Paul defends his apostolic ministry, point the Corinthians back to Jesus.

Paul tells the Corinthians about his own affliction to remind them that God will deliver them, because He is a God who raises the dead.

Paul writes to the Corinthians. He begins by seeking to comfort them in affliction.

Paul tells us that we are, presently, new creations in Christ.

Surprisingly few details are given about Christ’s birth. Why does Luke include what he does? What do we learn from the birth narrative?

Mary teaches us to wait trusting and worshipping God.

As we read the story of Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her she will give birth to the Christ, we continue to learn how to wait for Him.

Advent is about waiting. As we consider how those who came before us waited on the coming of the Messiah, we can learn how we are to wait on his second coming.

The doctrine of God’s providence teaches how to understand and respond to suffering, but only if we go through Jesus.

God is in control of salvation from his decreeing to its final fulfillment in glory, and Jesus is central to every stage.