April 23

When a believer dies, does he/she go straight to heaven?

Well, the story of The Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 might leave you wondering. It’s another great example of why exploring the immediate context and overarching context of a particular Bible verse or passage is so important. The immediate context of a Bible verse or passage is simply the surrounding verses, chapter, and book a verse is found within. These things give us the who, what, where, and why: who the author was speaking/writing to—the immediate audience (Jew, Gentile, the Church, etc.), what he was talking about—the subject in question, where he was saying it (Jerusalem, Samaria, Galatia, etc.,), and why he was saying it—the circumstances or reasons for the address.

Overarching context considers what the rest of the Bible says about the subject in question: For example, if it’s a New Testament question, does the Old Testament address it in some way? If so, where, when, and what does it say? If it’s a New Testament question, is the subject addressed before the Cross & Resurrection of Jesus or after? This last question will actually answer the question we began with today, and you’ll see why in a few minutes.

First, Jesus notes that the poor man Lazarus died and was carried to “Abraham’s side.” Here’s our who of immediate context. This is THE Abraham from the Old Testament—founder .of the Hebrew nation, the one to whom God said, “All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you,” speaking of how Abraham would become the father of all who believe (Genesis 12:3; Romans 4:16). In John 8:39, replying to angry Pharisees wanting to kill him, Jesus replied, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did,” referring also to Abraham’s belief/faith in Him.

Now, let’s talk about the what. This place, “Abraham’s side,” is clearly some sort of safe place in the afterlife for believers. After all, Abraham’s here. Lazarus is delivered here by angels. (v. 22) They’re both at peace, and other believers are also here as Abraham says to the rich man in verse 26, “THOSE who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.“ So, we have a safe place in the afterlife, but where is this place—heaven?

We know that this special place can be seen from Hades—the fiery place of torment where the rich man was taken. Throughout the New Testament, Hades refers to the abode of the dead, but specifically an inescapable place of punishment for the unbelieving. An impassable chasm also separates Hades from the place Jesus calls “Abraham’s side.” The Greek word translated “side” (kolpos) is better rendered as “bosom” or “bay” because it refers to the natural chest “pocket” that was made when a man donned his robe, folded one flap over the other, and cinched it with his belt. A man often rested his hand here.

More importantly, though, as men, messengers, and soldiers traveled at this time, they placed valuables in this hidden pocket to ensure their safety. Money, jewelry, secret messages, official documents, family papers… anything of the utmost importance went here. Abraham, Lazarus, and other believers are in a safe, secret place, where valuables are not lost and right next to God’s heart, it would seem. All of this information gives us the immediate context for Lazarus’ afterlife question.

Now, we need to consider the overarching context. Is there another “safe, secret place” mentioned in the Bible? Yes! In Luke 23:43, Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This ancient Persian word (paradeisos) referred to a special enclosure like a garden or park, an Eden-type place. Another puzzle piece of overarching context here is that, by this time in his gospel, Luke has already mentioned “heaven” (Gr., ouranos) nineteen times! So, if Jesus was referring to the actual “heaven” in Luke 16, it’s safe to say that He would have used that word—not these other special ones. Luke 23:43 is also the last time the New Testament mentions a safe, secret place for believers. There is no other mention of this place after the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, and now we have our why.

After Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sin, there was no need for a special holding place for believers. Because of Jesus’ finished work, the way to heaven was opened forever! This is why Paul could say with confidence in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that, for the believer, to be absent from the body is “to be present with the Lord.” When Jesus rose from the grave, Paul notes in Ephesians 4:8 that He fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 68:18, saying, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” This ancient form of post-war celebration involved the victorious general leading his army in a triumphal procession, along with all ransomed war captives, all of the enemy prisoners, and all of their armor and treasures down the main street of the city. (Colossians 2:14-15) And, this is the picture the New Testament gives us of Jesus’ post-war celebration: All the saints who’d waited in faith for years in Abraham’s bosom went home that day—marching down the great street of heaven, right behind General Jesus in triumphal procession.

Application

Because of sin, everyone’s default destination is Hades, unless he/she believes in Jesus. (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23) Hebrews 9:27 says that, after we die, the next thing is judgment. Have you secured your final destiny in Heaven? The only way to do so is to throw yourself onto the mercy seat of God and put your faith in Jesus. If you do, when you die, you will go straight to Heaven—no layover in Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom—because Jesus’ blood paved the way and threw open the gates.

If you do not, Hades will be your next stop—the fiery, tormenting abode of the dead. You might even see that rich man there and hear once more his ringing words, along with many other fearful souls. But, sadly, this will not be the final stop or fire. That is Gehenna—the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) It is forever.

Please, if you sense God speaking to you in these words, do not test Him. Call on Jesus now to save you from your sins, and reach out to us if you do. We would love to help you get started on your new journey to Heaven!

The post Abraham’s Bosom appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

March 9

Welcome to the Gospel of Mark. Over the last ten weeks, we’ve looked at the Gospels of John and the Matthew. Each had its own “feel,” concentrating on different things. While John was more theological in nature, looking at the person and work of Jesus, Matthew focused more on Jesus’ parables and the Kingdom of heaven.

John began His Gospel with the cosmic aspects of Jesus as being a part of creating the universe. Matthew began with the birth narrative of Jesus; Luke will begin with the birth narrative, too. Mark introduces John the Baptizer, however, and then catapults us forward, straight into Jesus’ ministry of delivering people from demons and infirmities.

Mark will feel very different. It may even feel fast. In fact, we’ll encounter the word immediately a lot in this book—four times in the first chapter alone. Tradition says that Matthew and Luke wrote their Gospels with an eye on Mark’s Gospel. Tradition also says that Mark wrote his Gospel as Peter told him about Jesus and His ministry. Look back at yesterday and ask yourself if Peter may have discipled Mark.

One thing that jumps out in Mark 1 is the message preached by both John the Baptizer and Jesus. Both call their hearers to do something, and their hearers immediately respond. John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Lots of people from all around responded to John’s invitation, coming to him for baptism and confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4–5) Jesus announced the advance of God’s Kingdom and called His hearers to repent and believe. (Mark 1:15)

Repent.

Now, that’s not a word we hear every day! Tragically, it’s not even a word that we hear in most churches in a year! So, what is repentance, and why is it so rarely mentioned?

The word repent means to change your mind. There are two Greek words that mean to change your mind. The first is similar to ordering chicken primavera and then telling the waiter, “No, give me the baked fish instead.” You simply change your mind.

The other Greek word for repent is similar to ordering chicken, telling the waiter no, and then walking out the door to go to the vegan restaurant across town, never to eat meat products again. This word is not just changing your order from chicken to fish, or even a chicken salad. This is changing your mind to never eat meat products again. This mind change is a permanent life change, and this is the Greek word used by both John and Jesus in their preaching to the masses.

John and Jesus didn’t just invite hearers to pray a prayer and fill out a decision card. They called their hearers to a transformed life.

So, why is repent so rarely used in churches today? It used to be common vocabulary for preachers across the country, heard multiple times in churches every weekend. Now, it’s fallen out of style as churches have changed their approach and messaging.

In an effort to appeal to the masses and be less offensive to prospective attendees, many churches skip (or minimize) the concept of repenting from sin and coming to Jesus for justification. Instead, many churches have turned to “feel good” sermons that talk about how to God wants to bless you in material ways or five ways to be a better person.

Application

Every week, many people flock to churches and Christian TV programs to hear messages about how to live their best life now, with no mention of their dire need for repentance and forgiveness from the Holy God—no mention of sin, no mention of a coming judgment on man’s sinful condition and sinful life choices.

John the Baptizer and Jesus didn’t approach their ministries this way. They knew eternity was/is at stake. Eternity is a long time, but it doesn’t just begin when we cross over to glory. Eternal life begins on this side of glory.

Eternal life is all about knowing and being known. (John 17:3; Matthew 7:21–23) Do you have a personal, growing relationship with God? Do you know Him better and love Him more now than in the past? Are you making yourself more vulnerable to be exposed before His holiness in order to become more like Jesus?

Don’t settle for shallow churches that settle for shallow faith here and now. Don’t settle for churches that only talk about life on the other side of glory. Jesus offers so much more! He offers Himself, and He offers a transformed life.

The post Repent? appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

January 9

Throughout John 7, we see people arguing over Jesus’ identity. Is He the Messiah? Could He be the One?

Besides the questions, people also expressed their opinions: “He’s a good man.” (v. 12) “No, on the contrary, he’s deceiving the people.” (v. 12) The Jewish leaders asked, “How is this man so learned, since he hasn’t been trained?” (v. 15) “No man ever spoke like this.” (v. 46) Still, others said, “You have a demon, (v. 20) and, “Can it be true that the authorities know he is the Messiah? (v. 26)

Many people. Many opinions. Some key statements rise above others, and give us clues as to why there was so much debate on Who He was, and why there wasn’t more debate. “Nobody was talking publicly about him for fear of the Jews.” (v. 13) The average Joseph may have had his questions, but he dared not ask those questions out loud. The risk of facing the wrath of the Jewish leaders kept them silent.

Nicodemus rightly noted, “Our law doesn’t judge a man before it hears from him and knows what he’s doing, does it?” Nicodemus had already encountered Jesus and some of His claims (see John 3). It seems that, at this point, Nic was a closet believer or at least an open-minded skeptic. His question about the application of the Law in Jesus’ case was met with accusations from other Jewish leaders that he was already convinced that Jesus was the Messiah.

Application

C.S. Lewis and other Christian apologists (defenders of the Christian Faith) since, like Josh McDowell, have insisted that Jesus was either a raging Lunatic, a Liar, or He was who He claimed to be: Lord. In his classic Mere Christianity, Lewis first presented this argument, which today is popularly known as the “Trilemma.” He insisted that one cannot say that Jesus was just a “good moral teacher” because Jesus didn’t leave us that option, and the more we examine the Gospel accounts, the more we find it really is that simple.

As you encounter people who have their own opinions and questions about Jesus, remember Lewis’ Trilemma argument and ask them these questions: “Lunatic, Liar, or Lord?” On that same note, who do you say that Jesus is? Would you be willing to bet your eternal destiny on your answer?

The post Division over Jesus’ Identity appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

We will turn our calendars to 2026 in just two days! But didn’t we flip our calendars to 2025 just last week?

In this day and time, we find it easy to kick back and “rest on our laurels.” But the Bible urges us to be purposeful with our time. (Ephesians 5:16; Proverbs 19:16; Proverbs 10:4) The time we have on this side of eternity is very short.

No one knows when their time will be up. And no one knows when the current age will come. Each of us will be called to account for our lives. (Romans 14:12)

So, what are your plans to purposefully use your time in 2026? What will you do to grow closer to God and to love Him more? Have you even given that a thought?

I developed a new plan for reading through the New Testament in 2026. I discussed the plan last week.

You can download it here. The plan is straightforward. Just follow the plan to read one chapter each day, five days each week. It will take you about five minutes to read the scheduled chapter.

Each day that we have a scheduled reading, I will post a short devotional on my website. If you’re interested in receiving these devotionals in your Inbox, just click subscribe. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and you’ll need to respond to that email.

My goal for publishing these devotionals is to help you to become more like Jesus, to grow in your relationship with God, and fall in love with God’s Word. The devotionals are brief and will take just a few minutes to read.

So by spending about ten minutes each day, you will read through the New Testament and my devotionals in 2026. You won’t need a special Bible to complete the reading plan. If you don’t already have a Bible that you can read and understand, hop over to Bible.com and choose a modern translation such as my favorites, the Christian Standard Bible or the English Standard Version.

Let’s grow spiritually in 2026. (2 Peter 3:18) Download the plan and subscribe to receive my devotionals. We’ll dive in on Thursday!

Please note: Reading my devotionals is not a substitute for reading the Bible! The devotionals supplement the readings of the Bible text.

Growing in grace and knowledge,
Pastor Craig

The post Read Through the New Testament in 2026 appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

We finish our reading through the New Testament with today’s Bible reading. John describes Heaven as the Garden of Eden revisited with only the Tree of Life—not the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. What was lost in the Garden of Eden has been remade in the new, beautiful city of Heaven. As Adam once walked with God in the Garden in the cool of the day, God’s people will once again walk with Him in glory—face to face!

Having seen and described what he saw, John hears an angel tell him what must soon take place. The angel told John the same thing in Revelation 1:1-3. Over and over, Jesus tells John that He is coming soon. God’s people are to remain close and clean. It’s a good reminder for John and for us.

Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come.
Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 (CSB)

Application

Both God and His Church invite anyone who would come. No one will be admitted into Heaven who doesn’t want to be there. There is a universal offer, and everyone who comes will be welcomed. For anyone who is thirsty, the water of life is free for the taking.

Yes, there is a universal offer, but God is not a universalist. No one will be MADE to drink. Only the thirsty will come. Only those who are drawn will come. (John 6:44) And, all who come will come through Jesus alone. (John 14:6)

As you have read through Revelation, I hope you’ve found comfort and assurance that God is in control. If not, I hope you have been confronted by God’s Word and made adjustments accordingly. Christ’s offer is still on the table for anyone who hears and anyone who thirsts. Praise God!

This devotional was originally published on December 28, 2019.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– Revelation 19
– Revelation 20
– Revelation 21
– Revelation 22

If you would like to receive these devotionals by email each day that we have a Bible reading, click here!

The post The End is a Great Beginning appeared first on Psalm 34:8.