1. What we discover in O’Connor’s stories and Martin Luther’s theology is that God’s grace is elusive because the human heart is resistant to it.
  2. This is an excerpt from “The Alien and the Proper: Luther's Two-Fold Righteousness in Controversy, Ministry, and Citizenship,” edited by Robert Kolb (1517 Publishing, 2023). Now available for purchase.
  3. That great truth of creedal Christianity – that God is man in Christ – is not set forth for our speculative enjoyment.
  4. Rejoice with Mary as she would rejoice with you. Be blessed, like her, with humility from God, so that you may serve joyfully and willingly wherever and in whatever role God has placed you.
  5. If a key part of the Reformation was placing God’s Word back into the hands of the people in a clear, understandable way, then John of Ragusa can be called a “Prometheus” in his own right.
  6. When the Reformers read the Bible (especially when studied in the original languages), they found a God who was gracious and merciful for the sake of Christ.
  7. The good news is that with our God there is always more: more than we deserve, dare, ask, or expect, more than we can see, hear, feel, or think.
  8. The reason that God’s commandments are not burdensome is that Jesus has fulfilled them.
  9. Both now and forever, the bruised and crucified Lord nailed to a cross is our assurance of deliverance.
  10. Every day is a Sabbath for Christians. Every day is the day the Lord has made. Every day is a day to find rest in Christ.