Life This Side of Heaven

The Scriptures are careful to remind us that Jesus is both true God and true man. And so we confess in the Apostles' Creed, "I believe ... in Jesus Christ ... who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary." But why is this important?

In movies posters of mighty battles they usually show battle-hardened warriors. They don't show a picture of sheep. But Jesus didn't say, "Fear not, mighty band of soldiers." And He didn't choose this image by accident. So why did Jesus say, "Fear not, little flock"?

At this time each year in mid-August the Pereid Meteor Shower is real treat for stargazers. The promise God made to Abram is another good reason to look up at the night sky. Rolled up in that promise was also one for you and me. And it's breathtaking!

How would you feel if your treasure was sitting in a blue tote, collecting dust in a storage unit? Would your heart sink if you heard it was repossessed? God has given us a treasure that is secure and inexhaustible.

It's popular these days to want to describe the Christian life as one easy sprint to the finish line. It may not feel that way to you. You may feel like you're trudging through mud and thorns. Some would say "Look up." Paul has got even better encouragement for you.

Harmless fun or deadly danger? Paul warns us not to return to the old road and reminds us that God has opened for us a new way, the way of everlasting life.

What does it mean when we say in the Apostles' Creed, "I believe in Jesus Christ?" It means so much more than simply acknowledging His historical existence. That's simply a matter of historical fact. So, what we saying? It's actually quite profound, wonderfully personal, and eternally comforting.

A stream of studies in recent years show that people want more than a paycheck. They want meaning and purpose in their work. Nevertheless, despite that desire, very few claim to have found it. What are you beyond what you do?

What is the Image of God? Despite what some folks might think, it has nothing to do with our looks.

One study showed that while many people find being richer makes them feel more satisfied, it doesn't bring them joy. And even that satisfaction seems hard to nail down. God's Word reveals the true and durable source for both.

Abraham's haggling with God in Genesis reminds us that there's a reason that folks like David and others in the Old Testament rejoiced and said, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love."

In John we hear, "I tell the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name." But God's invitation to prayer is not the same as being given a roll of tickets and let loose in a theme park. And that's good, because we don't live in a theme park.

Scripture tells us that God created all things in six days, out of nothing, simply by His Word. The adjective "almighty" fits very well when we say, "I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth." It also tells us something that's very comforting.

Sometimes folks come along who say that Jesus isn't enough, that what the Scriptures teach about salvation in Him isn't complete, and that they have "special knowledge" apart from the Bible that you need to know. Paul says that's hollow.

Must we worship on Sunday? What about Christmas? Or Easter? The answer may surprise you, comfort you, and remind you why the opportunities for worship are so precious.

In Colossians, Paul tells us what God has done with your personal "record of debt." And it brings personal comfort!

Being mature in Christ doesn't have anything to do with age. However, it does bring us from "squirming in our seat" to a growing gratitude, trust and appreciation for what God has done for us.

In Colossians 1:24 Paul says, "I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions." Is he saying that Christ's suffering was not enough? No, not at all. So what is the apostle saying?

In the Apostles' Creed we say, "I believe in God." But how has God revealed Himself to us? How do we know God? Actually, He has revealed Himself to us in a number of ways, but one of them caps them all.

You and I have a royal audience with God. We come with perfect credentials in Christ. And just listen to how we are presented in His sight.

When God told Abraham that he, and his wife Sarah, would have a son she laughed. But God's promises a good ... even when they seem impossible.

Do you remember the first words spoken when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon? Do you remember what the astronauts ate that day? Martha may not remember what she served to Jesus that day He stepped into her home, but you can be assured she remembered His Words. That's what Jesus wants for us as well.

False teaching and false teachers can leave us wilted, dried up and dying. No wonder Paul encourages us to be well-watered and filled to the brim with God's Word.

Going without a smartphone may make you feel cut off. Fellowship in Christ means you're always connected ... and no circumstance can take that away.

There are a lot of trendy posters, colorful plaques and murals with the word, "Believe." When it comes to faith, what does it mean when I say, "I Believe"?