We need not fear the circumstances of our lives, because when the worst happens, it will be brief, it will be temporary, and it will result in our resurrection from the dead and a future with the God of all creation that will know no end.  We can embrace the worst because evil is overcome in Jesus.

Submission is not a message that will ever appeal to the powerful, and it is unlikely to appeal to the actively oppressed.  But, for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, submission is the very power of God in the world.

Revolution and rebelliousness are not born out of righteousness or justice or zeal for God in truth.  These things are born out of fear.  We must not give in to fear.

The posture of God's exiles in the world, the posture of the elect of God, the posture of God's priests, the posture of holiness, the posture of love, is the posture of submission.

There are many reasons we have come to worship God, but it is important that we remember that we also worship God as priests, interceding for the world.

What the world separates, the church brings together.  What the world tears apart, the church heals.

Whatever responsibilities you believe your pastor has to you, whatever job description you would write for him (or her), whatever expectations you would have of your pastor, those are most likely part of your responsibility to the world--to the non-Christians, the unbelievers, in your sphere of influence.

In this episode, J. Thomas discusses the major biblical metaphors that inform the New Testament understanding of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, along with providing a rough sketch of the so-called major 'theories' of the atonement proposed over the course of Christian history.

A holy people forgives wrongs instead of harboring hate.  A holy people pray for persecutors instead of seeking vengeance.  A holy people love enemies instead of seeking victory over them.  A holy people, love God with all that they are, and love their neighbors as themselves.  A holy people, if necessary, lay down their lives for the world. This is the work God is doing in those who follow Jesus truly.

When we decide to follow Jesus, God gives us new birth and He begins a work in us that prepares us for walking in His new heaven and new earth. Like the grace of nature prepares a child, so God is preparing us.