Matthew 4.1-11: In this second test, the devil tempts Jesus to test the Father. Is he trustworthy, is the challenge? Jesus resists, displaying a complete trust in the Father and the word that holds promises to him. He endures because of trust in the long-term fulfillment of God and his promises. Praise God for Jesus' triumph, for it is our victory as well and gives us strength to resist the devil's taunts in our own lives.

Matthew 4.1-11: We start a four-week look at Jesus' testing in the wilderness and confrontation with the devil. Today, we look at the background context of this story. The next three weeks, we'll look at each testing in particular each week.

John 14.15-31: In preparation for Pentecost, we consider the gift of the Spirit as Jesus teaches us in John 14. Against the spirits of this age, the Holy Spirit offers peace, hope, and the promises of everlasting life. With the Spirit, we are not left alone, but are given the presence of God as a confidence in this challenging world.

Psalm 50: God's ultimate desire is to restore fellowship with his people. He will die for this. But sometimes we forget this and see our connection with God as first not about fellowship with him, but about him providing for our desires. He is gracious to provide for us, but he doesn't want us to forget the end goal - connection with God. Without that, we lose everything no matter how much we gain in this life. We must have an attitude of thanks, of contentment and not of discontent to recognize all that we have been given and to rest in him.

Romans 12.1-2: Scott Johnson from the Seward Seafarers Mission Center led us in God's words this morning as he reminded us of the great mercies of God. Because of his great mercy toward us, it makes sense for us to give our lives as living sacrifices for his purposes.