There is a significant difference between faith in Jesus Christ and the faith of Jesus Christ. The faith of Jesus is a gift that we have received whether we like it, know it, or believe it. We do not earn our relationship to God, we receive the gift of sharing in the glory of Jesus Christ. […]

In Jesus and his temptations in the wilderness, in the Gospel of Matthew, we see the balance between relationship and responsibility challenged. Jesus is tempted with appetite, affirmation and ambition and we are tempted in similar ways each day.

The story of Abram and Sarai begin our conversation about what a relationship to God looks like. In their story, we see that all people begin their relationship to God with God choosing us. We do not earn our status as children of God, we are given it.