The Temptation in the Desert - Luke 4:1-13

1. What are the different ways the devil tested Jesus in the wilderness? The devil offers an unfolding narrative of self-indulgence (make yourself bread from stones), self-aggrandizement (all the nations of the world will belong to you if you worship me), and self-interest (if you are the son of God, cast yourself from the top of the temple).
2. How did Jesus respond. Jesus responds as a student of scripture and relies on scripture to answer the devil’s temptations.
3. Jesus didn’t face these tests on his own power. The text says that Jesus “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” What are some ways we experience God’s guiding Spirit in our lives? Inviting God’s Spirit to reshape our inner attitudes, praying scriptures like Galatians 5:22-23, following inner promptings or holy nudges, exercising our unique gifts from the Spirit—such as those mentioned in Romans 12: 6-8, listening to and heeding timely words from others.
4. Jesus’ answer to the devil’s first test is “one does not live by bread alone.” In other words, living is more than satisfying our basic needs or our needs for comfort and security. How does following Jesus invite us into “more and better life than we ever dreamed of”? (see John 10:10)
5. As a final test, the devil uses the promises of supernatural protection in Psalm 91 against Jesus. But Psalm 91 doesn’t promise us a life without trouble (v. 15), does it? With his answer, Jesus invites the devil to join him in trusting God in all things.
6. How do we experience God’s rescue during trouble?
7. Verse 13 closes on this note: “he [the devil] departed from him until an opportune time,” which signals to the reader that more tests are ahead for Jesus. How do tests and temptations take on different forms throughout our lives?
8. Both Jesus and the devil quote Scripture. In response to temptation, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy, but it is not enough to know scripture. The devil, who quotes from Psalm 91, also knows scripture. What are helpful guardrails for us in our use of scripture? Scripture must be read through a “God is love” lens and with an eye to the “love your neighbor as yourself” life envisioned for God’s people. Hearing scripture interpreted by wise preachers and listening to the voices of others in small-group settings are always helpful.
9.  How can you remind yourself and others this coming week of God’s constant and unconditional love?

Our Mission Statement

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Please remember to send your joys and concerns to the office so we can continue to pray throughout the week.

 March 9, 2025 10:15 a.m. First Sunday in Lent

 Welcome and Community Life

 Prelude - Rise Up by Andra Day

 Call to Worship

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

* Opening Hymn  - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God UMH #110

Opening Prayer

 Children’s Message Carrie Ward

 Prayer Hymn Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488

 Prayers of the People

 Prayer Response Hear Us, O God UMH 490

 Choral Anthem On Eagle's Wings Chancel Choir

 Prayer of Illumination

God, may your word assure us that in your love, we are delivered.

In your presence, we are sheltered.

In times of trouble and times of joy, you will be with us, always and everywhere.

 Scripture Reading

  Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord,
“My refuge and my fortress; My God, and whom I trust.”
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation,
No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
For God will give his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up on their hands lest you dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Because they cleave to me in love, I will deliver them;
I will protect them, because they know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with long life and show them my salvation.

 Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
5 Then the devil[a] led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil[b] said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”
9 Then the devil[c] led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’
11 and
‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

  Leader: The Word of God

  People: Thanks be to God

 Sermon “Rescue Me"

Baptism and Reception of New Members 

Baptism & Profession of Faith - Harold Fink (Woodmar)

Baptismal Renewal - Katie Isaacs (First)

Profession of Faith - Bob Heady (First)

 Offering our Gifts to God

   The Doxology

   Prayer of Dedication

Faithful God, who journeys with us through the wilderness of our lives, as we offer these gifts, we remember your sustaining presence. In this period of spiritual renewal, strengthen us to resist temptation and guide us to live in community with love and grace. May these offerings be signs of hope and acts of compassion that reflect the love you have shown us in Christ. Empower us to rise together, supporting one another on this journey of faith and transformation. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

* Closing Hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past   UMH 117

 Breakthrough Prayer

 Dismissal with Blessing