Summary of the Lenten Series: "Turning Points: Encounters with God in Lent"
This six-week Lenten sermon series explores key encounters with God that serve as turning
points in the life of Jesus and in our own spiritual journeys. Each week highlights a unique
challenge, response, and transformation, drawing us deeper into repentance, faith, and renewal as
we prepare for Easter.
1. Week 1: Tested in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
o Jesus' forty days of fasting and temptation teach us how to resist spiritual
shortcuts, trust in God's provision, and stand firm in our faith when tested.
2. Week 2: Rejected in Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35)
o Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reveals God's persistent love, even in the face of
rejection. We are challenged to turn toward Christ, trusting in His mercy and call
to discipleship.
3. Week 3: Called to Repentance (Luke 13:1-9)
o The parable of the barren fig tree reminds us that God’s grace is abundant, but our
response to His call must be urgent. Lent is a season to bear spiritual fruit through
repentance.
4. Week 4: Welcomed Home (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
o The story of the prodigal son paints a picture of God’s extravagant grace. No
matter how lost we feel, we are always welcomed home by the Father’s love.
5. Week 5: Honored in Service (John 12:1-8)
o Mary’s anointing of Jesus with costly perfume shows us the depth of true
devotion. As we approach the cross, we are called to honor Christ by serving Him
with our whole hearts.
6. Palm Sunday: The Hour Has Come (John 12:20-33)
o As Jesus prepares to face the cross, He declares that His "hour has come." This
turning point challenges us to embrace the way of the cross, trusting in the victory
to come.
Throughout Lent, these encounters with God call us to deeper faith, surrender, and renewal as we
journey toward the hope of Easter.
This six-week Lenten sermon series explores key encounters with God that serve as turning
points in the life of Jesus and in our own spiritual journeys. Each week highlights a unique
challenge, response, and transformation, drawing us deeper into repentance, faith, and renewal as
we prepare for Easter.
1. Week 1: Tested in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
o Jesus' forty days of fasting and temptation teach us how to resist spiritual
shortcuts, trust in God's provision, and stand firm in our faith when tested.
2. Week 2: Rejected in Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35)
o Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reveals God's persistent love, even in the face of
rejection. We are challenged to turn toward Christ, trusting in His mercy and call
to discipleship.
3. Week 3: Called to Repentance (Luke 13:1-9)
o The parable of the barren fig tree reminds us that God’s grace is abundant, but our
response to His call must be urgent. Lent is a season to bear spiritual fruit through
repentance.
4. Week 4: Welcomed Home (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
o The story of the prodigal son paints a picture of God’s extravagant grace. No
matter how lost we feel, we are always welcomed home by the Father’s love.
5. Week 5: Honored in Service (John 12:1-8)
o Mary’s anointing of Jesus with costly perfume shows us the depth of true
devotion. As we approach the cross, we are called to honor Christ by serving Him
with our whole hearts.
6. Palm Sunday: The Hour Has Come (John 12:20-33)
o As Jesus prepares to face the cross, He declares that His "hour has come." This
turning point challenges us to embrace the way of the cross, trusting in the victory
to come.
Throughout Lent, these encounters with God call us to deeper faith, surrender, and renewal as we
journey toward the hope of Easter.