Life This Side of Heaven

This week finds us conveniently sandwiched between Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, and Independence Day on the Fourth of July. On these dates we celebrate freedom from slavery and tyranny. And here in Romans, Paul alludes to both as he describes what it means for you and me to live this baptismal life.

Musicians have recorded a lot of heartbreak songs over the years. In fact it’s a staple. Jeremiah’s words in this text sound almost like one of those shattered hearts songs. This life isn't all sunshine, roses and rainbows. And like him, we too may our own laments that we want to bring to God.

When a congregation awaits its new pastor it's an anxious time, filled with nervous anticipation, for both the pastor and the congregation. I wonder what he’ll be like? Of course, not all of that speculation is useful. Sometimes, the adversary likes to set our desires off in the wrong direction. Compare our expectations today with some famous figures from Scripture.

Would you rescue someone if you saw them drowning? I think that most of us would want to do everything we could to help some poor, innocent person in distress. However, how would you feel if that person, now safely in the boat assaulted you? Sound ridiculous?

In Exodus, the Israelites listened to Moses as he explained the Law which God gave them on Mt. Sinai.  And then, as we hear, “The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the LORD has said.’”  Like the kid in class raising his hand, they all chimed in to let Moses know, “We’ve got this!” It must not have been long after this that they wished they hadn’t said these words. But, in God's...

Matthew tells us how the Pharisees turned up their noses when they saw Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. Whenever I hear this passage from the Gospels, I can’t help but picture the sneering Pharisees as wearing those Groucho Marx masks you can buy at the store – you know, the thick framed glasses with attached eyebrows, plastic nose, and bushy mustache? It’s not hard to find ourselves...

It’s fascinating to hear that so many of the inventions, that you and I take for granted in our lives each day, were at one time considered to be impossible, ridiculous and doomed to failure. In some cases, even those behind them weren't fully convinced it would all work out. So it’s amazing to hear that when it came to the promise which God had made to Abraham, he didn’t just wish it was possible...

When it comes to taxes, it’s not surprising that our fallen culture likes to blur the distinction between compensation and a benefit – between a wage and a gift. So it shouldn’t come as any surprise to learn that the when it comes to our relationship with God, the Adversary also likes to blur the distinction between a wage and a gift. In fact, he’s been using this same, sleazy scheme for generatio...

At the end of Matthew's Gospel we hear the word "Go!" Jesus has just given the signal, the “green light” for the church to get moving! In love for our Savior, and all that He has done for us in securing our salvation by His death for us on the cross and His glorious resurrection, who isn’t chomping at the bit to do just that? But, hang on a moment, go .. and do what?

You and I can’t help but marvel at how God has revealed Himself to us in His Word. He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three distinct persons in one divine being. How do you and I even begin to wrap our heads around that? While acknowledging the details we step back with the disciples and notice how the picture becomes crystal clear.

Here in Genesis Moses recorded, by inspiration of God, how you and I, and everything, came into being. And in summary says, “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.” Today, many Christians have mistakenly wondered if this announcement is really necessary. But it really is! And here’s why.

Did you know that every Thursday, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, an organization called the U.S. Drought Monitor releases a map showing where drought conditions are found, and how severe they are, across the U.S. and its territories? However, another important announcement comes out every week - in fact each Sunday. The Holy Spirit points us to refreshing good news.

It's not unusual to hear, that when the emergency lines are flooded during a storm, "not everyone who called for help could be reached.” The fact that not everyone can be saved is a sad reality of such situations. But here’s what makes what Peter announced at Pentecost so extraordinary.  Everyone who calls on the Lord, without exception, will be rescued from condemnation and the everlasting destru...

What God did at Pentecost is remarkable. Underlining the fact that the the Good News of our salvation in Christ is for all people, the Spirit enabled the apostles to preach in the languages of everyone who was present. As much as we marvel at what the Holy Spirit did on this day, we might overlook the ever greater miracle He continues to do this day in our midst.

It's the kind of thing you hear about in movies. Someone searches to find you and let you know that you have received a remarkable inheritance that changes everything. Paul has such an announcement he wants to share with you .. and it comes from God.

Jesus’ ascension assures us, not only of the ongoing and powerful presence of our Savior, but also, that He continues to be active in His ever-growing kingdom and Church. What Luke has recorded is not simply two volumes of a sweeping historical novel, with a compelling narrative of what took place in the past. It points us also to Jesus’ work in our midst today.

Today’s forecast will include “a mix of sun and clouds.” Okay, so which is it? Will it be overcast with rain possible or filled with beautiful, sunshine? How should we plan our day? There's always a certain level of foreboding and uncertainty when you see clouds in the sky. However, with our Savior's ascension, now even a cloudy day bring us to look up in great joy and be reminded of truly comfort...

Have you ever wondered why the world, your friends or even your family, may not see what you see? In love, we desperately want our friends and loved ones to see our Savior and all that He has done for them. However, like looking through a broken viewer at a scenic outlook, it's not surprising to hear them say, "I can't see anything." Here's where the work of the Holy Spirit comes in. Apart from th...

Have you ever thought of the church as an ocean going vessel? It may surprise you to know that for the centuries the Savior’s church as been portrayed in art and architecture as a ship. However, is this a cruise ship or a rescue ship?

When Paul saw all the idols in Athens, you might think that He would have thrown up his hands and thought, “The people are saturated with false worship and philosophies.  How can I ever get them to recognize their need for God?”  You and I might share this despair, when we look around at a world which has sunk so far into depravity and yet, at the same time, thinks it has everything figured out. W...

Before His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus assured the disciples with this wonderful news: “In my Father’s house are many rooms.”  Furthermore, He told them, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  This news brought great comfort, not only to the disciples, but to believers of every generation to follow.  However, in our covetousness, it’s easy to lose sight the nature of this comfort...

Is it possible to exchange church for ... a chicken dinner? The early church sought to meet the need of the Greek-speaking widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So they gathered in faith to come up with a solution. We get a great opportunity to see the congregation of believers in loving action and how it responded in service. However, if you notice, they were careful...

As we continue to bask in the glorious Good News of Easter, our Savior’s resurrection, and the salvation that we have in Him, Peter invites us to join him in giving thank to God. He opens his first letter saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Now he...

“You’re gonna have to go through me.” There’s a familiar phrase from the movies. A defender places themself between the attacker and their intended target and announces, “If you plan to hurt him, you’re going to have to go through me first!” This image probably isn’t the one that comes to mind when Jesus says, “I Am the Gate,”or “I Am the Door.” But it’s just one part of the comfort that is ours i...

One day, our scars – the reminders of our foolishness, our failures and frailty – will be gone. But these scars our Savior showed the disciples are a 'badge of honor.' They’re the welcome reminder of our Savior’s triumph over sin and death.