February 22, 2026 Welcome to Trinity!
Basic Theme:
After defeating the devil in the wilderness, Jesus steps forward with one urgent message: the long-awaited Kingdom of God has broken into history. In His teaching, His touch, and His very person, heaven is now invading earth. This series traces Jesus’ early Galilean ministry as He proclaims and demonstrates the nature of God’ s reign. Lent becomes a six-week prayer—“ Thy kingdom come”— as we repent of every rival kingdom, realign our hearts with the King’ s priorities, and prepare to crown Christ alone on Easter morning.
Sermon Snapshot( Key Points):
In the wilderness, two kingdoms collide. Satan parades the glittering crowns of this world— self-sufficiency, sensationalism, and raw power— offering them without a cross. Jesus refuses every compromise. His Kingdom will come only through obedience, trust, and worship of the Father. The collision continues in us. Lent begins with this question: which kingdom are we serving? Every temptation we face is the same ancient clash. Repentance is choosing sides again— choosing the Kingdom that conquers by the cross.
So What?
What specific“ kingdoms of this world”( like self-sufficiency, sensationalism, or power) are you tempted to bow to in your daily life? Reflect on a recent temptation you’ ve faced: how does Jesus’ response in the wilderness challenge you to respond differently? In what area of your life is there a“ collision” between worldly values and Kingdom values, and what one step can you take to align more fully with the crossconquering Kingdom?
Do This!
This week, identify one recurring temptation where you usually take the shortcut( comfort, control, image, or anger). Each time it appears, pause, reflect on Jesus’ encounter in the wilderness, and choose the Kingdom way instead.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15( NIV)
1
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said,“ If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered,“ It is written:‘ Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“ If you are the Son of God,” he said,“ throw yourself down. For it is written:“‘ He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him,“ It is also written:‘ Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“ All this I will give you,” he said,“ if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him,“ Away from me, Satan! For it is written:‘ Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet he did not sin.
11:11am Service Information:
Opening Music: Praise Chorus Bethel Music / Brian Johnson You Cannot Be Stopped Phil Wickham The God Who Stays
Matthew West
Communion Song: In the Garden Closing Song: Whom Shall I Fear
Traditional
Chris Tomlin
Bill Maetschke, Praise Team Leader Marty Allen, guest Praise Team Leader