-The hope of Jesus is alive in Ezra. -Advent ends with a choice.

-Future Faith is Forged in the Present -Our Only Hope is the Christ of Christmas

-Advent is a season of renewal. -Advent attracts antagonists. -Waiting is worship when we wait with Jesus.

-God finishes what He starts. -The local church is the best place for the modern disciple.

-Self-righteousness sows self-destruction

-For law-keepers, the law is a means to an end. -For the proud, applause is better than eternal life. -For utilitarians, repayment is an acceptable substitute for blessing.

-We SHARE the Gospel with words, explicitly. -We SHOW God’s mercy by being merciful. -We SHAPE our community with hope.

-Disciples belong to Jesus, and to each other. -Worship is a lifestyle of beholding Jesus. -Becoming like Jesus is a process.

- Christianity without love is not Christianity. - God’s love becomes incarnate when we meet Jesus.