3/13/2022: CRUSHED: Shortcuts Are Crushed By Determination

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

Second Sunday In Lent

Last week we talked about temptation. This week we see what is at the center of every temptation: a promise of a shortcut to glory. Even in a world as sharply divided as ours, there is near-universal agreement that the preferred path to the glory we seek is whichever one is shortest and easiest. To walk the path our Savior puts us on, one on which the cross comes before the crown, puts us out of step with the world. Thankfully, the determination required to walk this path starts with our Savior and not with us. Because of his determination, we are offered a glory far superior to anything the world can offer.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on Philippians 3:17—4:1 "Follow God's Pattern"

View or download this week’s service folder here

Watch our Sunday worship here