Pressing On: Embracing the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering Through Lent - Pastor Joel, February 15t

This sermon calls believers to intentionally prepare for Easter through the spiritual discipline of Lent, emphasizing that knowing Christ should be the most valuable pursuit in life. Pastor Joel challenges the congregation to move beyond selective fellowship with Jesus—celebrating the good times while avoiding suffering—and instead voluntarily choose to fellowship in Christ's suffering through practices like fasting, prayer, and meditation on the cross. Drawing from Paul's testimony in Philippians 3, the message emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes not from religious achievement or self-punishment, but from dying to self and experiencing resurrection power through intimate knowledge of Jesus. The sermon clarifies that Lent is not about earning salvation or penance, but about God-dependent self-discipline that turns our eyes toward Jesus and prepares our hearts for a deeper Easter celebration.