March 1, 2026

Olympic courage, Nicodemus’ questions, and the wild freedom of God’s grace all come together in this Lenten homily from guest preacher Pastor Lamont.

Using Olympic athletes like “quad god” Ilia Malinin and skater Alysa Liu as a starting point, Pastor Lamont reflects on discipline, risk, and joy, then connects those themes to Nicodemus’ late–night visit with Jesus in John 3. Nicodemus comes with knowledge, status, and careful control—but Jesus invites him into something deeper: to be “born from above,” to move from rule–keeping into a living relationship with a God of love. ​

This message reminds us that:

• God’s kingdom is built on grace and relationship, not law and order.
• God meets us in our “in–between” wilderness seasons as individuals and as a congregation.
• There is nothing you can do to make God love you more—and nothing you can do to make God love you less.
• Jesus reveals a God who is not a God of war, but a God of healing, freedom, and inclusive love for the whole cosmos.

Whether you’re visiting Hawaii, part of this local church, or watching from far away, this homily invites you to trust that God walks with you through grief and joy, transition and uncertainty—and that you are held in God’s hands, always.