Week 6
The end of Lent draws near. The stark contrasts of God’s perfect holiness with our total depravity create conflicting emotions. We mourn our sin while we joyfully anticipate the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Our faith continues to grow stronger in this season of reflection and prayer.
We call this final week of Lent “Holy Week.” Our attention turns to the events of the week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. This specific focus on the life of Christ continues the nature of Lent in presenting opposing ideas for our consideration. The week begins with the crowd singing praises to Jesus, proclaiming their hopes that he will save them. The week ends with their calls for his execution. The life of a man who lived in perfect obedience to our heavenly father was traded for the life of a known murderer and insurrectionist, and ultimately for the lives of all God’s elect. The tragic death of this perfect man was overcome by his resurrection and the defeat of death itself.
Continue to prepare your hearts for this special moment of worship. As you realize the depths of these contrasts, reflect on the grace of God working on our behalf, using these passages to guide you.
Isaiah 61:1-4
Psalm 22
1 Peter 1:13-21
Luke 22:1-23
We call this final week of Lent “Holy Week.” Our attention turns to the events of the week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. This specific focus on the life of Christ continues the nature of Lent in presenting opposing ideas for our consideration. The week begins with the crowd singing praises to Jesus, proclaiming their hopes that he will save them. The week ends with their calls for his execution. The life of a man who lived in perfect obedience to our heavenly father was traded for the life of a known murderer and insurrectionist, and ultimately for the lives of all God’s elect. The tragic death of this perfect man was overcome by his resurrection and the defeat of death itself.
Continue to prepare your hearts for this special moment of worship. As you realize the depths of these contrasts, reflect on the grace of God working on our behalf, using these passages to guide you.
Isaiah 61:1-4
Psalm 22
1 Peter 1:13-21
Luke 22:1-23
Week 5
As a season characterized by repentance and mourning, some might consider Lent a time of fatalism and depression. Lent confronts us with our fallen nature, our need for salvation, and our regular inability to live according to the standard of holiness set for us by God. Lent also gives us hope. God calls us to holiness and makes it possible to live faithfully for him. Just as we are unable to see our sin without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are also unable to experience true Godly sorrow about it.
Realization of sin in our lives after salvation brings Godly sorrow because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit, and so it grieves us. His work of regeneration in our hearts changes our affections, our desires, and our wills, so that we desire to live for him. While we wish to never sin again, conviction of that sin is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
Praise God for making you a new creation. Praise him for creating fruit in your life that reflects his character and nature. Thank him for continuing to show you when you fall short. Rejoice in the revelation that leads you to repentance because as a father, he is lovingly correcting you. This week meditate on these passages that assure you of his work in your life.
Realization of sin in our lives after salvation brings Godly sorrow because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit, and so it grieves us. His work of regeneration in our hearts changes our affections, our desires, and our wills, so that we desire to live for him. While we wish to never sin again, conviction of that sin is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
Praise God for making you a new creation. Praise him for creating fruit in your life that reflects his character and nature. Thank him for continuing to show you when you fall short. Rejoice in the revelation that leads you to repentance because as a father, he is lovingly correcting you. This week meditate on these passages that assure you of his work in your life.
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Psalm 80
- Galatians 5:16-24
- John 16:1-5
Week 4
Every Sunday, we gather for worship because Jesus rose from the grave on that day. Even so, the church designates a special day to annually celebrate that miracle. Each week of Lent brings us closer to the day in which we focus our celebration and worship on the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Lent has given us the opportunity to reflect on the graciousness of God for having a plan and promise of salvation which He has faithfully fulfilled.
As scripture has shown us, we never outgrow our need for his grace. Every epistle of the New Testament canon has been written because we are being continually sanctified and remade into his image. Paul prayed for the Colossian saints to be filled with the “full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,” (Colossians 1:9-10). Later in that same letter, Paul encourages them (and us) to put to death the earthly desires of our flesh (Colossians 3:5-6). Jesus said that if we wanted to follow him, we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23).
The problem is we have the same issue we had before salvation. Just as we are unable to save ourselves, we are often unable to see our sin. The habits we have formed have been shaped by sin. Our selfishness places our needs above those of others. Our selfishness fights to keep ourselves in the center of our worship. Thank God that his grace continues to reveal to us these struggles with sin. This week, reflect on the inability to see our sin. Rejoice in the grace of God that reminds us of this truth as you prayerfully meditate on these passages.
Jeremiah 17:1-13
Psalm 139
James 1:16-27
Matthew 6:1-24
As scripture has shown us, we never outgrow our need for his grace. Every epistle of the New Testament canon has been written because we are being continually sanctified and remade into his image. Paul prayed for the Colossian saints to be filled with the “full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,” (Colossians 1:9-10). Later in that same letter, Paul encourages them (and us) to put to death the earthly desires of our flesh (Colossians 3:5-6). Jesus said that if we wanted to follow him, we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23).
The problem is we have the same issue we had before salvation. Just as we are unable to save ourselves, we are often unable to see our sin. The habits we have formed have been shaped by sin. Our selfishness places our needs above those of others. Our selfishness fights to keep ourselves in the center of our worship. Thank God that his grace continues to reveal to us these struggles with sin. This week, reflect on the inability to see our sin. Rejoice in the grace of God that reminds us of this truth as you prayerfully meditate on these passages.
Jeremiah 17:1-13
Psalm 139
James 1:16-27
Matthew 6:1-24
Week 3
In this Lent season, we have been reminded of the need for repentance. Our sinful nature inherited from Adam requires our initial repentance. “The wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) We cannot earn any other wage. It is the only option for us. Faith in the life and work of Christ is the only solution. Last week we were assured of the promises of salvation through that faith.
Though we are given a regenerated heart, our faith at times will fail. Though we may have honestly repented of our sin, our flesh will lead us to sin. Satan would love to derail your walk with God by constantly pointing out your failure. He would love for you to believe that all hope had been lost because your salvation had been lost.
Throughout the New Testament, the letters of the apostles encourage us to hold onto hope because all is not lost. Peter praises the triune God for his work in guarding and maintaining our salvation until Christ returns (1 Peter 1:5). Paul writes of God’s faithfulness to complete the work of salvation (Philippians 1:6) because the calling of God is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Jesus himself assures his sheep that he gives them, “eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of (his) hand,” (John 10:28).
This week, as you reflect on your heart and on your life, you may find yourself truly mourning your inability to perfectly follow God. Your times of broken faith may bring sorrow. Take heart. Though we are unable to be perfectly faithful, God does not suffer from that problem. He is perfectly faithful to all his promises. Reflect this week on the truth of his faithfulness in the face of our unfaithfulness found in these passages.
Though we are given a regenerated heart, our faith at times will fail. Though we may have honestly repented of our sin, our flesh will lead us to sin. Satan would love to derail your walk with God by constantly pointing out your failure. He would love for you to believe that all hope had been lost because your salvation had been lost.
Throughout the New Testament, the letters of the apostles encourage us to hold onto hope because all is not lost. Peter praises the triune God for his work in guarding and maintaining our salvation until Christ returns (1 Peter 1:5). Paul writes of God’s faithfulness to complete the work of salvation (Philippians 1:6) because the calling of God is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Jesus himself assures his sheep that he gives them, “eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of (his) hand,” (John 10:28).
This week, as you reflect on your heart and on your life, you may find yourself truly mourning your inability to perfectly follow God. Your times of broken faith may bring sorrow. Take heart. Though we are unable to be perfectly faithful, God does not suffer from that problem. He is perfectly faithful to all his promises. Reflect this week on the truth of his faithfulness in the face of our unfaithfulness found in these passages.
- Isaiah 43
- Psalm 81
- Hebrews 10:19-23
- John 14:1-14
Week 2
“Please pray for me.” How many times has someone asked you that in a moment of crisis? If that person is an unbeliever, the distress and hopelessness is often visual. Even unbelievers will ask for prayer when they find themselves in situations beyond their control. They plead for a great and powerful God to intervene in their circumstances and do what they cannot.
Such is the gift of salvation. Justification for our sins is beyond our capabilities to achieve. We need a great and merciful God to intervene in our sin and do what we cannot. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. He suffered the punishment for our sins and his death paid for our sins, making possible our justification. His resurrection guarantees our re-creation and the promise of eternal life. His ascension assures us of the hope for the new heaven and new earth where we will live our eternal life in those new, glorified bodies.
We cannot possibly do any of that for ourselves. It is only by faith in the one that lived perfectly, died, and rose from the grave that we can be saved. Our scripture passages this week invite us to reflect on the faith required and to reflect on the one in whom we should have faith.
Such is the gift of salvation. Justification for our sins is beyond our capabilities to achieve. We need a great and merciful God to intervene in our sin and do what we cannot. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. He suffered the punishment for our sins and his death paid for our sins, making possible our justification. His resurrection guarantees our re-creation and the promise of eternal life. His ascension assures us of the hope for the new heaven and new earth where we will live our eternal life in those new, glorified bodies.
We cannot possibly do any of that for ourselves. It is only by faith in the one that lived perfectly, died, and rose from the grave that we can be saved. Our scripture passages this week invite us to reflect on the faith required and to reflect on the one in whom we should have faith.
- Genesis 15:1-11
- Psalm 91
- Romans 5:1-5
- Matthew 15:21-28
Week 1
On Wednesday, we looked at four scripture passages that highlighted the need for a repentant heart. Repentance is our willful act to no longer act according to our own sinful desires and instead choose to obey and serve God. It is a changing of the will and a changing of behavior. Confession of our sins and repentance lead to forgiveness. Forgiveness is the gracious act of mercy exercised by God when we confess our sins and ask for his pardon. In this act of forgiveness, God chooses to no longer count our sins against us and instead chooses to justify us on the basis of Jesus Christ's righteousness.
Many people mistakenly believe they are “good enough” and do not need to repent of anything. The Bible tells a different story. Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The prophet Jeremiah records Yahweh’s words that “the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). The Psalmist affirms this is a state present at birth in Psalm 51:5 and Psalm 58:3. We should be concerned about this because Jesus teaches about the reward of heaven for the righteous and punishment of hell for the wicked in Matthew 25:46. Why is this true? How did it happen?
Our scripture passages this week reveal the harsh reality of our sinful state as a result of the fall of man in the Garden (Genesis 2:4-3:24). These passages also provide comfort. They testify to God’s promise to provide a means of salvation for those who by faith have confessed and repented of their sins. Mourn and repent, rejoice and be thankful, as you read and meditate on these passages this week.
Many people mistakenly believe they are “good enough” and do not need to repent of anything. The Bible tells a different story. Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The prophet Jeremiah records Yahweh’s words that “the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). The Psalmist affirms this is a state present at birth in Psalm 51:5 and Psalm 58:3. We should be concerned about this because Jesus teaches about the reward of heaven for the righteous and punishment of hell for the wicked in Matthew 25:46. Why is this true? How did it happen?
Our scripture passages this week reveal the harsh reality of our sinful state as a result of the fall of man in the Garden (Genesis 2:4-3:24). These passages also provide comfort. They testify to God’s promise to provide a means of salvation for those who by faith have confessed and repented of their sins. Mourn and repent, rejoice and be thankful, as you read and meditate on these passages this week.
- Genesis 6:1-18
- Psalm 90
- Romans 10:1-13
- Luke 13:1-5
Ash Wednesday 2025
Wednesday, March 5 began the season of Lent. We join the early church in its practice of setting aside time for intentional reflection in preparation for the observance of Resurrection Sunday. Use the spiritual practices of Scripture reading, prayer and fasting to guide your reflection.
When you enter the auditorium for worship on March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, you will notice several visual reminders of the season. Purple hues will dominate. Purple is a liturgical color chosen to focus our thoughts on repentance. A small table, covered in sackcloth, will sit on the stage. A bowl of ashes and a tall white candle will adorn the table. The sackcloth and ashes are symbols of mourning and repentance. Reflection on our sin should lead to Godly sorrow and repentance. The candle is the same candle we lit at Christmas, representing the light of Christ shining into our lives. His light shining into our hearts will illuminate the sin we try to hide.
Each week, we will turn to Scripture to show us different aspects of our relationship with the Almighty God - his holiness and our sinfulness, our deserved punishment and his gracious gift of salvation, our inability to be perfectly faithful and his unfailing faithfulness, the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome and reveal the sin we cannot see. This Wednesday, begin your season of preparation by reflecting on these passages that highlight a repentant heart.
When you enter the auditorium for worship on March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, you will notice several visual reminders of the season. Purple hues will dominate. Purple is a liturgical color chosen to focus our thoughts on repentance. A small table, covered in sackcloth, will sit on the stage. A bowl of ashes and a tall white candle will adorn the table. The sackcloth and ashes are symbols of mourning and repentance. Reflection on our sin should lead to Godly sorrow and repentance. The candle is the same candle we lit at Christmas, representing the light of Christ shining into our lives. His light shining into our hearts will illuminate the sin we try to hide.
Each week, we will turn to Scripture to show us different aspects of our relationship with the Almighty God - his holiness and our sinfulness, our deserved punishment and his gracious gift of salvation, our inability to be perfectly faithful and his unfailing faithfulness, the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome and reveal the sin we cannot see. This Wednesday, begin your season of preparation by reflecting on these passages that highlight a repentant heart.
- Joel 2:1-17
- Psalm 51
- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10
- Luke 4:1-13