Life This Side of Heaven

When we hear the account that Luke describes for us, in the home of Mary and Martha, we hear that Mary listened to Jesus and Martha was distracted. Therefore it's tempting to assume that the message is for us to be less like Martha and more like Mary.  But that sounds like little more than a teacher snapping a ruler on their desk to get the attention of daydreaming pupils.  What Jesus did in love...

What does Paul mean when he talks here in Colossians about that “which is lacking in regards to Christ’s afflictions?”  Is there something missing that we should know about?  Even worse, is there something that you and I need to do to 'finish the job' of salvation?  No, thankfully, not even close.  So what is he telling us here in this passage?

It may surprise us to hear that Sarah chuckled when God told her that she and Abraham would have a son. You can be sure that this laughter was tinged with joy. But it may also have been mixed with impatience. After all, this wasn’t the first time God gave them this promise. Have you ever listened to the promises of God, and His mercy, and thought to yourself, "I've heard that before"? Th...

"A life worthy of the Lord." If these words here in Colossians are a goal that you must achieve, then you’ll always live a life of uncertainty and fear wondering, “Am I doing enough?” Or, in defeat, you’ll turn away from this passage completely and beat yourself up as a failure. But in this passage, Paul is actually praying that you will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of God...

When it comes to our hope as Christians, it’s based on the solid promises given to us in God’s Word –or as Paul puts it, “that you have already heard about in the word of truth.”  It’s not simply the vague wish for better days ahead.  It’s the unshakeable assurance that you and I have a God who loves us, who has redeemed us from our sins, who is with us right now, and who has prepared a place for...

Who was the one who first shared the Gospel with you?  Who was it who told you about God’s love for you in sending you a Savior?  Who’s that person in your life who told you about Jesus?

It must have been exciting as the disciples Jesus sent out, to go into the villages ahead of Him and proclaim the Gospel, returned from their travel.  They were more than excited, they were exuberant!  Luke tells us, “The seventy-two returned with joy.”  And they marveled to tell Jesus, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”  It was certainly was a great day to celebrate – but not for...

As Jesus proclaimed the Gospel, Luke tells us that He “appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” And He coupled it with an insightful observation and useful instruction. In light of the declining number of pastors, in congregations across the denominational spectrum, it's helpful and uplifting to hear what our Savior has t...

Christians may not want to admit it, but it’s not east living a Christ-centered life in a world that persecutes us for it.  Or, to put it another way, it’s hard to smile and show the fruits of the Spirit when you’re getting kicked in the teeth. But take a listen to the encouraging words of God that Paul shares with us when we’re weary.

Luke tells us that as Jesus was passing through villages, on His way from Galilee down to Jerusalem, a young man came up to Him and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.”  Like many today, the man here in Luke may have had his own dreams for Jesus, what it would mean for him, and where it might take him. As a result, he may have been surprised, even shocked, by Jesus' response.

Have you ever noticed how folks step when they cross a footbridge? Have you ever watched how people walk on a busy street when they come to a crosswalk? Probably not. You may be thinking, “Who cares how people walk?” But when it comes to our walk together in Christ, it’s worth hearing what the apostle has to say.

It’s easy to empathize with Elijah’s frustration.  Living in this fallen world of sin there are times when you and I are left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  It’s difficult being ridiculed for your faith.  You may not feel like you’ve much of an impact in sharing Christ with your family and friends.  No, it’s not hard to feel like Elijah.  There are days when you may feel like throwing up your...

It was a pivotal moment in a young man’s life that would be celebrated by family and friends. It was the recognition that things had changed and he had a been given a whole new standing in the community. For a young boy, growing up in Rome, it was a big event when he was given a very special robe. Well, now you get an idea of picture Paul is painting for us here in Galatians. Paul wants you to rea...

Here in Galatians, Paul tells us that “the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ.”  The interesting Greek word he uses to describe the role of the law is _paidagogos. _ And while it’s often translated as “schoolmaster,” “tutor” or “guardian,” another good word to describe it is “nanny.”  That’s because the role of the law is temporary.  Just like a child's nanny, it serves an important role u...

As a child, did you ever try to play a of hide-and-seek with your older siblings but found your invitation rebuffed?  They may not have wanted anything to do you.  As strange as that sounds, it’s almost the way that we hear God described here in Isaiah.  No, I don’t mean the embarrassed older brother or sister.  I’m talking about the shameless little sibling who loves them.

Today, it's sometimes referred to as "canceling." However, the practice of attempting to silence someone for saying something with which another disagrees goes back a long way. Jesus faced this as they attempted to cancel Him and silence the proclamation of the Gospel. So did the disciples. However, the Good News is that we have a Savior who has come and brought forgiveness of sins by ca...

On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood to proclaim that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen and is alive.  And he told this to a crowd who didn’t realize the great hope this gives.  Having heard God’s Word often, it still hadn’t sunk in what it was telling them. Sadly, that may also be true for many today. God Himself assures you of something that's an absolute certainty.  In fact, you can live each...

How would people describe you?  Let’s make this interesting.  If they were to select two adjectives to describe you, which words do you think them might choose? On the surface, hearing Jesus described as "the power of God and the wisdom of God" may not seem very personal.  You may be thinking, “How about words like compassionate or loving?  What about adjectives like patient or kind?” Ho...

It’s been said, God reversed the action He took at Babel, back in Genesis, when He confused the languages of the people.  But He did a lot more than that.  And here’s what makes what God did so remarkable! In fact, it continues to be a miracle this day.

“Let’s agree to disagree.”  Have you ever heard or shared that phrase?  On the surface, it sounds useful.  When two people have differing opinions on a topic, it’s a way of ending an argument while recognizing that nothing is going to change the other person’s mind.  And in many cases, in our increasingly polarizing culture, it seems best.  However, when it comes to our unity in Christ, it’s neith...

You may find yourself shaking your head as you hear this account recorded in Genesis.  The Tower of Babel is one of those episodes in the history of God’s people that can’t help make you stop and shake your head.  However, in this case, it’s not a matter of shoddy workmanship.  It’s was the plan behind the project that presented the dilemma.

Jesus prays for you. Does that surprise you?  After all, we usually think of prayer as something we do.  Prayer is that marvelous gift that God has given to us by which we can talk to Him.  We speak these prayers out loud together at church but more often at home, when we’re by ourselves, and throughout the day.  But it’s worth knowing that you’re not the only one praying.

When it came time to fill the position of apostle, which was vacated with the death of Judas, it wasn’t the kind of job Peter and the others could post online and then interview suitable candidates. When it came to identifying the one who would be eligible to fill this spot there was a specific set of qualifications. However, there was one criteria that topped the list. You'll want to hear which o...

Have you ever wondered, “How soon is soon?”  Sometimes it feels as if soon is not soon enough. However, when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” here’s a promise that is filled with hope.

It sounds ominous to hear our Savior telling the disciples to make no mistake about it, “In this world you will have trouble.” There are going to be times in our lives when it’s going to feel like the wheels fell off. However, Jesus does’t leave us to rely on ourselves or say, “Good luck.”  Instead, He assures us, “But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”