This is an excerpt from the introduction of Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Christopher Richmann (1517 Publishing, 2026).
We can bring our troubles, griefs, sorrows, and sins to Jesus, who meets us smack dab in the middle of our messy mob.
Confession isn’t a detour in the liturgy. It’s the doorway.

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The absence of a feeling is not the absence of Christ, but as emotional, rational, and spiritual beings, we cannot say that the presence of Christ necessitates the absence of emotion.
That is why the church has to offer Super Bread and Super Wine, so that God can see that we are Super Christians.
Today I want to give you some good news. It is good news for the relationship failure; for the one who is self-focused;
From the very beginning, God made everything out of nothing. For mankind’s redemption, God’s Son did everything while we did nothing
“In a culture that promotes self-interest, children in church learn that something much bigger and more important than themselves is going on in their midst."
Heaven is as near as the Word proclaimed from the mouth of the preacher into the ear and heart of the sinner. It is as near as the bread and wine in your mouth. For, you see, Word and sacrament are where Jesus is.
Repentance is not a call to improve. It is a call to die.
“We all partake of the one cup, the cup of blessing which we bless. This is not seen as a bunch of different cups, but as one cup, the same cup that Jesus blessed at the Last Supper.”
Dual narratives are unfolding in our lives at every moment. There’s the story we’re writing, and the one penned by the Spirit.
A heart that wants nothing that is not from God can only occur by the Holy Spirit speaking the Gospel into our hearts.
Yes, but. It's a phrase I find myself repeating often in life. When my husband asks for forgiveness, I too often respond, "I forgive you, but…” and then continue with a list of my grievances.
Even now we sing as we live in His gifts, and await His second Advent—His second-coming.