1. If Jesus did not rise, then religion is just religion — a mere anthropological phenomenon.
  2. It was meant to be Karlstadt’s moment to shine, but all anyone remembered was Luther.
  3. Grace comes for every foolish, self-absorbed sinner, for every “Nabal,” and announces that there is one who has already taken it upon himself to shoulder all of our wrongdoing, paying the price for it through the sacrifice of himself.
  4. When properly distinguishing law and gospel in the Word of God, it is important to use the God-given gift and abilities of the imagination as your ears.
  5. As Luther said, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection not in books alone, but in every leaf of spring.”
  6. Christ Jesus brings his word and presence to where you are and he is even willing to do so through the likes of your personally present pastor.
  7. The Parable of the Lost Sheep bursts through the confines of convention and demands that we embrace the messiness of life and the unpredictable ways in which God's grace and forgiveness operates.
  8. God's faithfulness is constant and consistent. It knows no season. His love for us doesn't fade with the summer sun.
  9. We live for the most part, on the strength of our moral fiber, under the law, by our zeal for God and all that which tickles our proud fancy.
  10. His successes were not the result of his brilliance, might, and ability as an apostle. They were the result of the all-sufficient grace of God.
  11. Prayer is not just about asking for things. It's about receiving what has already been given to us in Christ.
  12. God cares about our real life where we actually are. He is present in the everyday.