Posts with the category “lent-devotional-2026”

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 9, 2026Written by Adam BakerIn Christ Was Life, the Light For All PeopleScripture:The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest. (John 10:10)Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 8, 2026Written by Adam BakerA Queer AtonementScripture:“There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 CEBReflection:In order to understand more about queer atonement theory, we must consider what “queer” means. The term was first used to refer to that whi...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 7, 2026 Written by: Simon KimChrist + NothingScripture: 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:42-43)ReflectionI grew up in a traditional Asian home where achievement, status, and resume building were the keys to success in life. My old...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 6, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLet It RipScripture:Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)Reflection:The Moral Influence perspective reminds us that transformation is drawn out by love, not fear. When we trust that God’s love is steadfast and unconditional, we are freed from trying to prove ourselves, hiding our imperfections, or performing to earn app...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 5, 2026Written by Dave MerrillNothing Between UsScripture:But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that i...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 4, 2026Written by Dave MerrillWho are you…really?Scripture:There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)Reflection:The Moral Influence view speaks especially to shame, fear, and estrangement. It names how easily we come to believe we ar...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 3, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLike Ads for LoveScripture:Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will be with me. (Revelation 3:20)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement reveals a God who is unendingly invitational. God does not ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 2, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLove That Leads to ChangeScripture:Or do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life? (Romans 2:4)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement matters because it shows that God’s love is not only ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 1, 2026Written by Dave MerrillTurning the Lights OnScripture:We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. (1 John 4:16, CEB)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement teaches that Jesus saves us by revealing the depth of God’s love and inviting our hear...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 28, 2026Written by Melissa RossThe Lamb of GodScripture:  29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31 Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with w...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 27, 2026  Written by: Charity GoodwinThe RepairerScripture: Colossians 2:13–15; Matthew 5:23–2413 When you were dead because of the things you had done wrong and because your body wasn’t circumcised, God made you alive with Christ and forgave all the things you had done wrong. 14 He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that w...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 26, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinConfession Without Self-HatredScripture: 1 John 1:8–9; Psalm 51:10–128 If we claim, “We don’t have any sin,” we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. - 1 John 1:8-910 Create a clean he...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 25, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinWorthy of BelongingScripture: Romans 8:1 So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 God has done what was impossible for the Law, since it was weak because of selfishness. God condemned sin in...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 24, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinThe God Who Doesn’t Look AwayScripture: Romans 5:6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person.8 But God shows his love for us, because...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 23, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinThe Cross: Sin and NearnessScripture: Isaiah 53:4–6; 2 Corinthians 5:214 It was certainly our sickness that he carried,    and our sufferings that he bore,    but we thought him afflicted,    struck down by God and tormented.5 He was pierced because of our rebellions    and crushed because ...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 22, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinWhat We Mean by “Penal Substitution”Scripture: Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, 24 but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. 25 Through his faithfulness, God displayed Jesus as the place of sacrifice whe...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 21, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinLet’s Journey With OpennessScripture: Luke 24: 25-27, Leviticus 1625 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 The...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 20, 2026Written by: Bentley CaughlanCelebrating Lent — An Oxymoron?Scripture: 12 Yet even now, says the Lord,    return to me with all your hearts,  with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow;13  tear your hearts and not your clothing.    Return to the Lord your God,        for he is merciful and compassionate,        very patient, full of faithful lo...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 19, 2026 Written By: Bentley CaughlinLed Into the WildernessScripture:1 Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. 2 After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bre...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 18, 2026 Written by: Melissa RossAsh Wednesday: The Party’s OverScripture:5:15 Joy has left our heart;        our dancing has changed into lamentation.16 The crown has fallen off our head.        We are doomed because we have sinned.17 Because of all this our heart is sick;        because of these things our glance is dark.  ...  Read More