1. A gospel made up of only forgiveness of sins and heaven when you die will inevitably result in Jesus being a consolation prize when things don’t go your way in your life here on earth.
2. “Love your Karens.” – Jesus
3. It is not as Americans we take comfort in any promises made to Israel. It is as citizens of the Kingdom of God. America is no more a territory of that kingdom than China because American Christians are no more citizens of the Kingdom of God than Chinese Christians.
4. Followers of Jesus are the light of the world…a city set on a hill…a lamp so that others may glorify God, unless you’re a really cool band of Christians, and then you can just sing about a vague spirituality of love which cannot be distinguished from any other positive way of thinking.
5. If as followers of Jesus, we love his kingdom more than any country, then we will be more comfortable praying for those on the other side in politics than in talking bad about them.
6. If I was doing youth ministry again, I would talk a lot more about discipleship than I did.
7. I absolutely understand why some would not put a lot of hope for change in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. And I understand not looking to the government for change. But those who point this out need to remember this is also true for gun control, climate issues, and a host of other things you think are worthy of the church’s attention.
8. When I was falling in love with Bethany, I loved to say her name and have her name rolling around in my head. The name of Jesus is altogether more beautiful.
9. They are killing babies and they know it.
10. A life and culture of gospel presentations that do not include “the kingdom of God/heaven” will inevitably lead to many looking to politicians and politics for good news.
Echoes and Stars 
I’m a long time “lurker” on your blog (I think I discovered it at my very mundane job around 2010 when I was looking for encouragement in the mundane – and lo, and behold! — you had written a book about that). Thank you for continuing to publish your thoughts. It has been a balm, encouragement, and motivator to continue in my walk with Christ all these years.
Just wanted to say thanks, because I’m sure when one publishes something like this, it feels a bit like you are sending it out into the void.
Blessings in Christ. May you continue to run the race with Christ as your focus!