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TZID:America/Chicago
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260608T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260608T203000
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260428T182657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T193611Z
UID:2563-1780943400-1780950600@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Vacation Bible School
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to have you for an unforgettable experience at VBS 2026 – Illumination Station!! Join us for the brightest week of the year as we shine the LIGHT on Jesus and who He really is. You will be challenged to answer Jesus’ important question to His disciples\, “Who do you say that I am?” And discover all the ways LIGHT illuminates\, reflects\, and reveal that Jesus is the LIGHT who brings hope to a dark world. \nJesus spoke to them again: “I am the LIGHT of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the LIGHT of life.” John 8:12  \nKickoff Event: VBS Pep Rally – Sunday – June 7th\nClosing Celebration: Laser Tag – June 13th – details coming soon! \nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nPRE-REGISTER NOW by clicking the link below to secure your spot. \nChild Registration \nAdult Registration \n 
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/vacation-bible-school/
LOCATION:Unity Baptist Church\, 903 N. 1st Street\, Copperas Cove\, TX\, 76522\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Illumination-Station-VBS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260405T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260405T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260331T193402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T193402Z
UID:2561-1775347200-1775433540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 47 - In the Garden: Not the Gardener
DESCRIPTION:“Woman\, He said\, ‘why are you crying? Who are you looking for? Thinking He was the gardener\, she said\, ‘Sir\, if you have carried Him away\, tell me where you have put Him\, and I will get Him”’ (John 20:15).  \nAfter spending time with Christ\, she didn’t recognize the Lord. Why? She had come to the tomb expecting to see Him. We all know people in different situations\, from work\, the neighborhood\, or the family. Pastors get to know each other because they sit in the same row\, the same set\, every Sunday. If the pastor runs into some of those same people at the grocery store on Thursday afternoon\, he is likely to draw a blank because they are out of context.   \nJesus was not in the place she expected to find Him. She had been distraught over yesterday’s events. She spent last night weeping\, overcome with emotion. The main reason she could not was that He had not revealed Himself to her. This was the same tactile approach He had with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). There was an essential truth He was teaching. She had to learn that He is always present\, even when He is invisible to the naked eye. We have to be able to process this truth in our journey of life. God is often closer to us when we are going through a dark valley. We think we are left alone\, but He has not abandoned us. It is then that we need our eyes open to see what the Lord wants us to learn. And just because we don’t see Him\, doesn’t mean He isn’t there.   \nThe question asked is “Who are you looking for?” not “What are you looking for?” That is a different question. Mary was looking for what – a dead body. She was looking for something; Jesus pointed her to someone. The answer to our deepest needs is not something\, but someone\, the Lord Jesus Christ.  \nOn this joyful Resurrection Morning\, we celebrate because Jesus lives today.  \nHe IS RISEN!  \nHIS IS RISEN INDEED!  \n Open our eyes\, Lord Jesus\, to see You as You truly are. We are glad that death has been defeated. May our hearts overflow with RESURRECTION joy. Amen. 
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-47-in-the-garden-not-the-gardener/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260331T173915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T173915Z
UID:2559-1775260800-1775347140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 46 - Behind Closed Doors: Waiting
DESCRIPTION:“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the Commandment” \n(Luke 23:56).  \n There are few details about what was acquired between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. What we know is that Jesus died\, and the disciples locked themselves behind closed doors in fear of the Jewish rulers (John 20:19). For good reason\, because the Chief Priests and the Pharisees met with Pilate and asked him to order that the tomb be sealed to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:62-66). After the resurrection\, these same religious leaders would bribe the guard to lie and spread rumors that the disciples had stolen the body from the grave (Matthew 28:11-15). Strange as it may sound\, those who killed Him had a greater belief in the resurrection than His disciples.   \nWe know this detail about Saturday because it was the Sabbath\, and the women were following the commandments according to (Luke 23:56).   \nThe most striking thing about Saturday is that no one expected a resurrection. All four gospels tell the same story of how shocked and confused the women were when they discovered the tomb was empty on Sunday morning. Beloved\, no one was waiting on Sunday because they believed that Jesus would be risen from the dead\, even though He had told them He would. After the brutal death on the cross\, no one thought His prediction would come true. At best\, that would have been wishful thinking.   \nIn the words of Bishop T. D. Jakes\, the message of Holy Saturday is “Get ready\, get ready\, get ready”. Something is about to happen. It may be Saturday\, but Sunday is coming; we are moving toward Easter. All we have to do is hold on just a bit longer\, and Sunday will be here.  \nBrothers and Sisters\, yesterday\, our Lord was crucified. Today\, His body lies in the tomb. Tomorrow\, He rises from the dead. Saturday can seem long – and it is – but be of good cheer. The crucifixion is behind us. Saturday will not last forever. Sooner than we think\, Sunday will be here. Beloved\, when Jesus walked out of the tomb\, all of His people walked out with Him.   \nOh\, beloved\, believe this – We are Easter people\, marching from Good Friday through Holy Saturday on our way to Easter Sunday. We have not quite made it yet\, but we are moving in the right direction.  \nYes\, it is Saturday\, but Sunday is coming. Let that thought give strength to your weary soul and bring joy to your heart today.  \n O\, Lord\, waiting is so hard. And waiting is what this day is all about. Grant us faith while we wait\, so we will not lose heart\, but we will be ready to rejoice when Sunday finally comes. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-46-behind-closed-doors-waiting/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260403T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260329T031123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T031124Z
UID:2557-1775174400-1775260740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 45 - Golgotha: Were You There?
DESCRIPTION:“They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull)” Mark 15:22. \n9 A.M. Friday morning\, it is killing time in Jerusalem. \nThe Damascus Gate led into a flat area near a spot where\, according to legend\, the prophet Jeremiah was buried. Up above\, if you looked very closely and from the right angle\, it would take on the shape of a skull. The erosion of the limestone gave it the appearance of two eye sockets and even the outline of a nose\, maybe even a mouth. \nSkull Hill\, they called it. Golgotha. \nPlease take note of these three words from Mark’s Gospel: “They crucified Him.” They speak to those who crucified our Lord. They include the Romans and the Jews\, and they include you and me.  We all had a share in the death of Jesus. \nThe word “crucified” speaks to the painful death He suffered. Crucifixion was the ultimate punishment in that day. It represented the final judgment of the world on Jesus: “This man deserves to die.” Though He had done no wrong\, they crucified Him anyway. \nTo be absolutely clear\, the word “Him” refers to the person who died that day. This was no ordinary man. The centurion cried out when He (Jesus) died\, “Surely\, this was the Son of God!” \nA story was told of a man who visited Golgotha and the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. Being overcome\, he began to weep. “Have you ever been here before?” someone asked. “Oh\, yes\,” he replied. “I was here 2000 years ago.” \nThe old Negro Spiritual first appeared in print in 1899\, asking the question that we should consider sometimes during this season: \nWere you there when they crucified my Lord? \nWere you there when they crucified my Lord? \nOh\, sometimes it causes me to tremble\, tremble\, tremble. \nWere you there when they crucified my Lord? \n\nLord Jesus\, we tremble to think of what You endured for our salvation. May we never be ashamed of Jesus or what He did for us. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-45-golgotha-were-you-there/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260402T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260402T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260329T030010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T030011Z
UID:2555-1775088000-1775174340@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 44 - Gethsemane: The Traitor’s Kiss
DESCRIPTION:“Jesus asked him\, ‘Judas\, are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss”’ (Luke 22:48). \nA closer look at the four Gospels reveals remarkable facts about Judas: \n\nJesus Christ personally chose him to be an apostle.\nHe forsook everything to follow the Lord.\nHe spent 3 ½ years traveling the length and breadth of Israel with Christ.\nHe saw the miracles of Christ in person.\nHe heard Christ give all of His discourses.\nHe watched as Christ healed the sick\, raised the dead\, and cast out demons.\nHe\, along with the other apostles\, was sent out to preach the gospel.\nHe was one of the leaders of the apostolic band.\nNo one ever suspected him of treason.\n\nHis resume is what makes this story so fascinating and perplexing. \nWhat would make a man follow Jesus so closely for so long and then betray Him at the end? The Bible offers tantalizing details that captivate our imagination without providing a final answer to this puzzling question. After all of this\, what motivated him to go to the Jewish leaders and betray Jesus with this evil plan? Was it envy? Was it disappointment? Was it misplaced patriotism? Was it greed? Was it some backhanded attempt to force Jesus to lead a revolution against Rome? \nHe could have been as torn as many of us are today. We often serve God with mixed emotions\, but the only thing that matters is that he betrayed Jesus. For that one reason\, we know his name today\, and he will live on in infamy. \nBeloved\, what he did\, I could do. If you think otherwise\, you have missed the point of this lesson. Judas is a lot like us\, and we are a lot like him. The more religious we are\, the more like Judas we become. He was an apostle\, wasn’t he? You cannot get more spiritual than that. He was in the in crowd. And yet he betrayed Jesus. \nThis story of Judas is in the Bible for many reasons\, not the least of which is that\, before we think of ourselves as better than others\, we should at least ask ourselves the question the other eleven apostles asked about on the horrible and fateful night. \n“Lord\, is it I?” \nSearch me\, Lord Jesus\, and see if there be any Judas in me. Would I betray You\, Lord? Reveal the truth\, then heal my soul\, lest I\, for thirty pieces of silver\, should betray You again. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-44-gethsemane-the-traitors-kiss/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260401T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260401T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260329T024957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T024958Z
UID:2553-1775001600-1775087940@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 43 - The Temple: Not One Stone will Be Left
DESCRIPTION:“They will not leave one stone on another\, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you”\n(Luke 19:44). \nFor at least the second time\, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. \nBecause of His great love for her. \nHowever\, the congregation didn’t take the warning seriously. When He said that the great temple in Jerusalem\, Herod’s Temple\, would someday crumble and fall\, nothing was further from their minds. That was impossible. \nWho would dare to do such a thing. \nThe Lord answered that question in 70 A.D.\, when the Roman Army besieged Jerusalem and tore down the temple\, brick by brick. It looked like the World Trade Center on 9/11. \nIsrael (the church) refused to recognize the time of the Lord’s coming to them (us). Scripture calls it the “Day of Visitation\,” a moment when God comes in blessing and power. When Jesus came\, God was “visiting” His people\, showing Himself in the mighty works of His Son. The Messiah whom they had long been waiting for. But His own people would not hear Him. \nThey could have known. They should have known. \nHere is the message for us. Will we listen? He that has an ear\, let him hear: \nRest assured\, if we do not respond to the call of God while it is yet day\, the time will come when we receive judgment\, not deliverance. \nIf we keep pushing aside His blessings\, we will have to give an account for them eventually. \nThere is a rude awakening for those who believe they have time to wait and put off the call of Christ. Vernard Johnson penned these words: “Don’t Wait Too Late.” Truly\, one day you will be too late. \nThat jumbled pile of rocks sends a message to those who read these words. \nDon’t allow this to be you. \nLet us be warned\, O\, Lord\, so we will not miss the day of God’s coming to us. Give us eager hearts to respond when You call. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-43-the-temple-not-one-stone-will-be-left/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260331T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260331T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260329T023844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T023844Z
UID:2551-1774915200-1775001540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 42 - The Temple Courts: A Trick Question
DESCRIPTION:“He is not the God of the dead but of the living\, for to Him all are alive” (Luke 20:38). \nHave you ever met a Sadducee? Neither have I. \nBut that is not surprising\, considering that the last one died 2000 years ago. In their prime\, there were only a few of them\, a tiny sect. They were like an elite\, a very wealthy club. Pharisees were better known than the Sadducees\, and if you lived in Jericho\, you would have known more Pharisees than Sadducees. They were a small group with some extraordinary views. \nThey confronted Jesus with a question about a woman and her deceased husband. At best\, it was a trick question. After her husband’s death\, she married the other brothers\, one at a time\, following each brother’s death. Seven times she married. Now here comes the tricky question: “In the resurrection\, whose wife will she be?” \nThe question is so silly that it is meant to make you laugh. \nFundamentally\, Jesus takes the answer from the character of God Himself? \nThe question is not\, nor should it be\, ‘Can we still believe in life after death?’ but ‘can we believe in God?’ Death is not the end of the story for the children of God. He has promised us a better day\, and we call it resurrection. We wait in the here and now for that better day with the Lord. That is what Paul meant when he said\, “To die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. \nThe one thing we know for sure is that death comes to us all. The God who has walked with us through every trial and tribulation while we are here on earth will never abandon us when we need Him most. \nDeath appears to the natural eye as being undefeatable. Jesus shows us that there is one who has victory over Him\, and all that we believe about life after death rests entirely on the faithfulness of God. \nThere is a day coming when death will be no more. And all praise belongs to God. All of us who have a relationship with Jesus cannot be separated from His love\, because our hope for the future is as secure as any other promise of God. For the beloved\, death is not the end but the beginning of life forever with the Lord. \nLiving Lord\, we rest all our hope in You\, for You alone have conquered the grave. Make us strong today and bold in our faith\, knowing that when the time comes to leave this earth\, we will be with You forever. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-42-the-temple-courts-a-trick-question/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260330T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260330T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183525
CREATED:20260329T023016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T023016Z
UID:2549-1774828800-1774915140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 41 - The Temple Courts: Shake Us Up\, Lord
DESCRIPTION:“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” – (Mark 11:17). \nThere was something Jesus wouldn’t tolerate. He had a deep love for hurting people and demonstrated His compassion for them. His outreach and compassion for the rejected and the lost were always on display. However\, He had very little patience for the religious people and the money changers who\, through their spiritual traditions and crooked practices\, profited from the underprivileged. This is the second time He cleansed the temple. The first is found in John 2 at the beginning of His public ministry. \nHe cleanses the temple as He starts His ministry. \nHe cleanses the temple as He closes His ministry. \nThis was no accident. He meant to reveal the infertility of the Israelite style of worship. The Temple in Jerusalem was designed for prayer for all nations\, and it would be known as the House of prayer. It was uniquely Jewish\, yet all nations were invited. But no prayer could take place because the profiteers had completely taken over the outer courts. They made their money by charging exorbitant fees for purchasing animals for worship and for exchanging money into special temple currency. \nBusiness was good\, and this infuriated Him. The very fact that He cleansed the temple twice shows how deeply embedded this sin was in the heart of man. This small glimpse of the condition of man reveals why Jesus had to die. His death opened a direct path to God. No longer would man have to travel to Jerusalem to worship God. Our hearts are the temple in which God now dwells. \nBoth cleansings reveal how much God yearns for fellowship with us. He loves us so much that he will overturn the tables and shake us up so that once again our hearts belong to him. \nWhat a Christ we serve! \nHe loves us too much to leave us as we are. \nShake us up\, Lord Jesus. Overturn the tables of greed\, sloth\, pride\, and lust. Do whatever it takes so our hearts will be fully in tune with You. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-41-the-temple-courts-shake-us-up-lord/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T125441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T125441Z
UID:2544-1774742400-1774828740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 40 - Bethphage: A Donkey for Jesus
DESCRIPTION:“They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their robes on them\, and He sat on them” (Matthew 21:7) \nPalm Sunday is a very familiar story; however\, we never tell the story of how it begins\, with the disciples following the Master’s instruction to retrieve a young colt that would be tied up in town for His use. There were two donkeys\, one a young colt that had never been ridden.  The other was the mother of the ass colt. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the young colt with the mother walking alongside. \nThe ancient prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 was being fulfilled. These words were written over 575 years ago\, and they predicted that the Messiah would come to Israel\, riding on a donkey. \n“Rejoice greatly\, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud\, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold\, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He\, humble and mounted on a donkey\, on a colt\, the foal of a donkey.” \nHow strange for the King to arrive riding a donkey. Again\, God chooses an unusual way to announce His son. Can you see the Romans mocking Israel as they watched these events unfold? A poor peasant riding a borrowed donkey\, the saddle made from a makeshift layer of borrowed cloaks. They were attended by an unruly mob\, and their weapons were only palm branches. \nOn Palm Sunday\, we worship the One whose kingdom is not of this world\, who offered Himself to His people while riding on a borrowed donkey. In the hymn “From Bethany”\, The Master says it well: \nThe King of Love\, in triumph rides through the city’s gate; rejected\, scorned – yet Victor\, the Conqueror of hate; o wave your green palm branches! Exalt His matched worth! This King of love shall conquer the nations of the earth. \nLord Jesus\, You knew the pain of our rejection fully. You came as a King\, but we would not have You. Grant that we might follow You to the cross and count it all joy for Your sake. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-40-bethphage-a-donkey-for-jesus/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260328T233000
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T124755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T124755Z
UID:2542-1774656000-1774740600@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 39 - Ephraim: The Only Safe Place
DESCRIPTION:“Therefore\, Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead\, He withdrew to a region near the desert\, to a village called Ephraim\, where He stayed with His disciples” (John 11:54) \nLazarus’ resurrection led many to believe. The Sanhedrin and the Pharisees\, the religious leaders\, called a meeting to put Him on trial. \nHe must die! \nPartly\, they were trying to cover themselves with the Roman Government\, and they didn’t want things to get out of hand\, partly because they were worried about His growing popularity among the ordinary people. The only option left was to kill Him. \nJesus retreated to Ephraim\, a small village about 12 miles from Jerusalem. There\, He would rest and prepare for the tumult that would lead up to His own crucifixion. \nIn all of this\, we see several factors at work: First\, Jesus will not rush ahead of God’s plan. He knew with perfect certainty that He would die in Jerusalem. This had to happen according to God’s sovereign plan. Second\, all things work toward Jehovah’s predetermined plan. From the outside\, it appears things were happening haphazardly and were not coordinated. But the perfect plan of God was at work. The retreat to Ephraim was part of the plan\, so that in a few days He might meet His predetermined fate on a bloody cross outside the city walls. \nThe cross has always been the plan. It was not an accident; nothing about it was accidental. The wicked and cowardly men carried out the shocking sovereign plan of God\, accomplishing the plan for the redemption of creation through the burial and cruel murder of His Son\, by the hands of wicked and evil men. \nMeanwhile\, Jesus waits in Ephraim until the time comes for His final journey to Jerusalem. \nOur Father\, how great is Your love\, how vast is Your wisdom that you should design the death of Your Son so that through His sacrifice we might be saved. All Your ways are perfect\, always. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-39-ephraim-the-only-safe-place/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T124248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T124248Z
UID:2540-1774569600-1774655940@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 38 - Bethany: A Dead Man Rises
DESCRIPTION:Lazarus was already dead for four days when Jesus arrived in     Bethany. \nHe had been dead long enough for his body to begin decaying. \nNow Jesus is here. What will He do? Lazarus has been dead so long that any thought of an immediate resurrection is out of the question. But that doesn’t seem to be on Martha’s mind. She thought Jesus could heal Lazarus\, and she also believed he would be raised on the last day. It apparently never occurred to her that Jesus could raise Lazarus right then and there. \nJesus wept. \nHe ordered the stone removed from the entrance of the tomb. \nHe declared that this would be for glory of God. \nHe called in a loud voice\, “Lazarus\, come forth!” \nSomeone has commented that if Jesus had not said the name Lazarus\, every dead person in the world would have been raised. Certainly\, the raising of this one man proves Jesus can raise every person. \nDeath has no power over Him\, but He has absolute power over death. \nThere’s an old gospel song called “Since Jesus Came into My Heart”. One of the verses contains this phrase\, “There’s a light in the valley of death now for me\, since Jesus came into my heart.” \nThat light is Jesus. \nIf you know Him\, you need not death. To borrow a phrase from John Stott\, death has become a “trivial episode” for the believer. It doesn’t seem trivial to us in the moment\, but Jesus has taken the sting from death. One day we will live in a land where death no longer reigns. \nLord Jesus\, what would we do without You? Where could we go but to the Lord? You alone have the words of eternal life. Thank You for the hope we have that goes beyond the grave. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-38-bethany-a-dead-man-rises/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T123959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T123959Z
UID:2538-1774483200-1774569540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 37 - Across the Jordan: Waiting for Lazarus to Die
DESCRIPTION:“When He heard that Lazarus was sick\, He stayed where He was two more days” (John 11:6). \nWhy did He wait two more days? \nWhy not come now\, right now\, while Lazarus is alive? \nIf He really loved Lazarus\, why delay at all? \nIt is easy to understand the disciples’ confusion. “Lord\, this man is your friend. We have seen you heal people you didn’t even know. Lazarus loves you\, and you love him. Why are you waiting?” \nWhen at last Jesus arrives in Bethany\, Lazarus has already died. He is met by Martha\, sister of Lazarus\, who speaks her mind to the Son of God: “Lord\, if you had been here\, my brother would not have died” (v.21). \nMartha is partly right. Jesus could have healed Lazarus\, but she was wrong on one point. Jesus could have healed him from the other side of the Jordan River. He is the Son of God. He didn’t have to personally come to Bethany to work a great miracle. \nBut that is precisely what He does. \nStrange as it may sound\, Jesus stayed away from Bethany so that after Lazarus died\, He could raise him from the dead\, bringing great glory to God\, and confirming His own words when He said\, “I am the resurrection and the life” (v.25) \nThe Bible explicitly says that Jesus loved Lazarus\, yet He let him die. He delayed returning so that Lazarus would die. That too was an act of love. \nWe will never understand this unless we see that Jesus always intended to raise Lazarus from the dead. The disciples didn’t see that\, the sisters didn’t see that\, but Jesus had it in mind from the beginning. \nThis teaches us something about the “delays” of life. Although God may seem slow to us\, He is never “slow”\, but He does move according to His purposes. We will rarely understand in advance why things happen the way they do. As we will see tomorrow\, there is more to this story. For the moment\, let us remember God’s love comes in many varieties\, and He loves us even when nothing He does make sense to us. \nLord Jesus\, some of us desperately need your comfort right now. Forgive us for doubting Your purposes. Help us trust even when we don’t understand. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-37-across-the-jordan-waiting-for-lazarus-to-die/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T123425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T123425Z
UID:2536-1774396800-1774483140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 36 - Jericho: A Little Man with a Big Problem
DESCRIPTION:“Zacchaeus\, come down immediately” (Luke 19:5). \nHe was a little man with a big problem. Jesus was coming to town\, but the crowds kept Zacchaeus\, who was a short man\, from seeing Him. A familiar Sunday school tells the story: \nZacchaeus was a wee little man – and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree – for the Lord he wanted to see. \nAs the chief tax collector of Jericho\, he was not a popular man. Since he had cheated many people\, he had many enemies. So\, climbing up in a sycamore tree was both ingenious and prudent. The same Sunday school song explains what happened next: \nAnd as the Savior passed that way – He looked up in that tree\, and He said\, “Zacchaeus\, you come down! For I’m going to your house today – for I’m going to your house today.” \nZacchaeus climbed the tree because his heart told him he needed what Jesus had to offer. Deep inside he knew he needed forgiveness and new life. Jesus came to the house of the most hated man in town because He did not follow public opinion. He will eat with a Pharisee or a tax collector (or with anyone else\, for that matter) because He came to seek and to save the lost (v. 10). \nJesus made the first move (v.5). That’s grace. \nSalvation could not be simpler than this. When Jesus calls\, receive him gladly. Zacchaeus made a lifetime of mistakes and had many things to make right\, but he was smart enough to come to Jesus. The little man with a big problem turns out to be the smartest man in town.\nGracious God\, you are amazing! You save people who don’t deserve it. Thank You for making room for me in Your family. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-36-jericho-a-little-man-with-a-big-problem/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T122851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T122851Z
UID:2534-1774310400-1774396740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 35 - On the Road: No Turning Back
DESCRIPTION:“Still another said\, ‘I will follow You\, Lord; but first let me go back and say to my family.’ Jesus replied\, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God’”\n(Luke 9:61-62). \nLet’s call this fellow the Divided Disciple\, which is a contradiction in terms\, if you think about it. \nIn military terms\, this man is a weekend warrior. He’s ready to serve the Lord but he wants to tie up some loose ends at home first. And his request does seem reasonable. All he wants to do is to say goodbye to his parents\, his friends\, maybe his girlfriend\, and so on. Maybe they will throw him a farewell party and make speeches in his honor. No doubt there will be tears shed and a few people will question his decision. But that’s to be expected\, isn’t it? So why can’t he go home and bid his family goodbye? \nEvidently this man wanted to keep the back door open. Perhaps he wanted to make a deal to protect his family. Certainly\, he wanted their approval. None of this is wrong in itself. But remember the words of Jesus in Luke 14:25 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother\, his wife and children\, his brothers and sisters – yes\, even his own life – he cannot be My disciple.”  You can check the word “hate” in the Greek and you will discover that “hate” is exactly what it means. But the “hate” of this verse doesn’t refer to personal animosity. Being faithful to Jesus Christ and following His call on your life may mean you will do things from time to time that seem to your loved ones as if you hate them. You don’t hate them at all\, but your obedience to Christ may cause them to think that you hate them. Such is the price we all must pay to be a disciple of Christ. \nThe real meaning of our text is quite plain. Following Jesus is the most important thing in life. Everything else pales by comparison. \nIt is not an emotional\, spur-of-the moment decision. \nIt is not a decision that can be postponed till later. \nIt is not a phase we go through while we keep our options open. \nFollowing Jesus means signing away the rights to your own life. You sign on the bottom line and let Him fill in the details. It means Jesus first. No conditions. No delays. No buts. No excuses. \nLord Jesus\, I pray for the courage to follow You without delay\, whatever it costs\, no turning back\, wherever you lead. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-35-on-the-road-no-turning-back/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260323T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260323T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T122450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T122450Z
UID:2532-1774224000-1774310340@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 34 - In the Villages: The Harvest is Plentiful
DESCRIPTION:“Then He said to His disciples\, ‘The harvest is plentiful\, but the laborers are few; therefore\, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his Harvest’” (Matthew 9:37-38). \nThese verses have been translated into every language. The harvest is plentiful all over the world. Right now\, while you are reading these words\, the harvest is plentiful in Finland\, Slovenia\, Thailand\, Paraguay\, Bangladesh\, Iran\, Libya\, and yes\, the harvest is vast America. \nThe problem has never been with the harvest. The problem is with the workers. We don’t have enough of them. We’ve got good workers\, hard workers\, dedicated workers\, kind\, sincere\, Christ-loving\, gospel-preaching\, and spirit-filled workers. We just don’t have enough of them. So\, the harvest rots in the field because there are not enough of them. What should we do about it? \nOur way and God’s way are not the same way. We want to organize to get more workers for the harvest field\, but Jesus said\, “Pray earnestly.” \nFirst\, we pray. Then we preach. \nFirst\, we pray. Then we organize. \nFirst\, we pray. Then we go. \nPrayer comes first because the harvest belongs to the Lord. It is quite literally His harvest. He knows where the harvest is\, He knows when it is coming in\, He knows how many workers are needed\, and He knows who is needed when and where. \nAs we think about the worldwide harvest\, remember that Jesus is Lord of China\, He is Lord of the Ukraine\, He is Lord of Uganda\, and He is Lord of Vietnam. All nations are His. So\, then\, let us pray with great confidence to the Lord of the harvest that He might send forth more workers. While we are at it\, let’s ask the Lord to send us anywhere we might be useful to help bring the harvest in. \nLord of the nations\, we see the vast harvest before us\, ripening every day in every nation. Raise up workers for the harvest fields around the world. Send us anywhere you need us to help bring your harvest in. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-34-in-the-villages-the-harvest-is-plentiful/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260322T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260322T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T122027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T122027Z
UID:2530-1774137600-1774223940@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 33 - A Solitary Place: Give Them Something to Eat
DESCRIPTION:“He said to them\, ‘Give them something to eat.’ They said\, ‘We have only five loaves of bread and two fish’” (Luke 9:13) \nThe location of this miracle is described in various ways: \n“A desolate place” (Matthew 14:13). \n“A solitary place” (Mark 6:32). \n“A town called Bethsaida” (Luke 9:10) \n“The far shore of the Sea of Galilee” (John 6:1)). \nFrom this we gather that Jesus and His disciple crossed the Sea of Galilee from west to east\, landing near the village of Bethsaida\, in a remote area\, near a hillside\, where thousands of people gathered to hear Him speak. The fact that 5000 men (not including the women and children who must have been part of the crowd) followed Jesus to this desolate area\, shows the magnetic appeal of our Lord to the masses. \nWhen Jesus said\, “Give them something to eat\,” the disciples were astounded and embarrassed because they did not have the means to meet such a request. No one could feed such a vast multitude! “Send them away\, Lord\, so they won’t starve here in the wilderness.” Jesus wants His men to realize their own inadequacy for the task at hand. As long as they think they can feed the crowds on their own\, why would they need Jesus? You only need a miracle when you can’t do it yourself. \nWe still need this lesson today. Without Jesus’ active involvement\, all our plans are doomed to fail. Until we see that our human resources are bound to fail\, we will depend on our money\, our organization\, our staff\, and our connections to make things happen. But when we at long last come to the end of our hoarded resources and cry out\, “Lord\, this is impossible. Help me!” all of heaven comes to our aid. \nThe twelve baskets left over tell an important story. If we will trust Jesus\, there will be plenty for those we serve\, and more than enough left over to feed us also. \nJesus is always more than enough for those who dare to trust in Him. \nLord\, thank You for showing us our weakness that You might show yourself strong to meet every need we have. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-33-a-solitary-place-give-them-something-to-eat/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260321T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260321T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260320T121216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T121217Z
UID:2528-1774051200-1774137540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 32 - Perea: What Camels Can’t Do
DESCRIPTION:“How hard is it for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! indeed\, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24-25). \nThey must have laughed when Jesus said it. \nCamels can’t go through the eye of a needle. Totally impossible. Not just difficult but totally\, absolutely\, 100% impossible. \nEqually absurd is the idea of a rich man going to heaven. \nWe are more like the rich ruler man than we would like to admit. Many of us would secretly agree with the fellow who said\, “It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor just so long as you have lot of money.” \nWe must not try to wiggle out of this. When Jesus says the eye of a needle\, He means the eye of a needle. Like the needle you do sewing with. When He says camel\, He means a big camel that rides across the desert. He says\, “Look at a camel and the eye of a needle. It is easier to get a big camel through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to go to heaven. \nWhy? Because rich people trust in their riches. A poor person says\, “if Jesus doesn’t come through for me\, I am sunk.” A rich man says\, “if Jesus doesn’t come through for me\, that’s okay. I have my pension. I have stocks and bonds. I have my options. I have my golden parachute. I have my safety net. If He doesn’t come through\, it doesn’t matter. I’m taking care of things myself.” \nBut even rich people can be saved if they will give up their trust in their riches. Money can do many things\, but it can’t take you to heaven. Once you realize that\, you can be saved. \nThis leads to two simple yet profound conclusions: \nFirst\, as long as you make money the measure of your life\, you will be empty and unfulfilled. \nSecond\, whenever you stop trusting in money and turn your life over to Jesus Christ\, then and only then will your heart be satisfied. \nUse your money but don’t fall in love with it. That’s the message for today. \nGracious Lord\, You have already provided everything I need. Thank you for a salvation that cannot be purchased with silver and gold. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-32-perea-what-camels-cant-do/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260320T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260320T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260316T232935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T232935Z
UID:2526-1773964800-1774051140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 31 - Sea of Galilee: When Christ is in the Boat
DESCRIPTION:“There arose a great storm on the sea\, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep” (Matthew 8:24) \nIn 1933\, Diertrich Bonhoeffer\, shortly before Hitler came to power took his text from Matthew 8:23-27\, the story of Jesus calming the sea. Jesus was asleep in the boat during the storm. When His disciples wake Him\, He rebukes them for their lack of faith and then calms the sea. As Bonhoeffer develops his sermon\, he makes the following observation: \n“When Christ is in the boat\, a storm always comes up. The world tries with all its evil powers to get hold of Him\, to destroy Him along with His disciples; it hates Him and rises up against Him. Christians surely know this. No one has to go through so much anxiety and fear as do Christians. But this does not surprise us\, since Christ is the Crucified One\, and there is no way to life for a Christian without being crucified.” \nThat first sentence really got my attention. We tend to think if Christ is with us\, things will go smoothly. \nWrong! When Christ is in the boat\, a storm always comes up. Is Christ in your boat today? Is He traveling with you\, walking with you\, present with you? Good! Get ready for trouble. Jesus can still the storm\, but He stirs it up first. \nJust a reminder for those hoping for a calm boat ride with Jesus. \nO Lord\, increase my faith to trust in You even when the waves rise and my little boat is about to sink. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-31-sea-of-galilee-when-christ-is-in-the-boat/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260316T232413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T232413Z
UID:2524-1773878400-1773964740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 30 - A Samaritan Village: Let Go and Move On
DESCRIPTION:“When the disciples James and John saw this\, they asked\, ‘Lord\, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them\, and they went to another village.” (Luke 9:54-56) \nLet’s be clear about one thing. \nThe Samaritans had a rotten attitude. \nThey hated the Jews so much that they didn’t welcome Jesus because He was on His way to Jerusalem. \nThat ticked off James and John (the “sons of thunder”). So\, they said\, “Let’s ask God to burn down this village.” \nWho looks worse? \nThe Samaritans with their prejudice or James and John with their spite? \nIt’s a pretty close call because both groups had stinky attitudes. \nBut these two brothers should have known better. After all\, they had been with Jesus for a long time. They should have remembered the Golden Rule\, “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). \nThe disciples looked worse because they knew better. Knowledge matters. If you know what is right and seek vengeance anyway\, you have greatly sinned against God. Note that Jesus doesn’t absolve the Samaritans of their unkindness. He did not say\, “That doesn’t matter.” He’s dealing here with His inner circle\, the men He had personally chosen and trained. James and John had just witnessed the Transfiguration. It’s almost as if Jesus is saying\, “Forget about the Samaritans. Your attitude is worse than theirs because you know Me so much better.” \nGod can deal with our enemies better than we can. Leave the job to Him. Let’s move on to the next village. Someone there needs to hear about Jesus. \nLord\, set us free from the need to get even with those who have hurt us. Give us grace to let go of our anger so we can keep on following You. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-30-a-samaritan-village-let-go-and-move-on/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260318T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260318T170000
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T034308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T034308Z
UID:2522-1773820800-1773853200@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 29 - Nain: A Funeral Interrupted
DESCRIPTION:“Then He went up and touched the coffin\, and those carrying it stood still. He said\, ‘Young man\, I say to you\, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk\, and Jesus gave him back to his mother”\n(Luke 7:14-15). \nOnly Jesus could do this. \nDeath has such vast power that we read this story of Jesus and the death of the son of the widow of Nain (a small village a few miles southeast of Nazareth)\, and we wonder if it could be true. \nOnly Jesus could do this. \nDeath frightens us because we have no power against it. No matter what we do to avoid it\, death lies at the end of the road for all of us. The statistics are sobering. One out of every one person dies. \nOnly Jesus could do this. \nWe are now just a little over two weeks from Easter. The end of our Lenten journey is in view. But the road to Easter goes through Good Friday. Before the Resurrection\, there is Crucifixion. Jesus Himself will soon experience what the widow’s son went through. He will fully taste death. But He will not stay dead. \nOnly Jesus could do this. \nHere is God’s final answer to the problem of death. He will enter the realm of death Himself and will come out on the other side. The world knows all about death\, and so does Jesus. But the world knows nothing about resurrection. Jesus will change all of that. \nFor the moment the widow of Nain rejoices with her son who has come back to life. “They were all filled with awe and praised God\,” and they concluded that “God has come to help His people” (v. 11). \nWhat a Savior! \nOn that happy day in Nain\, Jesus did what only Jesus can do. \nLord Jesus\, You even interrupt funerals because You have conquered death. Why should we fear anything now? Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-29-nain-a-funeral-interrupted/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T033855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T033855Z
UID:2520-1773705600-1773791940@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 28 - Down from the Mountain: Suspend Disbelief
DESCRIPTION:“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said\, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) \nThey called it one of the greatest upsets in the history of March Madness. \nIt happened on March 16\, 2012 when the Lehigh Mountain Hawks played the Duke Blue Devils. \nTo say Duke was heavily favored is putting it mildly. No one really gives Lehigh a fighting chance. Duke is a perennial powerhouse\, led by Hall of Famer Coach Mike Krzyzewski\, the number 1 winningest coach in the history of Division 1 men’s college basketball. But on that spring day Lehigh somehow managed to defeat Duke (75-70). \nAfter Coach Brett Reed’s team pulled the upset\, a reporter asked him what his pregame speech was. He said he simply asked them to do one thing and that was to: “suspend disbelief.” \nThat is good advice for basketball players and it is good advice for the followers of Jesus. Sometimes you have to suspend disbelief in order to believe. How else are we to understand the miracles of the Bible? How else will we face the overwhelming trials of life? \nAs Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration\, He was met by a man whose son had been under the control of a demonic spirit. When he asked the disciples to help his son\, they could not. Now he turns to Jesus as his last hope. Distraught over a hopeless situation\, the man bares his heart with a mixture of pain\, faith\, fear\, hope\, and doubt. \n“If you can do anything to help us\, have compassion on us” (v. 22). To which Jesus replies (partially quoting the man): “If you can! All things are possible for the one who believes” (v. 23). Then the father utters some of the most honest words any man ever spoke: “I believe. Help my unbelief!” (v. 24). \nIt is easy to look down on this poor\, tired father who saw no hope for his afflicted son. But he deserves our respect. The words “Help my unbelief” expose his inner turbulence. He believed\, but he also doubted. Hope and fear raged a fierce battle in his soul. When Jesus healed this man’s son\, he was made whole that very hour. It was a marvelous display of Christ’s power over demonic invasion and human despair. \nThe man got the miracle he sought because he willingly suspended disbelief. Sometimes we have to suspend disbelief in order to believe. When we do\, we discover that Jesus can change the most hopeless situations. \nLord Jesus\, may I reckon my problems in the light of Your power and my weakness in the light of Your strength. Help me suspend disbelief so I may trust you more. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-28-down-from-the-mountain-suspend-disbelief/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260316T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260316T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T032908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T032908Z
UID:2518-1773619200-1773705540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 27 - On the Mountain: More to Come!
DESCRIPTION:“And He was transfigured before them\, and His face shone like the sun\, and His clothes become white as light. Matthew 17:2 \nSometimes chapter division comes in bad places. This is a good example of that. \nAt the end of Matthew 16\, Jesus reveals to His disciples the truth about His coming crucifixion. \nPeter flatly denied such thing was possible. But soon they all would know the truth. We should read the account of the transfiguration in light of shocking news about the coming crucifixion. Jesus is transfigured as a sign to His followers that there was more to the story than they had ever imagined. \nWhen the early church fathers wrote about the transfiguration\, they stressed that Jesus did not cease to be human when He was transfigured. The light shining was light from within\, light that had always been there\, light that suffused His being from the moment of His earthly conception. \nJesus was always the Light of the World. \nDuring His days on earth\, that light was largely hidden from men so that He seemed to be just a man and nothing more. The transfiguration reveals the essence of His divinity that was always there but mostly invisible. \nThere is always a danger we will underestimate Jesus. On the mountain\, just for a brief moment\, the Father pulls back the curtain and says\, “This is my Son from heaven. Listen to Him!” \nWe need to hear this word today. Most days are like today\, a day of routine busyness. Off we go to do what we have to do\, checking things off our list one by one. But there is coming a day when “business as usual” will be no more. In that great day Jesus will return in great glory\, and the world will see Him as He truly is. \nThe Lamb of God will be revealed as the Loin of the Tribe of Judah. When authors write mystery stories\, they end each chapter on a cliffhanger\, as if to say\, “more to come!” On the mountain when Jesus transfigured\, God says\, “This is my Son. Do not take Him for granted. There is more to come!” \nLord\, open our eyes so we might see You as You are. Help us to live in great hope of Your coming glory. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-27-on-the-mountain-more-to-come/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260315T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260315T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T031832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T031832Z
UID:2516-1773532800-1773619140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 26 - Caesarea Philippi: Are You All In?
DESCRIPTION:“For whoever would save his life will lose it\, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:35). \nBeloved\, you have to make up your mind sooner or later. \nThat is true always\, isn’t it? You can think about a job offer for a while\, but eventually you’ve got to say yes or no. You can interview at six or seven different colleges and be accepted by three or four of them and even agonize over your decision. But sooner or later you have to say yes to one and no to all the others. \nYou can dream about moving to Denver\, Seattle\, or Houston\, but somewhere down the line\, you’ve got to choose a city. \nYou cannot sit on the fence forever. \nThe same is true in the spiritual life. Jesus is meeting with His men at Caesarea Philippi\, a city outside the borders of Israel. There Peter makes the great confession: “You are the Christ\, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus then reveals the fact of His coming crucifixion in Jerusalem. What is left to say? Only one thing. \nWe all have just one life to spend. The challenge for all of us is the same. In the few years we have on planet earth\, what will we do with the life God gave us? \nYou can “save your life” now only to lose it later or you can “lose your life” by following Jesus only to save it in the end. Here is the kicker. You have got to decide\, and when you do\, everything will change for you. \nAt some point you have got to go “all in.” In the words of Jim Elliot the martyred missionary\, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep\, to gain what he cannot lose.” \nIf you live for your career\, what difference will it make ten seconds after you die? If you spend your life in the service of the Kingdom of God\, the road may not be easy\, but 10\,000 years from now you will never regret your decision. \nSo\, what is it going to be? Are you “all in” for Jesus? \nLord\, may we not be ashamed of You\, not even a little bit. Grant us courage to go “all in” on following You today. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-26-caesarea-philippi-are-you-all-in/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260314T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260314T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T031422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T031422Z
UID:2514-1773446400-1773532740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 25 - Pool of Bethesda: Do You Want to Get Well?
DESCRIPTION:“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time\, he said to him\, “Do you want to be healed?” \nIs this not a strange question? \nSurely\, he wants to be made whole (healed). Or maybe not. \nJesus had come to Jerusalem during one of the yearly feasts. Thousands of pilgrims came from throughout Israel. While He was there\, He paid a visit to a place called Bethesda\, “the house of mercy.” It was a pool near the Sheep Gate in the northeastern section of the city. Five colonnades (or porches) were built by the pool. As one writer puts it\, it was the Jewish Lourdes of that day. The Jews believed an angel would periodically come and stir the waters. The first person to enter the water after it had been stirred would be healed of his disease. \nSo\, hundreds of sick people gathered around the pool waiting and hoping for the water to be stirred. When Jesus passed by\, He met a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. When He found out how long the man had been paralyzed\, he asked only one question\, “Do you want to be well?” \nAt face value it seems to be a strange question. For what other reason would the man be there? Of course he wanted to be well. Was Jesus insulting his intelligence? No\, not at all. He was asking a very serious question. He was asking because it was entirely possible the man did not want to get well. \nChange is scary. Sometimes it is easier to stay the way you are. \nIt has been said that everyone wants progress. No one wants change. \nChange is hard even when we know we need to change. We get used to be dysfunctional and we cannot imagine life any other way. \nJesus is saying\, “Do you really want to be changed?” If the answer is yes\, then miracles can happen. If the answer is no\, even Jesus cannot help you. \nI Thank you\, Lord\, for being the Divine Disturber of Peace. Thank You for not leaving us as we are. We pray for courage to be changed by the Holy Spirit. For too long we have made excuses for the way we are. We want to get well. Heal us\, O\, Lord. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-25-pool-of-bethesda-do-you-want-to-get-well/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T031005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T031005Z
UID:2512-1773360000-1773446340@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 24 - Tyre: Crumbs for the Dogs
DESCRIPTION:“Yes\, Lord she said\, “but even the dogs eat crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matthew 15:27). \nThis episode takes place in “the region of Tyre and Sidon” (v.21)\, two Gentile cities located north of Israel in Phoenicia\, in modern day Lebanon. They were often condemned in the Old Testament because of their association with Baal worship. Those cities deserved their long-held reputation for idolatry\, but the God they had rejected had a heart for them\, nonetheless. The woman Jesus met proves the point. At first\, He refused her request to heal her demonized daughter\, saying that He had come for the lost sheep of Israel (v.24). But falling on her knees\, she begged the Lord to help her. Something about that desperate plea moved the Lord Jesus. When He compared the Gentiles to “dogs”\, He used a term that would have offended many people. \nBut when you need a miracle\, you can’t be choosy. Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. By saying that\, she was in effect accepting that as a Gentile\, she was outside the covenant God made with Abraham. But she believed that somehow\, some way\, Jesus could heal her daughter. When the woman went home\, she found her daughter lying in bed and the demon gone. \nThis ought to give us great hope as we pray for the lost. We all have friends who seem to be living in “Trye and Sidon\,” apparently far from God. But that distance is only from our point of view. It takes no more grace for God to save an idol-worshiping pagan than to save someone raised in the church. Desperate times call for desperate prayers born of desperate faith. Ponder these words of J. C. Ryle: \n“We are sometimes tempted to think that we get no good by our prayers\, and that we may as well give them up altogether. Let us resist that temptation. It comes from the devil\, and pray on.” \nThese are good words for all of us today. “Let us believe\, and pray on.” \nLord\, give us the faith of this woman who received a great answer to her prayers. Grant us faith to believe\, and to pray on. Amen!
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-24-tyre-crumbs-for-the-dogs/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260311T030008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T030008Z
UID:2510-1773273600-1773359940@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 23 - In the Villages: How Many Will Be Saved?
DESCRIPTION:“Then Jesus went through the towns and villages\, teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him\, ‘Lord\, are only a few people going to be saved?”’ (Luke 13:22-23) \nWe can never tire of asking this question\, can we? \nThis last presidential election raised the question once again. The golden Trump has put that question before us again – so here’s my question for today “Is so and so a real Christian?” Or what is a real Christian? \nYou can fill in the “so and so” yourself because the question has been asked to every candidate. But as Jesus’ reply makes clear\, the issue is less “will so and so be in heaven?” but “will I be in heaven?” Before we get too focused on the salvation of certain public figures (a laudable concern\, to be sure)\, first take a look at the man in the mirror. That’s what He means when He says\, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door” (v. 24). Before we get so judgmental about anyone else\, let me make sure we have responded in saving faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. \nThe door of salvation will not be open forever\, and many religious types will find themselves left out on the last day (vv. 25-28). But verse 29 gives us some good news that a vast crowd from every tribe and every from nation will come to Christ and will one day stand before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). The “last” will be first (v. 30) are those who today seem to be very unlikely candidates for salvation\, and the “first” who will be last are those self-satisfied religionists who think their religion somehow substitutes for a genuine knowledge of Christ. \nWe must understand that everyone we worship with is not going to heaven. Please remember that You are in the sales department and not in the administration department. Let us be careful about passing final judgement on who will and won’t be in heaven. \nGod is able to handle that all by Himself. \nThe question is\, have you trusted Christ to be your Lord and Savior? \nAnd remember that God’s family is much bigger than we can imagine. \nFather\, we thank you that You have the whole world in Your hands. Thank You for Your Son who has made a way for anyone\, anywhere\, and at any time to be received by Him.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-23-in-the-villages-how-many-will-be-saved/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260306T051427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T051427Z
UID:2508-1773187200-1773273540@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 22 - A Samaritan Village: One Thankful Man
DESCRIPTION:“Now one of them\, when he saw that he had been healed\, turned back\, glorifying God in a loud voice. He fell on his face\, giving thanks to Jesus. And he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16) \nThere were ten lepers cleansed Luke tells us\, but only the one came back to give thanks. The story goes on to say that he fell down on his face before the Lord. I believe we may even call it a “praise moment – concerning what had just happened\, why not? He had just been healed of leprosy. For twenty years he was a leper living in this remote corner\, separated from his family\, forgotten by his friends\, and cut off from his own people. \nSuddenly\, the disease vanishes and with it the twisted limp\, the crooked fingers\, and the atrophied muscles. In less time than it takes to tell the story\, the disease and all its ugly tentacles are pulled from his body\, with not a trace left behind. He stretches his arms high above his head and then picks up a stone to see how far he can throw it. He begins to walk and then runs and finally leaps into the air. \nHe is whole again. Healthy again. Clean again. No longer an outcast. No wonder he shouted. I would too! \nWhen Luke adds\, “He was a Samaritan.” The shock is such that we ought to read it this way: “Think of it – a Samaritan.” \nRemember\, Jesus was a Jew and the Jews thought Samaritans were half-breed traitors. To make matters worse\, he is a Samaritan with leprosy. To a Jew\, a more repulsive combination could not be found. He was from the wrong race\, he had the wrong religion\, and he had the worst possible disease. \nWas is it not ten unclean men made whole on that day – but only one came back to give thanks. With whom are you living – is it the nine or is it the one? Far too many of us take our blessings for granted and groan about duties. Does that sound like you? It doesn’t have to be that way. \nPraise is a choice. A thankful heart is a choice you make. No one is forced into bitterness. You choose the way you live. The one who returned to give thanks chose not to forget what Jesus had done for him. The secret of a thankful heart is a conscious choice and not to forget what God has done for you. \nFather\, please don’t allow me to take your blessings for granted. Let me always open my mouth so that others would know what you have done for me! Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-22-a-samaritan-village-one-thankful-man/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260306T051002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T051002Z
UID:2506-1773100800-1773187140@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 21 - Samaria: The Place Jesus Must Visit
DESCRIPTION:“Jesus had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4) \nGeography helps us understand this story: \nIn Jesus’ day there were three regions stacked on top of one another. There was Galilee in the north\, Samaria in the middle\, and Judea in the south. The easiest and quickest way to get to Galilee from Judea was to go due north right through Samaria. Jesus according to John 4:4 said that He “had need to” go through Samaria. Lord why? Because He didn’t need go through because there was another way. Matter of fact\, the more pious Jews would go east cross over the Jordan River\, enter the region of Perea\, then go north\, and re-cross the Jordan River. Then they would be in Galilee. This was completely out of the way\, but it meant that they did have to through Samarian territory. \nSo\, why does Jesus “have to” go through Samaria when the Jews either did not go there at all or if they had to pass that way they traveled as quickly as they could. The answer is both simple and profound: Jesus went because He intended to meet with the woman at the well. He knew precisely the time she would be coming to the well and that He would be seated on the well when she arrived. Nothing happens by chance in this story. God has worked out every detail\, and all went according to His plan. Let us be clear\, the woman was not looking to meet Jesus. All she wanted was to draw her water and fill her pots because it was in the heat of the day. But Jesus is looking for her. If you are looking for Samaria\, then a good place to go is Samaria. He does not hurry through Samaria. He is seated on the well. She does not know it\, but she has a “divine appointment” with the Son of God. The principle important for evangelism is shown greatly here. Yes\, it is true\, reaching people for Christ is not always comfortable and at times it may be downright difficult. If we want to reach sinners\, we will have to go where sinners hang out. Comfort is not the issue. The Firefighter goes in the burning house to rescue those inside. He can’t stand outside the burning house and shout\, “Come on out before the house burns down.” Jesus intended to save this woman\, so He went to where she was. \nHe never takes the easy way out. He didn’t pander to the prevailing Jewish prejudice against the Samaritans. He “had to” go through Samaria because He wanted to reach this one woman\, and through her\, reach her village. \nWhat a great Savior we have! He loves the people the world loves to hate. \nThank You\, Lord\, for caring enough to find us when we were far from you. God\, please give me(us) a heart for the lost. Amen!
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-21-samaria-the-place-jesus-must-visit/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260309T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260309T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260306T050514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T050514Z
UID:2504-1773014400-1773100740@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 20 - Korazin: The Danger of Knowing Too Much
DESCRIPTION:“Woe to you\, Korazin! Woe to you\, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon\, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes”\n(Matthew 11:21). \nOnce it was an important city\, but today it lies in ruins. \nIn Jesus’ day\, Korazin was part of the “Orthodox triangle.” The other two parts of the triangle were the nearby towns of Bethsaida (home to Peter\, Andrew and Philip) and Capernaum. Those three towns were filled with devout Jews who took the law seriously. \nThe Korazins knew Jesus\, and Jesus knew them. Jesus worked miracles in Korazin. Note the plural – miracles. Not just one but many. We do not know which ones because the New Testament doesn’t tell us. But this much we do know. They heard the words\, listened to His message\, knew who He was\, and they saw the miracles He performed. Yet they did not repent. \nHow is it that they knew so much and they believed so little. This is a warning for religious people for whom Jesus is optional. He is not an option. He is the Lord God of the universe. Bow down and worship Him! \nIt is better not to have a miracle than to have a miracle not repent. It is better to be sick and not cured than not give the glory to God. It is better not to experience God than to experience God and stay the same as you were. \nLord never allow me to take You for granted. May my knowledge lead me to belief worship. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-20-korazin-the-danger-of-knowing-too-much/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260308T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260308T235900
DTSTAMP:20261113T183526
CREATED:20260306T050146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T050146Z
UID:2502-1772928000-1773014340@unitybc.com
SUMMARY:Day 19 - The Temple Courts: Casting the First Stone
DESCRIPTION:“But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they went on questioning Him\, He straightened up and said to them\, ‘If any one of you is without sin\, let him be first to throw a stone at her’”\n(John 8:6-7). \nIt is not known what Jesus wrote on the ground. \nThere are times when reading the Bible\, we really wish we had more information than the Bible reveals. The only time we have recorded that He wrote – what did He write with finger? After all the speculation is over\, we simply don’t know the answer. It could not be crucial because if it was\, He would have told us. The word “write” is only used here in the New Testament and can mean something like “doodle” or can mean to make a list. Some have thought He wrote the Ten Commandments to remind the men of their sins. Others have suggested He wrote the names of the accusers by the Commandments to remind the men of the Commandments they had broken: “Alvin – Adultery\,” “Michael – Murder\,” Cora –   Coveting\,” and so on and so on. Some have suggested that He wrote the names of the girlfriends of those who were making the charges. And that is why the area cleared so quickly. Intent matters – the words of Jesus are meant to remind them of the gravity of their accusation. In essence He is saying before you pick up that rock\, take a good look at the man in the mirror. Make sure you are morally qualified to put this woman to death. Make sure there is no malice\, no deceit\, no trickery\, no dishonesty\, and make sure you are not guilty of the same crime yourself. He is reminding them that if they maliciously or deceitfully accused her\, they are signing their own death warrant. \nThis story has much more to it meaning. But let us be content within ourselves with one simple thought. \nBefore you pick up the rock\, look in the mirror. Before you condemn\, do some confessing of your own sin. The world would be a better place if we cleared our own conscience before we start throwing stones. \nPlease show me the truth about myself so that I can deal honestly with my own self before I dare to examine the sins of others. Amen.
URL:https://unitybc.com/event/day-19-the-temple-courts-casting-the-first-stone/
LOCATION:TX
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://unitybc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lent-2026.png
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