We can resist anything, except temptation, right? On this first Sunday in Lent, we hear two very different stories of temptation: Adam and Eve tempted by the serpent in the Garden (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7), and Jesus tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Looking at these encounters, we discover why we can’t face temptation on our own, and how Jesus can reshape our heart and mind, so that we can think faithfully, truly, and well when we encounter evil.
Return (March 1st, 2017)
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time of spiritual renewal and refocusing. The prophet Joel called God’s people to “return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17). Looking at his words and King David's great prayer of confession in Psalm 51, we consider why “repentance” is so important: we cannot cross a distance we don’t admit is there.
How Can I Make a Difference? (February 26th, 2017)
We ended our sermon series on the great “I AM” statements of Jesus with the promise of John 15:1-13, where Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” Pastor Paige explored the question, “How can I make a difference?” and helped us think about the various ways we bear fruit in our lives when we stay connected to the true vine that is Christ.
Who Will I Become? (February 19th, 2017)
Who will you become? What is the “real you,” your “true self?” In John 14:1-6 & 12-14, Jesus reveals himself as our Way into a life that is true and eternal. It is so easy to settle for a “false self,” one that is so much less than who Jesus saves and calls us to be. Listen and hear how Jesus can set you free to become the person God created you to be!
How Do I Face Struggles? (February 12, 2017)
Christians are not immune to struggles. Trials and difficulties can either drive us further from God, or bring us closer to him. Learning how to face struggles faithfully is an essential part of growing into Christian maturity. But the real answer isn’t about us, it’s about Jesus. In John 11:17-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He does not promise to eliminate our struggles, but to give us life that will overcome them.