Life This Side of Heaven

In Ezekiel, the prophet tells us of a planting that didn't take. In sinful impatience the people of Judah learned a hard lesson. However, he goes on to tell us of another planting- this one by God Himself. And today, we rest in the shade of His mercy.

When Jesus describes the "abundant life," it's easy to look around and ask, "Where is it?" In 2 Corinthians, Paul describes the specific vision problem that all of us face–young or old.  Thankfully, he also points us to faith's "corrective lenses."

Have I committed the unforgivable sin? If there’s ever a question that causes more concern, and raises even more questions, it’s hard to imagine it. For consciences, already tormented with guilt from sin, the thought that there may be one for which no pardon is possible, is terrifying. If you are concerned with this question there is real comfort for you in God's Word that you will want to hear.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul, who was a tent-maker by trade, uses a vivid image to describe these earthly bodies of ours. And, in many ways they’re like an old tent. It’s not always as easy camp. But the apostle points us to the sure and certain hope that is ours, through faith, in Christ and the resurrection.

Sometimes, with all of the struggles and trouble that comes our way in life, if you and I were to focus our eyes on our temporal plight it would be hard not to feel crushed and disappointed.  But there’s more to your story, and God's Word directs our focus to it.

Whenever there is a shortage of something the one thing you can count on is a surplus of blame. And when Adam sinned and found himself bereft of holiness and righteousness he quickly began to point fingers. It's a reaction we share when we stumble and fall into sin. It makes God's promise of grace even more remarkable.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God and disobeyed His command they experienced something they had not known up until this point – guilt and shame. Sometimes the shame you feel may remain long after the guilt of your sin has been absolved. But God wants you to know that in our Savior's death for us on the cross, He has taken away both our guilt and our shame.

The account of our first parents’ fall into sin, in Genesis, is so well-known that it’s easy to overlook some interesting details.  And one of them comes here – when they attempt to hide from God. Take a look at how often our loving, and patient, Lord provides them with perfect opportunities to confess their sin. Notice the wonderful opportunities God gives to us to do the same.

On the Day of Pentecost, and in our Baptism, God has given us a very special gift. The Holy Spirit enables us to hear God’s Word and connect the dots. He leads us to see how our lives and all of Scripture connect together in Christ.

Isaiah must have been shocked when asked who would share the Good News of God's salvation? After all, it’s not like there was a shortage of angels for this royal task. Like a pupil raising in his hand in class, and hoping to be called upon, the prophet didn't hesitate with his answer, "Here am I. Send me."

"Say, 'Ah.'” Those two words may fill you with dread if you’re sitting in a dentist’s chair. You’re being asked to open your mouth so that they may see inside. Isaiah’s mouth must have opened wide all by itself when he was given a vision of God seated in glory.

Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to visit Jesus at night, may have felt at first that what Jesus told him sounded like a riddle. He said something that left him puzzled, and it may still leave some puzzled today. He described something that only God Himself can accomplish.

Confessing our Savior may mean risking everything, our comfort, our popularity, our standing and our place among family, friends and community, but it's worth it. He's worth it.

From humble beginnings it has now spread across the globe. And many years ago it was decided that a useful way to tell people about it, and distinguish it from all others, would be to summarize it in a few, well-chosen words. These words have become so familiar that many people even have them memorized. And that may include you.

When families gather to enjoy supper, the words of Psalm 145:15-16 are often spoken as the table prayer before the meal. They remind us that our food comes as a gift from God’s hand.  But they may also raise some questions.

The key moment in any mystery movie comes when the summation takes place. The main character will describe the crime and then point their finger at the one who has been found guilty. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus noted that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict the entire world. However, unlike the summation in a mystery movie, it doesn't end there. He goes on to point to the innocent...

God knows that we are all unique individuals from different places, different backgrounds and different life experiences. We don’t look the same and we don’t sound the same. Those in Jerusalem who heard Peter on the Day of Pentecost didn’t cease to be individuals. But the events of that day remind us that remarkably, in Christ God has made us one.

What is your “heart language”? That term is often used to describe the language that a person speaks and understands better than any other.  It’s the language that you think in and which speaks to your heart. God knows yours.

With a remarkable vision, God showed the prophet Ezekiel that despite how hopeless their situation appeared, He would breathe new life into them with the coming of the Savior.  And this is remarkable good news for you and me as well. 

This week, as you and I celebrate Pentecost and the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on all people, we hear Jesus say, “He will witness about Me.” However, you may be wondering, “What is there left to know about our Savior than we haven’t already heard and learned from His Word?” What exactly is it that the Holy Spirit does?

Have you ever heard the phrase, "The proof is in the pudding"? The world would like you to look with distaste at all that is around you, wrinkle your nose and push Jesus, the Gospel and salvation away. But God Himself has stepped forward to assure you of the forgiveness of sins and new life His Son has accomplished for you. Here's why David trusted God, and says in Psalm 34, "Taste and see that th...

Jesus prayed, “As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Into the world! That sounds daunting, doesn’t it? The sheer magnitude of the task might leave us immobilized, much the same way one person might feel if they were to put on a pair of cleaning gloves and look out over an entire building. Where do you even start?

Sanctify isn’t one of those words that pops up in daily conversation. It means to “make holy.”  Okay, using one church word to define another church word may not help either. Sanctify means “to set apart.” Ah! Now, the picture becomes clear as we hear Jesus prayer that for you and me to be sanctified in the truth.

As Christians, there are times when we may feel like praying to God, and saying, “Take me out coach!”  Serving in this sin-filled world leaves us worn out, weary and exhausted. The bench starts to look pretty good. That’s why this part Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane may leave us bewildered and scratching our head.

In Acts, we hear of one of the apostles for whom little is known today – Matthias. So, why did the Holy Spirit inspire Luke to record this name for us here in Scripture?