February 26th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Abundant Grace
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
[Reading above - Mathew 4:1-11]
Two rites of passage prepare Jesus for his mission and ministry. First, his baptism clarifies his identity as the Beloved child of God, and grants him the gift of the Holy Spirit. Second, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for a time of testing of what it really means to be God’s Son. The deceiver tempts Jesus to focus on the Divine gifts of prosperity, protection, and power. Jesus, rooted in the wisdom of our sacred scriptures, wisely chooses to focus on God rather than making central the gifts of God. This commitment to God above all vanquishes the deceiver, is rewarded with the restorative ministry of the angels, and prepares Jesus to begin his ministry
Questions for Reflection:
The 40 days of the season of Lent are a reference to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. What does time in the wilderness mean to you? How have you experienced testing in the wilderness and how have you experienced the restorative ministry of angels in the wilderness?
The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. What value does testing bring to the life and ministry of Jesus? What value is added to your life by times of testing?
The deceiver mis-used scripture to tempt Jesus. How can we avoid mis-using scripture to tempt ourselves or others or as a weapon that hurts ourselves or others?
Identify a temptation that causes you to struggle. Is there a lesson or verse from scripture that serves as a resource for withstanding temptation? What other resources help you stay faithful?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Fasting is a spiritual practice often associated with the season of Lent. Some disciples fast from something enjoyable in order to connect with the hunger and hardship Jesus experienced in the wilderness. For instance, some fast from meat on the Fridays of Lent. Others fast from sweets or some other treat for the entire season. Fasting can also be a choice to refrain from doing a certain activity or behavior that is unhealthy or even taking on an activity or behavior that is healthy. Is there a form of fasting you would like to try during Lent? Consider sharing that commitment with an accountability partner who can support your fast. When the fast is complete reflect on how it may have deepened your faith and discipleship. Consider continuing the fast or trying a different fast in Eastertide. If you need some spiritual guidance you are welcome to reach out to me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com