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. We did not say “Goodbye” to our son on the day of his burial. We said, “Luke, we’ll see you soon.”
  4. Don't lose hope. Don't avoid church on Sunday morning.
  5. 1517 would not exist without the leadership, friendship, and faithfulness of Pastor Ron Hodel.
  6. What the gospel promises is not escape from our humanity, but resurrection from the dead.
  7. I want the beginning of my funeral to be focused on Jesus, as well as the middle, the end, and every point in between.
  8. This is the patient love of God. He is stubborn about the salvation of sinners. He will not be rushed even if his name is mocked, and the trustworthiness of his promises are called into question.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. What we are asked to believe as we ponder the birth of this child is that in his coming, a new creation has dawned.