Matthew 4:1–11 is a foundation to illustrate how Jesus prepared for his mission through fasting and resisting temptation. Context of Matthew 4: The passage follows Jesus’ baptism, where He identifies with humanity despite having no need for repentance. Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted, which demonstrates both His … [Read More…] Preparation: Four Lessons We Learn About Fasting
The Ends God’s Justice Will Cover the Earth: Christ’s reign extends justice across the earth. Brings fairness and righteousness to all creation. God’s People Will Be Liberated: Christ liberates God’s people from spiritual blindness and bondage. God’s Glory Will Be Celebrated: Christ’s reign leads to the celebration of God’s glory. The renewed creation worships and … [Read More…] Behold Christ
Now, in life, hard things will happen. We live in a fallen world marked by sin and selfishness. When you are on the ropes, God is faithful and His heart cares for people dealing with the consequences of their own sin and rebellion. When things go from bad to worse, how should we respond? … [Read More…] God’s Promises For Bruised People
The Symptoms A world under wrath (Romans 1:18) A people in chaos and pain (1:24, 1:26, 1:28-31) A world condemned to die (1:32) The Illness and Its Progression Rejection of the Truth and the darkens of hearts (Romans 1:21-23) Embracing of the Lie and the worship creation (Romans 1:25) The Cure A timely provision (Romans … [Read More…] The Best Bad News You Have Ever Received
One of the greatest privileges we have as a child of God Is the fact that we can come to God in prayer anytime, anywhere, with anything. In Christ and by the Spirit we have total, unrestricted access to the Father. But, so many of us don’t know where to start. Fortunately, we’re not the … [Read More…] Teach Us To Pray
]One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry is His use of parables, short and powerful stories jam-packed with spiritual insights and timeless lessons. 2,000 years later, we’re still unpacking these brilliant tales. Today we get the privilege of diving into one of the most famous of all Jesus’ parables: The Good Samaritan. Like many … [Read More…] Getting Love Right
God is a missional God. The Father sends the Son to redeem the world. And Jesus sends us, His disciples, to the ends of the earth with the message of salvation by grace through faith in Him. We are commissioned by Jesus to show and share the love of God wherever we go. All … [Read More…] Multiplying the Mission
Have you ever come down from grand moment in life? You’re on this high and then you come down. Back to reality and it’s business as usual. It can be quite disorienting! That’s similar to what’s happening with Jesus in Luke 9. He goes from glory on the mountaintop and then back down to … [Read More…] Pitfalls on the Path
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’ incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.” – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Charles Wesley In the incarnation, Jesus is God incognito. He is undercover, veiled, and among us in secret. Until Luke 9:28-36, when the veil is lifted and … [Read More…] Glory on the Mountain
