AS WE GATHER “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  If the people did not say the stones, would make sure the world would hear what was happening on that day.  When Jesus rode in to Jerusalem he was fulfilling the prophecy of the prophet Zechariah, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!  Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  The king has come.  In humility he came to Jerusalem where He would give his life to save the people of His kingdom.  Today with thankful hearts we too cry out Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

AS WE GATHER Turn and Repent.  Two thieves were crucified with Jesus, only one repented.  With a healthy fear of the Lord this thief recognizes his sin, knowing he is receiving the punishment he deserves for his crime.  His request for grace is simple… “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Words of overwhelming grace flow from the mouth of our Savior, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”  Turn and repent.  Jesus has remembered you… paradise is a gift to that thief, to you, and to all who believe.

As We Gather:  On the night that He was betrayed, Jesus made a very bold claim:  “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.”  We know and believe that Jesus is the only way – to forgiveness, life and salvation.  In a world that often assumes many ways to God and many ways to heaven, we rejoice in the Truth that Jesus is the only Way.

AS WE GATHER:  The Story of Zaccheus is well-known.  We know that he was a short guy who climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus as He came to town.  But Zaccheus’ life was hardly exemplary.  He was an admitted thief and cheat.  But Jesus shows him love, and Zaccheus responds with repentance.

As we gather and continue our Lenten worship series, “Jesus, the Great I AM.”  We hear Jesus proclaim, “I AM the Good Shepherd.”  It was the shepherd, who protected his sheep and would even lay his life down to fend off predators.  Jesus is the One who laid His life down for us, protecting us from the power of the devil, delivering us from the darkness of sin and providing us with the gift of eternal life.

As we gather in these midweek worship services our theme is, “Turn Around!  God’s Gift of Repentance.”  We are examining the lives of those who, like each of us, are sinful, but, by God’s grace, are given the gift of repentance.  It is forgiveness, won for us on the cross, which provides us with life and life eternal.  Today we consider Peter, who so often was bold in proclaiming his faith and commitment to Jesus, yet, in Jesus’ greatest hour of need, Peter denied evening knowing his Savior.  It was the gift of repentance that brought Peter pardon and peace.

AS WE GATHER: Our sinful nature.  We have it from conception and each of us needs mentors and leaders to point out our sins and teach us how to live our faith according to the truth of the Bible.  Who is that keeps you on the straight and narrow?  David started a chain reaction of sin that was snowballing out of control.  God sent the prophet Nathan to creatively show David his sins.  David turned and repented. Recognize your sin, turn and repent, because of Jesus, your sins are forgiven and God has made your heart clean.

AS WE GATHER:  “I am the Light of the World.”  Jesus’ claim is a bold one.  Anyone without Jesus is living in darkness.  But we know it to be true, don’t we?  When we try to go it alone in this world, making our own rules and following our own passions, we inevitably stumble around in the dark.  God help us to walk in the light of Christ!

AS WE GATHER:  To repent is to turn around, to turn away from sin, to turn toward our Savior.  And yet, we desperately need the Holy Spirit to work that gift repentance in us!   In today’s Scripture reading, Jonah is called to repent, even as He calls the Ninevites to repent.  God help us to repent, and to desire the repentance of all!