We are not as Christ-centered and cross-cherishing as we should be, because we do not ponder the truth that everything good, and everything bad that God turns for the good, was purchased by the sufferings of Christ.

Whatever opposes prayer opposes the whole work of ministry.

This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.

Life and death! They seem like complete opposites-at great enmity with each other. But for Paul-and for all who share his faith-there is a unity, because the same great passion is fulfilled in both-namely, that Christ be magnified in this body-our bodies-whether by life or by death.

Obedience does not consist in paying God back and thus turning grace into a trade. Obedience comes from trusting in God for more grace - future grace - and thus magnifying the infinite resources of God's love and power.

Bad theology will eventually hurt people and dishonor God in proportion to its badness.

There will be no people in heaven who want to be around their things more than Jesus.