Life This Side of Heaven

There's real pressure to abandon our faith in Jesus. It's always been this way. Jesus wants us to know it. But He also remind us where to look for strength.

You haven't disappeared from Your Savior's sight. In fact, your Savior who carried Your sins to the cross, died and rose again, has ascended and is indeed "with you always."

What does Jesus mean when He says, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters —yes, even his own life— he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26)?

Christ's Gospel flavors our lives and seasons our conversations. It's too good to take off the table.

Our current culture has plenty of "trolls." What a blessing it is, instead, to be a "Barnabas"! Don't underestimate the wonderful gift of encouragement.

There's a reason God permits testing and affliction in our lives. And the results lead to something quite extraordinary.

In humility, God's grace leads us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve one another each day and to rejoice in His gift of a place at His heavenly banquet.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus ... on the third day He rose again." On the third day? He rose again? Yes! Take a look at the incredible comfort that comes with having a living Savior.

The sacrifices for sin at the Temple each day must have seemed endless to watch. But they did come to a conclusion with the arrival of our Savior. Now the writer to the Hebrews talks about a special sacrifice, which is continual, and it is without end.

Take a moment to think of those who have shared the Gospel with you. It brings more than warm memories. Paul says, "Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Many things in life are different today than they were then but Jesus, and His saving love, have not changed.

Have you ever bumped into the Queen? Maybe you have and you just didn't recognize her. Have you ever shared hospitality with your Savior? You may be surprised to discover the answer.

It's easy to take for granted the access we've been given to God's means of grace, His Word, Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper. But the words of a criminal may remind us of the blessed opportunities before us.

It's easy to underestimate the size of God's Church, the communion of saints. But as God reminds us, it's a lot bigger than we realize – and through faith you and I are a part of it.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus Christ .. who ... descended into hell." Sound sad? Instead of pity, think parade!

The access to some mountains is restricted ... and for good reason. But just look at the one to which Jesus has given us access.

Is God punishing me? It may feel like that at times. If not, then what am I to make of the challenges and afflictions that come my way?

Jesus was asked, "Lord, are only a few going to be saved?" Do you know how He answered that question? He didn't. It's not important. Instead, Jesus directs us our attention to something of much greater significance that we don't want to overlook.

It doesn't take much to sprain your ankle if the path is uneven. Healing is necessary when it happens. Healing is also needed when you and I stumble in our walk with the Lord.

Jesus said, "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." Isn't Jesus the "Prince of Peace"? How is this possible?

In 1 Corinthians Paul states boldly, "We preach Christ crucified." And we confess this in the Apostles' Creed. Why is this such an important part of what we believe?

Facing the opposition of the world can feel like you're sailing into the wind. It may seem even seem impossible. But, you can sail into the wind. It's a matter of physics and knowing what to do. And, in Christ, we can face the opposition of this world and not lose heart.

Not all fire is to be prevented. So says the U.S. Forest Service. And so says our Savior here in this text, but for a very different reason.

There's no joy in the race if we're fleeing in fear. Repenting daily of our sin and trusting in our Savior we have real forgiveness. Instead of looking back over our shoulder, the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we run the race looking forward in faith.

When you and I are feeling anxious and worried our Savior tells us to look up ... at the birds in the air as a reminder of His care and provision.

Hebrews 11 give us a unique 'class picture' of the patriarchs of the Old Testament. The writer doesn't have to ask, "Where are they now?" We know. By faith we share the very same hope and certainty.