Great teachers know that it's not enough to teach the lesson, the students need to experience the lesson themselves. In John 13, Jesus the Good Shepherd has now become the Passover Lamb and has a lesson for his disciples. Why does Jesus choose to wash His disciples' feet? In this act of genuine love, how do we learn how to love others?

How do we prepare for Christ's second coming, especially when we don't know when it'll happen? What makes the wise and the foolish virgins different, and what does that have to do with us? Today we look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins and examine how we might be able to maintain spiritual readiness in this coming year.

Perspective is important to our lives. Our experience, education, upbringing, etc. all shape our perspective. In turn, our perspective often determines our future experience and decisions. What is true of life is also true of our spiritual life. As Kevin Shingleton explains, when we look to Jesus, he will reorient our perspective on joy, power and humility.

Christmas may quite possibly the busiest time of the year. With family get-togethers, Christmas parties, gift shopping, and so on, Christmas demands a lot from us physically and emotionally. How can we, instead, get the most out of Christmas? How is it that the birth of a child can impact us? As guest preacher Patrick Gilbert explains, the birth of a child really impacts us when we are part of the family. And as we see, Christmas isn't just about Jesus' birth, it is about our rebirth.

Guest Preacher Jeff Davis finishes his mini-series on the Gifts of Christmas. What makes a perfect gift? As we finish moving through this Christmas season, we need to keep that question in mind. What, or perhaps who, is the perfect gift?

Our world desires peace, yet it is characterized by war, anger, and disunity. From wars that span national borders, to contention within families, to turmoil within ourselves, there is anything but peace. Is peace actually possible? Yes, but there is only one pathway to is - and it isn't something we can attain on our own, but it is a gift that is given to us through Christ.

As we progress through our advent series, why take a look at Isaiah 40? This chapter is is a proclamation of God's people, and verse 5, specifically, is about the purpose of all Creation. What is the purpose of everything and everyone? From the beginning, and throughout all time, the singular purpose of everything has been to glorify God. When we look at Christmas and its purpose, we see that the it is all about the glory of the Lord being revealed.

Today we introduce our Advent mini-series entitled, "The Gifts of Christmas," looking first at the gift of fulfilled prophecy. Throughout the world, Christmas is about family, sentimental feelings, and giving gifts. So why spend time looking at prophecy? Because prophecy is actually a gift, from God, given to us so that we may see them and believe in Jesus Christ, the only one who can pay for our sins and provide salvation.

We all know that Thanksgiving is a holiday to give thanks - but give thanks to whom? Why do we give thanks at all? The journey and the first winter the Pilgrims experienced was fraught with danger, uncertainty, and calamity, yet they responded with gratitude and praise. When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was in prison, faced suffering and great need. Yet Paul rejoiced! How can this be? How can we rejoice in all circumstances, be content in all situations, and be grateful despite hardships?

Imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks: all these things seem like situations that would prevent an effective ministry. But those very things are what God used to advance the gospel, even making its way to Caesar's household. Today we look at Paul's ministry, the hardships and opposition he faced and - at the same time - the opportunities he had to share Christ. How do you respond to trials in your life? Do you see them as opportunities to share the love of Christ? Or do you turn inward and wallow in self-pity? The question is really: Is the focus of your life you or Christ?