Off-Script: Still Surrender | Jared Moore | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Off-Script: Still Surrender

One Life Church • Mar 29, 2026 • 85 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Jared Moore explores the seven statements Jesus made from the cross to show us how to respond when life goes completely off script. Through Christ's example in His dark hours, we learn the spiritual power of extending advance forgiveness, ministering to others in the midst of our own pain, and treasuring our family relationships under stress. Ultimately, Jesus invites us to stop trying to control our circumstances and surrender our lives fully into the Father's hands.

Themes

ForgivenessSurrenderFamily & RelationshipsServing Others Through PainTrusting God in Weakness

Pastor's Points

1.

Forgive the ones who are hurting you

2.

Help others who are struggling

3.

Take care of those who are closest to you

4.

Make peace with not knowing

5.

Be human enough to ask for help

6.

Know that there is a purpose and there is an end

7.

Surrender your life to God

Key Points

1.
When life goes off script and brings pain, Jesus teaches us from the cross to forgive the people who are actively hurting us before they even ask for forgiveness.
2.
Unforgiveness left unchecked leads to bitterness, resentment, and a permanent condition of soul-level hostility.
3.
Even while enduring the unimaginable suffering of the cross, Jesus reached out to offer salvation and paradise to the criminal beside Him, showing us that we can minister to others during our own pain.
4.
In times of high stress and pressure, we often take out our frustration on those closest to us; we must ensure our families get our best energy rather than our leftovers.
5.
When facing overwhelming situations where God's reasons are unclear, believers must learn to make peace with not knowing and trust His grace.
6.
By expressing His thirst on the cross, Jesus demonstrated human vulnerability and showed that it is healthy to be open about our weaknesses and ask for help.
7.
Jesus' declaration 'It is finished' assures believers that pain and trials are temporary seasons with an ultimate divine purpose.

Sermon Moments

“Forgiveness is releasing the offense, not allowing that offense to control you any longer.”

“God can use your pain for a purpose; the trouble you are going through might be exactly what someone else needs to hear in their moment of need.”

“Pastor Jared shared how stress over sermon preparation led him to snap at his son during an eye appointment, prompting the Holy Spirit to remind him that his family deserves his absolute best.”

“I'm an interim pastor to this church—one day someone else will preach here—but I am never an interim father to my children or husband to my wife. They get my best.”

“Jesus asking for a drink shows us that we need to be human enough to express our weaknesses and ask for help from those around us.”

“Jesus' words 'It is finished' remind us that seasons of suffering have a specific divine purpose and a definite end.”

“Surrendering to God means relinquishing the drive to control, manipulate, and handle every trial in our own strength.”

This Week

Decide in advance to forgive anyone who offends or hurts you this week rather than holding onto bitterness.

Look for an opportunity to serve or encourage someone else who is struggling, even if you are experiencing your own personal stress or pain.

Prioritize your spouse and children over work obligations and outside pressures, giving your family your very best energy.

Release unanswered "why" questions to God and accept that you do not need to understand everything He is doing.

Be vulnerable enough to share a weakness or need with a trusted believer or life group member and ask for help.

Remind yourself during tough days that your present trouble is temporary and carries an eternal purpose.

Stop attempting to control or manipulate stressful situations and explicitly pray a prayer of total surrender to God.

Remember This

Even when life goes completely off script, we can choose to release control and live in total surrender to God's love and purpose.

A Challenge for You

Today, God, I'm surrendering it to you. I'm surrendering my plans, the pain, the hurt, the fear, and unanswered prayers. I give it to you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.