In a society where rationality has ruled so long, the church frequently fails to see that in forsaking the weekly pursuit of the transcendent, we have given up the only ground that was uniquely ours in this world. In attempting to make the church something that can attract and add value to secular mind-sets, we have turned our backs on our one true proposition - transcendence.

These criminals represent us. One of them recognized Jesus for who he was and received him; Jesus promised that when he died he would be in heaven with him. The other man rejected Jesus and closed his heart. Unlike the first criminal, when he died he didn't go to heaven. He went to hell. In that sense, these two men on either side of Jesus are just like every person. We either embrace Christ as our Savior and spend eternity with him, or we reject him and say, 'I don't believe it. I'll have nothing to do with.' And these people spend eternity separated from him.

Beware of begging God for things you don't have to have.

Repentance is the key that unlocks the door to all that God has for us, but it is not easy.

It doesn't matter what has happened, better things are coming. God's plan produces hope in me.

Fear is the contradiction of faith. Faith says, Whatever it is, it'll be okay because of God.

When it's personal and painful, humble yourself.