Life This Side of Heaven

A number of years ago, a coffee company came up with a catchy slogan to describe the process it uses to select its coffee beans. Interestedly, it sounded a lot like a familiar phrase that Jesus used in Matthew where He says, "For many are called, but few are chosen." However, these similar sounding phrases are actually quite different - and you can be glad that they are!

Do you ever wish you could have got in on the ground floor, and bought stock in of one of today’s major companies? It's a popular dream and it even shows up as a theme in movies. You can't help but wonder, “What would it be like today, if I knew then, what I know now?” Isaiah answers that question with respect to something far greater than the stock market. (R)

When Paul invites us to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable," it's soothing get away from the bad news that surrounds us, take a walk, and enjoy the changing color of the leaves - at least for a little while. However, while that’s true for you and me, it certainly wasn’t the case for Paul in prison. As the apostle continues, here in Philippians, it soon becomes clear that he is pointing to a source of an enduring peace that comes even in the midst of whatever we may face. (R)

Do you want to know a secret? As soon as we hear that word it peaks our interest. The apostle has the inside scoop and we want to know what it is. In these verses he shares with us the secret of being content. However, in our culture of short soundbites, it’s easy to hear this verse and quickly assume we’ve heard his secret before he reveals what it actually is. (R)

Matthew records an interesting parable that Jesus shared on Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus described wicked tenants who tried to seize the vineyard as their own. When the master of the house sent out servants to collect his portion of the crop, these tenants beat them, stoned them and killed them. Knowing full well that this same reception awaited whomever he sent next, have you ever scratched your head and wondered, "Why, then, did he send his son?" What resulted is amazing!

In Philippians, despite the trying circumstances he was facing in which it would appear that he had lost everything, Paul wants his readers to know that he actually has everything.

What does it take to restore a vineyard? It's an undertaking, and investment, that is bigger than most people imagine. In Scripture, God describes the undertaking, and investment, that went into restoring you and me to everlasting life. And through faith you can be sure that it's an investment that God made for you, in love, when He sent His Son.

Entropy. Do remember hearing that term back in school when you were sitting in science class? It refers to the idea that unless outside energy is provided, everything in the universe moves from order to disorder. What’s true for physics and chemistry also seems to describe what we see and experience in our culture each day. However, this is the result of sin. You and I have a Savior who, through His love, brings light, life and forgiveness – and restores the bonds our relationship Him and with one another.

As trappers in the past discovered, there is a peril that can easily befall a bear hunter – and that’s the danger of being caught in your own trap. The chief priests and the elders of the people discovered this when they tried to set a trap for Jesus. Folks still try the same thing today. However, by God's grace, we have a Savior who has pried apart even the jaws of death and brought us life and forgiveness in Him.

Have you ever found yourself playing the “Blame Game”? That’s the game which begins when someone blunders or makes a bad decision. Someone makes a bad decision or fails and the game is underway. Then everyone points there finger at each other as they try to avoid the blame and pin it on someone else. Sound familiar? In the Blame Game everyone loses. But in love, God shows us instead how to taste victory.

Believe it or not, it’s now less than ninety days until Christmas. Of course, if you’ve been out shopping, you already know that. Side-by-side in the stores are the skulls and skeleton decorations for Halloween with trees and tinsel for December! We live in a culture which is obsessed with candy and toys. However, while we may scoff at all this it may actually cloud our understanding of God’s grace. To illustrate this, and refresh our understanding and appreciation for God's generous grace, Jesus told the disciples a revealing parable.

You can’t take it with you. Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s an encouragement for folks to enjoy their money or possessions today because you can’t take any of them with you when you die. For you and me it means taking another look at what we consider to be precious in this life. That's what Paul did. And he discovered something you and I CAN take with us!

The call to repentance is not simply a warning to turn away from sin. It’s also a joyful invitation to turn to God and His merciful love. And the best part of all? God's mercy isn't hard to find. God Himself has made sure of it.

It’s not hard to tell what was on Peter’s mind when he asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Like us, he wondered how often we should forgive someone when they sin against us. And at what point do we say, “That’s it! No more!

Today, it’s become common to hear believers say, “You don’t have to belong to a church family to be a believer.” It has become tempting for Christians to want to ‘go it alone.’ But the apostle reminds us that Jesus has called us into community with one another in His body, the Church. In fact, he tells us that we belong to God – and to each other.

After everything that Joseph endured at the hands of his brothers, it’s small wonder that they were terrified when the came face-to-face with him again years later. They naturally assumed, “It’s payback time!” However, what followed left them surprised, relieved and in tears. It was “payback time,” but of a very different nature. Episode artwork courtesy of FreeBibleImages.org Used by permission.

If attendance was down at church last week, you may have looked around, shrugged your shoulders and given this this bit of encouragement: “Well, as Jesus says, ‘Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.’” Although we often quote this verse when thinking about worship, it actually about more than that. It's a remarkable promise from our Savior, a much-needed encouragement when we need to confront someone we love about their sin.

The governing authorities. Just mere mention of the words ‘politician,’ or ‘government,’ these days results in high blood pressure, red faces, grinding teeth, and simmering anger. And folks tend to ask, “Can things get any worse?” In Paul's day, the leader of the empire was Nero! So, how can he, here in Romans, describe the governing authorities as "God's servants"?

There's a commercial on TV for a pet food company that makes you laugh. However, it also makes you squirm when we realize how often it sounds like us a Christ's disciples. The disciples argued amongst themselves as to who was the best and even who was to be considered the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Thankfully, we have a Savior who rescues us from this preoccupation by giving us a better perception of those in our midst. He leads us to see others as He sees them – sinners just like us in need of a Savior.

“Taste death.” Isn’t that a remarkable phrase? It’s one that our Savior used here following Peter’s remarkable confession of faith. But it came after Jesus needed to rebuke His disciple when he refused to hear what came next. He couldn’t comprehend how the Christ, the Son of the living God, would have to die on a cross? He couldn’t understand why Jesus would want to “taste death.”

Here in Romans, Paul provides insight on how to deal with wounds. There is no shortage of occasions in life when someone will hurt us. Harsh words spoken in anger, or as gossip, can cut deep. Things that people do to us can leave lasting scars. The emotional pain that comes with it can linger for years. Just being reminded of them can be like adding salt to the wound. So how do you and I deal with them?

Job once used this image of an undependable water source to describe his unhelpful friends. Now Jeremiah hurled this same complaint before God! At this point, you can’t help but think, “Excuse me, Jeremiah. I think I’m going to stand over there before the lighting strikes!” The prophet tell us what led him to his hurt and mistaken confusion. However, take a look at what happened next.

When Andrew introduced his brother to our Savior, John tells Jesus gave his brother the name Cephas, which when translated means "Peter." Peter is a great name. It means “rock.” And on this day, here in Matthew, we can understand why.

Here in Romans, Paul addressed the congregation about a something that concerns all Christians. He addressed them individually – about individualism. Surrounded by a competitive culture which makes each person the center of their own universe, the temptation was to lose sight of their mutual connections. Sound familiar?

For the folks of Israel, living in exile in Babylon, it must have seemed as if all was lost. The Temple was destroyed, and the people themselves had be carried off. It was a dark and bleak time for the people as they struggled to see what was next on the horizon. In their sin, they had forgotten the important role He had given to them of being a beacon of light for the nations. But God reminded them of His promise –the light of His mercy in our Savior– which cannot be extinguished. And it continues to shine brightly this day!

Wait a minute, did Jesus just call a woman a “dog” here in Matthew? Your feel your head snap back and you wonder, “Ouch, why would Jesus say that?” It’s seems surprising. But everything about this encounter is surprising.

How many of you have shared the fantastic news of salvation in Christ – only to find yourself rebuffed and God’s gift of grace dismissed? It’s painful, isn’t it? It's particularly painful when members of your own family brush aside your attempts to talk to them about Jesus. It’s hard to watch as they want nothing to do with God’s gift to them of His Son, their Savior. Paul had a somewhat similar experience. What he shares next may sound strange at first but it actually makes perfect sense.

You're all wet! That’s the kind of thing you say to someone if you want to tell them, “You’re mistaken, misguided, foolish.” It's the kind of thing that someone might say to you and me when they hear we follow Christ. Actually, being all "wet" is good thing! Episode Cover Art courtesy of FreeBibleImages Used by permission.

In Romans, Paul quotes what has become one of the more familiar passages from Isaiah. Centuries early, the prophet described the messenger of good news as having "beautiful feet." And in many cases, popular Bible Studies based on this theme will usually include a cover picture a clean, pedicured toes on a sandy beach. However, as evocative as that image is of a peaceful escape to tropical destination, the one which Isaiah painted and which Paul quotes, is much different.

In our sinfulness, it’s easy to think that God has turned away from us, that He no longer hears our prayers, or our cries for mercy. From time-to-time, it’s tempting to think that we’ve said or done something so grievous, so sinful that now all is lost. And we may even find ourselves looking for some sign, any sign, not matter how small, that God might be listening. But God does hears confession and our cries for mercy, and inclines His ear to hear us.

Sometimes, in our fear and weakness, we may find ourselves questioning God’s ways. We may even doubt His love. In Job, the once-prosperous prophet watched as everything he had was wiped away as he suffers wave-after-wave of calamity. His friends assume that Job must have done something to incur God’s wrath for all this to have happened. Job insists that’s not the case, but they’re not convinced. Like many today, they assume that if you do what you’re supposed to do then God owes you. But thankfully, we don't have a God who deals with us according to what we deserve. In love, He deals with us according to His grace.

In Romans, Paul rejoices to say, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” However, what follows next is often misunderstood as a two-step process of what we must do as a condition of salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. The apostle points us, not to ourselves, but to what Jesus has done and the salvation that God Himself has accomplished for us. Here's Good News that we hold in our hearts by faith and which bursts from our lips as we acknowledge it together to the world.

In Romans, Paul describes a heartfelt desire to trade places with his brothers. However, it's not a covetous desire to be rich and have what they've got. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. He wanted his brothers to have what he has. However, what Paul couldn't do, Jesus has done ... and He's done it for you, me, and those who don't yet know it.

When it come to food swaps, God invites us, here in Isaiah, to take a closer look at what we’re consuming. But even though He mentions such staples as milk and bread, what He has in mind is actually much more than just food.

It’s not hard to imagine how it would have sparkled the eyes of the disciples to hear Jesus begin a parable with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.” It's tempting to think of ourselves as Indiana Jones and the treasure being Jesus. However, you might want to hang on to your seat and have another look. Our Savior's words may be more amazing and comforting than you thought.

“Are There Any Defense Lawyers Who Have Never Lost a Case?” It's an intriguing question isn't it? However, it's more than that if it's your life that's on the line. So, Paul wants to introduce you to the only One who is undefeatable.

It was a heartwarming moment. And it brought a lot of smiles, laughter and applause. Whoever thought it was a promise that he would keep? Last summer, five years later and to the surprise of many, he kept that "pinky promise." Now consider what it means when Moses tells us that you and I have a faithful God.

Why doesn’t God just wipe out all the bad people out there? People often complain that the church is full of hypocrites. Why not just round them up and get rid of them, like weeds in a garden or a grain field? However, as Jesus explains, this can have disastrous results. He has a better idea.

It’s not surprising that we like to grumble. However, Paul points out that as Christians, we also groan. And in faith, we can even "pule."

Ancient Israel was hoping to shore up its hope. They were battered by Babylon, taken captive, and brought to live far from home in a foreign empire. However, instead of trusting God, both before and after this event, they were carving idols out of every rock and piece of wood they could find. Do you and I have idols today? Oh, yes, we sure do. So, God invites us to look around, and be reminded, that He alone is our God and Savior.

As Matthew points out, Jesus told His disciples many things in parables. Although a good question might be, “Which things?” Whenever we hear Jesus’ parables, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of what He’s telling us. Take for example, the Parable of the Sower.

Save the planet? There are many good habits, useful steps, and things you and I can take to help preserve and conserve the precious resources we've been given. However, as shocking as it may sound, saving the planet isn’t one of them. Now, don’t get me wrong. As someone who loves the outdoors, care of God’s creation is something that I hope is important to all of us. However, there is only One who can, and who has, saved it.

If you’re wondering if it will be nice day tomorrow to mow the lawn, the odds are good that you can count on that forecast you heard on TV before going to bed. However, if you’re planning to head to beach in two weeks, and want to know if it will be sunny, you may as well flip a coin. Now imagine how the people must have felt to hear Isaiah describe what God him store for them – and what they must have thought when they heard the work of His Servant to come!

Have you ever wondered what makes Jesus rejoice? Chances are good that there are plenty of verses that come to mind when you and I consider all those things in which you and I delight and give thanks. But Matthew and Luke tell us of two occasions in which our Savior Himself rejoiced – and in both places it's for the same reason!

Just when you think you’re moving forward, it feels like your taking two steps back. So you try again, and again, and again! Talk about frustration! A few decades ago a game came out with this very name. But Paul describes a similar experience that’s familiar to all of us, and it’s not a game.

There's a specific new truck model set to arrive this Fall and last Spring one automotive group reviewed its features and asked the question, "Worth the wait?" Zechariah recorded a news release, 400 years earlier, describing the Savior who was to come. It was an announcement that would have filled the faithful with hope. No doubt, those who waited in each generation must have look around and asked the question often, “Is this the one? Is THIS the one?” But Zechariah made it clear what features would mark the Messiah’s arrival and his arrival makes it clear that this is the One we've been waiting for.

Are you a loser? I’ll bet even hearing that question makes you squirm a little. It may even made you sit up, get defensive and maybe even little angry. After all, we live in a culture which it’s often said,“If you’re not winning, you’re losing.” However, sometimes it’s good to be a loser.

It’s tempting for us, as Christians to fall into the trap of thinking that we’re basically good people and point to all the laws we don’t break as proof. But take a closer look. God’s Law doesn’t affirm what law-abiding people we are. It reveals our sin and our need for our Savior.

“He’s talking through his hat!” Have you ever heard someone use that phrase? It’s one that became popular in the nineteenth century. But it describes an action that's been around for a a lot longer than that and is still practiced today.

Do you know what the most frequently heard imperative is in all of Scripture? It may surprise you. It’s not “Do not steal,” “Do not murder,” or one of the other commandments.