One of my realizations in such an earthy atmosphere was that many of the burning theological issues in the church were neither burning nor theological.

The way you are with others every day, regardless of their status, is the true test of faith.

There is an extraordinary power in storytelling that stirs the imagination and makes an indelible impression on the mind.

If in our hearts we really don't believe that God loves us as we are, if we are still tainted by the lie that we can do something to make God love us more, we are rejecting the message of the cross.

Christianity doesn’t deny the reality of suffering and evil… Our hope… is not based on the idea that we are going to be free of pain and suffering. Rather, it is based on the conviction that we will triumph over suffering.

Rome is burning, Jesus says. Drop your fiddle, change your life and come to Me. Let go of the good days that never were - a regimented church you never attended, traditional virtues you never practiced, legalistic obedience you never honored, and a sterile orthodoxy you never accepted. The old era is done. The decisive inbreak of God has happened.

Without exposure to potential failure, there is no risk.