1. This sermon was originally given at Luther Seminary chapel on May 20, 1986.
  2. Love is pointing to Jesus who said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
  3. Christ our Word, as with a two-edged sword, burst the devil's belly.
  4. As the writer to the Hebrews affirms, what makes the Christian gospel so much better is that we are no longer dealing with “types and shadows."
  5. God resolves his wrath through the unexpected giving of his Son.
  6. The king has arrived and has already begun his reign forever and ever.
  7. Who would ever want all these screamers and haters? It turns out that Christ does.
  8. God is not calling us to “grow up.” He is calling us to dependence.
  9. For with God we look not for the order of nature, but rest our faith in the power of him who works.
  10. It all starts with God; and it all ends with God. He is the alpha and omega of giving and generosity.
  11. Who is God really? He is offensive, anarchic by the world’s standards, and far too gracious to people who don’t deserve his time or attention.
  12. Our God is a living God and he listens to our cries for help.