Justice is very exact and totally objective. Using examples from building construction, Derek shows how justice is absolute and, because of sin, humans can’t measure up. We need mercy. Thank God, there is another side to the coin: God has provided the grace by which we can obtain mercy.

Derek gives several pictures of the condition of man from the Old and New Testaments, all summed up in three phrases: darkness, hopelessness and no expectation but death. Man didn’t even know he was in that condition, but then God came and turned on the Light so that now we can see. That is grace!

It is imperative to understand that we are saved—made righteous—through faith in Christ and not by works. Today Derek explains that if salvation were by works we would have to keep the whole law, all the time. But we are not able—only Christ could do that. We must achieve righteousness by grace, trusting in His death and resurrection on our behalf.

In this series right here at this Christmas season, Derek looks at the gift of grace that has been extended to all mankind. What is it? Today Derek will provide a complete definition of the word, also adding that in Scripture grace means beauty, favor, or pleasure and, in essence, it is the way God looks at us.

In today’s message, Derek shows us that God’s main purpose is to dwell with His people. That was the purpose of the tabernacle in the wilderness and the temple of Solomon. And it is the divine purpose of human history when the New Jerusalem descends from heaven. God with us—the One Who Is There.

The Lord is our righteousness. Righteousness can be obtained in no other way. Our self-righteousness is as filthy rags, the Bible tells us. Jesus, the spotless, sinless Lamb of God purchased that righteousness for us—so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him.

Teaching from Psalm 23, Derek shows us the ways in which the Lord is our Shepherd. As a shepherd, the Lord sees to it that we are not in need, He provides nourishment, He restores and guides us, leading us through the hard times and finally to dwell in His house forever.

Peace is not just the absence of war. In actuality, you can experience peace even in the midst of your circumstances. There are two ways that we need peace. First, with God—a personal relationship that assures us of His favor. And second, peace in the midst of raging elements, like the way in which Noah was safe in the Ark.

In wartime, sometimes the army gets disorganized and scattered. That’s when the standard bearer finds a hill and holds up the banner for all to see. Then all can regroup around that banner. Our standard-bearer is the Holy Spirit, calling the troops to rally around the banner—Jehovah.

In the order in which the names of God appear in the Bible, the second personal name of Jehovah is “The One Who Heals.” In the story of the Canaanite woman seeking healing for her daughter, Derek teaches us that “healing is the children’s bread.” And all she needed was “just one crumb.”