The temptation of Jesus by the devil is the culmination of an age-long conflict between light and darkness. While Adam and Eve fell for Satan's lies, Jesus is the promised king who came to crush the Serpent's head. Jesus gives the world the indisputable evidence that God is sovereign over all and that he is fundamentally good.

The visit of the wise men is one of the familiar stories of the Advent season. They came to Jerusalem seeking the king of the Jews because they saw his star rise in the sky. Though we may not know exactly what phenomenon they witnessed, their story testifies to the wisdom of God who by grace brings the greatest of sinners into his everlasting kingdom.

The Holy Spirit gifts Christians with "brotherly love" for other Christians. But this familial love grows within believers as they progress in their sanctification and becomes evident even in their ordinary vocations. Rather than withdrawing from society, Christians are to remain engaged in relationships with others so that the quiet life of Christ profits everyone around them.

Christ's redemption of his people includes the sanctification of their sexuality. Those who know God through Jesus have been graciously given the power to control themselves sexually. Because of the endless grace we find in Christ, we are empowered to never give up in our pursuit and practice of a sexuality that is truly healthy and truly beautiful.

The conduct of Christians is important to the missional mandate of the church. The implications of God's grace ought to move believers toward a loving obedience to the Savior. Indeed it is grace that empowers obedience, not to a cold set of prohibitions to avoid but to a creative life of joyfully pleasing the Lord.

There is a battle being waged by Satan against the souls of Christian disciples. We need the strengthening effects of gospel ministry in order to withstand the attacks. Caring for souls is risky business, but God calls every Christian into this critical work.