What can you expect from God when you’re dearly loved by God?

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

God’s words to his Son at his baptism in Matthews gospel.

God’s words to his Son are his words to his redeemed—to those adopted into his family. 

And here are the very next words recorded by Matthew: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” 

The Spirit led him into the wilderness.

To be tempted by the devil.

“I love you, my Son. Let’s celebrate your baptism by taking you to a rugged desert to meet face-to-face with the devil.”

What can you expect from God when you are dearly loved by God? 

Here’s one. You can expect to be led into a wilderness for an appointment with the devil.

Thankfully, there’s more.

And knowing the more that there is (some amazing stuff), we can make the best of those wilderness times.

We’ll be exploring all that in this weekend’s sermon. 

Maybe you know someone who needs some encouragement in the wilderness that you can invite.

Photo of the Judean wilderness by Ian Scott on Flickr

This is Us

We are the church, whether we are gathered or scattered--each one of us, a part of the body of Christ, wherever we go, whatever we do.

So, where can you find us, and what are we doing?  

What happens when you're Muslim, receive Christ through a vision (a typical way Muslims come to Christ), and then lead 50 of your family and friends to Christ...and you live in a Muslim majority country? Five Oaks Impact Director, Kevin Johnson (far left in the picture) and FIve Oakers Craig and Donna McClun (far right) met such a man in a recent trip to the Middle East. That man is doing well but he receives threats almost daily. That's only one of the courageous people they met on the trip. Pictured with them are two pastoral families from Egypt and Lebanon. Craig works for the global arm of our denomination and Kevin went with him on this trip to explore a  possible Five Oaks partnership in this region