1. As much as we want the glory, riches, and knowledge of Dantes, what we need is Jean Valjean's candlesticks.
  2. Attempting to escape the errors of medieval Catholic thinking, Agricola ended up making the same mistake of conflating law and gospel.
  3. We must also address the stigma surrounding addiction within so many churches.
  4. What if Jesus had said on the cross, “Earn it”?
  5. It is of the utmost importance that pastors teach their congregation that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are fortified against the machinations of the adversary.
  6. Is salvation by the law or not? Moses or Jesus? Indeed, we find a fundamental parting of the ways put forward here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
  7. I’ve experienced firsthand the promise that God never leaves a congregation empty-handed.
  8. In the tumultuous sea of information, opinions, and ideologies that break over us each day, we hold fast to the anchor of our faith—Jesus, the true prophet.
  9. The gospel tells me that the revelation of weakness in myself, my husband, and my son is the occasion for the revelation of God’s strength.
  10. A pastor is sent to proclaim the unconditional grace of God, reminding us again and again that it is our Heavenly Father who reaches out to us in love through his Christ-won forgiveness, and not the other way around.
  11. Chains may have restricted Paul, but nothing can restrict the gospel.