Life This Side of Heaven

In the current climate of barbed and unbridled talk it's tempting to shrink back in timidity from sharing the Gospel. But here's why the wonderful news of the Gospel so needed. And the apostle tells us how, and why, we can move from apprehensive to assured.

Would you like to know what took place before the beginning of time? God tells us in His Word. In fact, it's amazing news that will leave you feeling humbled, confident and grateful.

The work of the Holy Spirit is often confused with feelings. But, in reality, they're not similar at all. A faith based on our feelings would be like riding a roller coaster. The Holy Spirit directs us away from the uncertainty of our feelings and points us to Jesus – and the certainty of the salvation He has accomplished for us on the cross.

"Why do You tolerate wrong?" The prophet Habakkuk asked God that important question. You and I may find ourselves asking the same question today. But Habakkuk didn't throw up his hands in despair. He did two things that are very useful for us as well.

The disciples exclaimed, "Increase our faith!" And that seems like a reasonable request. But Jesus' answer may surprise you.

It's easier than we think to be tempted into looking at our relationship with God, and our service to him, as a matter of Quid Pro Quo. The apostle Paul reminds us, instead, of what an honor it is to serve the Savior who has served us with salvation.

God must love rich people. If He didn't, then He never would have passed along the terrific investment advice here in this text from 1 Timothy.

In 1 Timothy we hear that God "lives in unapproachable light." That's why it's really great news that He has come to us. Having a living Savior, our God in human flesh, changes everything!

In the Apostles' Creed we confess "He will come to judge." Guess who is looking forward to the day of judgment? (And it may not be for the reason you might suspect.)

There are some things in life that just go together so well - like peanut butter and jam. Everyone has their favorites. Paul names two that you may not have thought about and explains why they're so good together.

Paul warns about the "love of money." But, it's not just a warning for the rich. It's a real danger whether you are rich or poor. However, there are real treasures that are worth pursing.

It's tempting to look for something really big to win people's attention. But when it comes to sharing God's Word the most important part of all is actually ... sharing God's Word.

Some things become more precious to us each day with the passage of time and the experiences of life. Chances are good that the Psalmist, like many of us, grew in his appreciation of God's wisdom – and his desire to learn and understand it better.

Jesus gave His life for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. And God earnestly wants to bring all people to salvation through the Gospel.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess "From thence He will come." Here's something that should fill us with joyful anticipation. The words "from thence" point to the reason we can look forward to this day, not in fear, but in faith.

Paul calls Jesus our Mediator? But what is mediation? And why does the apostle call our Savior a mediator?

Put up your dukes? Paul's got a better idea of what we should do with those raised hands.

When was the last time you prayed for your ... president or prime minister? Paul urges us to do it and he gives a compelling reason to do it.

"I a poor miserable sinner." Some people don't like to hear that. Who talks that way? The apostle Paul for one. But there's good news. Jesus receives sinners.

If your spirit is crushed, you may find it hard to imagine smiling, singing or dancing. Our merciful God, with His gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation, has a way of changing that.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus ... who ... sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty." What does that phrase "sits at the right hand" mean? God assures us in His Word that it describes much more than seating arrangements.

A found ring may lead to newspaper articles and interviews. A found coin may lead to a neighborhood party. But a lost sinner who repents leads to an eternal celebration in heaven.

If you have reason to wonder if God could forgive you ... even you, have a look at the mercy God showed to Paul.

Sheep don't always make the best choices – especially in times of danger. You and I have a Shepherd who seeks us even in the midst of the storm.

Paul's letter to Philemon is so short you can easily flip right by it when you're trying to find it in the Bible, but it's a great case study in forgiveness.