The essence of discipleship is union with Christ, which means identification with him in both his sufferings and his glory.
We are not under law as a way of salvation but as a guide to conduct.
We are to be like Christ in his incarnation.
Souls are won for Christ by tears and sweat and pain, especially in prayer and in sacrificial personal friendship.
In God’s providence we have four gospels! For Jesus Christ is too great and glorious a person to be captured by one author or one perspective.
Only if we share Christ's death on earth will we share his life in heaven.