Life This Side of Heaven

Sheep don't always make the best choices – especially in times of danger. You and I have a Shepherd who seeks us even in the midst of the storm.

Paul's letter to Philemon is so short you can easily flip right by it when you're trying to find it in the Bible, but it's a great case study in forgiveness.

There's real pressure to abandon our faith in Jesus. It's always been this way. Jesus wants us to know it. But He also remind us where to look for strength.

You haven't disappeared from Your Savior's sight. In fact, your Savior who carried Your sins to the cross, died and rose again, has ascended and is indeed "with you always."

What does Jesus mean when He says, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters —yes, even his own life— he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26)?

Christ's Gospel flavors our lives and seasons our conversations. It's too good to take off the table.

Our current culture has plenty of "trolls." What a blessing it is, instead, to be a "Barnabas"! Don't underestimate the wonderful gift of encouragement.

There's a reason God permits testing and affliction in our lives. And the results lead to something quite extraordinary.

In humility, God's grace leads us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve one another each day and to rejoice in His gift of a place at His heavenly banquet.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus ... on the third day He rose again." On the third day? He rose again? Yes! Take a look at the incredible comfort that comes with having a living Savior.

The sacrifices for sin at the Temple each day must have seemed endless to watch. But they did come to a conclusion with the arrival of our Savior. Now the writer to the Hebrews talks about a special sacrifice, which is continual, and it is without end.

Take a moment to think of those who have shared the Gospel with you. It brings more than warm memories. Paul says, "Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Many things in life are different today than they were then but Jesus, and His saving love, have not changed.

Have you ever bumped into the Queen? Maybe you have and you just didn't recognize her. Have you ever shared hospitality with your Savior? You may be surprised to discover the answer.

It's easy to take for granted the access we've been given to God's means of grace, His Word, Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper. But the words of a criminal may remind us of the blessed opportunities before us.

It's easy to underestimate the size of God's Church, the communion of saints. But as God reminds us, it's a lot bigger than we realize – and through faith you and I are a part of it.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus Christ .. who ... descended into hell." Sound sad? Instead of pity, think parade!

The access to some mountains is restricted ... and for good reason. But just look at the one to which Jesus has given us access.

Is God punishing me? It may feel like that at times. If not, then what am I to make of the challenges and afflictions that come my way?

Jesus was asked, "Lord, are only a few going to be saved?" Do you know how He answered that question? He didn't. It's not important. Instead, Jesus directs us our attention to something of much greater significance that we don't want to overlook.

It doesn't take much to sprain your ankle if the path is uneven. Healing is necessary when it happens. Healing is also needed when you and I stumble in our walk with the Lord.

Jesus said, "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." Isn't Jesus the "Prince of Peace"? How is this possible?

In 1 Corinthians Paul states boldly, "We preach Christ crucified." And we confess this in the Apostles' Creed. Why is this such an important part of what we believe?

Facing the opposition of the world can feel like you're sailing into the wind. It may seem even seem impossible. But, you can sail into the wind. It's a matter of physics and knowing what to do. And, in Christ, we can face the opposition of this world and not lose heart.

Not all fire is to be prevented. So says the U.S. Forest Service. And so says our Savior here in this text, but for a very different reason.

There's no joy in the race if we're fleeing in fear. Repenting daily of our sin and trusting in our Savior we have real forgiveness. Instead of looking back over our shoulder, the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we run the race looking forward in faith.

When you and I are feeling anxious and worried our Savior tells us to look up ... at the birds in the air as a reminder of His care and provision.

Hebrews 11 give us a unique 'class picture' of the patriarchs of the Old Testament. The writer doesn't have to ask, "Where are they now?" We know. By faith we share the very same hope and certainty.

The Scriptures are careful to remind us that Jesus is both true God and true man. And so we confess in the Apostles' Creed, "I believe ... in Jesus Christ ... who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary." But why is this important?

In movies posters of mighty battles they usually show battle-hardened warriors. They don't show a picture of sheep. But Jesus didn't say, "Fear not, mighty band of soldiers." And He didn't choose this image by accident. So why did Jesus say, "Fear not, little flock"?

At this time each year in mid-August the Pereid Meteor Shower is real treat for stargazers. The promise God made to Abram is another good reason to look up at the night sky. Rolled up in that promise was also one for you and me. And it's breathtaking!

How would you feel if your treasure was sitting in a blue tote, collecting dust in a storage unit? Would your heart sink if you heard it was repossessed? God has given us a treasure that is secure and inexhaustible.

It's popular these days to want to describe the Christian life as one easy sprint to the finish line. It may not feel that way to you. You may feel like you're trudging through mud and thorns. Some would say "Look up." Paul has got even better encouragement for you.

Harmless fun or deadly danger? Paul warns us not to return to the old road and reminds us that God has opened for us a new way, the way of everlasting life.

What does it mean when we say in the Apostles' Creed, "I believe in Jesus Christ?" It means so much more than simply acknowledging His historical existence. That's simply a matter of historical fact. So, what we saying? It's actually quite profound, wonderfully personal, and eternally comforting.

A stream of studies in recent years show that people want more than a paycheck. They want meaning and purpose in their work. Nevertheless, despite that desire, very few claim to have found it. What are you beyond what you do?

What is the Image of God? Despite what some folks might think, it has nothing to do with our looks.

One study showed that while many people find being richer makes them feel more satisfied, it doesn't bring them joy. And even that satisfaction seems hard to nail down. God's Word reveals the true and durable source for both.

Abraham's haggling with God in Genesis reminds us that there's a reason that folks like David and others in the Old Testament rejoiced and said, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love."

In John we hear, "I tell the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name." But God's invitation to prayer is not the same as being given a roll of tickets and let loose in a theme park. And that's good, because we don't live in a theme park.

Scripture tells us that God created all things in six days, out of nothing, simply by His Word. The adjective "almighty" fits very well when we say, "I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth." It also tells us something that's very comforting.

Sometimes folks come along who say that Jesus isn't enough, that what the Scriptures teach about salvation in Him isn't complete, and that they have "special knowledge" apart from the Bible that you need to know. Paul says that's hollow.

Must we worship on Sunday? What about Christmas? Or Easter? The answer may surprise you, comfort you, and remind you why the opportunities for worship are so precious.

In Colossians, Paul tells us what God has done with your personal "record of debt." And it brings personal comfort!

Being mature in Christ doesn't have anything to do with age. However, it does bring us from "squirming in our seat" to a growing gratitude, trust and appreciation for what God has done for us.

In Colossians 1:24 Paul says, "I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions." Is he saying that Christ's suffering was not enough? No, not at all. So what is the apostle saying?

In the Apostles' Creed we say, "I believe in God." But how has God revealed Himself to us? How do we know God? Actually, He has revealed Himself to us in a number of ways, but one of them caps them all.

You and I have a royal audience with God. We come with perfect credentials in Christ. And just listen to how we are presented in His sight.

When God told Abraham that he, and his wife Sarah, would have a son she laughed. But God's promises a good ... even when they seem impossible.

Do you remember the first words spoken when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon? Do you remember what the astronauts ate that day? Martha may not remember what she served to Jesus that day He stepped into her home, but you can be assured she remembered His Words. That's what Jesus wants for us as well.

False teaching and false teachers can leave us wilted, dried up and dying. No wonder Paul encourages us to be well-watered and filled to the brim with God's Word.