All of us are older and more mature in our faith than somebody. All of us are younger and more immature in our faith than somebody. God is calling us to be invested in and to invest in others for the good of all of us. It's never too late or too soon to begin building our faith into others.

The most dangerous teaching for the Christian comes from within the church, not without. We must be discerning that what is taught under the banner of Christianity comes from right motive, teaches the right things, and results in right living.

When leadership is unqualified the whole church suffers. Church leadership requires a set of character traits that come with maturity. The heart of the leader is one of a servant who leads under Jesus the senior pastor. Pastors, stay balanced as both tough and tender. Church, be a reason that your pastors are happy.

Every person finds their sense of self and meaning in life somewhere or in someone. For the Christian, our identity is found in who we are in Jesus, our Savior. Our callings are given to us by Jesus, our Lord. All rooted in the Work of Christ, our Word.

A church that is ordered properly is founded on the grace of God, led by qualified leadership, taught rich theology, and witnessing in word and deed.

We can be comforted by three powerful promises this Christmas from Luke 2: God is sovereign, our suffering has significance, and Jesus is a sympathetic savior.

There is no escaping the gloom and anguish of this life. But in the Incarnation darkness meets light, desperation meets joy, and oppression meets liberation as our yearning hearts meet Jesus.

The ministry of rescue is when Christians seek to rescue others from the foolishness of their sin. This rescue requires timing, gentleness, humility, self evaluation, and the right motive. Ask yourself when stepping in: Is this Spirit led? Is my approach gentle? Is my heart humble? What's my motive?

Prayer is essential at all times for all things.
Overview: Prayer is essential when we have internal struggle, physical sin, are corrupted by sin, and when facing huge obstacles. We need to pray continuously about all areas of life, not substituting responsibility, or making excuses because of our imperfections.