Life This Side of Heaven

What will I see in heaven? If you notice, much of what God shares with us in His Word about this topic, is actually list of things that you won’t see in heaven.  And there’s a good reason for this.  There are some things that won’t be needed.  And there are other things that won’t be missed.  So take a brief a look at some of those things that you won’t see in heaven.

When it comes to sharing the faith, as Paul found himself doing this day in Acts, we may find ourselves underestimating what it takes to open hearts to receive God’s message of salvation.  In fact, we may think it’s no big deal.  But actually, it is a very big deal.  It’s something that should leave us shaking our heads in amazement, and filled with gratitude to God, every time it happens.

“Come again?”  There’s a phrase that’s usually accompanied by a look of bewilderment.  It’s slang.  It’s a way of saying “I’m sorry, but could you repeat what you just said.”  Either they didn’t hear correctly or what they heard doesn’t seem to make any sense.” It's a phrase the disciples could have used on one occasion ... but for two very distinct reasons. And when you and I are baffled about th...

Today, it’s hard to imagine passing through a grocery store without seeing a whole aisle set aside for the endless varieties of “fresh spring water.” So, the image that Jesus uses here in Revelation is not that difficult to imagine. The fact that Jesus invites us to drink "without cost" from the spring of the water of life should raise a few eyebrows. However, it’s the nature of this gif...

Take a moment, and make a list, of all those things that, at one time were such a common part of lives that it seemed hard to even imagine a world without them.  Now listen to the list of things in Revelation that John tells us will one day no longer exist. The day is coming soon when all of these, which we mistakenly assume to simply be a part of life, will no longer exist.

Our Savior’s description of the the Good Shepherd is more than a sentimental image. Our Savior’s rescue, and His strong grip, with which He holds you, is real. There's tremendous comfort in hearing that nothing can snatch us from it.

When you hear how the leaders in Jerusalem grilled Jesus you would think that our Savior was trying to be hide who is was.  But that wasn’t the case at all. However, as a result of the salvation that you and I now have in Him, there is a day approaching in which there will be a wonderful "big reveal."

What is the most important and influential photograph of all time? Over the years a number of lists have been made of photos that fit this description.  And chances are got that you’ve seem most or all of them. However, as amazing as these images are, they find themselves eclipsed by the panorama that John presents to us here in Revelation.

While they were fishing and waiting to see Jesus, the disciples weren’t expecting that He was there – and with them.  John simply tells us that “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” And while you and I go about our busy days, our risen Savior wants you to know He is here – and with you.

It’s tempting to feel insignificant and overlooked in a world which takes little notice of Christians.  So, living in a culture that grows ever more hostile to Christ, it's shocking to hear the announcement was made to John in this passage.  And it’s one that applies to you as well. Jesus Himself tells us that we’re a kingdom!  And you and I have been made priests to serve our loving God!

Today’s Christians are often short-changed.  They’re being robbed as they miss out a remarkable blessing. Think of how often you hear how this new life is described as "the easy life" and collecting riches. It’s a far cry from the suffering and sacrifice that God described for Paul.  But you can be sure that the apostle wouldn’t have it any other way. Wait until you hear why.

Shortly before the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, our Savior prayed for the disciples saying: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message.” In Acts, we hear how the apostles continued to proclaim this message. And what they shared was far from piffle.

Are you afraid?  If you are, you’re not alone.  In recent weeks a number of polls have indicated a growing sense of fear across the country. Now, consider the fears that John faced. It’s into the midst of all of this that John was given a vision of our risen Savior in heaven. Instead of the familiar face of Jesus, who appeared before the disciples on Easter, now He is revealed in all of His glory....

On Easter morning, the disciples missed out on hours of joy that could have been their’s when they failed to believe what the women had told them. And Thomas missed out on a full week of joy when He didn't believe what the disciples had told him – that Jesus had risen! Thankfully, you and I don't have to wait. The Good News of our Savior's resurrection, and our forgiveness and everlasting life in...

It must have been a little frustrating for the women to be treated this condescendingly when they shared the good news of our Savior's resurrection.  And that’s probably an accurate description of what you and I may experience when we share it with our family, friends and loved ones. But that doesn’t mean that the Good News of Easter isn’t true. Take a look at the encouraging facts of what took pl...

You can be sure that the women had a long list of things they needed to accomplish on Easter morning.  Wake up just before the crack of dawn, gather the team, collect up the spices, and make their way to the tomb.  But then it dawned on them.  They had left one thing off the list:  “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But, in their grief, this wasn’t the only thing they fo...

As you hear again the wonderful announcement of Easter morning, be careful not to fill up on empty promises. There are a lot of sugar-coated, empty promises that get squeezed into the season. What the women were confronted with on Easter morning was not a basket of empty promises, but an empty tomb – and the fulfillment of God’s promise of everlasting life for you.

Amidst the many details, surrounding the events of our Savior’s Passion, God made sure to include one that we may easily overlook. And it's particularly useful as we sit down to hear of our Lord's suffering and death, whether at home in our devotions or at worship, on this Good Friday.

Does it seem hard to have thoughts of “joy” during Holy Week? Does it feel “out of place”? Holy Week is certainly a solemn time as you and I reflect on the pain, suffering and death which Jesus faced on our behalf. And there’s good reason that a hush descends upon our worship services. But it would be a mistake to conclude that there is no room for joy. And if you have any doubt about this then co...

When it comes to the events of Palm Sunday, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, have all recorded, with great detail, Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.  And it’s worth knowing that what makes it memorable is the care that went into it, the visual spectacle it created, and the unmistakable statement He was careful to make. However, it's not the entrance of a superhero. It's the entrance of our Savior!

With such astounding results you might imagine that Jonah would be doing cartwheels!  The people of Nineveh, to who he was sent, repented. However, instead seeing him celebrate, the prophet was disappointed and upset. Why would God forgive His enemies? However, taking a closer look at this question will go along way in helping us understand, and celebrate in just a few short weeks, what Easter is...

Here in Luke, Jesus quoted Psalm 118, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone." In Jesus’ day the chief priests and the teachers of the law rejected Him.  Many of their reasons for rejecting Him are the same reasons people have for rejecting Him today.  However, God Himself has carried off the work of your salvation with perfect planning and precision. And the result is...

Reruns.  They’re the repeats, or rebroadcasts, of television episodes that have already been aired in the past.  Some reruns are cherished favorites.  Others are almost too painful to watch.  Well, it may surprise you to learn that the apostle Paul knew a thing or two about reruns. And God wants you to know something important about them, too.

It’s not surprising that Jonah panicked and fled when God called him to be His prophet to the people of Nineveh However, the prophet was confronted with a number of different fears as he considered this calling. Surprisingly, one of his fears was ... the fear of success.

I’m sure that you’ve heard the phrase, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”  You and I are surrounded by so many schemes and scams these days that we cannot help but raise an eyebrow when what we’re promised is so much more than we should expect to receive. There must be a catch. There must be hidden drawbacks.  So, put yourself in the sandals of the younger sibling in Jesus’...