Charles Swindoll, in his commentary on the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4, wrote, "When we ponder Satan's strategies and goals in leading us into temptations that test our faith and obedience, we need to keep some important principles in mind."  He goes on to share 4 simple reminders as we face temptation:

1.  Remember that Satan is a defeated enemy--so don't fear and don't be intimidated in the face of his temptations.  "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."  (I John 4:4)
2.  Remember that God's Word is alive and powerful--so don't hesitate to stand on it.  "The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword."  (Hebrews 4:12)
3.  Remember that God is our shield and sustainer--so don't lean on your own strength.  "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge...".  (Psalm 18:2)
4.  Remember that you don't have to yield to temptation--so resist its call.  "Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  (James 4:7)

This Sunday at 9:30am, we will continue our journey with Jesus in the Wilderness, only this time, Jesus is not in the wilderness, but is standing on a temple wall overlooking Jerusalem and the valley beyond.  With this second temptation, Satan is enticing Jesus to presume on God, to test God, to manipulate God...for His own personal gain.  Thankfully, Jesus was not about to put his own personal plans above those of His Father.  Jesus did not come to play God.  He came to cooperate with God...to fulfill the will of His Father.  Are you tempted to presume upon God for your needs, wants and desires?  Or do you rest confidently in His divine provisions for all that you need?  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am as we focus on Matthew 4:5-7.

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

After the service, at 10:45am, I want to invite you to join one of our adult discipleship communities.  We have two to choose from:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

 Thanks for being a church committed to praying for one another.

See you Sunday.

Doug

Before officially beginning His public ministry, Jesus would figuratively retrace the steps of the Hebrew people through the wilderness.  There in the rugged Judean hill country, He would also face the temptations that would cause other kings, like King David, to fall.  Matthew states emphatically that Jesus went there specifically to "be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1)  The Greek verb rendered "tempt" means to "try and learn the nature or character of someone or something by submitting such to thorough and extensive testing."  In other words, Jesus went into the desert to confront His enemy and prove that He was the Son of God.  At the end of his 40 day wilderness experience, Jesus would emerge as the one true King, worthy of saving us from our sins!  

What lessons can we learn from Jesus' time in the wilderness?  Why do we give into temptation?  Why do we keep making bad decisions?  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we begin a 3 week journey with Jesus in the Wilderness.  During this series we will look at the driving forces behind the temptations we face every day.  Once we realize what is behind temptation, we can find the confidence to respond as Jesus did...with a right attitude, a right heart and a right desire.  In preparation for Sunday, you might consider reading Matthew 4:1-11 and Deuteronomy 8:2-3.    

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

After the service, at 10:45am, I want to invite you to join one of our adult discipleship communities.  We have two to choose from:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

Thanks for being a church committed to praying for one another.

See you Sunday.

Doug

I want to thank all of those who attended our church's annual meeting last Saturday and took the time to vote on our 2022 proposed church budget.  The budget passed with 100% approval.....God is good!

Also, both Shirley Andersen and Mark Hester were confirmed to the church council with 100% approval.

If you were not able to attend the meeting, I presented a theme for the year...Re--Engage!

This year, I'm asking our church family to Re--Engage in three specific areas.

1. Within our Church Family
2. Within our "Churches on Erickson Ave." Family
3. Within our Neighborhood Community

In sharing these three specific areas of reengagement, Pastor Roger provided specific opportunities for engaging with each other, with the other churches that meet on our campus, and within our own neighborhood.  I would encourage you to contact Roger and join one of his initiatives to help you re--engage with what God is doing within Parkside Fellowship; the "Churches on Erickson Ave." and in our own local community.

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as Larry Annes speaks on being Alive in God's Love.  He will be sharing from I John 2, where the Apostle John reminds us how destructive and deadly sin can be.  The good news is we have a God who is for us and sent us an advocate in Jesus to extract us from the penalty of sin and walk alongside us in our walk with God.  Please join us and yes, masks will still be required to attend.

Also, consider staying after the service and joining one of our adult Sunday School classes.  We have two opportunities for you to connect in community:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

As our nation begins to open up, after 2 full years of limited social interaction, I want to share some thoughts on the "Power of Being Together".  As the power of technology continues to progress in our society, allowing for real time meetings anywhere, we are seeing a world that has never been more close...and more distant.  Smartphones and social media widen our relational networks, allowing us to keep up with old friends while constantly meeting new people.

While technology makes many new things possible and many old things easier, it limits intimate, personal relationships.  It limits true Christian Koinonia.  The digital age must never replace the personal relationships God intends for us as part of His body, the church.  There is no substitute for being together.  There is nothing that can compare to using one's gifts to bless, encourage, share with, and pray for other believers in person.  God calls us to be the church--personally.

Look at what Paul wrote about the power of being together.

"God knows how often I pray for you.  Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.  One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.  For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.  When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."   Romans 1:9-12

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as together, we encourage one another!

Special Announcement:  Mask Required Mandate will end on Sunday, March 13th.

From the very beginning of the pandemic, our church leadership has been committed to following the guidelines and rules set forth by both the CDC, the Oregon Health Authority and our state leaders. 

On Monday, February 28th, Governor Brown made the announcement that Oregon would be joining with California and Washington in lifting the indoor mask mandate on March 12th.  This means that on Sunday, March 13th, we will no longer require that you wear a mask in order to attend an event at Parkside Fellowship (either indoor or outdoor).  Our church leadership has been diligent to follow all COVID-19 related guidelines and will continue to do so in the future.  Again, beginning Sunday, March 13th, Parkside Fellowship will no longer require that you wear a mask inside our building.

NOTE:  Masks will still be required this Sunday, March 6th!

Please pray for the needs of those in our church family.

For His Glory,

Pastor Doug