Incarnation (Life): Swimming Upstream - Dave Teixeira

This week, we’ll dive into how Jesus offers a bold and countercultural way of life, calling His followers to swim “Upstream.” Beginning with John the Baptist, we are invited to turn away from the world’s values and practices and embrace the way of Jesus—a path defined by authenticity, dependence on God, and unwavering allegiance to His kingdom. In His baptism, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to fully identify with humanity, foreshadowing His sacrifice on our behalf, while being empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin His ministry. Then, in the wilderness, Jesus faces Satan’s temptations—not with divine force, but through Spirit-led trust and faithfulness. This passage ultimately challenges us to reject the cultural currents of self-reliance, compromise, and comfort, and instead live with trust, obedience, and Spirit-empowered resilience. How will you depend on the Spirit to swim upstream in a world that constantly pulls in the opposite direction?