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.

Hebrews 12.1-3: We are surrounded by witnesses of the gospel life in those who come before us. This urges us to keep moving forward as they did. Their lives encourage us and call us to keep our eyes fixed on the One who leads us - Jesus Christ. (At the end are testimonies of faith given by members).