You can also view the scriptures for “The Best Scriptures for an Easter Worship Service.”
The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in “A Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection” are listed for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! 49 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. Psalm 18:46, 49
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” Matthew 28:1-3, 5-9
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—. . . . 32 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 47 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior! 50 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 32, 47, 50*
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. 1 Chronicles 16:23-29
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” Mark 16:1-7
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. Habakkuk 1:12ab*
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
11 “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11
6 No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. 7 Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Jeremiah 10:6-7ab*
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior! 50 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.” 2 Samuel 22:47, 50
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! 49 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. Psalm 18:46, 49
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; 2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. 4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty. 5 Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days. Psalm 93:1-2, 4-5*
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
1 Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:1-2
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:6-9
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 10 All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. 11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. Psalm 145:1-2, 4-7, 10-13a*
12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. Habakkuk 1:12ab*
11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. Luke 7:11-17
The Best Introductions to Singing for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior! 50 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.” 2 Samuel 22:47, 50
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! 49 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. Psalm 18:46, 49
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; . . . . 1 Chronicles 16:9-10, 23-25*
1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” Psalm 66:1-4
1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; . . . . Psalm 96:1-4*
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; 5 make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Psalm 98:1, 4-6
14 They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the LORD’s majesty. 16 From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” Isaiah 24:14, 16a*
14 Sing . . . ; shout aloud . . . ! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart . . . ! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King . . . is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:14-15, 17*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
11 The LORD said . . . , “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?” Numbers 14:11*
5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6
29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Matthew 22:29
24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” Mark 12:24
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1
3 [A]ll have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23*
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
15 God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15*
7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The LORD has spoken. 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:7-8a, 9*
14 “I will deliver . . . people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” Hosea 13:14*
25 He [Jesus our Lord] was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:25
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-11, 13
54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
24 Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 7:24b-25a, 8:1-2*
33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-19, 21
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
37 (“ ‘These are the LORD’s appointed festivals, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing food offerings to the LORD—the burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings required for each day.’ ”) Leviticus 23:37
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. John 12:1-2
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. 1 John 3:14a*
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he [the resurrected Jesus] talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32
45 Then he [the resurrected Jesus] opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” Exodus 23:19a*
26 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” Exodus 34:26a*
9 The LORD said to Moses, 10 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. 11 He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. 12 On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old without defect, 13 together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with olive oil—a food offering presented to the LORD, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter of a hin of wine. 14 You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.’ ” Leviticus 23:9-14
1 When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, 2 take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name 3 and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the LORD your God that I have come to the land the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us.” 10 “and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.” Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. Deuteronomy 26:1-3, 10
27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:27-29
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God . . . from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-14*
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:7-9
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
37 (“ ‘These are the LORD’s appointed festivals, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing food offerings to the LORD—the burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings required for each day. 38 These offerings are in addition to those for the LORD’s Sabbaths and in addition to your gifts and whatever you have vowed and all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD.’ ”) Leviticus 23:37-38
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4
9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9
14 Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15*
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-14
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
11 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11*
14 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14b*
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? 20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 71:19-21
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15-16
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 57 [T]hanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 57*
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1
11 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:1-2, 8
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-4
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
28 Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. Psalm 68:28
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works— Psalm 104:31
27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. 28 Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. 35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; . . . God . . . gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:1, 3, 19-20, 28, 35*
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:15-21
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. 6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Psalm 17:1a, 6-8, 15
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God” that apply very well for the Festival of First Fruits and Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection that there are many more than this listed below.
25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead . . . . 11 [Y]ou will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:8-11*
15 God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15*
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 71:20-21
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:6-9
19 [Y]our dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise—let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy . . . ; the earth will give birth to her dead. Isaiah 26:19*
13 “ ‘[Y]ou, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.’ ” Ezekiel 37:13*
2 “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:2-3
14 “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” Hosea 13:14abc*
25 Jesus said . . . , “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26a*
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11
14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 1 Corinthians 6:14
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44a, 49*
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
9 He [God] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13
2 The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. 3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness . . . ; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:2-3*
13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” Daniel 12:13
14 Sing . . . ; shout aloud . . . ! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart . . . ! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King . . . is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 17 “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will . . . rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:14-15, 17*
19 “Because I [Jesus] live, you also will live.” John 14:19b*
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:6-7
17 [O]ur light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7
The Best Exhortations for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
6 [W]e are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8*
1 Since . . . you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4*
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 21
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!” 2 Samuel 22:47
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Psalm 18:46
3 [H]is Son . . . 4 . . . was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:3-4*
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, Colossians 1:15, 17-19
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
11 “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11
19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20
12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. Habakkuk 1:12ab*
31 Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.” John 13:31-32*
24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24*
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for a Festival of First Fruits Messianic Service with Jesus as the First Fruits of the Resurrection
19 Jesus [after his resurrection] came and stood among them [his disciples] and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19*
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20–21
4 Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come . . . , 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4-5a*