Life This Side of Heaven

We may look around and conclude that many people throughout the world, and most of the people we know, have heard of Jesus. They may be familiar with some of his miracles. They may have even heard that he died and rose again. But they know how it all fits together. Having heard the Gospel, they may in fact not fully understand what it means and what it is that Jesus has done for them.

It hasn’t been an easy summer for travel. Industry experts say that it’s not going to get better any time soon. However, knowing your destination, and focusing on what awaits, makes all the difference. In Colossians, Paul wants us to know that when it comes to all that you and I face together in this life, this transforms our travel as well.

Harvest time is important not only for farmers but for all of you backyard gardeners and fans of fresh produce. So, how do you know when harvest time has arrived—and what do you do when it has? When it comes to sharing the Gospel, the Good News of our salvation, Jesus gives answer to both of these questions.

It’s surprising how easily it can sneak up on you. You’re doing something you love –gardening, taking a refreshing walk or enjoying an afternoon at the beach– when you’re hit with the familiar bane of summer: the sunburn. There’s another kind of burn that can easily sneak up you and me as God’s children –even as we're busy doing the very things we love.

Long before the words "Shake it off" became the catchy refrain of a song, Jesus said something like it here in Matthew. He told the disciples, “Shake the dust off your feet.” And while it sounds like the kind of thing you may tell your kids before getting into the car after a day at the beach, there's actually more to it than that.

“Who gets out of prison and then looks for a way to get back in?” The answer to that question may startle you. As Paul points out, the answer is that quite often ... it’s you and me. So the apostle reminds us how to live in this freedom that Christ has given to us.

You can almost imagine the apostle Paul, shaking his head, like that announcer, when he saw what was taking place before his eyes. The Galatians had it all. Forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ. The victory was theirs through faith in their Savior who had conquered sin, death and the devil at the cross. However, now they were in danger of fumbling the ball and losing it all. It's the reason folks often become disillusioned with church today. However, Paul directs our focus to Christ so that we don't find ourselves running in the wrong direction.

Superhero movies continue to dominate the box office. Many of those heroes, who put right what was wrong, have the power to shoot fire and lightning. And two of Jesus' disciples even requested this power to punish our Savior's enemies. However, He equipped them, and us, with something much more powerful.

When our Savior came across a man afflicted by demons, He was asked “What do you want with me Jesus?” It's worth knowing that this particular Greek phrase is not the easiest to translate into English. If it was someone today, you could almost imagine him snapping at our Savior and saying, “What are you looking at?” But thankfully, Jesus' response had everything to do with what He saw before Him.

Why did He choose _them? _Of all the people that Jesus could have called, what brought Him to pick this disciples, this group of twelve, and say, “Follow Me”? After all, knowing what they were like, and what they would do, why did He choose them? On the other hand, why has God called you and me?

What God described for Moses must have also sounded like a job that was too good to be true. Having been rescued by God from their slavery in Egypt, He had now set apart the people of Israel for special work. Incredible work! He told them, “you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Why is this important for us today? Now have a listen to what Peter says is true for you and me.

Today, it's sometimes referred to as "canceling." However, the practice of attempting to silence someone for saying something with which another disagrees goes back a long way. Jesus faced this as they attempted to cancel Him and silence the proclamation of the Gospel. So did the disciples. However, the Good News is that we have a Savior who has come and brought forgiveness of sins by canceling the record of debt that stood against us. Here's a message that's too good to be silenced.

Here in Proverbs, Solomon describes the genuine joy with which God brought this world into being and His delight in its creation. But it’s not just the endless blue sky, the verdant green forests, snow capped mountains and deep oceans that are referred to here. Solomon also records that God was, “rejoicing in His whole world and delighting in mankind.” This includes is you and me. And this delight is present today in the restoraton and redemption we have in Christ.

When Peter addressed the crowd that was gathered on the Day of Pentecost, he knew there were many who had rejected Jesus and cheered His crucifixion. It’s as if they had shouted, “Jesus? Not my Savior!” But the apostle earnestly wanted them to know that, yes He was – and is! And by His grace, and through faith, you and I can rejoice to declare, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit! That’s my God!”

"Are you thirsty?" "Do you need a drink of water?" Wait a minute, isn’t that the same question? As it turns out, thirst isn't always a reliable indicator of our body's need for water. God has given us His Holy Spirit. However, we may not always recognize our need for this gracious gift and the refreshment He brings.

Amazed and astonished! Those are the words that Luke used to the awe with which the people present at Pentecost heard the disciples speaking in their own language. And yet, perhaps two more words might be used to describe this scene - "diverse" and "united." Even though there was much to distinguish them, this united them all: hearing the salvation that God had accomplished, in love, for all of them by the death and resurrection of His Son.

The sound of a rushing wind reminds us that we're in the midst of storm season. However, on the Day of Pentecost, what followed next was not torn shingles, uprooted trees, and snapped utility poles. It was the unmistakable fulfillment of what Jesus has promised the disciples before His ascension. And what followed next was just the opposite of a power outage. God had poured out His Holy Spirit and, just as our Savior said, the believers were “clothed with power from on high.” And this "windy season" continues to this day.

In Ephesians, Paul describes what it means that you and I have this day a Savior who has ascended to the right hand of the Father in glory. When he says that God has placed all things under our Savior's feet, the apostle wants us to appreciate fully the tremendous impact this has on our lives and what it means for us this very day.

Each week, in the creed, you and I hear the familiar words which describe the trip taken by our Savior forty days after His resurrection. And we stand to confess, “He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” However, as our imagination soars to picture our Savior in heaven, if we're not careful, it may seem like a postcard. It may sound like Jesus is now far away and having left us wishing that we were there. But the reality is far more than that. Jesus is here!

This week a royal celebration will get underway, a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, that will last for four days! Last Thursday, forty days after Easter, the Church celebrated the Ascension of our Lord and chances are good you may have even celebrated yesterday in church. In Ephesians, Paul describes for us the "coronation celebration" of our Savior. Here's a celebration that is ongoing to this very day, by which you and I are blessed, and which will carry on into eternity.

Jesus’ promise to the disciples, that He would not leave them as orphans, may sound like strange comfort to our modern ears. But it wouldn’t have been lost on His followers. And it's tremendous comfort for you and me if we're tempted to feel as if we're facing the struggles of this life alone.

If someone was to ask, “What causes anxiety in your life,” a whole list may flood to mind. We may be tempted to ask, “Where do you want me to start?” But if someone was to ask you for the “reason for the hope that you have,” what would be your answer?

Where do you even begin? Paul may have wondered that as he looked around and saw all the statues erected to idols in Athens. We may see all the sin and idolatry of today's society and wonder, "How is it even possible to share the Gospel in such a lost and confused world?" But have a look at how the Holy Spirit led Paul to proclaim the Gospel and how how those who were brought to faith responded to his message. (Episode art courtesy of FreeBibleImages.com. Used by permission.)

In Revelation, God doesn't say that He will make things new, at some vague point down the road or simply in the future. No, He says, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Did you notice the ongoing present tense of this announcement? Here’s what Easter is all about.

Auf Wiedersehen! Now, there’s a great phrase. If you have friends of German descent, as I do, chances are good they’ve shared it with you at one time or another. Sometimes, the dictionary definition given for it is simply, “Farewell.” But it’s actually even better than that! And it’s a great word to keep in mind as we celebrate what Easter is all about.

Have you ever played, “The Telephone Game”? As the time drew near for our risen Savior to ascend into heaven, He assured the disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit. And one of the reasons for this was to ensure that the disciples didn’t find themselves playing some version of this game when it came to relaying His teaching and the events of the Gospels. God Himself made sure of it.

It's tempting to think that David's phrase in Psalm 23, "the valley of the shadow of death," describes only a short portion at the end. But it's comforting to him affirm that the goodness and love of God will be with us all the days of our lives. You and I have a risen Savior who is with us, not simply at the moment of death, but throughout our days – the sunny ones as well as those that seem dark.

“Homoousios” There’s a handy Greek word to keep in your top pocket as we continue our celebration of Easter. But before I get to that, let me tell you about something about shaving.

Today, calling someone a sheep has become an insult. During our never-ending election cycle it’s become popular for rival parties to hurl the term at each other’s followers. To call someone a sheep is to describe them as stupid, foolish, and easily led astray. However, if we’re not careful, we might get swept along with this current trend, of using this term as an insult, and lose along with it a beautiful description of the love that God has for you and me.

It sounds almost comical. Who gets dressed up to jump into the water? Luke tells us that's what Peter did. I can’t help but imagine the sopping wet and smiling disciple standing before Jesus that day. Although, you and I may share some similarities with Peter as a result of our risen Savior's Easter victory. (Episode artwork courtesy of Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing. FreeBibleImages.org Used by permission.)

In Revelation, John gives us a glimpse of the song sung in celebration of the resurrection. It began with the women running to tell the disciples that they had seen the risen Savior. Then we hear the excited voices of the disciples join in, then Thomas, and then the camera zooms out to show the many more who joined in. But here that number becomes breathtaking! And then he reveals that one of those voices in this remarkable chorus is yours.

Saul seemed unlikely to be the kind of guy one might expect would become a Christian. Chances are good we know folks like this as well. It’s true that only God can see inside the heart, to know whether in fact a person’s contrition is sincere and whether their repentance and faith is real. But the challenge you and I face is when we consider some to be more likely candidates for faith than others. It’s tempting to view our sins seem smaller and somehow easier to forgive. It reminds us how easy it is to take God’s grace for granted. It also brings to realize, in humility, how incredible it is that He has called you and me to faith and shows us His mercy. (Episode artwork courtesy of Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org. Used by permission.)

Christ our King has come down to us from heaven – not someone in His place, and not by parachute, but in flesh and blood. As John points out in Revelation, how He did this, what it has accomplished, and what this means for you and me this day, is what Easter is all about.

A social media post that’s making the rounds encourages readers to leave a response to a single caption asking what one thing should be deleted from this world. It's an intriguing thought. What one thing should be eliminated? What one thing, if irradiated, would change everything? In light of our Savior's resurrection, a better question might be, "Why just one?"

It would probably shock the disciple to know that for generations he’s been saddled with the nickname, “Doubting Thomas.” And each year we can’t help but shake our heads and wag our finger when we think of him. But let’s back up a moment and see if that’s fair. (Episode art courtesy of Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing. Used by permission.)

If Job was a pilot, it would not have been safe to fly through life by relying what he could see around him. Staring out and seeing only gloom and sadness would have severely impacted visibility. That may also be true for you and your current circumstances right now. Here's where you and I rely on the instruments that God has given to us of His Word, Baptism and the Lords's Supper. Here's where we canfly by faith, with confidence in our Savior's resurrection and the certainty of forgiveness and everlasting life with Him.

In the fulness of Easter joy, you and I join in the hymn and sing, “O sons and daughters, let us sing with heav'nly hosts to Christ our king: today the grave has lost its sting! Alleluia!” But if death has recently separated you from your spouse, or if you find yourself visiting the grave of a friend or loved one, you may be wondering, “If the grave has lost its sting, why do I still hurt so much?” You’ll be glad to know that our friend Paul lovingly answers that very question here in 1 Corinthians.

Remember being told that when something sounds too good to be true that you shouldn't get your hopes up? It must have felt that like in those early hours on Easter morning. However, what the angel told the women certainly changed that - for them and for us! (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

On this day, following the tumultuous events of Good Friday, and before the incredible announcement of Easter Sunday, Jesus was dead and buried. His body was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. This may sound obvious, but it was so important that the early church even included it in the Creed. Each Sunday, you and I confess that Jesus “was crucified, died and was buried.”

As we hear described for us the picture of our Savior's crucifixion on Good Friday, it’s easy to see ourselves simply as patrons in a museum passing by painting with an image of something that’s far removed from our daily lives. But take a closer look.

To assure you that He had you in mind personally, when He suffered and died on the cross to take away your sins, Jesus has given us a remarkable feast, the Lord’s Supper. And with the very same words Paul uses here to describe the importance of our Savior’s death, burial and resurrection, the apostle tells us of the importance of this meal. He says, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you." Not only has your Savior suffered and died in your place on the cross to take your sins away, but He also wants you to have the absolute comfort and assurance of the forgiveness which comes with it. (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

The word "Hosanna," which the crowd shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem, means "Save now!" So, at first, the Palm Sunday joyful cry may sound like it has something in common with the anthem, “God save the Queen." And, in some ways, it is similar. It's sung with exuberance! However, it’s also quite different.

It’s a great story. As Queen Elizabeth I was passing through Greenwich, the dashing Sir Walter Raleigh stepped forward and spread his expensive cloak over a puddle so that the monarch would not muddy her royal feet. And it’s hard for this image not to come to mind when we picture our Savior’s entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But what took place this day, and this week, is far greater than a tale of chivalry.

There's a vehicle on the road that's so big and powerful that the question has been asked, "Is it a car or is it a statement?" For His entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus chose a donkey, an animal which is neither big nor powerful. But you can be sure it's a statement!

“You ain’t seen nothing yet!” Have you ever head those words? Chances are that you may have even sung them. And you may be thinking that it sounds a little like what God has announced here in Isaiah.

Have you ever played “Rock, Paper, Scissors”? It’s a simple game played with your hands that brings about a random result. In love for you, God didn't play games when it came to bringing about your salvation. And it's not by random chance that you've come to hear and believe this Good News.

Have you ever scolded one of your children but another one ends up crying? Even small children recognize how sad and painful it is when a brother or sister is in trouble. In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus delivered harsh words that are difficult to hear. We are reminded of the guilt of our sins. But there is real forgiveness in Christ our Savior – and a remarkable consolation that's easy to overlook.

There are a least three different ways to run through life. Two of them aren't much fun. But having "the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ," Paul describes this life as a runner, "straining toward what is ahead" and "pressing on toward the goal" in a way that only be described as joyful.

Here in Philippians, Paul talks about amazing travel that you and I do right where we are, and where God Himself has placed us at this time in our lives. He has just extolled the overwhelming joy of “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” And as a result, he now shares with you and me the glossy, travel brochure of most amazing Holy Land trip you and I could imagine. And you don’t even have to get on a plane.

Prior to coming to faith, Paul had amassed quite a collection of containers. No, it wasn’t a collection of rusty coffee cans for old nails and screws. It was all those things in his life in which, prior to coming to faith, he placed his confidence. All that changed with Jesus. And he wants us to know that here is where you and I can place our full confidence for forgiveness, life and salvation.