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Using Romans 8:29–30 as his text, Derek begins to look at the seven successive stages of God’s plan for those who love Him, who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and who have become members of God’s family. The culmination of this plan is that we will share Christ’s glory and sit with Him on His throne throughout eternity.

Today Derek looks again at 1 Corinthians to add that God isn’t impressed with human strength. For us to have divine strength and power, we must become weak by the standards of this world. The key to this divine weakness which gives strength is found only at the cross.

In today’s study, Derek looks at the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, which is a key to the entire ministry of Jesus. Jesus did nothing until the Holy Spirit came upon Him and then waited for the Holy Spirit’s direction all things. This is a perfect example for how we are to live, taking on the nature of lamb to attract the dove, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said there would be signs taking place, which will lead up to the end times. Derek reveals how they are present even today. As we see these things happening, we are exhorted to be on the alert, guarding our hearts and praying so that we may be ready for that day.

Today Derek looks at what Christ’s return will mean to Christians when we are finally all assembled together as His bride and His body. Derek gives a picture of the marriage of Jesus with His bride, the Church. The bride has made herself ready, and the universe is exulting. What a reason to long for His appearing!

Derek uses the experience of his wife, Lydia’s, death to expose us to the reality of this temporary life. Instead, we must hang on to the strength and truth of the eternal. We should be willing to give up what we have here in this life, trusting that God cares and has a plan for us. In the midst of all that is impermanent and fading, it is only the Word of God that is enduring and permanent, unshakable, unmovable, and eternal.

Derek takes the calling of God and extends it by showing us that we are to be servants. Even though that may entail suffering, we must first be servants of the Word and then servants of the people. If these are the other way round, it can lead to many problems. Nothing else can come before serving the Word of God.

Derek reads from the words of Moses to the people of Israel as they were preparing to cross into the Promised Land. They could choose life and blessing or death and cursing; Moses advised them to choose life. Later, Jesus presents us with choice. Will we choose Jesus (and life), or will we choose Satan, the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy? We each have that choice.

Derek teaches on making the decision to praise God in all circumstances, no matter whether we feel like it or not. Praise brings satisfaction to the ones who have made that willful decision. Have you decided to bless the Lord at all times and to have His praise continually in your mouth?

Today, we will gain a greater understanding of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as Derek examines and explains how Jesus fulfilled prophecies. There was great purpose in everything that happened to Jesus. His sacrifice for us was complete … and completely powerful … to free us from sin and give us eternal life with Him.