Speak Life!

Growing up I can recall being out on the sports field during a game and hearing my dad shout from the stands, “Atta boy!” when I would make a play. Hearing my dad shout his approval has to be one of the best things ever. Life affirming words are so important.

They were important in the life of Jesus too. As Jesus was preparing for his public ministry, he went out to the Jordan river to be baptized by John. When Jesus came up out of the water, he heard the Father’s voice from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Father might as well have said, “Atta boy, son!” The Father made it known publicly that he loved his Son and was proud of him. Go here to read the entire account.

Only one verse later, Jesus went into the wilderness where he was tested by the devil. The tempter said, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). It’s vital you know who you are in Christ. If you don’t others will decide it for you. The devil tried to sow doubt in the very area the Father affirmed. How about you? Have you heard the Father’s voice speak life affirming words over you? Have you heard God say, “I love you and I’m proud of you?” Do you have the assurance that you are a child of God? You can, because of Jesus. The Bible tells us that “as many as received him (Jesus Christ), to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name” (John 1:12-13).

There is much more shared in this teaching. To listen to the entire message, go  here. If you’d like to watch any previous messages, visit our archives. Use the weekly study guide to get the most out of the teaching.