Not of This World: A Worship Reflection for April 6, 2025

This Sunday, Pastor Russell is bringing us back into sacred ground as part of his sermon series “The Longest Prayer: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”, Jesus' final prayer in John 17. As Jesus prepares for the cross, He prays not just for His disciples, but for us. And tucked inside this intimate conversation with the Father is one of the most powerful truths about the Christian life: we are not of this world (John 17:14-16).



We live in the world, but our identity, our hope, and our missions do not come from this world. As Christians, these fundamentals are rooted in Jesus rather than culture, or politics, or popularity. This week’s worship set is built around that tension: how to live with purpose, love, and joy in a world we are called to influence, not imitate.

Opening Song 1: "They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" (#494)

We begin with a classic that answers the question: What sets us apart? Not just our beliefs, but our love. If our lives were a TV show, this particular season of “Earth 2025” is all about division and self-promotion. But Jesus says people will know we belong to Him by our sacrificial unity and care for one another. This song is a declaration of identity and purpose.

Opening Song 2: "House of the Lord" – Phil Wickham

Next, it’s partytime! We move into joyful celebration that we’re not of this world, nor are joyless exiles- we are alive in the presence of God! This song reminds us that even in hard times, we have reason to rejoice: because we gather not in fear, but in the house of the Lord!

Reflective Hymn After Prayer: "Graves Into Gardens" – Elevation Worship

After prayer, we shift to personal reflection. This song is a testimony of transformation- how God takes what is broken, buried, and dead, and brings life. The way I see it, the world has nothing better to offer than what we’ve found in Christ. “There’s nothing better than You” is more than a lyric- it’s a confession of being set apart.

Anthem: "We Are" – Kari Jobe

This is our declaration moment. “We are the light of the world” - straight from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 and echoed in His prayer in John 17. We don’t hide, we don’t blend in- we shine! This song challenges us to live with courage, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be different.

Communion: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (#195)

There’s no greater reminder of why we’re not of this world than the cross. The world sees weakness; we see victory. The world clings to pride; we kneel in awe. This hymn leads us into the heart of our faith: the sacrificial love of Christ that redefines everything.

Benediction: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (#585)

We close with the truth that even though we are not of this world, we are not alone in it. Jesus walks with us, bears our burdens, and calls us friend. What a privilege! It’s the comfort we need as we step back into the world- different, but not distant; set apart, but deeply engaged.

This Sunday, let this worship set do more than stir emotion- let it shape identity. You are not of this world. You are sent, loved, changed, and empowered. Let’s live like it! See you Sunday!