Life This Side of Heaven

Blessed. Did I just hear that right? Yes, blessed. When Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount He was speaking to folks just like you and me.

Have you ever wondered what you might look like in a few decades? There's an app for that. Have you ever wondered what you will look like at Christ's return? There's a promise in God's Word for that.

Imagine one day that you woke up to discover that you were royalty? Here's the best part – you don't have to imagine. You are a child and heir of God. And the One to assure you is the King Himself.

Treaties, pacts, covenants, and accords come and go. Here is one, though, that still stands this day and will last forever.

You're a saint! Does hearing that make you feel bashful? Don't feel shy. It's a gift from God.

It's Theme Thursday but we're going to take time this special opportunity to celebrate Reformation Day, October 31.

In the Scriptures God describes sin, and the work of the devil, using much the same language as the alerts which come with mountain lion activity.

"How can I thank the Lord for all His benefits to me?" The Psalmist's answer may surprise you.

Sometimes wonderful Bible verses get shortened in order to fit them onto a decorative plaque or pillow. However, sometimes they leave off the best part.

"Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake." No, that's not an advertisement for the latest zombie movie. That's the exiting good news of the resurrection in Daniel.

"I'm going to let my child grow up and when they are older they can decide for themselves if they want to be a Christian." On the surface that may sound modern and reasonable. But actually, it's a very old mistake and actually robs your child of a precious opportunity.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe ... in the forgiveness of sins." Even though our God is omniscient He also possesses and amazing ability. He can truly forgive ... and forget!

Have you ever been told, "The only person you can depend on is yourself"? That may not serve us well when it comes to trusting God's promises. And it can rob us of blessings if it contends with our faith.

Today it's easier than ever to find a place to worship that will say what we our ears want to hear. But if that message leads us away from God's Word it will ultimately lead us away from God. Paul's caution to Timothy resonates today just as it did then.

It's Fall and you can't miss the car and truck commercials telling you about the latest features available on every new vehicle. They are "well-equipped." Now listen to Paul tell you about the nature and features of God's Word. It leaves the believer "thoroughly equipped."

It's not surprising that we are impressed by those people who are the greatest - the very best at what they do. But it is surprising to hear Jesus tell us what is necessary to be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Being a Christian isn't frightening. However, being persecuted for being a Christian is frightening. As a result, there may have been times when, like Peter, we have been tempted to shrink back, or even deny our Savior. In light of this, Paul has a wonderful axiom that is worth hearing.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe ... in the holy Christian Church." It's become fashionable these days to say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the church." However, in Ephesians, Paul says Christ loves it. So what does this term mean?

You are not unimportant. And you are never alone. Ruth, in the Old Testament, had no idea what the future held – but God did.

"Be strong." Here's a phrase that's popular on coffee mugs and on motivational plaques and posters. But sometimes it's easy to mistake a motivational message with a shortened version of God's Word.

"I'll take your word for it." Have you ever used that expression? Ten lepers who met Jesus certainly reacted that way when He heard their plea.

In the current climate of barbed and unbridled talk it's tempting to shrink back in timidity from sharing the Gospel. But here's why the wonderful news of the Gospel so needed. And the apostle tells us how, and why, we can move from apprehensive to assured.

Would you like to know what took place before the beginning of time? God tells us in His Word. In fact, it's amazing news that will leave you feeling humbled, confident and grateful.

The work of the Holy Spirit is often confused with feelings. But, in reality, they're not similar at all. A faith based on our feelings would be like riding a roller coaster. The Holy Spirit directs us away from the uncertainty of our feelings and points us to Jesus – and the certainty of the salvation He has accomplished for us on the cross.

"Why do You tolerate wrong?" The prophet Habakkuk asked God that important question. You and I may find ourselves asking the same question today. But Habakkuk didn't throw up his hands in despair. He did two things that are very useful for us as well.

The disciples exclaimed, "Increase our faith!" And that seems like a reasonable request. But Jesus' answer may surprise you.

It's easier than we think to be tempted into looking at our relationship with God, and our service to him, as a matter of Quid Pro Quo. The apostle Paul reminds us, instead, of what an honor it is to serve the Savior who has served us with salvation.

God must love rich people. If He didn't, then He never would have passed along the terrific investment advice here in this text from 1 Timothy.

In 1 Timothy we hear that God "lives in unapproachable light." That's why it's really great news that He has come to us. Having a living Savior, our God in human flesh, changes everything!

In the Apostles' Creed we confess "He will come to judge." Guess who is looking forward to the day of judgment? (And it may not be for the reason you might suspect.)

There are some things in life that just go together so well - like peanut butter and jam. Everyone has their favorites. Paul names two that you may not have thought about and explains why they're so good together.

Paul warns about the "love of money." But, it's not just a warning for the rich. It's a real danger whether you are rich or poor. However, there are real treasures that are worth pursing.

It's tempting to look for something really big to win people's attention. But when it comes to sharing God's Word the most important part of all is actually ... sharing God's Word.

Some things become more precious to us each day with the passage of time and the experiences of life. Chances are good that the Psalmist, like many of us, grew in his appreciation of God's wisdom – and his desire to learn and understand it better.

Jesus gave His life for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. And God earnestly wants to bring all people to salvation through the Gospel.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess "From thence He will come." Here's something that should fill us with joyful anticipation. The words "from thence" point to the reason we can look forward to this day, not in fear, but in faith.

Paul calls Jesus our Mediator? But what is mediation? And why does the apostle call our Savior a mediator?

Put up your dukes? Paul's got a better idea of what we should do with those raised hands.

When was the last time you prayed for your ... president or prime minister? Paul urges us to do it and he gives a compelling reason to do it.

"I a poor miserable sinner." Some people don't like to hear that. Who talks that way? The apostle Paul for one. But there's good news. Jesus receives sinners.

If your spirit is crushed, you may find it hard to imagine smiling, singing or dancing. Our merciful God, with His gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation, has a way of changing that.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus ... who ... sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty." What does that phrase "sits at the right hand" mean? God assures us in His Word that it describes much more than seating arrangements.

A found ring may lead to newspaper articles and interviews. A found coin may lead to a neighborhood party. But a lost sinner who repents leads to an eternal celebration in heaven.

If you have reason to wonder if God could forgive you ... even you, have a look at the mercy God showed to Paul.

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.