Life This Side of Heaven

Not knowing the law doesn't get us off the hook when we sin. The Law strips back any excuse we might give. But that’s good because then, in Romans, Paul wants you and me to look up and see our Savior who in love, bore the punishment for our sins on the cross.

In Romans, Paul notes that “The law has authority over a man only as long as he lives.” But Paul isn’t getting ready to write a best-selling crime novel and he’s not musing about some caper where where the protagonist pretends to die, changes their name, and hides out in some exotic far-away location. That's what folks often dream about as a way to get out from under their debt. What the apostle d...

“I’ve got some bad news and some good news. Which would you like to hear first?” Has you ever been faced with that question? What if, instead, you pretended the bad news didn’t exist – and simply made up some good news? Would that be more helpful?

Do you pray before your meals? It’s good for us to pause and to recognize, as David says, “The eyes of all look to you.” It’s a moment to take note of the fact that this food, like all good things, come to us as a gift from our heavenly Father. It’s a brief “time out” to acknowledge and give thanks to God for His sustaining mercies. If you haven’t grown up saying grace before meals that brief paus...

Our current cultural climate has led many to debate whether our seniors are expendable. Is there an age limit at which you and I are no longer useful in service to God and one another? Is there a time when you and I become “expendable”?

In the harsh world of sin in which you and I live it’s not surprising that we may find ourselves the brunt of abuse and on the receiving end of jokes. As a result, when we’re at work, at a party, or a large crowd making jokes about people who go to church, it can be tempting to want to hide the fact that we’re a Christian. We may even be tempted to dissociate ourselves from our Savior. But think a...

Do you know how many hairs on your head? It’s no small thing when Jesus said, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The world into which the disciples were being sent was filled with worries and concerns, just as ours is for you and me today. In love, Jesus assures you that our God who knows how many hairs on your head is fully aware of all the changes and challenges that you face t...

Remember “Complaint Boxes”? Long before online reviews and social media companies would occasionally set out a box to collect complaints from disgruntled employees and angry customers. In these strange words from Jeremiah, the prophet lays out his complaint before God. Have you ever felt like the prophet?

“I don’t get no respect.” Have you ever felt like saying this yourself from time-to-time? It’s not easy to live as a Christian in this fallen world. It makes us uncomfortable. Having respect means to well-regarded and held in high esteem. But in order to have the world’s respect you have to excel at the very things that lead us away from Christ and the Gospel. But Jesus has given us something that...

Jesus told the disciples, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" One translation of this verse mistakenly reads “the kingdom of heaven is soon to be here.” But, if that’s true, then it’s a little the kid in the back seat of the car who asks Dad and Mom, “Are we there yet?” and gets that unsatisfying answer, “No, not yet, but we’re almost there.” In other words, “Strap y...

Sheep and wolves, snakes and doves. Here are four animals that are handy to keep in mind whenever you and I head out the door each day. They were four animals that the Savior used as images for the disciples to keep in mind as they were sent out to share the Gospel.

On Mt. Calvary, over 2000 years ago, our Savior went to battle for you and me. He was sent by His Father to conquer sin, death and the devil on our behalf. But here’s the thing. And, there’s no way to fully appreciate the greatness of God’s love for us, and the wonderful assurance of His forgiveness, until we do: You and I were enemies of God.

Following a night of prayer Luke tells us, “When morning came, [Jesus] called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.” Matthew lists their names. The one thing that stands out is that they were all different. They weren’t cookie-cutter identical. And that tells you a lot about our Savior and about you.

The image of lost sheep without a shepherd is a familiar one in the Bible but it’s probably not something that most of us have ever run into. So, it may sound surprising to hear Jesus referring the people in the towns and villages of Israel as “sheep without a shepherd.” When Jesus looked out He saw people, as He described, who were “harassed and helpless.” A better translation of that word “haras...

There’s no reason to believe that the Israelites were anything less than sincere when the told Moses, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” However, even best intentions aren't enough. How many of us, before those weeks of isolation and quarantine, told ourselves, “You know, someday, if I ever get the time, I’d like to write a book, take piano lessons or learn a new language.” Then, all of a...

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Usually, when we hear these words in Matthew's Gospel, the focus is on the fact that our risen and Savior is with us. But back up a moment to those first words that we may easily speed past in our haste. He starts by saying, “Behold!” Before we quickly rush out the door to begin our day here's a word that's also important for you and me.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven He called together His disciples and sent them out with the word “Go.” They were to go and disciple the nations. They were to bring His treasure to all people – not with clues or a map, but by baptizing and teaching.

Have you ever read a newspaper story, or listened to breaking news on television, where the reporter concluded by saying that the person they interviewed “requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak.” When Jesus told the disciples to "Go," they were told to share the Good News by the One who does have the authority to speak.

You and I crave rest because life can be exhausting. And yet, between work and family, rest can seem so elusive. And yet, here in these familiar words, in the opening chapters of Scripture, it describes God Himself as having rested from all His work. What does that look like? How can we have it?

In Genesis we hear, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." That all changed when sin entered the world. But there are words of real comfort here as we're told what God has done to redeem us and make us His new creation through faith.

Yesterday Christian congregations around the world celebrating the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God has revealed Himself to us in his Word as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. However, as soon as we attempt to describe the Trinity it begins to sound more like a puzzle than a celebration. You may be thinking to yourself, wouldn’t be easier to simply say, as John does in his first letter, that “God is l...

It’s not surprising that the sin, stress and fears of this world leave us drained. The disappointment and sorrow caused by our own sins, and then watching the news and experiencing the weight of living in this fallen world, saps the life out of us. Even for those of us who know God, and know of our salvation, may not recognize right away how draining this can be. So, when Jesus says, “If anyone is...

It sounds frightening when Peter quoted God’s promise from Joel on the Day of Pentecost. We hear, “I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.” That sounds like it would be enough to give anyone nightmares. But it less...

Could these be the last days? The evening news reveals violence and injustice. There is rioting in our major cities and it’s not only here but around the world. Add all of this to the fact that the world is in the grip of a pandemic and it’s understandable that we’re concerned. So, to return to that original question, “Could these be the last days.” The answer may surprise you. Yes. In fact, witho...

Today, a lot of folks tend to confuse adrenaline and the work of the Holy Spirit. As a result, they want worship to be a thrilling and heart-pumping experience that feels like you’ve been shot out of a cannon. However, instead of simply providing us with a shot of excitement like a an energy drink, the Holy Spirit comes with a specific purpose.