1. We live for the most part, on the strength of our moral fiber, under the law, by our zeal for God and all that which tickles our proud fancy.
  2. What I desperately needed was not to preach to myself, but to listen to a preacher—not to take myself in hand, but to be taken in the hands of the Almighty.
  3. This is the Christian word: grace. Such grace is found only with this Lamb who is also our Shepherd.
  4. What might Christians of the Reformation tradition think of claims like these about the nature of salvation?
  5. What if sin was truly removed and what if the one who took it from us had the power to conquer it’s curse and spit in the face of death?
  6. If we just say to God, “We don’t get it, please explain,” he will. He will send us a preacher to point us to his words for more clarification.
  7. The needs of the people remain the same, but now the people are you and me. We still sin, and that sin causes so many challenges in our lives.
  8. It’s scary to share my struggle and to show that I have cracks because once I’ve shown my cards, I open myself up for judgment.
  9. Unprompted, without any warning, for no reason at all, without any instigation say, "I love you." And that will wash over your parents like a beautiful absolution.
  10. Ash Wednesday's purpose is not to motivate our resolve to redouble our efforts to do better.
  11. Even as he was dying, the heart of God poured itself out for the sake of sinners.