Life This Side of Heaven

As the ongoing celebration of Easter continues, Peter calls us to crave God's Word the way a newborn baby craves milk. That makes sense as you and I consider how God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Today, there’s a push back to all of the "photo editing and filters" so that folks can see themselves just as they are. They say it’s healthier. When it comes to our spiritual life, John tells us that it's more than simply a good idea.

Back in 2002, Google launched an ambitious project to digitize every book that exists. Imagine that, all those books!  But now, here’s a book in which you are mentioned in the dedication!

When our Savior showed Himself alive again, on the evening of that first Sunday after His resurrection, with Thomas present, it was more than simply a case of our Savior being a good sport.  He did this for Thomas’ sake, it's true.  But He also did this specifically with you in mind.

When you and I share the Gospel, and announce God’s forgiveness, it’s more than a breath of fresh air. It revives and resuscitates. The Holy Spirit Himself works through that life-giving Word to bring mercy and everlasting life.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus announced to them, "Peace be with you." Then He showed them the scars that mark this eternal victory. The two actions of our Savior are intimately connected.

Isaiah describes for us a feast like no other. The prophet was sent to pronounce God’s wrath on sin, but also to announce hope to repentant sinners. He describes God’s victory over all enemies – including sin and death. Then he describes the celebratory feast, which shall come with it, for all who have trusted in our Savior. Easter is the reservation Jesus has prepared for you at this table.

Have you ever found yourself searching frantically around the house for your car keys? Have you spent any time trying to find the remote for your television? We often look for them in the wrong place. Like the women on that first Easter morning, we look for Jesus who was crucified. And like them, we’re reminded where He has promised to be found.

The authorities who sought Jesus’ death knew they had a real problem on their hands.  Despite Pilate's order to seal the grave and post a guard, Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning.  If they held to the story that Jesus was dead, all folks had to do was say, “Show us the body!” So they came up with a story that the body was stolen. There was only one problem. Jesus was alive and He was hap...

In 1 Corinthians, Paul passes along specific news "as of first importance.” But this isn’t dire news of danger, it’s fantastic news of forgiveness – news to hear and incredible news to share.

As Easter Sunday is behind us you and I now carry on with all the activities of our regular routine.  But the joy of Easter doesn’t stay in the rear view mirror. It goes forward with us. In fact, each week we’re reminded of this new life that we have in our Savior.

"Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!” I love that familiar Easter greeting that we share with one another. What does this mean for our lives this week, next week, and for all the weeks to come? It means that because Jesus our Savior lives, we live each new day now in joyful expectation. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Who was responsible for Jesus’ death? Remarkably, there’s a lot of finger-pointing and debate even centuries after our Savior’s crucifixion.  It fits with our culture’s fascination with conspiracies … like “Who was responsible for Abraham Lincoln’s death or John F. Kennedy? “ And did they act alone?  However, the debate over who is responsible for Jesus’ death often comes down to a desire to assig...

It is finished! Shortly before He bowed His head and died, our Savior spoke these three little words. And in Greek, it’s not even three words—it’s one!  It’s pronounced, “Tetelestai.”   Here’s a word you’ll want to remember. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

If you're attending a concert and the singer shouts, "I love you!" to the crowd, what does that mean? So when Jesus says, "For God so loved the world ..." it might be tempting to wonder if this also includes you. Jesus Himself assures you personally in a very unique way with the meal He instituted on the night He was betrayed.

“What’s the exchange look like today?” If you’re going on a journey, travel experts advise that you will want to always know the answer to this question. But that’s also great advice for you and me as we travel to Good Friday and the celebration of Easter this Sunday.

As people from across the empire poured into Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, John tells us of some Greeks who were hoping to see our Savior. They asked, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Today, that might have include handshakes and maybe even a group selfie. But what Jesus gave them was so much more! 

It’s considered bad luck for a sports team to plan their victory parade before they’ve actually won the game. So was the parade on Palm Sunday premature? Not at all! And neither is our celebration this day.

Do you like GPS apps and the navigation devices that are available in cars today? Tomorrow is Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowds. But the only clear way to appreciate the celebration of Easter the following week takes us right through the events of Good Friday. So this verse from Hebrews is terrific for navigating the trip to the resurrection.

Do you remember playing “King of the Mountain”? It's a game that usually involves a lot of pushing and shoving to get to the top. Today, I’m sure it’s probably discouraged on most playgrounds. Nevertheless, look at how it’s embraced in our culture. Jesus came to be King of the Mountain, but in a manner entirely different from the what the world expected and with eternal results.

Mark tells us that James and John came to Jesus and said, “Teacher ... we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” Hmmm. Does that sound like a loaded statement to you? Why would they want to have our Savior’s consent before first telling Him what they wanted?  Why not just come out and ask Him?

Years earlier God had promised Abraham that he, and his wife Sarah, would be blessed with a Son, that their descendants too numerous to count, and He would make his name great. But in the meantime, it may not have always appeared that way. For a guy who was so blessed there were many events in his life that must have left him weary. For you and me, who have made His children through faith and have...

The position has been filled. That's not usually the news that we want to hear. However, when it comes to the office of high priest, the writer to the Hebrews assures us that hearing the announcement of how Jesus has fulfilled this work is very good news. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Have you purchased a new appliance recently? Chances are good that it came with a limited conditional warranty. If you use it in any way, other than that described under the terms of the warranty, then of course all promises are off. You’re on your own. It wasn't long before God's people broke His covenant with them. However, in Jeremiah, God has given us an unconditional promise that sounds almos...

In Ephesians, Paul describes how exciting it is to discover something that’s easily overlooked – the opportunity to serve God with good works. It’s an enjoyable part of our lives as grateful sons and daughters of God. It's almost like a game. God opens our eyes to spot the opportunities to serve Him that are, actually, all around us. He’s even prepared them for us. Find out more at https://life-th...