We are to approach the Lord like children – unafraid to seek His help and ask for His provision. But we too often we ask for the temporal and worthless things of this world when what the Lord has provided is eternal riches found only in salvation.

Justification come not by the standards we set for ourselves but by the perfect rightness of God. Through the story of the Good Samaritan we see the what true righteousness is how our righteousness comes only through the great mercy of God.

Encountering the resurrected Jesus commands our worship, calms all fear, and compels our witness.

Pastor Ben preaches from John 13 on the betrayal of Jesus by Judus. Judas was close and intimate with Jesus but he did not know the grace of salvation. Many people assumes Judas was truly one of Jesus' faithful disciples but he in fact was plotting against Jesus. From this text pastor Ben points again to the simple truth that salvation comes only through grace.

In this passage we have witness of the last words of Jesus on the cross. They are words of despair and agony. But in this very dark and sad moment there is a display of amazing grace – Jesus is giving His whole life and bearing the whole weight of sin so sinners might be totally redeemed.

When Peter denied Jesus the third time it was the lowest moment in his life and ministry. But in this moment to total failure, he would learn a truth that changed the course of his life and allowed him to be used greatly for the gospel and God’s kingdom.

The events of this passage begin the night of trials before the Jewish religious leaders who would then turn Jesus over to the civil authorities to be crucified. These events would not go as either side had thought they would. Jesus does not resist. He surrenders Himself. He is surrenders willingly because He is fulfilling His mission of being the suffering servant obedient to the will of God for the redemption of sinful man.

When the cost of following Christ comes to bear some will choose the comforts of the world over obedience to truth. Faithful Christians must preach Jesus in every season.

The question of “lawfulness” is not the only question faithful Christians must ask. Certainly, this is important – and if something is unlawful then no Christian should even consider it.  But lawfulness is only the basic question – for one to grow in spiritual maturity and faithfulness you must ask is it helpful and dose it distract from faithful obedience.

The Bible teaches that God owns everything and that He has and will provide abundantly for us. In response to God’s provision, Christains are to give out of obedience, recognition that we do not own what we possess, and faith in God’s provision.