Life This Side of Heaven

Our Savior had no problem spotting the serpent at work. The last thing that the devil wanted to see was Jesus accomplish our salvation on Mt. Calvary. See if you can spot how often he tried to entice Jesus from giving His life for us on the cross. But first, see if you can spot the wonderful promise of our Savior's victory that God made here in Genesis.

It's Theme Thursday and we're looking at "Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible." One familiar phrase that you may hear occasionally is, "The Lion Shall Lay Down With The Lamb." It’s not entirely false. It’s simply a misquote from the image that God gives us, in Isaiah, of paradise restored. It does, however, provide us with an opportunity to take a closer look at this tremendous promise.

Patient Zero. There’s a medical term which has become more familiar in recent weeks. It refers to the first person be be infected by a viral or bacterial disease in an outbreak. When it comes to sin and its effect, that's how Paul describes Adam. But God's cure is even more vigorous than the disease.

In order to crush our enemy, the very first thing that Jesus did after His baptism was to face him head on. This was God’s plan. Matthew tell us, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” It was God’s will that Jesus would be tested, just as you and I are tested, but succeed where you and I have failed.

When our first parents disobeyed God, God could simply have parted the clouds and thundered His anger from heaven. But that’s not what He did. What took place next was remarkable.

Happy Leap Day. Since this is a Leap Year we get 366 days instead of the usual 365. Instead of February having its usual 28 days, we’ve got that odd little “extra day” on our calendar this year – February 29. How are you going to use your "extra day"? We could take our cue from King David in the Old Testament.

Peter was amazed by what He witnessed at the Transfiguration of our Savior. And this, in turn, brought him to want to remind us of the amazing treasure we hold in our hands and which we might otherwise take for granted.

It's Theme Thursday and we're looking at "Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible. There’s one particular phrase that you may hear at the tragic death of a child. It’s a well-intended sentiment but it actually does more to rob a grieving parent of comfort than it does to provide it.

Ash Wednesday is a day when you may see folks with what looks like dirt smudged onto their forehead in the shape of a cross. It marks the beginning of the 40-day penitential Season of Lent, a season of preparation that leads up to the celebration of Easter. But, why begin with ashes?

Matthew tells us, "After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." Moses and Elijah? Why did this cameo appearance take place, and o...

When Jesus told the disciples about the cross, Peter didn't want to hear it. Peter wanted Jesus to listen to him. “'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'” At the Transfiguration, the Father spoke from the bright cloud and said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" There is no salvation, or the eternal glory that comes with it, apart from the...

At the time Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, folks in the crowd were often led to believe that having a relationship with God was a matter of following the rules and external righteousness. But that doesn’t go beyond the surface. Jesus came to change our heart!

For many of the folks in Jesus’ time, they were convinced that they had found loopholes in God’s Laws. And our sinful nature still goes looking for them today. But Jesus has come to give us something better.

It's Theme Thursday and we're looking at Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible. Here's one: "It's not my place to judge another person." Wait a second, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” However, when this verse is used, judgment is often confused with admonishment.

“Well, I’m basically a good person. I’m not perfect, but at least I’ve never murdered anyone.” Have you ever heard someone say that when they describe how they’ve kept the Ten Commandments? Have you ever said it yourself? Are you sure?

Some folks just seem to have a green thumb when it comes to planting a garden. And some seem to have a knack for sharing the Gospel. But Paul reminds us that it is "God who makes things grow."

Choose life? Who wouldn't? As amazing as it sounds, our fallen sinful nature chooses death. In love, God has chosen to rescue us from this hopelessness and give us life in His Son.

It’s tempting to think that with a little effort we can tidy things up and put ourselves right with God. Of course, it would also be a mistake to think that God isn’t as serious about the Law anymore and is okay with sweeping our sins under the rug. Neither is true.

Did you know that according to a recent survey, “Americans get more excited about Valentine’s Day than Christmas"? Sound hard to believe? Wait until you hear what many say that they would like receive as a gift on this day!

It's Theme Thursday and we're looking at Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible. Here's one: "All Things Work Together For Good." It sounds so similar to what the apostle tells us in Romans that it’s not surprising that folks assume its the same phrase – but it’s not.

For those of you who are married, how perfectly do you know your spouse? Older married couples often comment on how they continue to discover new things about each other all the time. If that's true, then, for the person to whom we are closest in this life, then how could you and I possibly know the thoughts of God?

Have you ever shared the Gospel and been dismissed as simple or naive? Don't be discouraged. Paul assures us that this what we should expect. And knowing this is fact is actually a very useful insight when it comes to sharing the Good News.

How bright is your flashlight? Probably not all that bright. You may feel that's also true of your witness your family, friends and acquaintances. Take heart, it may be brighter than you imagine.

"When did everyone get so angry?" Could this be a result of what the Psalmist describes as 'walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the seat of mockers'?

In Micah we hear, "And what does the LORD require of you?" Then we hear the answer: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." You and I don't have that kind of power. Here's why it's a blessing to have our Savior.