Jesus stepped into a world where religion was largely characterized by the temple model: sacred places that housed sacred texts that were interpreted by sacred men who used those texts to control superstitious people. Jesus initiated something entirely new, a complete departure from the temple model. But soon enough some of his followers began to try to assimilate Jesus into the temple model. Yet Jesus was completely clear: we are saved by grace, not by works, and that grace leads us to love those around us.

1. Our consciences often determine religious realities whether they reflect reality or not.
2. Grace is a gift. The moment you try to start to earn it, it is no longer grace.
3. It only takes a small dose of the wrong thing to corrupt the whole thing.