Many Christians call it Lent, some Christians refer to a “forty day spiritual adventure,” but regardless of the name, the time leading up to Easter for Christians is one of the most sacred times on the calendar. At Summit, Spring is a season that brings great anticipation. Every Easter we see dozens of people, if not more, put their faith in Jesus Christ and come forward to be baptized. It’s an awesome time.
Years ago, I spent a few months with a missionary in Czech Republic that was a very effective evangelist. Every Wednesday he gave the same talk to group of kids at a camp, and inevitably about half the kids would give their lives to Christ. I am a preacher’s son, and so I’ve developed a deep aversion to listening to the same talk over and over again, but this was different. Every Wednesday in the Czech Republic became sacred to me because of what I was about to witness.
The range of emotions was wide. I was so excited to see kids come forward and make such a momentous decision. I was also deeply convicted because I didn’t feel worthy of the privilege of witnessing such a clear and powerful movement of the Holy Spirit.
That’s the kind of anticipation I have for Easter at the Summit. I KNOW something wonderful and amazing is going to happen and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
Starting next week, the Summit staff will put out prayer and fasting guides until Easter. You can find links to those here and at summitrdu.com on the main page.
I think it’s a great idea to engage in some self-sacrifice in order to identify with Jesus’ life. But if refraining from self-indulgence becomes the main point, then we can often end up craving the last day of indulgence, and then being relieved at the end of it.
Instead, in your small groups, make this season one of preparation and anticipation. Begin talking with friends and neighbors about the Gospel and the new life we have in Christ. Pray for those that you want to see come to faith. Think about those that you’d like to invite to be part of our church family. Dream about how you want to celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
This week’s sermon and small group discussion can be a good start to that process. Here’s the guide: