Introduction: The Journey Begins

Start by setting the stage for Holy Week as a time of introspection, repentance, and renewal.
Briefly recap the series’ intent, emphasizing the journey towards an authentic practice of faith, grounded in the teachings and love of Jesus.
Touch briefly upon last week (Confusing)

Personal Story

Kairos preparation, not really paying attention, believing I had one more week until Palm Sunday.
I let my secular life disrupt my spiritual duties.
This has not only happened to me, it’s happened on MULTIPLE occasions within the bounds of the church.
Historical Context: The Church’s Growth and Drift

Early Christian Community (1st Century): Highlight the early Christians’ communal life, characterized by simplicity, shared resources, and a direct, personal relationship with Jesus, as depicted in Acts 2:42-47.
Constantine and the Milvian Bridge (312 AD): Explain how Constantine’s conversion and the Edict of Milan marked Christianity’s transition from a persecuted minority to a state-endorsed religion. This brought wealth, power, and a shift towards a more hierarchical and institutionalized Church.
The Monastic Response (4th-5th Centuries): Introduce figures like Antony the Great (c. 251–356 AD), who sought solitude in the desert to live a life of prayer and asceticism, emphasizing a personal relationship with God amidst growing secular influences in the Church.

Quote from Anthony – “I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, ‘What can get through from such snares?’ Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Humility.'”

St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 – 547 AD): Mention Benedict’s establishment of a monastic rule that balanced communal life with personal spiritual discipline, aiming to recapture the early Church’s spirit. This represented a structured approach to resisting the secularization of Christian life and faith.

“Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.”

The Contemporary Drift: Our Secular Lives

Personal Reflection: Share a personal story or reflection on how easy it is to prioritize worldly concerns over spiritual growth and the relationship with Jesus.

Reflect a bit on just how easy it is to get drawn into things and pursuits that don’t really matter.

Church Today: Draw parallels between the historical drift of the Church away from its roots and the modern congregation’s challenges in navigating secular distractions.

The Church today is engaged in a host of pursuits

Our own denomination has chosen to fight for things while leaving behind it’s job of spiritual training.

TELL THE BOB JACK STORY HERE

“I’d send them to the Baptist church.”

Holy Week: An Opportunity for Renewal

THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A WONDERFUL DO OVER.

The Meaning of Holy Week: Emphasize Holy Week as a time to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, His sacrifice, and His example of humility and service.
Monastic Wisdom for Today: Suggest that the congregation consider Holy Week as a “monastic retreat” in the midst of their lives, dedicating time to prayer, reflection, and reorienting their lives towards Jesus.

Application: Living in “DO OVER” Mode

Surrender of Sin: Encourage congregants to practice confession and repentance, letting go of those things that separate them from God.
I really want to linger here.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Close by reminding the congregation that Holy Week offers a unique time to reset and redirect our lives towards Christ.
Offer hope and encouragement that, through the disciplines of prayer, fasting, service, and community, we can all experience a “do over” in our spiritual lives, coming closer to the heart of our faith.