Does God Tempt Us? (LD 52; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

James assures us that God does not tempt us. Christ commands us to pray that our Father would not lead us into temptation. Does this show that James contradicts Christ? We know that he does not because temptation also means testing. So, we are praying that the Father would not test us beyond what we can bear.

Blessed are the Persecuted (Matthew 5:11,12)

We are told that persecution is a blessing.  Persecution is suffering.  Normally we do not associate suffering with blessing.  However, Christ assures us that as we are persecuted we are blessed.  Does this mean that Christ condones abuse?  Is Christ saying that blessing and abuse are one and the same?  Does Christ care about the abused and the persecuted? Clearly we know that our Lord does not defend the oppressor and the abuser so clearly Christ cannot condone such immorality.  We know that our Lord is the shield and defender to the abused.  So, how is persecution a blessing? How does persecution testify to our standing in Christ? 

Mysterious Knowledge Revealed (Matthew 13:17-30)

We sit with the disciples to hear about the parable of the sower.  Christ then continues with this theme to talk about a false sower. Does this mean that Satan has equal power and authority?  Can we be sure that the Lord really will accomplish His goal?  How do we know that the Lord is really capable to finish what He starts? 

Certain Assurance (Matthew 5:1-12)

Jesus takes his stand on the mountain to teach the crowds and his disciples.  This should be a sermon that is full of good news.  This is expected to be a sermon where Christ promises absolute victory.  However, Christ talks about mourning, oppression, and persecution.  How can Christ’s message truly offer us hope?  Has the kingdom failed in some way? 

Thanking God (4-7)

Paul is thankful for this man who creates more stress for Paul while Paul has enough to think about while being in Prison.  Why is Paul thankful for this additional work?  What can Paul celebrate in the midst of his circumstances?  What does this teach us about a true grace-centered and Gospel-centered joy?