The primary reward of the gospel - God himself

Jesus came to live the life we could not live and to die the death we deserve to die.

If our lives do not reflect radical compassion for the poor, there is reason to wonder if Christ is really in us at all

Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy.

While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God.

In a world where everything revolves around yourself-protec t yourself, promote yourself, comfort yourself, and take care of yourself-Jesus says, 'Crucify yourself. Put aside all self-preservati on in order to live for God's glorification, no matter what that means for you in the culture around you.'

Clearly our greatest need is not more regulations in order to merit salvation.