Fourth Sunday in Lent

Christ Lutheran Church & School

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Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 10, 2024 • Pastor Greg Stenzel • Numbers 21:4–9, John 3:14–21, Ephesians 2:1–10

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THE ANTIDOTE FOR ALL

Rethinking the Solution to Sin

While not every religion uses the word “sin,” they all embrace the concept. Every religion acknowledges that mankind’s flawed attitudes or misguided actions are a source of pain, both now and potentially in eternity. So, every religion offers a solution: a set of laws, a moral code, or a path to more enlightened behavior. What do they have in common? We are to solve sin through human effort. Be better! Try harder! This is the heart of every false religion. Those who correctly understand they will never overcome their sin are crushed by guilt. Those who ludicrously believe they have defeated their sin are killed by pride.

True religion offers a better way—one that frees us from guilt and has no room for pride. Jesus teaches that the solution to our sin is not to work harder. It is to trust in the work he has done for us. Salvation comes through Spirit-wrought faith in Christ, The Antidote for All.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 29, 2024 • Pastor Greg Stenzel • John 19:17–30

RETHINKING SACRIFICE In most religions the gods demand sacrifice. Followers are to surrender something of value to that god. Money. Time. Possessions. Some religions have even called for human sacrifice. Even people who think they aren’t religious sacrifice to false gods. Take the man whose idol is success. What he wants most is to rise through the ranks at work. So, to pursue that idol, he sacrifices his family, spending little time with them. Throughout human history, false gods have expected you to die for them. In Christianity you meet a God willing to die for you. Today we see that the true God does not make our relationship with him conditional on how much we sacrifice for him. Instead, we are at peace with God because he sacrificed himself for us. It is one reason why we call it “Good Friday.”

Maundy Thursday Divine Service

March 28, 2024 • Pastor Greg Stenzel • 1 Corinthians 10:16–17

RETHINKING OUR APPETITES We use the word “appetite” to describe a powerful desire for something. So, what is it you crave the most? Where does your mind go in those quiet moments? What do you want? Power? What do you dream about? Prestige? For what do you hunger? Pleasure? Are our appetites healthy? A truly healthy appetite is one that aligns with our deepest needs: forgiveness, salvation, communion with God, loving relationships with others. The believer is ravenous for such things! And all of those blessings are on the menu of the Lord’s Supper. Some view Holy Communion as just a religious ritual. Far from it! In this meal, Christ satisfies our greatest appetites.

Palm Sunday

March 24, 2024 • Pastor Greg Stenzel • Philippians 2:5–11

RETHINKING REAL STRENGTH In the Epistle reading this morning St. Paul is urging us to “Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (https://ref.ly/logosref/bible$2bnasb95.71.2.2). Paul is talking about an attitude of humility. We are sometimes concerned about the lack of this attitude in ourselves and in others. God through Paul indicated that He wants the Philippians and us to have AN ATTITUDE OF HUMILITY.