Life This Side of Heaven

If you were at a party, where the house you were in was on fire, would you want to know? It might be disappointing to hear that if you continued carrying on as if nothing’s going on you would probably perish.

In Matthew, shortly after Peter’s confession of faith, Jesus gave authority to forgive and retain sins. He gave instruction that the sins of penitent sinners, sinners who are sorry for their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior, are to be forgiven. In fact, He gave authority to announce God’s full and free pardon.

Have you ever found yourself undervaluing the gifts and abilities God has given to you and envying the skills and talents of someone else?

Nobody like someone who’s full of themselves. So when the apostle says in Romans, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought," it may sound like Paul is giving his comeuppance to folks who have an annoying sense of self-importance. But actually it’s more than that. And it’s a lot more positive.

Imagine if you could buy a square watermelon – one that’s shaped like a cube? It's a matter of getting the melon to conform to a mold. That may be a fun experiment for the garden, but the apostle reminds us that it’s a bad idea when it comes to how you and I fit into the culture around us.

“What do you have to offer?” It’s a standard question that hiring managers uses in interviews. It’s an open-ended question which provides the person being interviewed an opportunity to “talk themselves up.” As some have said, it’s a chance to show what you bring to the table, to describe your special strengths, how you add value, what you bring as the benefits that you bring to the table. When it comes to God what do I have to offer?

It easy to think that faith in Jesus is one of the better choices we’ve made in life. But that idea is put to rest with the words that Jesus spoke to Peter when He asked them, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Peter's response and Jesus' reply remind us that it's something even better and much more comforting.

In these concluding verses of Psalm 67 we hear it, not once, but twice, “May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You.” We look forward to that day when, as we hear in Revelation, we shall join with the “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

Psalm 67 is a wonderful missionary prayer. It begins by asking for God's blessing and then becomes a prayer that this salvation be shared with all people. And although these are ancient words they also speak with remarkable clarity to a concern currently facing our nation.

When Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” there’s a good reason he goes on to say, “as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” It sticks with us. Music incorporates God’s Word into our memory in a way that it finds itself on the tip of our tongue as we sing along during the week.

In Romans, Paul writes, "Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them." It's unlikely that the apostle is advocating any structured form of "Envy Evangelism." However, what a blessing it would be if those in our midst, seeing the importance of our salvation in Christ, found themselves wanting to take a closer look at what they’re missing.

God’s Old Testament nation of Israel was to serve as a lighthouse. And so are God's people today. Standing tall along the shoreline, lighthouses are those wonderful towers that send out a bright beam of light to assist with maritime navigation, warn of hazards and to guide sailors safely home to to their destination.

"That’s not like Him." Have you ever found yourself saying that about someone you know and love? When God's face seems hidden, when circumstances in your life make it seem as if God is not hearing your prayers, have you ever wondered, "That's not like Him"? Here's where faith clings to God's mercy alone and trusts the Savior who has revealed Himself, and His mercy, to us in His Word.

When Jesus pulled Peter from the waves He stepped into the boat with a disciple who was soaking wet, rescued and grateful. Sometimes paintings will depict Jesus holding out his hand as if waiting for Peter to latch on. But Jesus didn’t tell him, “Take hold of my hand.” He didn’t meet Peter half way and wait for Peter to reach up to Him. It was all Jesus.

It’s surprising how easy it us for us to be frightened by what we think may harm us – than it is to realize that Jesus Himself is always with us. And that list can be extensive from health concerns to so much more. But you and I can be comforted knowing, without any doubt, that our Almighty God and Savior is with us. For the disciples, it was a dark and stormy night ... but it didn't end that way.

When you hear the words “Good News,” what often comes to mind is a fuzzy image of something that makes you feel good or just makes you smile. However, when Paul used that term “Gospel, good news,” it brought to mind a vivid picture for those who heard it. Here’s news that hits our ears and sets feet into motion.

Confessing our faith isn't a condition to be met before we are saved. It’s a joyous fruit of faith, not a prerequisite to justification. It’s proclaiming publicly the saving faith that God Himself has planted in our hearts through His Word. It’s a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge before God and say to the world: “Here’s my loving God and what He has done, and continues to do, for me and my salvation."

You may have to travel to taste an iconic regional dish. However, today, you can have practically any famous regional foods delivered right to your doorstep. But how do we receive the salvation that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross over 2,000 years ago halfway around the world on the other side of the globe? The good news is that Jesus Himself has delivered it right to us!

It’s tempting in our culture to think we’ve come so far that we all the answers. As a result, it's even tempting to second-guess God and want to give Him advice. However, it's humbling to know that there is still so much we don't know, and comforting to be reminded that He is God and we in His loving hands.

So why did Jesus used a little boy's lunch when He fed the five thousand by the Seat of Galilee? After all, He didn't need the two fish and five loaves of bread that his Mom or Dad packed for him that morning to accomplish this miracle.

Just before Jesus fed the five thousand, He told the disciples, “You give them something to eat.” Have you ever wondered why He did that? Certainly, He wanted them to trust in Him. It’s clear from John’s Gospel that when Philip asked about it He did this to test their faith. But why have them distribute it?

It's interesting to note that shortly before Jesus fed the five thousand the disciples attempted to explain to Him that this was impossible. If you notice, He didn't debate it with them. He went ahead and showed them. In our weakness, we may underestimate our Savior as well.

Imagine you were one of the disciples. Our Savior had spent the day teaching the large crowd that had followed them to Bethsaida along the short of the Sea of Galilee. Now it was getting late. What Jesus told them next must have made their jaws drop. He told them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” What would you think?

Do you ever wish like you could just get away from it all? Disturbing news. Medical concerns. Painful guilt from sin. Do you find yourself drained and exhausted? It’s worthy knowing that these go neither unnoticed nor untended by our Savior.

"There’s no such thing as a free lunch." I’m sure we’ve all heard that phrase at one time or another. So it may make us raise our eyebrow when we hear God's invitation in Isaiah, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."

The kingdom of heaven comes to us in the hearing of God’s Word. Discovering the treasure that God has revealed to us, of our salvation, isn't the end. That’s just the beginning. Now you and I have an opportunity to pour over all that this treasure holds.

Covid, killer hornets, hurricane season. We’re halfway into 2020 and many people are beginning to wonder what’s coming next? Paul reminds us of the very reassuring answer to that question in God's Word.

Whenever there is an important case that’s about to make its way through the court, news outlets may promise to cover the entire proceeding from “gavel-to- gavel.” It’s a phrase used to describe everything that takes place between the first strike of the gavel, when the trial is begins, to the last strike of the gavel, when the judge announces the verdict and proceedings are closed. Here in Romans Paul describes the verdict in the most important case that could ever be heard.

Whenever you hear the word “if” it usually means whatever follows is conditional. Whatever comes next is usually up to you. “If,” is the kind of word that makes you raise your eyebrow to see and hear what comes next. However, in Romans 8 Paul uses this same tiny word, in a very different way, to announce something truly amazing!

Why do you love me? Typically, when one person asks that question of another, they’re hoping to discover what special qualities it is that they possess. What is it that caught their beloved’s attention and, ultimately, won their affection? When it comes to God we may find ourselves asking that same question, “Why does God love me?”

“You know, I’m a babysitter for junk.” Now, that’s not something you don't hear every day. Chances are good that, to some degree or another, you and I are probably baby sitters for junk as well. However, no matter what you and I have sought up to this point in life, it can't begin compare with the priceless value of what Jesus describes for us in this one short parable.

Weeds. They’re the bane of every backyard gardener. But Jesus’ “Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds” isn’t advice on how you and I are to rid His field of weeds. Instead it points to the patient love and unique ability of this Sower.

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” Remember that familiar little jingle? Here in Romans, chapter 8, Paul gives voice to what sounds like a similar refrain. However, what he’s referring to is a lot more than ice cream!

"But wait, there’s more!" Practically every infomercial on television includes these words at some point. Here in Romans, Paul has just announced, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” As amazing as that day will be, Paul now assures us, in effect saying, “But wait, there’s more!”

Paul uses picturesque language to describe creation itself as longing for the day when it will emerge from under the weight and shame that sin has brought into the world. And won’t that be an amazing sight when it all comes together according to God’s perfect design?

“Would you rather?” Here’s an interesting game that you may have played. It’s a conversation game where you’re faced with a dilemma. You’re given two options. The only rule to the game is that your answer can’t be “both.” Here in Romans, Paul compares our suffering in Christ with the glory that you and I will have with our Savior in heaven. But in this case, it’s not a game of “Would you rather?” It isn’t an either/or question. It’s a package. With one comes the other.

Heading out on the road this summer? Check your mirrors to see what’s behind you, be aware of what’s around you, and look ahead. This is also a great reminder for us as life, with all of the circumstances we face and concerns that come with them, come hurtling toward us.

As the people listened to Jesus tell the “Parable of the Sower,” they must have been amazed at how the farmer spread the seed generously in all directions. Who farms this way? The farmer continues to spread the seed generously. In love, God broadcasts the Gospel in every direction. It’s a reminder of the incredible love of God, who as Paul describes in 1 Timothy, “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” What a blessing it is when it takes root in our lives and sets down deep roots.

Weeds may be pesky for petunias but it’s a killer when it comes to crops. In the "Parable of the Sower," Jesus compares the cares of the this world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, to weeds when it comes to hearing the Gospel and growing in faith. He describes how, if we're not careful, worship and hearing God's Word can lose their priority and struggle to find room in our busy lives.

If our faith is grounded in nothing more than an emotional high, entertaining worship, or the hope for material blessings, then it will soon wilt in the face of the hardships that come with following our Savior. By contrast, God invites us to be rooted in Him and His word.

If you have a broadcast spreader, for your seed and fertilizer, it may have come with an "edge guard" to prevent the seed from going where you don't want it. But our Savior sows the seed of the Gospel everywhere – even knowing full well that some may tread it under foot and treat it like bird food. But there's a good reason that He sows it lavishly and unsparingly!

Parables are some of the most amazing parts of the New Testament. About one third of Jesus’ recorded teaching in the Bible was in parables. And Jesus’ first parable, recorded in the Scriptures, is the one that we’re going to look at today and over the course of the rest of this week. It’s the "Parable of the Sower."

"Rain, rain, go away ..." That little rhyme is the last things that farmers might be singing right now. Farmers this July are looking at long-range weather reports which seem to indicate that it may in for a dry stretch. In Isaiah, God compares His Word with the beneficial effects of the rain on crops.

Have you ever taken note of all of the greetings that are recorded in the New Testament? For example, take a look at Romans 16. Clearly, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit God Himself made sure that these greetings were recorded for us to read. So, what are we to make of all of these different salutations and hellos, well-wishes and kind regards?

“Keep Calm and Carry On.” That slogan became famous on a motivational poster to raise the morale of the British citizens in preparation for World War II. In Psalm 91, the writer encourages you and me to “Keep Calm” in the face of all of the physical and spiritual attacks the enemy. But then he actually goes on to give us the basis for these wonderful words of assurance.

When it comes to what you and I know about God, we wouldn’t know anything about Him if God Himself hadn’t revealed it to us. Jesus tells us, “All things have been committed to me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” However, what Jesus has revealed is nothing short of breath-taking. It’s the kind of announcement that should have us on the end of our seat and cheering.

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus had just come from an area which rejected God and His salvation. And they considered themselves too “wise and learned” to accept such a thing. Perhaps you’ve experienced that yourself. Has there ever been a time in which you’ve shared your faith, or let it be known that you’re a Christian, only to met with a condescending response? Consider yourself in good company. However, even more importantly, rejoice that you can hear it.

In Romans, Paul describes a situation to which we can easily relate. And it sounds a little like that young girl riding the bicycle. He writes, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing.” Do you find yourself sharing the same struggle as the apostle?

It’s Monday! Did you get the most out of your three-day weekend? That may depend on what you were hoping to get out of it. Were you hoping for some rest?

“Buy one, get four free.” Today is the Fourth of July and I’m pretty sure we’re going to see and hear a lot of fireworks going off tonight. There are tents selling fireworks up and and down the roads and in mall parking lots. One of the tents, in the parking lot of the story where I go grocery shopping, it had a sign which read, “But one, get four free.” Or course, in that case, what does it mean when they say “free”?