Life This Side of Heaven

"Sola Fide," "faith alone" means that you and I are saved through faith, not by works. Paul celebrates this Good News in Ephesians where we hear, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Three words you may hear this time of year are "Trick or treat." Bu there are three Latin phrases you may often hear at this time of the year as we celebrate the Reformation – sola gratia, sola fide and sola scriptura. We believe that sinners, like you and me, are declared righteous before God by grace alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide), on the basis of Scripture alone (sola scriptura). Today, let's look at the first sola. The bedrock of what you and I believe is the wonderful assurance that we have been saved by grace alone.

You’re being watched. Look up at the cameras on the store ceiling. Lift up your head at the intersection and notice the camera on the pole. There are more of them each day. Many find that intimidating. The Psalmist looked up, not to cameras, but to the hills, and rejoiced that God was watching over him. So can you and I.

Imagine walking in to an ice cream parlor, see all of those tantalizing flavors listed, but looking down to see that every single tub was filled with the exact same flavor. What would you say if the server told you that “Even though it goes by many different names it’s all the same flavor?” Think of how often folks today like to say that despite all the different names we have for Him, we all worship the same god. It certainly sounds modern. But here in Isaiah, God announces, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." And, as it turns out, that's not a bad thing.

There's popular phrase in the real estate market whenever you’re discussing home values. Your agent may say, “I’ve got three words for you: location, location, location.” No matter where your life has taken you, or where you find yourself this day, Paul's got three words for you.

Today, October 21, has been called “Back to the Future Day.” Isaiah's words, which were read in many churches last Sunday, are now centuries old. And hearing them is like traveling in a time machine. Isaiah was called to be a prophet around 740 years before Jesus was born. Now hold on for an amazing ride.

Chances are good you that you’ve never pulled a coin out of your pocket and thought about citizenship. But Jesus used this example to illustrate how you and I actually hold dual citizenship. God has established two kingdoms – one earthly and the other spiritual. You and I hold citizenship in both of them and God rules over both.

Buttering up Jesus? Yup, that’s what the Pharisees and the Herodians attempted to do with Jesus. It may leave you and me shaking our heads in astonishment and disgust. But have we ever found ourselves of doing the same? Have we ever found ourselves using praise as a means to an end?

What you do when you receive an wedding invitation? Jesus said, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” It’s startling, and sad, to see what many choose to do with God’s invitation. It's a gift too precious to decline or dismiss. But in faith, you may rejoice and be sure that you have been chosen, dressed and made ready for the feast.

Do you want to know a secret? As soon as we hear that word it peaks our interest. The apostle has the inside scoop and we want to know what it is. In these verses he shares with us the secret of being content. However, in our culture of short soundbites, it’s easy to hear this verse and quickly assume we’ve heard his secret before he reveals what it actually is.

When Paul invites us to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable," it's soothing get away from the bad news that surrounds us, take a walk, and enjoy the changing color of the leaves - at least for a little while. However, while that’s true for you and me, it certainly wasn’t the case for Paul in prison. As the apostle continues, here in Philippians, it soon becomes clear that he is pointing to a source of an enduring peace that comes even in the midst of whatever we may face.

Do you ever wish you could have got in on the ground floor, and bought stock in of one of today’s major companies? It's a popular dream and it even shows up as a theme in movies. You can't help but wonder, “What would it be like today, if I knew then, what I know now?” Isaiah answers that question with respect to something far greater than the stock market.

Despite the current travel restrictions, a number of airlines have begun offering an usual trip that's gaining popularity. It's even been described as a "party atmosphere." In Isaiah, the prophet points to how God takes us on an incredible trip. And with it comes a celebration second to none.

To say that 2020 has been ‘challenging’ is an understatement. This has been a difficult year and it’s not over. Today is Canadian Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving in the U.S. is next month. If you have Canadians and Americans in your family you may celebrate it twice each year. Does that seem difficult, given current events? In Philippians, the apostle reminds us we have real reason for thanks, even in the midst of all our circumstances, every day.

Toilet paper has sometimes been referred to as one of the most important inventions of the nineteenth century. If you have your doubts, just think back to last Spring when the shelves went empty. Commenting on the phenomenon, Jay Zagorsky, of Social Science Space wrote, “As an economist, I am fascinated by why people hoard products that are not having supply problems.” Thankfully, God's love for us is not in short supply. You and I can be confident of this as our Savior calls us to share it freely.

Using the language of a runner here in Philippians, Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (NIV 84). He’s referring to crossing the finish line at the resurrection. And even though it’s in sight, you and I are not there yet. But by grace of God that He has given to us in our Savior, and the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us each day as we repent and rely on His mercy, you can be assured that you will.

In Philippians, Paul describes how he wants to know Christ “and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Now, when Paul says “somehow,” he’s not doubting in any way that God can do it. In fact, he’s quite sure of it, being a witness himself of our risen Savior who appears to him on the road to Damascus. And like us he's not trying to figure out how God will do that, but He knows with certainly that He will do it.

When suffering enters our life it's like the jarring sound of a needle on a turntable scratching across a vinyl record. However, the apostle doesn't see this as being, necessarily, a bad thing. In fact, among other things, it causes us to call out to our Savior in prayer. It also brings into high definition those words we confess when we say that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried."

Have you ever wondered what is the most powerful thing in universe? Astronomers believe it’s the energy that's released in the Gamma Ray Burst that comes from a Hypernova. That's a burst that's beloved to be as much as fifty times more energetic than a supernova. In their quest for more information on these events, astronomers want to know more about them. In Philippians, Paul casts his attention to something even more powerful, comforting, and of wonderful importance for you and me this very day.

Imagine how devastating it must have been for Paul, who at that time was still referred to as Saul, to discover that everything he thought earned Him good standing in God’s eyes was actually worthless. And yet, he was glad to learn this truth. What God gave him, and gives to us through faith, is worth so much more!

There were times when Paul must have felt like he was on a family road trip in the car. Here in Philippians, he writes, "Do everything without complaining or arguing.” The truth is wherever we gather before God together, seeking His mercy and forgiveness for our daily sins, we’re going to find ourselves in the company of other sinners doing the exact same thing. How we handle it shines a light on our gratitude for His grace, brings encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and can even serve as an eye-catching witness for others.

Jesus drove off all of those who were conducting business inside the temple courts. He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove off the dove dealers. He also healed many of the blind and crippled who came there to see Him and He taught the crowds. After all that commotion Matthew tells us, that “the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him. ‘By what authority are You doing these things?’” This is actually popular question these days and one we may even find ourselves asking.

We remember, and give thanks, for all of those, who have died in faith, and are now with the Lord. It’s understandable that we may shed a tear as we remember them. After all, we miss them. And even though the time is short, when we will see them again, it still hurts not to have them here with us as we await the day of the resurrection. However, if we’re not careful we may let those tears give way to despair – as if our Savior hadn’t come. God has given us a remarkable hope and a reason for hope amidst our tears.

In love for you and me, Jesus gave His life to redeem us from sin and death. Through faith we have received from Him the riches of His grace and the forgiveness of our sins. At the cross we see God’s love with crystal clarity. And Paul also reminds us that through faith, we’ve been given a corrective lens with which to view each other.

It’s surprising when you discover something about another person that you didn’t know – when you think you already knew all there is to know about them. In Ezekiel, God tells us something about Himself that might make us ask, "Doesn't everyone know this?" The truth is, they may not.

Have you ever noticed how easy to lose those things that we take for granted? Want proof? Think of how easy it was to take your fellow-members for granted at church . . . right up until last March. So Paul had the church at Philippi take a remarkable inventory. It's also useful for you and me. So, break out your clip board and join in.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for you and me to deflect our failings by pointing to the faults of others. It was a popular activity for those living in Exile during Ezekiel's day and they even came up with a saying they wore out to voice their complaint. In Ezekiel, God had heard enough. But instead of blaming others, God has given us something much better.

In Psalm 116, the psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me?" That's a question you and I face as well. What is the best way to worship and give thanks to God for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that He has given to us in His Son? His answer may surprise you.

It shouldn’t surprise us to know that we aren’t the first people to be humbled when they gazed up at the night sky. Looking up at those very same stars, David marveled at God's creation in Psalm 8. But the words of God, that Isaiah shares in this text, is something that really takes your breath away.

Have you ever watched the sport of rowing? In American colleges and universities it’s sometimes referred to as “crew.” And it’s at this time of the year that you may see teams out for practice on rivers. If you listen carefully, Paul's encouragement to the church at Philippi to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" sounds a lot like the encouragement and instructions that a coxswain might call out at the front of the boat.

Why does God have us wait? Having heard the good news of our salvation, that God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west by His Son’s death for us on the cross, and having been called to faith by the Gospel, wouldn’t the best thing that could possibly happen next - be to close our eyes and be with Him in heaven?

Do you feel bound? Have advancing years and failing health made you a shut-in? Are you off your feet and recovering from surgery? Are you doing fine, but staying close to home this year because of Covid? Are you cut-off from family and friends? You may not be in chains but you may feel a little fettered like Paul. You and I can take a cue from the apostle and take a closer look at the opportunities that God has given to us even today.

God isn’t fair. Well, He isn’t … at least not the way you and I think of fair. And that's good!

In Psalm 143 David prayed words that any hiker might appreciate. He said, “May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” However, David explains what he means. He begins by saying, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.”

As the apostle instructed weak Christians not to judge their brothers on practices which are neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture, and as he admonished those who were strong in their faith not to look down upon those who were still learning the distinction, he shared a familiar phrase from God’s Word in Isaiah. He said, “It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” So why did Paul choose to quote these words here in this passage?

In John Donne’s famous prose from 1624, the writer says that now famous line: “No man is an island.” Donne may have been familiar with the words which the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write here in Romans. In this passage, God’s Word reminds us that, as God's redeemed children, we are connected to one another in Christ. The apostle writes, “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.” This has a real impact on how we exercise our Christian freedom each day.

When you and I suffer injury and injustice it hurts. It’s frustrating when we’re powerless to anything do about it. Have you ever scratched you head and wondered why God doesn’t seem to see it and deal with it? You're not alone. Jacob's son, Joseph, may have had these same questions in Genesis.

Jesus explained to Peter that since there’s no limit to the mercy that God has given to you and me there should be no limit on the mercy we share with one another. But in order to show what that looks like, Jesus shared a startling parable with the disciples.

Peter asked our Savior, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" He may have felt that was quite extravagant. Instead of the usual three times, which some felt was the limit, Peter doubled it and threw in one more for good measure. However, what our Savior said next must have really left the disciple with his jaw wide open.

Have you ever smiled when passing a white wooden chapel on the prairies and thought it was quaint? Have you ever found yourself lowering your voice to a whisper and standing in awe inside a large cathedral? The one thing they have in common is that Jesus reminds us – whether the group of God’s people that’s gathered to worship in His name is large or small – He is there.

When dealing with a brother who is fallen into open sin, and refuses to listen to the call to repent from you, and from the family of faith, Jesus says, "treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” That may sound as if Jesus is saying to “treat him like gum stuck to the bottom of your shoes.” But that’s not what He’s saying at all. What He is saying may surprise you.

God’s love is so great, so untiring and so persistent that He relentlessly pursues His wandering sheep to rescue them from death. God calls you and me to take note of those in our midst who have wandered off, who have become lost, with a similar single-minded desire to see them reunited.

At first, our Savior’s words here in Matthew sound jarring and unwelcome. It sounds like He’s talking about radical surgery, one of those operations with a name than ends in “ectomy”. Our first instinct is to clasp our hands over our ears and not hear another word. But consider carefully what our Savior is telling us here in Matthew.

When Jesus settled the disciples' dispute, of who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, it's unlikely that the child He called to stand in their midst was wearing his Sunday best. And, if you notice, Jesus didn’t ask someone to first scrub down their child, spruce him up, and bring them to Him for this object lesson.

Jesus explained to the disciples that He would soon be going to the cross to accomplish our amazing rescue from sin and death. You would think that this would have consumed all their thoughts and every bit of their conversation. However, as Mark tells us, not only was their own greatness a topic for conversation, it was something that they even argued about it with each other. And yet, before we shake a finger at the disciples, look at how easy it for us to think of God’s kingdom in similar carnal terms.

“Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” Have you ever heard the phrase? Putting it bluntly, it’s important to be clear who is leading, who is following, and who should stand aside. But it's not up for question when it comes to faith. When Peter heard that Jesus would dies on the cross, he told Him, "“Never, Lord! … This shall never happen to you!” His response made it clear: He leads, we follow, Satan gets out of the way.

When you and I have suffered an injustice, there’s a real urge to want to strike back. Our hearts fill with rage and indignation. And it’s usually at that time when we’re not using our best judgement. Before anger gets the better of us, Paul reminds us in Romans to stop and think first. Then he suggests doing something completely unexpected.

It’s easy to rejoice with someone else if you have both received good news. It’s also not hard to imagine shedding tears with others who are suffering the same loss. But it may not be as easy when your situations are different. And yet, in love, God enables us to sincerely "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn."

“Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance.” During the current pandemic we’ve learned well these three new phrases. Now hear the apostle's threefold reminder in Romans 12:12, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Here are words recorded by inspiration of God for you and me to hear at precisely a time like this.

In Romans, Paul says, “Love must be sincere.” Literally, in the original Greek, it reads, “Love without hypocrisy.” Hypocrisy is all about giving a false appearance of virtue or goodness. It’s all for show. So, what does sincere love look like?