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The sermon emphasizes the importance of breaking patterns in our lives, particularly during the season of Lent. It encourages congregants to engage in worship, small groups, and reflection on their faith journey.

1. Breaking Patterns

  • Lent serves as an opportunity to disrupt our usual routines, prompting reflection on our spiritual practices. Congregants are invited to attend worship services and small groups to foster community and spiritual growth.

2. Living a Cruciform Life

  • The concept of a cruciform life is introduced, symbolizing a relationship with God (vertical) and with others (horizontal). This dual relationship is depicted as a cross, where:

    • Vertical Relationship: Focuses on one's relationship with God, emphasizing justification—being forgiven and loved by God.

    • Horizontal Relationship: Involves interactions with others, highlighting sanctification—growing in holiness and serving others.

3. Worship and Community

  • Worship is portrayed as a means to create intimacy with God and foster community among congregants. The sermon notes that gathering together is essential for combating loneliness and building relationships.

4. Confession and Forgiveness

  • The sermon discusses the importance of confession:

    • Vertical Confession: Confessing to God leads to forgiveness.

    • Horizontal Confession: Confessing to one another fosters healing and community support.

5. Practical Applications

  • The sermon encourages practical steps for living out these themes:

    • Attend worship services and small groups to deepen faith and community ties.

    • Engage in confession both to God and to trusted individuals to experience forgiveness and healing.

    • Reflect on personal patterns and consider how to break them for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

The sermon invites listeners to embrace the cruciform life, focusing on their relationships with God and others. By breaking patterns, engaging in worship, and practicing confession, individuals can experience transformation and community.

This summary encapsulates the main points and themes discussed in the sermon, providing a structured overview for study and reflection.