Life This Side of Heaven

Jesus had some tough news to deliver in the synagogue in Nazareth. Just as in medicine, though, there’s no getting help for a condition we refuse acknowledge. However, we we do, He also has overwhelmingly Good News for us to hear.

Here in 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the great diversity of people the Holy Spirit gathers into our Savior’s church and the range of gifts He gives to each of them. However, this amazing variety isn’t always fully appreciated or understood. What the apostle says next changes how we see one another and put these gifts to good use.

Worship is joyful! And I mean really joyful. If it’s not, then something’s missing. And there are any number of reasons for why that might be. In some cases, there seems to be a tug-of-war between those who think of joy and reverence as being mutually exclusive. But take look at this passage from Nehemiah for a better example of why reverence and joy are both a part of real worship.

This was a truly momentous occasion. Three big things took place at a small wedding. John describes the circumstances under which Jesus gifted a young couple with about 150 gallons of fine wine. And then we hear “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” But why a wedding? Why did He do all this in a tiny village? And why wine for His first miracle?

Are you gifted? Yes, absolutely! The Holy Spirit has given an amazing, and abundant, array of gifts to His Church - to you, me and to all Christians. In Paul's day, the Christians at Corinth found themselves debating which gift was the most important. God's Word answers that question but perhaps not in the way that you imagine. In fact, it's this important answer which leads us to use the gift we've been given humbly, thankfully, and in keeping with the exciting purpose for which He gave it.

When you and I look at the struggles in our lives, our sins and mistakes, and all those things that have led us away from God, it’s tempting to wonder if He’s forsaken us. It’s easy to assume that God has simply thrown up His hands and walked away. We would certainly have it coming. So, have you ever found yourself wondering if you’ve been abandoned? If you have, then take a look at the ancient city, God's amazing promise for it, and what He accomplished there for you.

Here in Luke, the evangelist says something in passing that makes you back up and read it again. It’s so easy to gloss over that it almost feels like part of the small print. But the result of this is amazing! He notes, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”

How do you introduce a speaker to an audience? There are organizations that provide tips for just such important occasions. John the Baptizer knew many of them already when it came to introducing our Savior to the people. He knew how important it was make Jesus the focus and not himself. It was John’s joy to direct the crowds attention to the Savior and then step out of the spotlight. And this continues to be a useful reminder for you and me and for all who preach and proclaim Jesus and our salvation in Him.

When John stood in the Jordan River, baptizing with water for the forgiveness of sins, the water never ran out. And the mercy which God has poured out upon You your Baptism will also never run out. In fact, you can count on it.

It’s not often that you and I may think about the importance of a seal. Seals often contained a coat of arms. They’re used to stamp an impression onto a document to show verify authenticity, show ownership, or indicate approval. And God wants you to know what wonderful assurance comes with having His upon us!

Here in Ephesians, Paul reminds us of the incredible blessing that is ours, to discover that God has not only found us and forgiven us, He has made us His family!

Today marks the Festival of the Epiphany of our Lord. It marks that day in history when the Wisemen, Magi from the East, who came in search of Jesus arrived. It also marks the beginning of the Season of Epiphany which will take us now all the way through these dark winter days to the start of Lent leading up to Easter. And, from the tiny light of a star in the night sky which led the wise men to the breathtaking light of our Savior at the Transfiguration and the salvation He has accomplished for us at the cross, each day now grows brighter!

Why would he go and say something like that? Chances are good that over the holidays, as you got together with family, someone may have said something awkward. You know the kind – the crazy uncle who would said something like, “Cute kid you have there! Too bad he’s got his mom’s big ears." So, on this happy occasion at the temple, why would Simeon tell Mary that "a sword will pierce your own soul too"?

Travel with me for a moment, back in time to the year 2021, when the world was still in the thick of the global pandemic. At that time the Pew Research Center asked leaders from a variety of backgrounds, from business to research, to consider what they felt life would be like in 2025. They described what they though would be the "new normal" for this new year that begins today. It sounded bleak. However, it may surprise you to know that in Scripture, God also describes events that have brought about a "new normal." And for you and me and all who trust in our Savior this year ahead, and our entire future, couldn't be any brighter.

Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize our Savior who came to give His life for us on the cross, from the childhood picture we have of Him from His nativity. But by faith, Simeon recognized that this is the One who would grow up bring about his salvation, ours and the salvation of all. Cradled in His arms, was the One who would one day stretch His arms own for us on the cross and be the sacrifice for our sins.

The shepherds in Luke’s account of our Savior's nativity were real people, people just like you and me. They play a small part in the events of our Savior’s nativity, but not an insignificant one. Luke goes to tell us, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” And the wonderful things is that, since we’re hearing it again this Christmas, that grateful praise must have also included telling others what it was that what they saw and heard. Like the shepherds, here's a wonderful and ongoing part of our praise as well.

A few years ago, a musicologist and a couple of songwriters set out to determine what elements go in to making the ultimate Christmas song. Did they come up with a new song? They sure did. Is it the ultimate Christmas song? Probably not. Is it what the psalmist had in mind when he said, “Sing to the Lord a new song?” Ha, not exactly. It may surprise you to know that it's the joyful song of faith that God's people have been singing for quite some time.

Elizabeth could scarcely contain her joy as told Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” As we hear this happy exchange, you and I are also blessed. Far from simply being observers, we’re also blessed to believe that what the Lord has said to us is accomplished!

Did you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year? A crowd favorite each year are the many large balloons which fly overhead. But did you notice how windy it was? The handlers had to really hold tight so as not to lose them. As you and I hold firmly to Scripture Paul reminds us that you and I will not be "blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” The wonderful announcement of forgiveness, that comes with our Savior’s birth, is too good to let blow away with indifference to God's Word.

Do you have the Christmas spirit? If you’re not sure, there’s probably a good reason for it. It’s not easy to find a consensus on what that phrase actually means. In fact, in many quarters, there’s no longer a consensus on what it’s even called. In an effort to be more inclusive, even the phrase “Christmas spirit,” has been replaced with “holiday spirit.” But there's no need to wring our hands or be concerned about that. Hearing that actually helps us to put a finger on the dilemma.

Did you know that it brings God great joy to have brought you salvation and eternal life? At Christmas, with joyful hearts we sing. But guess who else also sings with joy when it comes to your redemption? The answer may surprise you.

Besides stringing together a long list of people, whose names are not easy to pronounce, have you ever wondered why Luke includes so many of them? All of the people he has listed were real people living at the time when John the Baptizer came preaching in the desert, preparing the way for our Savior. And all of this took place when God Himself in the flesh stepped into history to rescue you from your sins and for eternal life with Him. Episode photo from the Musée Saint-Raymond, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A lot of toys and gifts come and go. Some are based on passing fads. While popular for short while, they soon fade from the store shelves and rarely get touched at home. But have you noticed that there are some that never change? It’s worth knowing that this is also true of God and His gift to you of a Savior. God assures us in Malachi, “I the LORD do not change.” That’s incredibly reassuring. Here's why!

Nothing beats a well-plowed road! That’s especially true if you’re planning to travel at Christmas. As you and I travel through this Advent season, John reminds us how true that is, but in a very special way.

As Christmas approaches, you may be facing medical difficulties. You may not be thinking so much about the baby lying in the manger as your loved one lying in the hospital. This may be the first Christmas when someone you love has died and won’t be at the table. You may not be looking forward to Christmas this year. Let’s admit it, it’s hard to look up when your eyes are filled with tears. But that’s exactly why God invites you and me to lift our heads. And it’s why these words from our Savior are specifically for you. Take a look at what’s on the horizon.

What do you want for Christmas? Has anyone asked you that question this year? In these days of shopping and sales, have you found yourself racking your brain and trying to figure out what to give your loved ones? In most cases, it comes down to discovering what that other person needs. Well, if that’s the case, then you’re going to want to take another look at this passage from Paul in 1 Thessalonians. And here’s one tangible way you can do it.

Did you know that retailers are already bracing themselves for a blizzard of returns after Christmas again this year? The reality, though, is that they don't want those returns. All this, then, makes the words recorded by the prophet Joel, leap right off the page. As you and I begin this season of Advent, leading up to Christmas, it’s important to know that we have a God who welcomes returns. And not just any returns. God wants you!

Today is Black Friday! It’s often assumed that the name “Black Friday,” originated with the profit that stores make as a result of all the shopping which takes place annually on this date. The thought is that businesses, working with tight margins throughout the year and operating at financial loss, or “in the red,” now begin to see things turn around. With massive sales on the day after Thanksgiving, stores finally begin to show a profit which puts them “in the black.” As nice as that sounds, it’s not true. However, when it comes to debts and credits, we're reminded that this describes well another important Friday in history which we celebrate each year.

Notes go hereHappy Thanksgiving tomorrow! I want to get that greeting in before the holiday itself vanishes. In recent years, Thanksgiving has become somewhat of a speed bump on the way to Christmas. However, speed bumps can be quite handy.

Have you ever looked up and noticed a pair of worn-out running shoes, with laces tied together, an hanging on the telephone wire or the power line above? Have you ever wondered why they’re there? When it comes to answering that question there doesn't appear to be a consensus. In Isaiah, the prophet tells us to "Lift your eyes to the heavens." And he reminds us that "the earth will wear out like a garment." When it comes to the pairs of shabby sneakers and flung footwear here's a way that they can serve as a handy reminder.

It's football season. It’s that time of the year that we tend to wring our hands and wish there were more people in worship. But take a listen to the writer of Hebrews. Instead of wringing our hands, he points out something that the sports industry remembered and that Christians seemed to have forgotten.

You can almost imagine wide-eyed disciples exclaiming to the Lord, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” So, it must have come as a shock to hear Him tell them, “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” That must have been difficult for the disciples to hear. And even today it brings sadness to some Christians who don’t fully understood why it stood in the first place. But wait until you hear what our Savior says has replaced it!

Have you ever heard of a “haboob”? They’re described as a large walls of dust that are created by strong winds from a collapsing thunderstorm. The thing about a haboob is that they are at one time both amazing and terrifying. It all depends on where you’re standing in the storm. The day of our Savior’s return will be much like that. As Daniel explains, it will be both amazing for some but unwelcome for others. In fact, it almost sounds like a storm. But the dust being moved that day won’t be the result of gusty winds, but our Savior's return in glory.

You and I are surrounded by promises that are made to us regularly from people we know and products we purchase. After a while, we simply tune out and hardly even notice them. And that might also be true of one particular phrase we hear in Scripture. But as we sing in Psalm 146, you can be sure that God's promises are promises that last.

If I could put in my two cents, I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the account we hear in Mark, which we often refer to as “The Widow’s Mites.” It’s about a widow and her offering of two copper coins. While it’s often used as a stewardship text it’s really not a prescription for giving. It shows us something much more.

According to recent statistics, chances are pretty good that someone you know, may have had what's referred to as a "Near Death Experience." These individuals, having been resuscitated, gave descriptions of leaving their bodies, journeying through a tunnel, and seeing a bright light or being. Some have said that it provided them with assurance of God's love. So, what are we to make of these reports? Did you know that God has already given us certain proof and a far greater comfort and assurance already?

“Will this be on the test?” It's the question that teachers rarely want to hear. It often means, "What's the minimum requirement I must do to past the test. It's not too different than a question which was asked of Jesus here in Mark. In fact, it's one that still gets asked today.

Architectural models are remarkable. They’re often used to communicate different design aspects of the a and the purpose of its features. They help people visualize the actual structure and get a glimpse of what’s coming in the future. Well, it may surprise you to know that God did something like that for us. It's even better when you realize that the work has been completed!

Last July, the Pew Research Center revealed what topics Americans talk about with family and friends. Guess where faith made it on the list of topics? However, with these words in Deuteronomy we're reminded how matters of faith and our relationship with God can become a regular part of comfortable conversation – at the dinner table, on vacation, car trips and so much more.

Many of the troubles we face are the same. We live in a world which is hostile to Christ but which also desperately needs to hear the Gospel. However, God reminds us that we’re not alone. And on November 1, otherwise known as All Saints’ Day, we’re reminded of just how big Christ’s Church is!

It’s been called one of the saddest words in dictionary: alone. In fact, the first definition listed for it by the folks at Merriam-Webster is “separated from others.” However on this day, and as we get ready to celebrate the events of the Reformation tomorrow on October 31, it just may be one of the happiest words you’ll ever hear! Episode art from just one of our Reformation Day cards you can download free and share with your family and friends. It's available at https://www.lifethissideofheaven.org/

When God recorded the Law for Moses He etched it onto two tablets of stone. It was written on rock and it could not be softened or changed. However, it could be broken – and it was. However, wait until you hear where God has engraved His new covenant and eternal promise of salvation! Episode art courtesy of NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Here in Hebrews, the writer reminds us of the rest which God promises. Sadly, it’s a rest which some may miss out on. So, the writer encourages not to make that same mistake. Instead, he invites us to enjoy the eternal rest that God gives – not just as a date at some future point on the calendar, but also right now. It’s closer than you think.

God sees everything … well, not everything. Now, wait a minute. You may be thinking right now that I’ve bonked my head with a statement like that, but give me a moment to share why this is actually a remarkable fact.

How much money do you need to be wealthy? How much money do you need to be happy? A number of studies have been released this past year which examined these very questions. It may, or may not surprise you to know that they underscore what God revealed to Solomon centuries ago. So, what's the answer? God reveals where real wealth and read happiness are to be found!

Mark records an incident in which Jesus encountered a fellow who looked at salvation as a DIY project. He came to Jesus and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life.” He assumed he had the ability to do it and he was just looking for a few tinkering tips. It may shock you to hear Jesus’ response.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that of all of the wonderful gifts with which God has blessed His Church, the one most often taken for granted is “encouragement.” Those who have often downplay it by telling themselves, “Oh, It’s no big deal.” But it's actually a very big deal!

Do you ever feel as though your life has been cut to pieces and left as tiny piece of scrap that's overlooked and tossed aside by this world? Then take heart! We have a God who does great things with scraps.

It’s tempting to think that Jesus died for the sins of those who would one day pay Him back. If that were the case, then faith would be a competition to see who brings the most skills, experience, and accomplishments to the table. But, in a very memorable way, Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is about redemption, not a resume.

You’ll be relieved to know that there isn’t going to be a test on the Bible when we get to heaven. But you can be absolutely sure that there will be plenty of times that life’s going to test you and me along the way. Difficult times, false teaching and more can lead us to lose sight of the love that God has for us and the incredible salvation that is ours through faith. So here's why the apostle Paul reminds us, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." It's God Himself who graciously invites us to a lifetime of learning and growing in His Word.