Life This Side of Heaven

Wait .. what?  Hate your father and mother, your wife, children, siblings and self? How can these words make sense when we’re told to “Honor our father and mother” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  In fact, in 1 John, we’re even told that “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.” So why would Jesus use such strong language with folks...

You and I have good reason to forgive each other, when we’ve been hurt or wronged. We're commanded to do so. However, the strength, and encouragement to do, this comes not from the command, but from the Holy Spirit and the mercy with which God He has blessed us. And Paul describes a unique activity, one which you and I also take part in, that reminds us of this.

“God is a big part of my life.” There’s a pleasing phrase that probably perks our ears whenever we hear it. It’s uplifting to hear a famous actor, singer or television personality share these words during an interview. We may even say it ourself. However, as a confession of faith, it begs the follow-up question, “Can you describe the other parts of your life, you know, the ones which don’t include...

While the Pharisees were well-known for jockeying for the best seats at the table, you and I have a Savior who focused His attention instead on those who were, so to speak, at the other end of the table – the very folks with whom the Pharisees didn’t wish even to be seen – people like you and me.

"Nostalgia ain't what it used to be." Our memories tend to sift out the strains and difficulties of the past while we retain and embellish the happiness and contentedness of days gone by. So, when writer to the Hebrews invites us to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you," it may sound like he's appealing to our sense of nostalgia. But it's more than that. In fact, it's much more...

Is God playing “hide and seek?” It may seem that way at first. Consider how much effort is expended searching for answers to the question of life, the meaning of the universe, and God Himself. But it’s God who has decided how He has wished to reveal Himself - and tells us in His Word.

It’s all about who you know. At least, that's how the world operates. However, Jesus turns that on its head when it comes to salvation and eternal life.

Those who first heard the words recorded in Hebrews were living in a world in constant opposition to the Gospel and it was a taking a toll on them. Furthermore, they disheartened by the persecution they were experiencing as Christians. Fatigue was setting in. Their hope and endurance were beginning to fade. They were teetering on the point where they were wondering if they should thrown in the tow...

Home renovation shows on TV are more popular than ever. And the best part is the "reveal" that comes at the end. But nothing can compare to the transformation that God describes when it comes to the restoration of the house of David. And here's the best part: Through faith, you and I more than just observers.

Is God near or far? It's actually a useful question. And the answer may surprise you.

In Jeremiah’s day, God condemned the false prophets who exchanged His Words for their own.  Jeremiah records God as saying, “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.” But how were folks to discern who was actually speaking what God had sent them to say from those who were leading them astray?   It’s the same question to...

Oddly enough, when something like a fatal lightning strike takes place, it’s often referred to as “An Act of God.”  However, Scripture describes a much different event, which could be given this name, with a much better outcome.

This week we’ve been taking a closer look at these well-loved words of our Savior in Luke 12:32.  And the soothing image of our Good Shepherd, holding us in His arms and telling us “Fear not, little flock,” are comforting in any situation. But it’s the context for these words that make this encouragement leap right off the page.

This week, we're taking a closer look at our Savior's words in the beloved passage of Luke 12:32. However, we may squirm to hear Him refer to us as His “little flock.” In our culture, of ‘bigger is better,” we tend to bristle to be described as “little.” It doesn’t sound very mighty, does it? As a result, the temptation is to try and make ourselves appear larger in status and stature.  We don’t wi...

Once in a while it's nice to take a closer look at a familiar and beloved verse. And that's what we're going to do this week with Jesus' words in Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." And it begins with the familiar words, "Don't be afraid." Here's a familiar phrase from Scripture, but it doesn't appear by in isolation by itself. It's not a...

There are two well-known phrases that advertisers use to capture our attention when we’re pushing our cart down the aisle at the grocery store. They both begin with the word, “new," but, wow are they different. When Paul talks about our new life in Christ, the apostle wants you and me to know that it's more than cosmetic. What God has given us in our Savior is significant and substantial.

When the world looks at you and me it may have a hard time seeing what it’s all about. As Christians, you and face many of the ver same dilemmas in life that they do. So, they may look and say to themselves, “I don’t see it.” And there's a good reason for that. As Paul explains, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Here in Colossians, Paul give us a heads up in this life, by providing a useful distinction between “things above” and “earthly things.” And he points out what makes for a firm footing as you and I make our way through this life.

In Luke we hear, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’” And the first thing our Savior did was to teach them how to address their prayer. It’s so familiar that it’s something we may take for granted without giving it much thought. However, today it may be more useful to hear it again than ever.

Chances are good that if you’ve just uttered those words this summer – maybe at a picnic, cookout or barbecue.  You’ve just had your fill.  You’re topped up.  You’re filled to the brim.  And without any doubt, you can smile, thank your host, and say, “I’m full!” Have you ever felt like saying that after hearing of God's forgiveness in worship?

It's been said that the new, clear images from the new James Web Space Telescope will help to "better understand the origin of life here on Earth."  _ And as Christians, it’s tempted to get roped into thinking that we must go in the opposite direction and use these images to better understand _God. And while they certainly do show His power and handiwork, instead of looking into the darkness of sp...

Mary and Martha were delighted to have Jesus visit them at their home in Bethany. However, when Martha sound herself hurried and anxious about dinner time detail, Jesus encouraged her to follow her sisters lead, have a rest and enjoy an opportunity to hear His Word. And in the midst of our own harried and hurried lives, Jesus encourages to you and me to take a loaf off our feet .. and sit at His.

There are two dangers in sharing the Gospel. In telling others of this salvation that God has given to us in our Savior, you’re going to be on the receiving end of what follows – whether it’s gratitude or hostility. Knowing this, and having a second look at the apostle's own call to faith, may give insight into a challenging passage which he shared with the Colossians.

Here in Genesis, Moses describes the meal that Abram set before his guests. And wow, did he ever roll out the red carpet! On this day both he and his wife, Sarai received a welcome announcement. It was the fulfillment of the gracious promise He had made. As a result, God has set before us an amazing meal. It also comes with a blessed announcement and by it we are well fed.

In our jaded days of fraudulent phone scams, you can be sure it raises a few eyebrows to hear Paul announced that we’ve qualified to be a part of group that has received something that sounds too good to be true. Our first response may be, "What must I do?" But the apostle goes on to assure us that God the Father has qualified us for eternal life by what He sent His Son to accomplish for us.