Key Verse: John 3:2-3

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Sermon Snapshot We might think that a person who was so serious about the Scriptures, God's Covenants and obedience would understand who Jesus was and what He was about. But Nicodemus seems to be struggling to figure out just who and what this Jesus guy is all about. And the Real Jesus only seems to make things more confusing! Nicodemus becomes a reminder that the Spirit is still at work helping all of us move beyond our own self-manufactured "Imaginary Jesus" figures.

Key Verse: Matthew 4:3

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Sermon Snapshot "The Tempter" comes to Jesus, and that same "Tempter" will come to each of us. What does it mean for my life to have a Savior "who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin"? (Hebrews 4:15)

Key Verse: Matthew 17:1-3

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Sermon Snapshot This passage records the "Mother-of-All" "Mountain-Top Experiences." So, what do you think about experiences like this? Have you had one? Or several? Should we expect to have them? And if so, how often? Is there something missing in my faith if I don't have one or two or more? So what does the mountaintop mean, for the less-than-mountaintop-lives that most of us face?

Key Verse: Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Sermon Snapshot Listen intently to what Jesus is actually saying in this segment of the Sermon on the Mount, and you will find yourself wishing for the easier demands of Moses and the Old Testament Law! "Give him your coat as well?!? Turn the other cheek?!? Love your enemies?!? Be perfect?!?" You're kidding me, aren't you Jesus?!? Or are you offering me something more than I could ever produce on my own?