Today we look at how to respond when people say bad things against you. One of Satan’s main weapons is the tongue, and when God’s people are attacked, it is God who vindicates. Remember that you are clothed with a robe of righteousness. The remedy for criticism and misrepresentation is to stay hidden in that secret place of God.

Today Derek discusses financial security and the role it plays in our lives. Does money have you or do you control it? Financial security doesn’t come through investments in worldly things, but in investing in the work of the kingdom of God. How much are you in for?

Social security has become a major concern in many countries today. The need for such security is real, but we need to look at it from the standpoint of Scripture. The key is to employ faith—in lending freely, giving to the poor, casting our bread on the waters in many places. In so doing, we are sowing to the future when we may find ourselves in need.

In Derek’s words, “True security in life comes from committing yourself to God, finding the role that He has for you and then doing it—walking it out day by day, step by step—always with that motivation in your heart.” This is why you are here—to do God’s will. Derek shows us this was worked out in the life of Jesus.

Each of us has an assignment—something God has for us to do in our life. Using Joshua as a pattern, Derek shows how to apply the principles the Lord laid down for him. With these principles under our belt, we may be confident He is with us to accomplish His plan. God’s basic requirement is: THINK the Word of God, SPEAK the Word of God, ACT the Word of God.

Today Derek finishes this study by looking at the last days of Paul from his writings to Timothy. Facing his last days in prison, forsaken by fellow-workers, deserted by friends, with inadequate provisions, Paul keeps his eyes on the prize he will receive from the Lord. He knows he has kept the faith and that God has kept him. He was committed to God and knew God was committed to him. You too can have this confidence.

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.

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.

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!

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.