4/3/2022 - Human Rejection Is Crushed By Divine Exaltation

SERIES THEME: CRUSHED

When someone is devastated or defeated or despondent we speak of him being "crushed." It could be due to some agonizing loss or unrealized dreams. It could be due to carrying a crushingly heavy load of guilt over some past mistake. In a broken world, it is simply a matter of time before we feel crushed. This is why we need Lent. The word Lent comes from an Old English word for Spring: "lengten," when the days grow longer. For 1400 years the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of repentance and renewal. Believers humbly acknowledge that sin is the ultimate source of all the crushing moments in life. Our sin even crushed Christ. Yet, on Easter Sunday, Jesus took up his life again. Our Savior crushed both death and the serpent's head. Yes, Lent is a solemn season. But it is also a season of great hope. With the psalmist we say, "The Lord saves those who are crushed in spirit."

March 6 - Our Temptation Is Crushed By Christ's Obedience

March 13 - Shortcuts Are Crushed By Determination

March 20 - False Security Is Crushed By Faithful Presence

March 27 - Our Condemnation Is Crushed By God's Grace

April 3 - Human Rejection Is Crushed By Divine Exaltation

Fifth Sunday In Lent

People often look to the judgment of experts. The opinion of experts can greatly influence the general population. That poses a problem when it comes to Christ. The world's experts and culturally elite generally see little value in Christ and his Word. Thankfully, Christ tells us to expect this. He also reminds us that when it comes to judgments about him and his kingdom, only one opinion matters. God the Father would render the final verdict about Christ and his work when he raised his Son from the dead. This week, we learn to evaluate the world's experts properly. They might see heaven's greatest treasure as trash. Fine. That treasure remains ours for the taking!

God bless your worship.

Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on Philippians 3:4b–14 "Profit & Loss Statement"

View or download this week’s service folder here

Watch our Sunday worship here