We begin the season of Lent, a time that invites us to think deeply on the life of Jesus and the meaning of his death and resurrection. We have some worship times to begin and end Lent that help us to participate in mind, body and soul in this holy time. Lent is also a time to be more intentional about our inner life of faith, as well as the ways we outwardly live as disciples of Christ. One of my favorite spiritual practices of this season is to be part of a church-wide Lenten study. This year we will be having many small groups across our church meeting to study and discuss the book Savior.

Christians and our scripture have long claimed that Jesus’ death on the cross saved us. Exactly how does that happen? And what did Jesus’ death actually accomplish? In this study we will look at six different views of Jesus’ death on the cross. These perspectives are all embraced by the Christian Church over the centuries and helps us to understand what the saving love of Jesus, seen in his death and resurrection, gives to us. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “the blood of Jesus saves us.” Maybe that makes good sense to you. Or maybe it seems an especially violent image. Or you’ve wondered why did God require such a sacrifice of Jesus? These are all important questions and ones we will begin to talk about.

These are the kinds of questions that help us to grow in our faith. There will be Lenten study groups at the church and also in your neighborhood group. I invite you to join with one of these to enrich your experience of Lent this year.

In faith, Pastor Dave