Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.

Humility is not denying your strengths, humility is being honest about your weaknesses.

A church must grow larger and smaller at the same time. Larger through worship and smaller through small groups.

There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss and no loss without pain.

Without a purpose, life is motion without meaning, activity without direction, and events without reason.

Never use prayer as an excuse to procrastinate doing what you already know is the right thing to do.

The next sentence is one of the most important spiritual truths you will ever learn: God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality. Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity.