eternal rewards

Does Jesus Want You to Sell your Stuff? (Luke 12:33)

June 7, 2018 // 42 Comments

The Bible is full of treasures that we are afraid to open. We fear scriptures that are meant to bless us, and we run from words that should fill us with joy. Here’s an example: Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke 12:33) There is treasure here. Do you see it? Do you realize what Jesus is saying? [...]

What are Heavenly Treasures?

March 1, 2018 // 36 Comments

We know there are heavenly treasures, because Jesus says so, but what are they? Some say God is going to dispense treasure, mansions, and even cities to those who have proven faithful. “There had better be some reward for my hard work—a gold star at least—otherwise why I am working?” Others say there are [...]

Rewarded for their Labor? (1 Corinthians 3:8)

June 11, 2015 // 20 Comments

I have been asked this question again and again: What are heavenly rewards? Or, how do rewards fit in with grace? Some say there are no rewards, yet Jesus spoke about storing up treasure and Paul spoke about being rewarded for our labor. I have a long chapter on Eternal Rewards in my book The Gospel in Twenty [...]

The Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27)

May 28, 2015 // 29 Comments

Jesus told two parables about servants entrusted with money; the parable of the talents and the parable of the minas. In both stories a nobleman goes on a journey (okay, so we know it’s Jesus), and before he leaves he entrusts his servants with his wealth. In both stories the man returns and promotes those who [...]

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–8)

March 19, 2015 // 40 Comments

The strangest parable Jesus ever told was about a man who cheats on his boss and is then praised for doing so (see Luke 16:1–8). The parable of the shrewd manager (or the unjust steward) is puzzling. What is Jesus trying to tell us? That it’s okay to cook the books, diddle the figures, and engage in [...]

Disqualified for the Prize?

May 6, 2013 // 46 Comments

I’m a bit of a runner. Last year I clocked up 500 miles in runs around my neighborhood. No marathons or ultras or anything like that. Just regular 5 mile runs and the odd 10k race. I’m not particularly fast and I’m not going to win any gold medals, but I am pretty confident that my physical discipline is [...]