Sermons
Ash Wednesday: Confession, Repentance, Forgiveness
- Rev. Dr. John Kaiser
- February 18, 2026
On Ash Wednesday, Rev. Dr. John Kaiser reminded the church that Lent begins with humility, confession, and repentance before a holy God. While the world moves from the celebration of Mardi Gras and carnival, the church turns to ashes as a sign that we are dust and in need of mercy. Drawing from Scripture, especially Psalm 51, he reflected on King David’s deep repentance after his sin with Bathsheba and how true restoration comes only through confession, repentance, and forgiveness. He called this the Christian formula of reconciliation, which restores not only our relationship with God but also our relationships with others. Dr. Kaiser emphasized that we cannot rely on our good deeds to outweigh our sins; our only hope is the saving blood of Jesus Christ. As we receive ashes in the sign of the cross and hear the words, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” we are reminded of both our mortality and our need for a Savior. Yet Lent is not without hope, for the same God who formed us from dust promises to raise us up through Christ’s resurrection.