1. The God who abundantly restores is still in the business of total restoration, even today. Even now the God of heaven restores dead sinners to life.
  2. Our Judge (the one who can condemn us) has become our Advocate (the one who doesn’t condemn us) because he is also our Substitute (the one who takes our condemnation).
  3. Sometimes loss is gain. Sometimes defeat is victory. Sometimes weakness is strength. Sometimes death is life. Sometimes, that is, when Christ is at the center, on his cross and not in his tomb.
  4. This is the patient love of God. He is stubborn about the salvation of sinners. He will not be rushed even if his name is mocked, and the trustworthiness of his promises are called into question.
  5. This world of unbearable grief and accidental calamity is being renewed and, soon, will be completely bereft of every pernicious foe.
  6. Mephibosheth’s story is a living parable of the gospel. It reeks of redemption, demonstrating precisely what Christ does for even the chiefest of sinners.
  7. Our hope is God's mercy. It's like a well that never dries up. His mercies were there before he created us. They are present for us today.
  8. God's power and works are awesome and cannot be stifled. His grace and mercy will be heard above the growls and howls of those who deny Christ Jesus is God and Savior
  9. The church’s song goes on and on, singing and ringing down to us today.
  10. Christ has received the mark of law that we might be marked with the gospel, with the sign of his holy cross on our heads and hearts as redeemed children of God.
  11. This Christmas season we are thankful that even though we “fallers” are unable to climb up to God, he came down the ladder to us.
  12. In honor of this anniversary celebration, here are five fun facts about The Lord of the Rings that I hope you will enjoy.