Life This Side of Heaven

In Romans, Paul rejoices to say, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” However, what follows next is often misunderstood as a two-step process of what we must do as a condition of salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. The apostle points us, not to ourselves, but to what Jesus has done and the salvation that God Himself has accomplished for us. Here's Good News that we hold in our hearts by faith and which bursts from our lips as we acknowledge it together to the world.

In Romans, Paul describes a heartfelt desire to trade places with his brothers. However, it's not a covetous desire to be rich and have what they've got. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. He wanted his brothers to have what he has. However, what Paul couldn't do, Jesus has done ... and He's done it for you, me, and those who don't yet know it.

When it come to food swaps, God invites us, here in Isaiah, to take a closer look at what we’re consuming. But even though He mentions such staples as milk and bread, what He has in mind is actually much more than just food.

It’s not hard to imagine how it would have sparkled the eyes of the disciples to hear Jesus begin a parable with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.” It's tempting to think of ourselves as Indiana Jones and the treasure being Jesus. However, you might want to hang on to your seat and have another look. Our Savior's words may be more amazing and comforting than you thought.

“Are There Any Defense Lawyers Who Have Never Lost a Case?” It's an intriguing question isn't it? However, it's more than that if it's your life that's on the line. So, Paul wants to introduce you to the only One who is undefeatable.

It was a heartwarming moment. And it brought a lot of smiles, laughter and applause. Whoever thought it was a promise that he would keep? Last summer, five years later and to the surprise of many, he kept that "pinky promise." Now consider what it means when Moses tells us that you and I have a faithful God.

Why doesn’t God just wipe out all the bad people out there? People often complain that the church is full of hypocrites. Why not just round them up and get rid of them, like weeds in a garden or a grain field? However, as Jesus explains, this can have disastrous results. He has a better idea.

It’s not surprising that we like to grumble. However, Paul points out that as Christians, we also groan. And in faith, we can even "pule."

Ancient Israel was hoping to shore up its hope. They were battered by Babylon, taken captive, and brought to live far from home in a foreign empire. However, instead of trusting God, both before and after this event, they were carving idols out of every rock and piece of wood they could find. Do you and I have idols today? Oh, yes, we sure do. So, God invites us to look around, and be reminded, that He alone is our God and Savior.

As Matthew points out, Jesus told His disciples many things in parables. Although a good question might be, “Which things?” Whenever we hear Jesus’ parables, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of what He’s telling us. Take for example, the Parable of the Sower.

Save the planet? There are many good habits, useful steps, and things you and I can take to help preserve and conserve the precious resources we've been given. However, as shocking as it may sound, saving the planet isn’t one of them. Now, don’t get me wrong. As someone who loves the outdoors, care of God’s creation is something that I hope is important to all of us. However, there is only One who can, and who has, saved it.

If you’re wondering if it will be nice day tomorrow to mow the lawn, the odds are good that you can count on that forecast you heard on TV before going to bed. However, if you’re planning to head to beach in two weeks, and want to know if it will be sunny, you may as well flip a coin. Now imagine how the people must have felt to hear Isaiah describe what God him store for them – and what they must have thought when they heard the work of His Servant to come!

Have you ever wondered what makes Jesus rejoice? Chances are good that there are plenty of verses that come to mind when you and I consider all those things in which you and I delight and give thanks. But Matthew and Luke tell us of two occasions in which our Savior Himself rejoiced – and in both places it's for the same reason!

Just when you think you’re moving forward, it feels like your taking two steps back. So you try again, and again, and again! Talk about frustration! A few decades ago a game came out with this very name. But Paul describes a similar experience that’s familiar to all of us, and it’s not a game.

There's a specific new truck model set to arrive this Fall and last Spring one automotive group reviewed its features and asked the question, "Worth the wait?" Zechariah recorded a news release, 400 years earlier, describing the Savior who was to come. It was an announcement that would have filled the faithful with hope. No doubt, those who waited in each generation must have look around and asked the question often, “Is this the one? Is THIS the one?” But Zechariah made it clear what features would mark the Messiah’s arrival and his arrival makes it clear that this is the One we've been waiting for.

Are you a loser? I’ll bet even hearing that question makes you squirm a little. It may even made you sit up, get defensive and maybe even little angry. After all, we live in a culture which it’s often said,“If you’re not winning, you’re losing.” However, sometimes it’s good to be a loser.

It’s tempting for us, as Christians to fall into the trap of thinking that we’re basically good people and point to all the laws we don’t break as proof. But take a closer look. God’s Law doesn’t affirm what law-abiding people we are. It reveals our sin and our need for our Savior.

“He’s talking through his hat!” Have you ever heard someone use that phrase? It’s one that became popular in the nineteenth century. But it describes an action that's been around for a a lot longer than that and is still practiced today.

Do you know what the most frequently heard imperative is in all of Scripture? It may surprise you. It’s not “Do not steal,” “Do not murder,” or one of the other commandments.

This week finds us conveniently sandwiched between Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, and Independence Day on the Fourth of July. On these dates we celebrate freedom from slavery and tyranny. And here in Romans, Paul alludes to both as he describes what it means for you and me to live this baptismal life.

Musicians have recorded a lot of heartbreak songs over the years. In fact it’s a staple. Jeremiah’s words in this text sound almost like one of those shattered hearts songs. This life isn't all sunshine, roses and rainbows. And like him, we too may our own laments that we want to bring to God.

When a congregation awaits its new pastor it's an anxious time, filled with nervous anticipation, for both the pastor and the congregation. I wonder what he’ll be like? Of course, not all of that speculation is useful. Sometimes, the adversary likes to set our desires off in the wrong direction. Compare our expectations today with some famous figures from Scripture.

Would you rescue someone if you saw them drowning? I think that most of us would want to do everything we could to help some poor, innocent person in distress. However, how would you feel if that person, now safely in the boat assaulted you? Sound ridiculous?

In Exodus, the Israelites listened to Moses as he explained the Law which God gave them on Mt. Sinai. And then, as we hear, “The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the LORD has said.’” Like the kid in class raising his hand, they all chimed in to let Moses know, “We’ve got this!” It must not have been long after this that they wished they hadn’t said these words. But, in God's grace, there is a welcome question for which we can raise our hands in confidence.

Matthew tells us how the Pharisees turned up their noses when they saw Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. Whenever I hear this passage from the Gospels, I can’t help but picture the sneering Pharisees as wearing those Groucho Marx masks you can buy at the store – you know, the thick framed glasses with attached eyebrows, plastic nose, and bushy mustache? It’s not hard to find ourselves slipping on that goofy mask, from time-to-time when we turn up our nose at others. But who are we kidding?

It’s fascinating to hear that so many of the inventions, that you and I take for granted in our lives each day, were at one time considered to be impossible, ridiculous and doomed to failure. In some cases, even those behind them weren't fully convinced it would all work out. So it’s amazing to hear that when it came to the promise which God had made to Abraham, he didn’t just wish it was possible. He was "fully persuaded" of the outcome. In light of our Savior's resurrection, and God's promises to us, you and I can also be completely confident that He has power to do what He has promised.

When it comes to taxes, it’s not surprising that our fallen culture likes to blur the distinction between compensation and a benefit – between a wage and a gift. So it shouldn’t come as any surprise to learn that the when it comes to our relationship with God, the Adversary also likes to blur the distinction between a wage and a gift. In fact, he’s been using this same, sleazy scheme for generations. Here's why Paul has issued this timely and important bulletin, right here in Romans, to distinguish the two.

At the end of Matthew's Gospel we hear the word "Go!" Jesus has just given the signal, the “green light” for the church to get moving! In love for our Savior, and all that He has done for us in securing our salvation by His death for us on the cross and His glorious resurrection, who isn’t chomping at the bit to do just that? But, hang on a moment, go .. and do what?

You and I can’t help but marvel at how God has revealed Himself to us in His Word. He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three distinct persons in one divine being. How do you and I even begin to wrap our heads around that? While acknowledging the details we step back with the disciples and notice how the picture becomes crystal clear.

Here in Genesis Moses recorded, by inspiration of God, how you and I, and everything, came into being. And in summary says, “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.” Today, many Christians have mistakenly wondered if this announcement is really necessary. But it really is! And here’s why.

Did you know that every Thursday, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, an organization called the U.S. Drought Monitor releases a map showing where drought conditions are found, and how severe they are, across the U.S. and its territories? However, another important announcement comes out every week - in fact each Sunday. The Holy Spirit points us to refreshing good news.

It's not unusual to hear, that when the emergency lines are flooded during a storm, "not everyone who called for help could be reached.” The fact that not everyone can be saved is a sad reality of such situations. But here’s what makes what Peter announced at Pentecost so extraordinary. Everyone who calls on the Lord, without exception, will be rescued from condemnation and the everlasting destruction from sin and be brought safely to eternal life. Everyone.

What God did at Pentecost is remarkable. Underlining the fact that the the Good News of our salvation in Christ is for all people, the Spirit enabled the apostles to preach in the languages of everyone who was present. As much as we marvel at what the Holy Spirit did on this day, we might overlook the ever greater miracle He continues to do this day in our midst.

It's the kind of thing you hear about in movies. Someone searches to find you and let you know that you have received a remarkable inheritance that changes everything. Paul has such an announcement he wants to share with you .. and it comes from God.

Jesus’ ascension assures us, not only of the ongoing and powerful presence of our Savior, but also, that He continues to be active in His ever-growing kingdom and Church. What Luke has recorded is not simply two volumes of a sweeping historical novel, with a compelling narrative of what took place in the past. It points us also to Jesus’ work in our midst today.

Today’s forecast will include “a mix of sun and clouds.” Okay, so which is it? Will it be overcast with rain possible or filled with beautiful, sunshine? How should we plan our day? There's always a certain level of foreboding and uncertainty when you see clouds in the sky. However, with our Savior's ascension, now even a cloudy day bring us to look up in great joy and be reminded of truly comforting and remarkable promise.

Have you ever wondered why the world, your friends or even your family, may not see what you see? In love, we desperately want our friends and loved ones to see our Savior and all that He has done for them. However, like looking through a broken viewer at a scenic outlook, it's not surprising to hear them say, "I can't see anything." Here's where the work of the Holy Spirit comes in. Apart from the Spirit, the world has no spiritual sight or knowledge. Good News! Jesus not only tells us about the Holy Spirt, but He also points us to the means through which He works to create faith. In the Gospel, He reveals what our Savior has done for us.

Have you ever thought of the church as an ocean going vessel? It may surprise you to know that for the centuries the Savior’s church as been portrayed in art and architecture as a ship. However, is this a cruise ship or a rescue ship?

When Paul saw all the idols in Athens, you might think that He would have thrown up his hands and thought, “The people are saturated with false worship and philosophies. How can I ever get them to recognize their need for God?” You and I might share this despair, when we look around at a world which has sunk so far into depravity and yet, at the same time, thinks it has everything figured out. What can you do in a culture in which folks think, “I don’t need God.” But Paul didn't despair. In fact, take a look at the remarkable approach he took.

Before His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus assured the disciples with this wonderful news: “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” Furthermore, He told them, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.” This news brought great comfort, not only to the disciples, but to believers of every generation to follow. However, in our covetousness, it’s easy to lose sight the nature of this comfort and how wonderful it is.

Is it possible to exchange church for ... a chicken dinner? The early church sought to meet the need of the Greek-speaking widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So they gathered in faith to come up with a solution. We get a great opportunity to see the congregation of believers in loving action and how it responded in service. However, if you notice, they were careful not to give up the ministry of God's Word in order to do it.

As we continue to bask in the glorious Good News of Easter, our Savior’s resurrection, and the salvation that we have in Him, Peter invites us to join him in giving thank to God. He opens his first letter saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Now he goes on to direct our attention to what’s essential to the healthy growth of this new life.

“You’re gonna have to go through me.” There’s a familiar phrase from the movies. A defender places themself between the attacker and their intended target and announces, “If you plan to hurt him, you’re going to have to go through me first!” This image probably isn’t the one that comes to mind when Jesus says, “I Am the Gate,”or “I Am the Door.” But it’s just one part of the comfort that is ours in this reassuring announcement from our Savior.

One day, our scars – the reminders of our foolishness, our failures and frailty – will be gone. But these scars our Savior showed the disciples are a 'badge of honor.' They’re the welcome reminder of our Savior’s triumph over sin and death.

In describing the early days of the Christian Church, Paul tells us, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” It’s hard not to be wistful hearing these words as we’re told that each year fewer and fewer people attend church or claim to be Christian. Attempts to reverse this trend over the decades have ranged from careful programs to gimmicks. So, it’s interesting to back up a few verses and see what was taking place when Luke recorded this growth. While it may not sound trendy, it's still effective.

“God, help me. Please show Yourself to me.” Has this prayer every crossed your lips when you’ve found yourself in danger, guilt or despair? It may surprise you to hear how our risen Savior answers this prayer and where He directs our attention. Episode artwork by Jan van't Hoff courtesy of FreeBibleImages.com. Used by permission.

Have you ever found yourself puzzled by the promises of Scripture and how they tie into the events of Good Friday and Easter? If you have, you're note alone. The two disciples on the way to Emmaus, on Easter, found themselves in a similar situation. They knew God’s Word, they’d heard it and read it, but it didn’t seem to come together and make sense. However, with patience and love, Jesus showed them from Scripture how His death on the cross was necessary. Our crucified and risen Savior is the key to understanding all of the Scriptures.

For the two disciples, on their way to Emmaus, Jesus' death on the cross didn't fit with their misplaced expectations of what He came to accomplish. It appeared that everything they had hoped for was lost. What they were expecting had gone up in smoke. Not surprisingly, the misplaced expectations that many have for Jesus today experience a similar end. And it often leads to confusion, disillusionment and loss of faith. But look at how Jesus carefully, and lovingly, reminds us of what the Gospel of our salvation is all about. It's even better! Episode artwork by Jan van't Hoff courtesy of FreeBibleImages.com. Used by permission.

John must have been amazed to witness so many of our Savior’s miracles. And in the Gospel, he gives us a "snapshot," so to speak, of a number of them. But John recognized that these events were not simply random fireworks to dazzle and amaze. Each of them had a purpose. In this verse, the apostle tells us why they’ve been recorded, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and with such great care.

Have you ever watched those famous scenes from the airport? You know, the ones where folks gather at the Arrivals gate, eager to greet their family and friends. Happy faces spot one another. Hands wave to get their attention. And then shouts of glee can be heard, and hugs and kisses follow. It’s a joyful scene. So, why is it that we may imagine a different picture when it comes to our eternal life and arrival in heaven?