2025 Lent & Easter Messages -

Week 1 (March 9, 2025) – The Call to the Wilderness: The Contemplative Stream

Theme: Seeking God in Solitude and Prayer

Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:9-13 (Elijah encounters God in the gentle whisper)

New Testament: Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus' temptation in the wilderness)

Biblical Character: Mary of Bethany – Luke 10:38-42 (Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, choosing "the better part")

Contemporary Figure: Mother Teresa – Lived a life of deep prayer and solitude while serving the poor

Application:

Practice silence and solitude this week—set aside daily time for prayer and reflection.

Resist distractions and seek God’s voice in stillness.

Fast from something that hinders deeper intimacy with Christ.

Week 2 (March 16, 2025) – The Way of Holiness: The Holiness Stream

Theme: Living a Transformed Life

Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness)

New Testament: 1 Peter 1:13-16 ("Be holy, because I am holy")

Biblical Character: Daniel – Daniel 6:1-10 (Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer and purity)

Contemporary Figure: Billy Graham – A life dedicated to holiness and integrity in preaching the gospel

Application:

Examine your life for areas that need purification and renewal.

Practice confession and repentance, both individually and communally.

Set apart time to read and meditate on Scripture daily.

Week 3 (March 23, 2025) – Empowered by the Spirit: The Charismatic Stream

Theme: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The valley of dry bones)

New Testament: Acts 2:1-4 (The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost)

Biblical Character: Stephen – Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60 (A man "full of the Holy Spirit" with bold faith)

Contemporary Figure: Francis Chan – A preacher who emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and radical faith

Application:

Be open to the Spirit’s leading in prayer, worship, and daily life.

Use your spiritual gifts to serve others.

Pray for renewal and boldness in sharing your faith.

Week 4 (March 30, 2025) – A Heart for Justice: The Social Justice Stream

Theme: Compassion and Justice for the Oppressed

Old Testament: Micah 6:6-8 (What does the Lord require? Justice, mercy, humility)

New Testament: Matthew 25:31-46 (Jesus' teaching on serving "the least of these")

Biblical Character: Nehemiah – Nehemiah 5:1-13 (Confronting injustice among the Israelites)

Contemporary Figure: Bryan Stevenson – Lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, advocating for justice for the poor and imprisoned

Application:

Find a way to serve the marginalized in your community.

Reflect on areas where God is calling you to act justly.

Engage in a Lenten act of generosity—donate time, resources, or support a cause.

Week 5 (April 6, 2025) – Sharing the Good News: The Evangelical Stream

Theme: Proclaiming the Gospel in Word and Deed

Old Testament: Jonah 3:1-10 (Jonah preaches repentance to Nineveh)

New Testament: Romans 10:13-15 ("How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!")

Biblical Character: Philip the Evangelist – Acts 8:26-40 (Philip shares the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch)

Contemporary Figure: Nicky Gumbel – Leader of the Alpha Course, making the gospel accessible worldwide

Application:

Share your testimony with someone this week.

Invite someone to Easter services.

Pray for those who need to hear the gospel.

Week 6 (April 13, 2025) – A Life of Incarnation: The Incarnational Stream (Palm Sunday)

Theme: Living Out Christ’s Presence in the World

Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9-10 (Prophecy of the coming King)

New Testament: John 12:12-19 (Jesus' triumphal entry)

Biblical Character: Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus – Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23 (Obediently living out faith in everyday life)

Contemporary Figure: Pope Francis – Demonstrating humility and Christlike presence in the world

Application:

Reflect on how Jesus’ humility shapes your own approach to life and service.

Consider how your daily work and actions can reveal God’s presence.

Engage in an act of hospitality or kindness in Christ’s name.

Holy Week (April 14-20, 2025)

Maundy Thursday (April 17, 2025) – The Servant King

Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-14 (The first Passover)

New Testament: John 13:12-17 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)

Biblical Character: Barnabas – Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27 (A servant-hearted encourager)

Contemporary Figure: Jean Vanier – Founded L’Arche communities for people with disabilities, emphasizing servanthood

Application:

Participate in a foot-washing or act of service for others.

Reflect on Jesus’ humility and love in your own relationships.

Good Friday (April 18, 2025) – The Cost of Redemption

Old Testament: Isaiah 53:3-7 (The suffering servant)

New Testament: John 19:16-30 (Jesus’ crucifixion)

Biblical Character: John, the Beloved Disciple – John 19:25-27 (Remaining with Jesus at the cross)

Contemporary Figure: Max Lucado – Communicating Christ’s suffering and love through writing and preaching

Application:

Meditate on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.

Spend time in personal lament and gratitude.

Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) – Streams of Living Water: The Resurrection Life

Theme: Victory Over Sin and Death

Old Testament: Psalm 118:22-24 ("The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone")

New Testament: John 20:1-18 (Jesus’ resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene)

Biblical Character: Mary Magdalene – John 20:11-18 (The first witness to the risen Christ)

Contemporary Figure: Joni Eareckson Tada – Proclaiming resurrection hope through suffering and disability

Application:

Celebrate the joy of resurrection life—live as one who has been made new!

Share the hope of Christ with someone in your life.

Reflect on how the resurrection empowers you to walk in faith beyond Easter.