Every time we sin in thought, word, or deed, we're essentially saying in that moment that, "I don't need you God. I don't want you God. I like my way better than your way."

Grief, of course, is not something that operates according to a specific time frame, and it seems cold to suggest otherwise. Yet when we do not grasp that God is present in pain, we eventually insist on victory or, worse, blame the sufferer for not "getting over it" fast enough. This is more than a failure to extend compassion; it's an exercise in cruelty.

Sanctification consists of the daily realization that in Christ we have died, and in Christ we have been raised.

Passive righteousness tells us that God does not need our good works. Active righteousness tells us that our neighbor does. The aim and direction of good works are horizontal, not vertical.

Disobedience happens not when we think too much grace but when we think too little of it

We are broken people living in a broken world with other broken people. We all need grace.

God wants every local church to be the first place people think to go when they've really messed up...not the last.