1. This article is written by guest contributor, Christopher J. Richmann.
  2. Like the serpent on the pole, God still puts real-life things up for us to look to for salvation.
  3. Don’t get in the habit (or, if you already do it, get out of the habit) of saying, “I could never talk about these things the way my pastor does.”
  4. We can interpret "be the Church" as either law or gospel.
  5. God gives his church a story that helps to make sense of this life.
  6. It would serve us well to embrace the beauty of our diversity within the unity of the body of Christ.
  7. We must also address the stigma surrounding addiction within so many churches.
  8. It is of the utmost importance that pastors teach their congregation that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are fortified against the machinations of the adversary.
  9. I’ve experienced firsthand the promise that God never leaves a congregation empty-handed.
  10. The gospel tells me that the revelation of weakness in myself, my husband, and my son is the occasion for the revelation of God’s strength.
  11. A pastor is sent to proclaim the unconditional grace of God, reminding us again and again that it is our Heavenly Father who reaches out to us in love through his Christ-won forgiveness, and not the other way around.