Sermon Cloud

First Sunday in Lent: The Temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11. Join us this Lenten Season as we reflect on the lectionary readings. In Lent, we are confronted by a series of contrasts. Lent, coming as it does into a society of success, fulfillment, human potential, and self-esteem is a season of contradiction. What the church calls us to do during these 40 days of repentance, self-examination, and reflection is a counter cultural move, a reverse in our society's predominate way of thinking. This is the season we reflect on the Passion of Jesus. We were created by God for relationship with Him, others and self. We are given the dignity of choice and purpose and then we betray that with our disobedience. (Gen 2:4b-3:7) We were intended to be in fellowship with God. We destroyed that relationship in our sin. And yet, God stays with us, reaches out to us, He gives us Jesus, "the free gift of grace", in order to heal our contradictions and alienation. Paul's words in Romans 5:12-21 are a series of contrasts: sin came into the world in Adam; grace came in Jesus Christ. Many die in Adam; many live in Christ. Adam brought judgment; Christ brought justification. Death - abundance. Condemnation - justification. Disobedience - obedience. “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Death came through Adam; “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are able to be truthful and honest about who it is we are because of the grace that is ours in the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. The Lenten Journey takes us to the Cross and only after Good Friday gives way to resurrection. The lectionary readings for the first Sunday in Lent: Gen 2:4b-3:7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-21 and Mt 4:1-11.