Life This Side of Heaven

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.

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.