What can we learn about Jesus being tested in the desert? We can learn that this was not about taking a one-time test, but rather understanding who His identity is, what His purpose for coming to earth was, and ultimately that He will always worship and serve the Lord no matter the circumstances. We also learn that like Christ, Satan will continue to knock on our doors as Children of God. But thanks be to God, Jesus has already defeated sin, death, and the devil.
When we confess our sins, we find forgiveness in the cross of Christ and are empowered to forgive others.
We all make choices on who it is that we listen to. At the Transfiguration of Jesus, a voice from heaven calls the disciples to listen to the Son of God. As we prepare our hearts for the season of Lent, we are once again called to listen to Jesus. What is He saying about Himself and what is He saying to us?
“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Paul does not mince words but squarely pins our hope as Christians on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the high point of everything he wrote to the Corinthian church, Paul teaches us how to boldly talk about the resurrection of Jesus in terms that relate to our own personal hope. Deeply rooted in the loving action of God on our behalf, Paul teaches us how to tell our story of faith framed in terms of Jesus’ own story of how he has saved all of us.
“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Paul does not mince words but squarely pins our hope as Christians on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the high point of everything he wrote to the Corinthian church, Paul teaches us how to boldly talk about the resurrection of Jesus in terms that relate to our own personal hope. Deeply rooted in the loving action of God on our behalf, Paul teaches us how to tell our story of faith framed in terms of Jesus’ own story of how he has saved all of us.
When the Spirit moves in us, we are compelled to work to make the church even stronger and built up. It takes maturity in how we see others and deal with one another. Taking a place of humility and compassion allows us to do incredible work together. Love is not arrogant or rude, it builds up and encourages. This is how we should also be with one another.