… and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Summary: Are we really involved in what happens in the “heavenly realms?” According to Paul, we are. The question is, “How?”
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:12c – Heavenly Struggles”Matthew 6:12 – The Way to Heaven
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Summary: At first glance, this passage in the Lord’s Prayer looks simple and unassuming. Looking closer, we find that it masks a dark reality.
Continue reading “Matthew 6:12 – The Way to Heaven”Matthew 6:10 – Boloney!
… on earth as it is in heaven.
Summary: Jesus compares earth and heaven in a way that only he can. It is a teaching moment that illuminates who Jesus is as well as where he is from.
Continue reading “Matthew 6:10 – Boloney!”2 Corinthians 12:3 — Heaven Is Real
I know that this man was caught up into paradise …
Summary: There are places we cannot go on our own. Sometimes we have to be lifted up by others if we are going to get there. God sent the Lord Jesus so that we might all be lifted up to heaven.
Continue reading “2 Corinthians 12:3 — Heaven Is Real”2 Corinthians 12:2 — The Third Heaven
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven.
Summary: In today’s passage Paul makes an offhand comment about the “third heaven.” Pondering what he means opens the door of our understanding wider when we consider the meaning of “heaven.”
Continue reading “2 Corinthians 12:2 — The Third Heaven”Matthew 5:18 — Two Kinds of Heaven
… until heaven and earth disappear
Summary: Understanding the Lord’s Prayer begins with understanding the words Jesus used.
Continue reading “Matthew 5:18 — Two Kinds of Heaven”2 Peter 1:18 — The Real Deal
We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Summary: There was a reason that Jesus took three disciples up the mountain to witness his transfiguration.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:18 — The Real Deal”2 Peter 1:11 — Touchdown
…and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Summary: Sometimes we make simple things complicated by focusing on the wrong thing. Paul explains the foundation for Peter’s seven step plan. The goal is to honor our Lord in this life and the next.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:11 — Touchdown”Baggage – John 12: 25
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
The hour has come. Jesus is now facing the end of his ministry, the reality of his mission on earth. In verse 24 he summarizes his situation. In today’s verse, he applies that same principle to the lives of those who would follow Him.
What is the life that we lose? What is the life that we keep? Clearly, there is a choice here. The question that leaps to the eye is, “How do we discern the difference?”
Continue reading “Baggage – John 12: 25”