The parables of Jesus play an interesting --role in the ministry of Christ. In Matthew 20 we read a parable that pokes us and makes us feel uncomfortable because it sets aside fairness and replaces it with grace.

John the Baptist possessed some significant credentials, yet he was a seriously humble man. In John 3 the humility of John is obvious and we are given four characteristics we each need to see in ourselves.

God-s call for us to be humble can seem like a good ideal but not attainable in this self-centered, high pressure world. However, in today-s array of Bible passages we learn some pointers on how to become humble as God would have it.

The details of Christ-s cross certainly--point to his humility, but it is hard to reconcile how an extraordinary God can be humbled to the point of becoming an ordinary man. Philippians 2 explains how the God of this universe humbled himself and why.

Several important truths come to mind when--we think of the cross. John 19 - 20 focuses on the love demonstrated by Christ at the cross as well as the love displayed for Christ even when hope and faith were gone.

We know that without faith it is impossible to please God -Heb. 11-6-. However, how much faith do we need to live a victorious life- The story of Joshua at Jericho is a wonderful demonstration of true faith that hears the word of God and obeys despite the great degree of difficulty to believe.

Life would be so much easier if we were not tempted. However, God designed us with passions and those passions are often good and essential. Imagine the dullness of a life without passion. The problem we face is not passion, but a sinful heart that seeks to satisfy illicit passions. In this morning-s message we learn how temptation has a death grip on anyone who gives in to it.

The portion of the Bible probably best known to the general public is Psalm 23. It is a comforting and soothing lyric reminding the Christian disciple of God-s constant and full care of every aspect of the Christian-s life. God takes care of all our needs.

The familiar story of Cain and Abel points to a trait familiar to all Christians - faith- Growing faith is enduring and gives us the fortitude to live without hindrance for Christ.

The familiar story of Cain and Abel points to a trait familiar to all people - jealousy. The jealous heart fails to see what --God is doing and hear what God is saying.