Week of 2/22/26: Returning In Honest Dependence

SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Rooted in Repentance
Weekly Theme: Be the Church - Returning In Honest Dependence
Weekly Fast: Social Media
Sermon Text: Acts 4:1-31
Primary Reading: Mark 11-16; Luke 1-3
Kids’ Readings (Jesus Storybook Bible): A Little Girl and a Poor Frail Lady (Mark 5:21–43), How to Pray (Matthew 6:5-15)
Memory Verses (Through April 4th): Psalm 51:1–4 (ESV)
 [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
 [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
 [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 
 [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
  so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 
1 | Theme Reflection - “Returning In Honest Dependence”
Lent Week 2 brings us deeper into the landscape of the heart - the places where our desires, distractions, and dependencies quietly shape us. Social media is not inherently evil, but it is powerful. It pulls our attention outward, scatters our affections, and offers the illusion of connection without the presence of communion.

Jesus invites us into something better.

In Mark 11–16 and Luke 1–3, we see the kingdom break into real lives through real presence. Jesus enters Jerusalem with humility, confronts hypocrisy, restores dignity to the overlooked, and prays with the honesty of a Son who depends on His Father for everything.

Acts 4 gives us a picture of this same dependence in the early church. United in heart and soul, they listen, share, give, and trust God together - not as consumers of spiritual content, but as participants in a Spirit-filled community.

Fasting from social media allows us to unclutter the inner world so we may receive what Jesus is offering: rest for our minds, clarity for our hearts, and space for genuine connection with Him and others.

Lent teaches us that repentance is not only turning away from sin - it is turning toward presence. Presence with God and with others.

2 | Daily Reading Rhythm

3 | Practice of the Week - Social media Fast
Why a Social Media Fast for Adults?
Social medial can subtly consume our time and attention, pulling us away from meaningful relationship and quiet reflection. Fasting from it allows us to reset our focus on God and the people around us. 

Scripture
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” - Psalm 119:37

Reflection Questions

      • How often do I use social media as a distraction?
      • How can I fill that time with practices that honor God?

Encouragement

Replace scrolling with moments of prayer, Scripture reading or being fully present with loved ones.


Adult Prayer
Gracious God, turn my eyes away from distractions and toward Your beauty. Help me to seek connection with You and others more than fleeting moments of attention online. Fill my mind with things that are true, honorable, and pure. Amen.
4 | Family Guide - Helping Kids Engage the Fast
Why a Social Media Fast for Families?
Social media can fill our minds with distractions. But God calls us to be present with Him and with each other. Jesus often withdrew from crowds to pray and focus on His Father (Luke 5:16). Fasting from social media helps us quiet the noise and hear God’s voice more clearly.

Ideas for Kids
  • Set aside a “screen-free” time each day to read the Bible, pray, or enjoy family time.
  • Replace social media scrolling with something creative: drawing, playing outside, or writing a letter to encourage someone.
  • Talk about the difference between seeking approval from God versus approval from people online.

Kid’s Prayer
God, help me to focus on what is real and good. Teach me to listen to You and love the people around me. Amen.

Family Conversation Starters
    • How does social media (or screen time) make us feel sometimes? Does it always make us feel good? 
    • What are are some ways we can spend more time with God and each other instead of looking at screens?
    5 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of Prayer
    Lent Week 2 naturally draws us to the heart of prayer. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 that prayer is not performance but communion - withdrawing from public approval to engage with the Father in secret.

    Prayer forms dependence. Prayer cultivates honesty. Prayer opens the heart to receive grace.

    A social media fast pairs beautifully with this doctrine - we quiet lesser voices so we can hear the Father’s voice more clearly.

    Westminster Shorter Catechism 
    Q. 98. What is prayer?

    A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

    Click here for Scripture references to Q&A 98 from the Catechism
    6 | Missional Focus - Ministry of Presence
    The early church in Acts 4 bore witness to Jesus not only through proclamation but through presence:
        • generosity
        • unity
        • attentiveness to need
        • and lives shaped by the Spirit
    This week consider:
        • Who in my life needs my presence?
        • How might my undivided presence display the character of Jesus to those around me?
    Mission begins when we choose to be present with the people right in front of us.
    7 | Community Group Discussion Questions
    From the Sermon (Text - Acts 4 : 1 – 31)
        1. In what ways have you seen intentional time with Jesus impact your life and those around you positively?
        2. How has friendship and prayer been used by God to form you more into the image of Jesus?
    From the Readings
        1. Where do you see Jesus inviting people into deeper dependence in Mark or Luke?
        2. How does Jesus’ honesty before the Father shape your understanding of prayer?
    From Personal Reflection
        1. How has stepping away from social media exposed or revealed deeper desires?
        2. What practices helped you redirect your attention toward God this week?
    From Community Life
        1. How can our group practice presence with one another more intentionally?
        2. Who might God be calling you to notice or encourage this week?
    Questions for Children
        1. What did Jesus do when He wanted to talk to God?
        2. What good things can we do instead of screen time this week?
        3. How can we be more present with God and each other?

    8 | Closing Prayer
    Lord Jesus,
    With all the distractions that seek to pull our focus and attention,
    Above all, may You be all we see.
    Amen.