The Parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that we will never become like the Good Samaritan until we realize that we are like the man in the street, a principle that is foundational to how we approach mercy ministry.

We often assume that the comfort in our lives is the result of God's blessing, but the book of Amos cautions us that we should make sure it's not built upon unjust structures that oppress the vulnerable and marginalized. God has called his people to be a part of his work in the world by establishing justice that reflects his character.

The name given to Jesus to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, Immanuel, reminds us that the main point of the incarnation and the main theme of Christmas is the profound idea that God just wants to be with us.

The story of the massacre of 15-30 innocent baby boys in Matthew 2 reminds us that not everything about Christmas is celebratory and happy. In the words of GK Chesterton, "Christmas proclaims peace on earth but never forgets why there was war in heaven."

Seek the good of the other. Give no offense. According to Scripture it is possible to be completely in the right about an issue and still be wrong in its application. Intellectual heresy should be of concern but Paul writes in 1 Corinthians specifically about the dangers of Interpersonal heresy as well.

Because it's a voluntary association of fallen people, the church can often be a petri dish for conflict. In 1 Corinthians 6 Paul addresses the conflict between people in the Corinthian church and suggests that engagement in conflict should look very different for Christians.

How are Christians called to relate with the rest of the world? People in general, and Christians in particular, have one of two responses when confronted with those different than them: withdrawal or hostility. Paul rejects both of those options and calls for something very different.

Who holds you accountable for your thoughts and actions? Generally speaking, the answer is, "Nobody." But when nobody holds you accountable for your actions, the possibility of personal growth declines precipitously. In the new church at Corinth, Paul points out that despite all its flaws, one of the great benefits of the church is that it is a place where we can find accountability in the context of the cross.

One of today's common refrains regarding God and spirituality is, "I can worship God out in nature. I don't have to do it in a church." But Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3 that the gathered church is the temple of God. How does that affect our idea of the importance of the church?

The controlling thought processes and motivations of people who are Christians are different from those that are not. Paul calls this having the spirit of the world vs having the Spirit (or mind) of Christ. What implications does having the mind of Christ have for how Christians ought to think?