Life This Side of Heaven

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.

Going without a smartphone may make you feel cut off. Fellowship in Christ means you're always connected ... and no circumstance can take that away.

There are a lot of trendy posters, colorful plaques and murals with the word, "Believe." When it comes to faith, what does it mean when I say, "I Believe"?

When a son or daughter asks why they are not allowed to do something an exasperated mother or father might respond by saying, "Because I'm the parent!" Is that what God is doing in Leviticus when He restates the commandments and says, "I am the Lord"?

In the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan, take a closer look at the bruised and beaten man in the road and see if you recognize someone familiar. It will give you a whole new perspective on the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

Want to earn salvation? Jesus points us to the Law so that we can see it's impossible. Then He points us to the cross to assure us that He has done the impossible for us.

What reason do you have for doing good? What motivates you to want to be a caring person? Paul reminds us that we have the best motivation of all.

Gotcha! Is this how God deals with us? Is that what Jesus means when He says, "A man reaps what he sows"?

Far from being some dusty relic of the past, the Apostles' Creed is very handy today. Here's why.

God calls us to a harvest that is "from sea to shining sea" and beyond.

Jesus sent out a large group of unnamed followers on an important mission trip. They may not be named here in this text, but their names do appear in another very important place. And so do yours.

What do you do when someone you see is in danger of drowning in sin? Paul calls us to be spiritual lifeguards.

Following Jesus doesn't mean a soft, easy life or a bed of roses. However, life under the cross gives us a breathtaking view of His love.

"Give them what they've got coming!" James and John may have been thinking this. We may feel this way as well sometimes. But that's not what Jesus was thinking as He "set His face to go to Jerusalem."

"For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen." Scripture includes a number of "doxologies" like this in prayer and praise to God in both the Old and New Testament. What does it mean and why is included with the Lord's Prayer?

How much sin can I get away with ... and still be forgiven? At what concentration does it become a problem?

Wouldn't it be great if God showed Himself in a dazzling display of power? What a blessing it is that God reveals Himself in His Word which endures!

Living in this sin-filled world can leave us discouraged, exhausted ... and running in the wrong direction. God calls us back to Himself, reminds us we're not alone, and gives us strength.

There may be a difference between being "angry" and being "mad." We live in a world which is bit of both – but, in love, needs to hear what Jesus has done for it.

In Christ, we are now sons of God. That's the result of a whole new relationship that wasn't there before. And with this comes a very special privilege.

In a world shattered by sin we ask God to protect us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation.

While we were slaves to the Law, God Himself bought us back. He redeemed us.

While we were once "prisoners of the law," Paul warns us not to make ourselves prisoners once again. Instead, he encourages us to stand firm in the freedom which Christ has given us.

In Galatians, Paul says, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." It may sound like a phrase that needs to be updated. Or, is it?

"Guilt" and "shame" are two words that are often heard together. However, there is a distinction. God has rescued us from both. Today we will look at how God has taken away our shame.

"Guilt" and "shame" are two words that are often heard together. However, there is a distinction. God has rescued us from both. Today we will look at how God has taken away our guilt.

In this part of the Lord's Prayer we pray that our heavenly Father would give us strength to resist and overcome temptation from the devil, the world and our sinful nature.

In Psalm 16, David said, "I have set the Lord always before me." Peter reminds us that this also enables us to stand firm and not be shaken – throughout life and in the face of death.

Jesus' enemies were amazed that He claimed to God. What's even more amazing is that He became man to rescue you and me.

When feelings are mixed with faith, facts and fiction become blurred. The Festival of the Holy Trinity celebrates how God has revealed Himself to us in Holy Scripture.

What is a good work in God's sight? We often imagine that it must be something large and impressive. The answer may surprise you!

In a world that yearns for peace, it's often hard to find it.

Have you ever felt too sinful to talk to God? Unconfessed sin is a prayer-killer. Here's why this petition is such an important part of the Lord's Prayer.

Like and expanding balloon the Gospel went out in all different directions after Pentecost. But unlike a balloon, there's always more room to expand.