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. The answer to our messages is God's "yes," Jesus, who sends his preachers to proclaim that there's no place for us now other than in the grip of our God and Savior.
  4. The usual acclamation when one becomes King is: “Long live the King!” But this King of kings, this son of David, has come to die.
  5. God the Father sent us – his wayward, sinful, and naughty children – his own series of Father Christmas Letters.
  6. Psalm 8 is a trailer for the entire biblical movie, and the entire biblical movie centers on Christ.
  7. God is not calling us to “grow up.” He is calling us to dependence.
  8. It all starts with God; and it all ends with God. He is the alpha and omega of giving and generosity.
  9. 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.
  10. Our God is a living God and he listens to our cries for help.
  11. From the beginning to the end of his letter, John really wants one thing: for us to be in Jesus.