This Week
Livestream
Ash Wednesday
3:30 PM
First Sunday in Lent
8:00 AM
It Is Finished: Return to me!
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During this season of Lent we take extra time to contemplate our own sins and the price of our forgiveness. We repent of our sins, and with a broken heart we grieve over our offenses against God and our neighbor. In penitent trust we return to the Lord, where we find forgiveness and healing.
On the cross Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” With his sacrificial death on Calvary, the price for sin was paid. Forgiveness was achieved and won for every human being. Our debt of sin that was charged to Jesus as our Substitute was paid in full.
The prophet Zechariah foretold the suffering of the Messiah and his victory over sin, death and hell. Our midweek Lent services this year will explore the prophecies of Zechariah and their fulfillment in Jesus. Today we begin with God’s invitation spoken through the prophet: Return to me! God instructs us to turn from impenitence and unbelief and to return to him in repentance and faith.
Grieving over our sins and turning away from them, we look to Jesus for forgiveness, healing, and salvation.
Exactly What I Need: A Champion
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I recognize my inability to defend myself against spiritual enemies. The world is against me, yet I look for ways to imitate it. I try to master my own sinful flesh, yet I recognize desires in myself that war against my soul. And when it comes to the devil, I fall into temptation again and again. My looming death reminds me that I have sinned.
I realize that what I really need is a champion. God the Father realized it too. He sent his Son to be my Savior. Jesus fought and won the battles I have lost--the battles that left me defeated and hopeless.
My Champion is my Substitute. He goes out to do battle with all the forces of hell--and win! Through the obedience of the Son of God, I have victory over my enemies.
