMARIA; and fourth, to the farthest places on earth."
     9.  Jesus finished speaking, and while HIS followers watched, Jesus ascended and a cloud hid HIM.  They couldn't see HIM anymore.
    10.  While they stood watching the sky, two persons clothed in white stood next-to them.
    11.  The two asked, "You men from GALILEE, why do you stand here watching the sky?  That Jesus, exact same-as you see HIM ascend -- HE will come-down here again -- exact same-as you see HIM ascend!"
    12.  Then the followers went again from Mt. OLIVES to JERUSALEM about one-half mile away.
    13.  They arrived in the city and went to the room place they since lived -- names - PETER, JOHN, JAMES and ANDREW; PHILIP and THOMAS; BARTHOLOMEW and MATTHEW; JAMES, the son of ALPHAEUS, SIMON the ZEALOT, and JUDAS, the son of JAMES.
    14.  All these men stayed together and continued praying eagerly.  With them were the women; also MARY, the mother of Jesus, and HIS brothers.

I PETER 4:12-17, 5:6-11
    12.  My friends, surprise not because God tests you with painful things.  That is not a strange happening.
    13.  Be-happy, because you share in Jesus' suffering, the same you will share with Jesus' happiness on the day Jesus comes-down.
    14.  But if people now mock you because you love Christ, be-happy, because God's glorious Spirit is in you.  They speak evil against God, but you give glory to God.
    15.  None of you should suffer same-as a murderer, robber, evil doer, or same-as a person bothering in other people's business.
    16.  But if you suffer because you love Christ, don't feel ashamed, but praise God for HIS name.
    17.  Now is the time of judgment to begin with God's people.  And if God begins with us, then what will happen to those people refusing to listen to God's Good Story?
   5:6.  Become humble under God's almighty hand.  Then God will honor you at the correct time.
     7.  Give all your worries to HIM, because HE takes-care of you.
     8.  Reign yourselves and be-careful!  The devil is your enemy, and the devil same-as a hungry lion searches-for some person to eat.
     9.  Refuse to follow the devil and stay a strong believer.  You know your Christian friends all over the world suffer same-as you.
    10.  Yes! You must suffer for a short time, but then God will make you perfect, strong, and support you.  God is full of love and HE called you through Jesus to share in HIS glory.
    11.  HE has all power forever. Amen.

GRADUAL: Christ arose from the dead.  God the Father blessed Jesus with honor and glory.  God made Jesus the King to reign everything God made; God put everything under Jesus' feet.

JOHN 17:1-11
     1.  Jesus looked-up to heaven and said, "Father, the time is now ready to give glory to YOUR Son, so-that YOUR Son can show YOUR glory.
     2.  Because YOU gave to ME power over all people, so-that I can give eternal life to all MY followers.
     3.  This gift of eternal life is for those knowing the only true God and knowing that YOU sent ME.
     4.  I showed YOUR glory here on earth by finishing the work YOU gave ME to do.
     5.  And now, Father, give to ME the glory to reign with YOU the same-as I reigned before the world began.
     6.  I informed about your name to the people YOU gave ME in the world.  Those people united to YOU, and YOU gave them to ME, and they obeyed YOUR Word.
     7.  Now they know, everything I have comes from you.
     8.  Because I told them everything YOU told ME.  And they accepted and learned the truth that I came from YOU, and they believe YOU sent ME.
     9.  I pray for them.  I don't pray for all people in the world, but I pray for those people YOU gave ME, because they are-united to YOU.
    10.  Everything I have, that is YOURS, and everything YOU have, that is MINE.  And I receive glory from those people.
    11.  I will no more stay in the world, but they stay in the world.  I am-coming to stay with YOU, holy Father, take-care-of those people that YOU gave to ME, so-that they will continue one united group the same-as WE are-united in one.