Life This Side of Heaven

The disciples were having a hard time processing all of the events of our Lord’s crucifixion and the empty tomb. But on Easter morning, it was our risen Savior Himself who appeared before them, turned the lid and popped the top, so to speak, and opened the Scriptures.

Jesus is with us and reminds us, “Peace be with you.” This is what this Easter victory is all about. We have a risen and living Savior, by whose death and resurrection, sin and death have been conquered. There is nothing in this life that you and I will ever face apart from Him. Still have any doubts?

As the ongoing celebration of Easter continues, Peter calls us to crave God's Word the way a newborn baby craves milk. That makes sense as you and I consider how God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Today, there’s a push back to all of the "photo editing and filters" so that folks can see themselves just as they are. They say it’s healthier. When it comes to our spiritual life, John tells us that it's more than simply a good idea.

Back in 2002, Google launched an ambitious project to digitize every book that exists. Imagine that, all those books! But now, here’s a book in which you are mentioned in the dedication!

When our Savior showed Himself alive again, on the evening of that first Sunday after His resurrection, with Thomas present, it was more than simply a case of our Savior being a good sport. He did this for Thomas’ sake, it's true. But He also did this specifically with you in mind.

When you and I share the Gospel, and announce God’s forgiveness, it’s more than a breath of fresh air. It revives and resuscitates. The Holy Spirit Himself works through that life-giving Word to bring mercy and everlasting life.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus announced to them, "Peace be with you." Then He showed them the scars that mark this eternal victory. The two actions of our Savior are intimately connected.

Isaiah describes for us a feast like no other. The prophet was sent to pronounce God’s wrath on sin, but also to announce hope to repentant sinners. He describes God’s victory over all enemies – including sin and death. Then he describes the celebratory feast, which shall come with it, for all who have trusted in our Savior. Easter is the reservation Jesus has prepared for you at this table.

Have you ever found yourself searching frantically around the house for your car keys? Have you spent any time trying to find the remote for your television? We often look for them in the wrong place. Like the women on that first Easter morning, we look for Jesus who was crucified. And like them, we’re reminded where He has promised to be found.

The authorities who sought Jesus’ death knew they had a real problem on their hands. Despite Pilate's order to seal the grave and post a guard, Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning. If they held to the story that Jesus was dead, all folks had to do was say, “Show us the body!” So they came up with a story that the body was stolen. There was only one problem. Jesus was alive and He was happy to show the disciples their living Savior.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul passes along specific news "as of first importance.” But this isn’t dire news of danger, it’s fantastic news of forgiveness – news to hear and incredible news to share.

As Easter Sunday is behind us you and I now carry on with all the activities of our regular routine. But the joy of Easter doesn’t stay in the rear view mirror. It goes forward with us. In fact, each week we’re reminded of this new life that we have in our Savior.

"Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!” I love that familiar Easter greeting that we share with one another. What does this mean for our lives this week, next week, and for all the weeks to come? It means that because Jesus our Savior lives, we live each new day now in joyful expectation. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Who was responsible for Jesus’ death? Remarkably, there’s a lot of finger-pointing and debate even centuries after our Savior’s crucifixion. It fits with our culture’s fascination with conspiracies … like “Who was responsible for Abraham Lincoln’s death or John F. Kennedy? “ And did they act alone? However, the debate over who is responsible for Jesus’ death often comes down to a desire to assign guilt and blame. The truth is, as you and I look at God’s Word, it’s not hard to come up with the answer.

It is finished! Shortly before He bowed His head and died, our Savior spoke these three little words. And in Greek, it’s not even three words—it’s one! It’s pronounced, “Tetelestai.” Here’s a word you’ll want to remember. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

If you're attending a concert and the singer shouts, "I love you!" to the crowd, what does that mean? So when Jesus says, "For God so loved the world ..." it might be tempting to wonder if this also includes you. Jesus Himself assures you personally in a very unique way with the meal He instituted on the night He was betrayed.

“What’s the exchange look like today?” If you’re going on a journey, travel experts advise that you will want to always know the answer to this question. But that’s also great advice for you and me as we travel to Good Friday and the celebration of Easter this Sunday.

As people from across the empire poured into Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, John tells us of some Greeks who were hoping to see our Savior. They asked, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Today, that might have include handshakes and maybe even a group selfie. But what Jesus gave them was so much more!

It’s considered bad luck for a sports team to plan their victory parade before they’ve actually won the game. So was the parade on Palm Sunday premature? Not at all! And neither is our celebration this day.

Do you like GPS apps and the navigation devices that are available in cars today? Tomorrow is Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowds. But the only clear way to appreciate the celebration of Easter the following week takes us right through the events of Good Friday. So this verse from Hebrews is terrific for navigating the trip to the resurrection.

Do you remember playing “King of the Mountain”? It's a game that usually involves a lot of pushing and shoving to get to the top. Today, I’m sure it’s probably discouraged on most playgrounds. Nevertheless, look at how it’s embraced in our culture. Jesus came to be King of the Mountain, but in a manner entirely different from the what the world expected and with eternal results.

Mark tells us that James and John came to Jesus and said, “Teacher ... we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” Hmmm. Does that sound like a loaded statement to you? Why would they want to have our Savior’s consent before first telling Him what they wanted? Why not just come out and ask Him?

Years earlier God had promised Abraham that he, and his wife Sarah, would be blessed with a Son, that their descendants too numerous to count, and He would make his name great. But in the meantime, it may not have always appeared that way. For a guy who was so blessed there were many events in his life that must have left him weary. For you and me, who have made His children through faith and have stretched out before us, there are times when you may feel a bit weary, too. Here's where this remarkable reference to Melechizedek, and having Jesus as our priest forever, brings encouragement and refreshment. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

The position has been filled. That's not usually the news that we want to hear. However, when it comes to the office of high priest, the writer to the Hebrews assures us that hearing the announcement of how Jesus has fulfilled this work is very good news. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Have you purchased a new appliance recently? Chances are good that it came with a limited conditional warranty. If you use it in any way, other than that described under the terms of the warranty, then of course all promises are off. You’re on your own. It wasn't long before God's people broke His covenant with them. However, in Jeremiah, God has given us an unconditional promise that sounds almost too good to be true. For you and me and for all whose have hearts crushed by the guilt and shame of sin, who in repentance and faith look to God for mercy, here's an amazing warranty! Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

In Ephesians, Paul describes how exciting it is to discover something that’s easily overlooked – the opportunity to serve God with good works. It’s an enjoyable part of our lives as grateful sons and daughters of God. It's almost like a game. God opens our eyes to spot the opportunities to serve Him that are, actually, all around us. He’s even prepared them for us. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

“He was ‘deader than a doornail.’” Have you ever heard that expression? Paul says something similar in Ephesians to describe our condition before being saved. It’s important to know this or nothing else that follows, of Paul’s description of God’s forgiveness and grace, can be understood or appreciated.

In John’s Gospel, and following the wonderfully soothing words of John 3:16, Jesus goes on to note that not everyone’s thrilled about this Good News. But you and I, who are blessed to walk in the light of Christ's love each day, have a tremendous opportunity to reflect His love in this sin-darkened world. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

There are those today, who don’t know Jesus, and having not heard the Good News proclaimed correctly, mistakenly assume He has come to judge us. But our Savior’s first coming was to carry out a rescue mission. And through faith, we rejoice in this rescue right now – this very day. We also have a remarkable opportunity to share it.

When it comes to a description of God’s love for us, it’s hard to imagine a verse more familiar than the one Jesus Himself provided here in John 3:16. It answers the question, “How does God love me?” And in it, Jesus reminds us of an important event in history and points us to the manner in which God has shown us His incredible love.

Is that really the remedy? I’m sure many of the Israelites must have asked Moses that question when He described for them the remedy God provided for their snake bites. Folks may also ask that same question when they hear today God's remedy for our sin. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

You can almost imagine His enemies shaking their heads in astonishment, and maybe evening stifling laughter, when Jesus announced, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Given enough time any building can be rebuilt. It’s just a building. However, what Jesus announced was something which could only be accomplished by God.

Shocking, isn’t it! Now, you may think that I’m referring to the image of our Savior cracking a whip in the Temple courts, driving off animals, tossing tables and scattering coins. But what’s really shocking in this narrative is what precipitated the event in the first place. Take a closer look at what shocked our Savior.

Jealousy has often been described as a vice, a character flaw, a failing – a dangerous personality trait that needs to be overcome. It’s not a compliment when this term is used to describe someone else. So, it’s not surprising that we may scratch our heads and wonder why God would use this term – to describe Himself!

While human wisdom doesn’t lead us to God, it’s humbling to know that God is the One who leads us to Himself through the message of the cross.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. Since you and I rejoice in this message as good news, it may leave us shaking our head and wondering why they would think that. The apostle draws our attention to the source, to Scripture, to hear how God Himself brings a person from seeing the cross as foolishness to faith.

Surveys often point out how few of the Ten Commandments most people remember. However, the problem isn’t simply that we don’t know them as we should. We're not always sure what they mean or how we should use them. But God said something very important which set the context for everything the commands which followed.

It may be difficult to imagine being embarrassed by Jesus. Or is it? It's one thing to think of Jesus in His glory, thump our chest and say, "I'm with Him." But what about a Savior who hung on a cross?

When suffering comes our way it may feel like getting something in the mail that we didn’t order. So, when suffering came you would think that the apostle Paul would be upset about. Instead, you can almost see the smile on his face as he tells us it’s a reason to rejoice. But before we step back and wonder if the apostle is crazy, he makes the reason for this joy clear. It comes with some handy surprises.

Do you like your passport photo? It seems like not many people do. In Genesis, we hear how God gave Abraham and Sarah a brand new names and a whole new identity. It was part of the covenant, the promise, that God made to Abraham. Through faith, the Savior who was born from Abraham and Sarah's line and has set us free from sin, reveals how He now sees you and me. And it's a great picture!

Over the centuries, a lot of people the world considers smart, have made a terrible investment blunders. However, instead of simply losing money, many have lost something much more precious. As Jesus turns our attention to the cross, we see that nothing can compare with the incredible investment God has made in us.

The phrase “on the same page” is often used to describe being in agreement on what should be done or how it should be done. There was a time when Peter found himself not on the same page with Jesus. And there are times when, like Peter, you and I may not be on the same page with Him either. We may find ourselves looking wrong place for indications of God's favor and evidence of Jesus' at work in our lives.

Following Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Luke records a chilling but useful verse. He notes, “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Him until an opportune time.” A number of those times show up in Scripture. One of them took place on the day Peter rebuked Jesus and did not want to see Him go to the cross.

Immediately after Adam’s fall into sin, God promised that He would send a Savior. In all those centuries that past, God repeated that promise. He never renegade on it. He never announced, “Well, that was then, this is now and things change.” James could testify how God made good on those promises in sending us His Son.

Usually when someone says you have a “selective memory,” they’re doing it in a critical or sarcastic manner. It’s not usually said as a compliment. It often refers to the ability to remember some facts while forgetting others, especially when they’re inconvenient. However, here in Psalm 25, David isn’t accusing God of having a selective memory. He’s counting on it.

Do you know how many stars there are in the night sky? Have you ever tried to guess how many grains of sand are on the beach? Here's the vivid image God used in the promise that He made to him. However, what makes this promise so amazing, is not simply the inconceivably large number of Abraham’s descendants – the man who once thought he would have none – but also who would be among that line.

The idea of sacrifice is difficult to comprehend in our culture. The popular practice of giving up something for Lent, like chips or chocolate, may simply fit with our winter diet plan … a second chance at that New Year’s resolution that that crumbled somewhere in the past few weeks. But what God commanded Abraham was a sacrifice of truly incomprehensible proportion.

There’s a big difference between “testing” and “temptation.” Both terms are used in Scripture. On the surface, both may appear the same. However, one seeks to strengthen while the other seeks to sabotage.

In all three of the Gospels, it’s noted that the very first thing took place after Jesus’ Baptism was this appointment with the devil where He was tempted in the desert. In one sentence, Mark describes an event to which Matthew and Luke devote much more detail. So Mark’s account may seem a little disappointing at first. However, the outcome is linked to the very next verse.