Digital Bulletin
Palm Sun, March 29, 2026
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Sermon Notes
2 Corinthians 5:14-17 & John 3:16-21 (NRSV)
Notes by Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson
As we walk through Lent toward Easter, this message invites us to stop “scratching at our own skins” and instead surrender to Christ’s deeper work—moving from darkness to light, from self to Savior, from old to new. Lewis’s picture of Eustace being “un-dragoned” by Aslan (the God-figure in The Chronicles of Narnia series) gives us a visceral image of grace that goes deeper than self-help. Let these questions help you and/or your group reflect on reconciliation with God, the pain-and-joy of real change, and what “Monday morning” surrender might look like in real life.
- Old to New—Where Are You in the Process? Read 2 Cor. 5:15-17. Paul says that in Christ, the old passes away and the new comes. Where do you see evidence of the “old” losing its grip and the “new” taking root in your life right now? What’s one area that still resists this change?
- From Condemnation to Invitation. Read John 3:16-21. Jesus says He came as light, not to shame but to invite us into life. Where do you sense a pull to step out of “shadow” patterns (hiding instead of confessing; people-pleasing; bitterness or internal grudges; escapist habits like doom scrolling or overwork; cynicism; or fear-based decision-making) and into the light this week?
- Self‑Scratching vs. Surrender. Eustace tries three times to peel off his dragon skin but can’t; only Aslan’s claws reach the depth needed. Where do you find yourself “trying harder” instead of “trusting God more deeply”?
- It Hurts…Then Heals. Share a time when God’s transforming work stung at first but led to freedom. What helped you stay with the process?
- Reconciled—and Sent. We are reconciled to God and then entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Who is one person the Spirit might be nudging you to befriend this week?
- Monday Morning Faith. What would a simple daily rhythm look like for you to practice surrender tomorrow instead of scratching? Pick one and make it real this next week.