Hearts of Stone: God’s Invitation to Renewal | Lent Week 1
This past Sunday, March 9, Pastor Ryan kicked off our Lent sermon series, Hearts of Stone, with a powerful message on God’s desire to cleanse and restore us. Preaching from Ezekiel 36, he reminded us that God doesn’t just forgive us—He transforms us. Lent is a season of reflection and repentance, a time to recognize where our hearts have hardened and allow God to soften them.
Using the illustration of military training in the desert—where everything gets covered in dust and dirt—Pastor Ryan pointed out that, spiritually, we often don’t realize how much grime we’ve picked up along the way. Sin, disappointments, and stagnation can leave us feeling distant from God, but His promise in Ezekiel 36 is clear: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
God’s plan isn’t just for individual renewal; it’s for the restoration of the whole world. He calls us back to Himself not only for our sake but so that we can reflect His love and holiness to those around us. And just like Israel, we are meant to be a light in our community—whether in Watsonville, Freedom, Corralitos, Pajaro, or across Monterey Bay.
If you missed this message, or just want to hear it again, you can watch the full sermon below. As we journey through Lent together, let’s open our hearts to God’s transforming power and embrace His invitation to renewal.
Looking for a Bible-based church in Watsonville or a family-friendly church in Monterey Bay? Join us at Watsonville Church of the Nazarene (WatsNaz) for worship, community, and the opportunity to grow deeper in faith. We’d love to walk this journey with you!
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Questions:
What are some ways we can tell when our hearts have started to harden toward God? Have you ever had a moment when you realized you needed spiritual renewal?
Ezekiel 36 reminds us that God restores us not just for our own sake, but to be a light to others. How have you seen God’s transformation in someone’s life impact those around them?
Lent is a season of reflection and repentance. What’s one practical step you can take this week to allow God to soften your heart and draw you closer to Him?