1. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of these early Lutheran hymns – and their physical availability in hymnals – in the piety of common people living in Lutheran towns and territories.
  2. The gospel is for sinners – both the tax collector and Pharisee, both in need of the Great Physician.
  3. Elsewhere makes promises that can’t be kept, but God’s promises are secure, reliable, and certain.
  4. The Good Shepherd doesn’t leave the sheep to fend for themselves.
  5. A Christian story untethered from the reality of Christ and his mercy toward sinners becomes a mere fable, while a sermon disconnected from the hearts of its listeners remains a hollow oratory.
  6. This article is written by guest contributor, Christopher J. Richmann.
  7. Like the serpent on the pole, God still puts real-life things up for us to look to for salvation.
  8. Patrick's breakthrough came when he began to leverage his knowledge of the native language and customs to build a bridge between Irish lore and the Christian mythos.
  9. We can interpret "be the Church" as either law or gospel.
  10. The church is called to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. Where is that message found? In every blade of grass, on every page of Scripture.
  11. Regardless of background or beliefs, every American I talk to seems on edge, as if the sky were about to fall. But the sky is not falling.
  12. There is no AA for legalists. At least not officially. But there ought to be, and it should be called your local church.