What a journey we’ve shared these 40 days! As we enter this holiest of weeks, we’re not just observing history – we’re stepping into the greatest love story ever told. From the upper room to the garden, from the cross to the empty tomb – every moment pulses with God’s radical, world-changing love.
Good morning EC family! Can you believe we’re already just a few days away from Palm Sunday? As we enter week 6 of Lent, we begin to prepare for Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. This is a time to reflect on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9). Yet, amidst the celebration, Jesus’ humility shines through. He didn’t come as a conquering king on a warhorse; He came as a servant on a donkey.
Welcome back to our Lenten Series blog! Last week, we explored the call to sacrifice and self-denial, and I hope you’ve been encouraged to take up your cross and follow Jesus, even when it’s hard. This week, we’re shifting our focus to a theme that’s especially relevant when the journey feels long, and the challenges seem overwhelming: Hope.
In Mark 8:34-36, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
This week, we’re diving into one of the most challenging yet transformative aspects of our faith: Forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a command from Jesus. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus responds, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Fasting and prayer are not about earning God’s favor; they are about drawing near to Him. James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This Lent let’s embrace the joy of intimacy with God through fasting and prayer. Even when it feels challenging, remember that God sees your heart and honors your efforts.
Welcome to week 1 of Lent 2025! This year, we’re diving deep into what it means to walk with Jesus during these 46 days of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Each week, we’ll explore a different theme, grounded in Scripture, and we’ll share some practical ways you can apply these truths to your life. Whether you’re reading this with your morning coffee, during a quiet moment, or in between the busyness of your day, my prayer is that this series will inspire, challenge, and encourage you in your faith journey.
Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, marks a 40-day period of penitence and preparation for Easter, inviting Christians to self-examine, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness. The imposition of ashes symbolizes mortality and sin, reminding worshippers of Christ’s sacrifice. This solemn period encourages reflection on the need for genuine repentance and spiritual renewal.
Lent is a 40-day Christian season preceding Easter, focusing on self-discipline, reflection, and preparation for baptism and conversion. Originating from early Church practices, it encourages repentance and penitential prayer. Lent commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice, involving fasting and charitable deeds, while promoting humility and recognition of God’s grace amidst personal and communal need for healing.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As the season of Lent approaches, we at Emmanuel Chapel invite you to join us on a transformative journey of faith, reflection, and renewal.…
