March 9th, 2025 - Lent 1: The Wilderness of Temptation: Resisting Lies and Finding Our True Selves in God

In this first Sunday of Lent, we step into The Wilderness of Lent: Encountering God in the Unknown. Today’s sermon explores Jesus’ time in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13) and how temptation often comes in the form of questioning our identity. Just as Jesus was asked, “Are you really who you say you are?”, we, too, face doubts that challenge our worth and belonging.

The lies we believe about ourselves—whether that we are not enough or that we don’t need anyone—can shape our lives in powerful ways. But Lent is a time of stripping away what is false and returning to what is true. This sermon invites us to name those false narratives and reclaim the truth of who God says we are: beloved, chosen, and created with purpose.

Later in the service, we offer a time of healing prayer. At the prayer table, you are invited to write down a false belief and dissolve it in water, releasing it to God. You can also write a truth to carry with you as a reminder throughout the week.

Join us as we begin this Lenten journey—not seeking quick fixes, but committing to the slow, faithful work of transformation.

📖 Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

🙏 Lenten Theme: The Wilderness of Lent: Encountering God in the Unknown

🔥 Reflection: What false story about your identity do you need to release? What truth does God want you to embrace?