3/8 - The Great Promise

This Sunday in Lent, our worship traces a beautiful arc — from promise, to invitation, to assurance, to response.

We begin with “O Jesus I Have Promised.” Before Scripture is read or the sermon is preached, we place ourselves in the posture of discipleship. Lent is a season of intentional following, and this hymn gives us the language of commitment. We promise to follow Christ — not perfectly, but faithfully — trusting that the One who calls us walks beside us.

From there, our hearts soften with “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling,” joined with verse four of “Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus).” If the first hymn is our promise to Christ, this moment reminds us of Christ’s promise to us. Even in our wandering, even in our sin, Jesus calls — gently, persistently, mercifully. The music becomes an invitation to lay down burdens and return home.

Our Scripture, John 14:1–14, anchors the morning with Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In the sermon, “The Great Promise,” we hear again that Christ does not offer vague comfort — He offers Himself. He prepares a place. He makes a way. He is the Promise.

Finally, we are sent into the world singing “The Summons.” Having heard Christ’s assurance, we are asked a question: Will you follow? Will you go where love leads? Worship does not end at the benediction — it continues in the lives we live.

That is the arc of this Sunday:
We promise to follow.
Christ promises to receive.
The Word promises hope.
And we respond with faithful steps.

I look forward to singing and worshiping with you as we continue this Lenten journey together.