Love Abounds

The unbelieving and skeptical Pharisees continually demanded more proof from Jesus because their intents were evil- but all He was doing ( plus the sign of Jonah referring to the Cross and Resurrection) was more than enough for repentance and faith- Matthew 12: 38-41

Matthew 12:32-37

Acts 2

Mark 1:1-15

Matthew 12:22-33: "Overcoming Evil with Good" (Miraculous Good, Rejecting Good, Becoming Good) 'In evil long I took delight, unawed by shame or fear. Till a new object struck my sight and stopped my wild career; I saw One hanging on a tree, in agonies and blood, Who fixed His languid eyes on me, as near His cross I stood.' (Newton)

Matthew 12:9-21 "Doing Good on the Sabbath" - Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath . . .Stretch out your hand" / Preparation, Participation, Inspiration, Demonstration . . . How the good Christ offers on the Lord's Day sets the pace and tone for every day.

"Finding Rest for your Souls" (Matthew 12:1-14) Resting in the Sabbath of Christ Initially, Continually, Eternally."To some people, I may seem calm. But if you could peer beneath the surface, you would see that I'm like a duck - paddling, paddling, paddling." (from Scott Stossel, 'My age of anxiety: fear, hope, dread and the search for peace of mind')

Matthew 11:25-30The person and work of Christ, His nature and cross, is perfectly sufficient for the rest and nourishment our souls need.

Is there a gift so good and perfect that it removes the guilt of all our sins and imperfections? And there's more? Yes- Pondering and Treasuring God's indescribable gift of the perfect life and sufficient death of Christ- Luke 2:1-20