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