1. Christ is not an idea. He isn’t a concept. He isn’t a religious notion or sentiment. He isn’t a product. He is the Savior, flesh and blood.
  2. A group of unassuming apostles was given a graphic illustration of how the Lord would use them to turn the world right-side-up through the upside-down logic of grace.
  3. Don't lose hope. Don't avoid church on Sunday morning.
  4. 1517 would not exist without the leadership, friendship, and faithfulness of Pastor Ron Hodel.
  5. If God ever forgives you, it is not just allowing you to start over and try harder the second time, but it is a whole, new, complete justification that is given as a free gift and without any work of our own—outside the law.
  6. I write this as someone who’s genuinely concerned that American congregants are getting bamboozled by preachers who are giving them less than what they need Sunday after Sunday.
  7. Pastor Craft: Essays and Sermons is now available through 1517 Publishing
  8. The youths that mock Elisha are representative of Israel’s collective contempt and disregard for all things relating to their One True God.
  9. Forgiveness of sins does not come in bits and pieces. There are no levels of forgiveness.
  10. One could reason that God might, at least, give the church a little worldly power.
  11. Forty-five seconds is about how long I have as a pastor leading a Sunday morning service to sit at the feet of the cross and receive Jesus’ body and blood given to me by the hands of another at the Lord’s Table.