Encounters with Jesus: Overcoming Evil (Chris)

This week, we will consider Matthew 3:13 to 4:11 -- the baptism and temptation of Christ.  Our "Encounters with Jesus" in the Gospels so far have been with ordinary people and have helped to illuminate the different ways in which we engage with Christ as he engages with us.  Now, we will see how Jesus interacted with supernatural entities: his father the Lord God and the devil.  The fate of creation was at stake, and how Christ dealt with evil has much to teach us about our own relationship with the broken world around us.

Listen to Overcoming Evil
Handout

Encounters with Jesus: The Woman at the Well (Randy)

Through Jesus's amazing encounter with the Woman at the Well, we see how God seeks the least and lost (including us), how we tend to misunderstand him and his offer, and how our lives can be transformed when we finally “get it.” Based on how most Christians behave, myself included, it is clear that most of us tend to miss out on the eternal blessings that Jesus promises. Come and see what Jesus has to offer us this Sunday!

Listen to the Woman at the Well

Encounters with Jesus: Living Fully in God's Love (Chris)

This Sunday, Chris leads us into our next Encounter with Jesus. Specifically, the encounter between Jesus and Jewish leader Nicodemus produced the most famous verse in the Bible.  You likely can quote John 3:16 by heart: "For God so loved the world...."

This week, we will explore how the conviction and conflict experienced by Nicodemus parallels our own opportunities and challenges as Christ's disciples.  What does Jesus ask of us, and how should we respond?

Listen to Living Fully in God's Love
Handout