What is this love that endures decades, passes on sleep, and resists death to give one kiss? Call it agape love, a love that bears a semblance of God's.

One phrase summarizes the horror of hell. "God isn't there."

I think the hardest questions had to do with suffering. It had to do with all of our church members and friends passing through difficult times. Sometimes it's the global climate: tsunamis, earthquakes, radiation. I think these kinds of questions are absolutely the most difficult, yet we need to be ready to respond to them because we have to be able as pastors to walk people through these valleys, these tough times in their lives.

Yes, your family history has some sad chapters. But your history doesn't have to be your future. The generational garbage can stop here and now.

Religion is intended to facilitate hope and faith. Much like a path is intended to facilitate a journey.

Whether or not storms come, we can not choose. But where we stare during a storm, that we can.

Jesus gives us hope because He keeps us company, has a vision and knows the way we should go.