Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 13, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What's In Your Future

Benjamin Franklin said, "Only two things are sure in life: death and taxes." If I were to rewrite his statement, I'd add one more--judgment. No matter who you are, when death comes, judgment follows. For the unbeliever, it will be at the Great White Throne Judgment seen in Revelation 20:11-15. For the believer, it will be at the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).

Let's look at one of the places in the Bible where the apostle Paul describes that future day for the believer.

What Does God Say?

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, ESV).

 

    * What foundation do we build our lives upon?
    * What materials can we build with?
    * How will this material be tested?
    * What is the outcome of this test?

My Thoughts

Unbelievers will face a judgment that determines their eternal destiny. Believers will face a judgment that determines their eternal rewards. While there is nothing that an unbeliever can do to earn his or her way into heaven, there is much that a believer can do to make sure that his works stand the fires of God's judgment. Look at the following verses and indicate some of the ways you can "fireproof" your works:

    * 1 John 2:28
    * Philippians 2:14-15
    * Ephesians 6:5-8

My Part

Paul says in Philippians 4:13 (ESV), "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Every thing that you do in your power will be burned up; only those things which are done through Christ's power will survive. This week, ask God to make you conscious of when you are operating in His power and when you are doing His work in your power.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 14, 2008
Topic: Jesus, Service/Servanthood


The Judgment Seat of Christ

What is the most exciting day in your future? A wedding day? A graduation day? Perhaps you're planning an exciting trip and can't wait until the day of your departure? But if you're a Christian, there's a very exciting day coming. The Bible tells us what it is.

What Does God Say?

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

Now, if you're like me, you might be thinking, "Exciting? Frightening is more like it!" But the Bible sets our minds at ease.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV)

My Thoughts

Standing before Christ at His Judgment Seat is, first of all, a privilege. If we were not His followers, we would not be there.

Secondly, we will stand before Him individually. This is not a group event. Our accountability is personal. He'll not judge you on the basis of another's thoughts, words or actions. You will stand alone before Him. That likely makes your heart race and your knees weak. But you will be filled with gratitude and joy that you are in the fullness of His presence.

   1. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:10, write down your feelings as you consider appearing at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
   2. Read Romans 8:1 again. As you read it, do you feel relief, are you skeptical, do you have mixed feelings? Define your response to that verse.
   3. Draw two stick figure illustrations. In one, sketch your image of the Judgment Seat before you read this study. In the other, your depiction of it now that you've read part of the study.
   4. Ask God if there is anything He wants you to do today--someone He wants you to call or some need He wants you to meet--to serve Him?

Jesus says, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded" (Matthew 10:42, NLT).

There are two things to know as you work for the Lord:

    * Remember He will enable you. Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, ESV)
    * Understand that service to anyone in Christ's name, Jesus accepts as service to Himself. "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40, NLT).

My Part

If you and I have a limited number of days to serve Jesus (and our days are numbered), then doesn't it make sense that we do so now, every day?

Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to help you prepare beginning today for that moment you appear before His Judgment Seat.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 15, 2008
Topic: God


The Perfect Judge

A lady in high society commissioned a well-known artist to paint her portrait. When it was finished and the completed picture revealed, the lady was disappointed. In a disdainful tone of voice, she told the artist, "I really don't think you did me justice."

"Madam," the artist replied, "you don't want justice, you want mercy."

To be honest, when it comes time for God to judge us, most of us will want a large degree of mercy along with the justice. Will we get it? Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV).

    * What makes Jesus a merciful judge?
    * In what way is Jesus different from us?
    * What will we find when we draw near to Jesus?

My Thoughts

Many people view the Judgment Seat of Christ with fear and trembling. And rightfully so. It will be the place where all our motives as well as our actions will be laid bare. But in the midst of it, we need to remember God's mercy and grace. No one understands better than Jesus what it means to be human.

My Part

Give thanks today that God tempers His justice with mercy and grace.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 20, 2008
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Heaven


More Than Today

It's easy to get tangled up, stressed out and totally overwhelmed by the worries and demands of life. When that happens, we tend to become careless about our relationship with God. We stop reading our Bibles and praying. We don't take time to tell others about Jesus. As a result, we short-change ourselves when it comes to fellowship with God. As Christians, we need to have an eternal perspective that helps us live--today.

What Does God Say?

Paul shows us this eternal perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (ESV).

This body we live in, the worries and struggles we face, the demands of daily life--they're all temporary and transient. They don't last. We're to live today without forgetting that but also with heaven in mind. Keep reading through 2 Corinthians 4 and into 5:1-6 to see how Paul underscores the temporary nature of this life. He doesn't treat it lightly as if it doesn't matter, but he reminds us that something more important--eternity with God--is coming.

So, what about today? Does it matter what you do with it? The answer is yes. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (ESV, emphasis added)

We may be longing for heaven, but we're not there yet. Today the challenge is to "walk by faith, not by sight." Remember, what you see is transient; it won't last (2 Corinthians 4:18). And today, we "make it our aim to please him," because there is a reward to come when we stand before Jesus in heaven.

My Thoughts

What can you do today that pleases God as you walk by faith? Here are just a few assignments the believer is given.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

    * What is the ministry or task we're given?
    * How does it fit with what's eternal?
    * How do you personally fulfill this mission?

John 13:34-35

    * What is the new commandment?
    * Whose example are you to follow?
    * What does keeping it reveal about you?

Romans 12:1-2

    * What is the charge given here?
    * What perspective needs to be changed or removed?
    * What is the outcome of this transformation?

Hebrews 12:1-2

    * What are you challenged to do here?
    * What needs to change or be set aside?
    * What are you to focus on as you run the race?

You'll also find some day-to-day choices and actions that please God in passages like Romans 12:9-20 and Hebrews 13:1-18.

My Part

So, you've been given today. What will you do with it that matters for eternity? Think through your daily routine. How are you doing at the ministry of reconciliation? At running with your eyes on Jesus? At laying aside the entanglements of sin? What about loving others as Christ did? Is your sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to Him? What are some practical ways you're doing this? What other ways can you think of to fulfill these assignments?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who needs to see how Jesus loves them through you. Maybe you need to deal with a habit of sin that keeps tripping you up. Maybe you let the worries and concerns of your day undermine "walking by faith" or you easily "lose heart" instead of being "of good courage." Commit that issue to the Lord, ask for His direction and help in reshaping your attitude or actions and then take action. Yes, what you do today matters for eternity.

Borrow Colossians 1:9-12 as your prayer; it covers all that you need for today as well as reminding you of the eternal reward or inheritance from God.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 21, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Junk Mail

Don't you just hate junk mail? It fills our mailboxes. It clutters our kitchen tables and countertops. It multiplies faster than fleas on a dog--and it's just about as aggravating. Sometimes it's hard to find the really important mail underneath the crush of all the junk. The only solution is to sort through it, toss the worthless stuff (which is most of it) and file the rest so you can find it when needed.

Unfortunately, our lives can be filled with the equivalent of junk mail as well. Some of it is simply worthless while others can be actually harmful. And the solution is the same--sort, toss and file. Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

"It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house (2 Samuel 11:1-4, ESV).

    * What should David have been doing?
    * What was his response when he saw Bathsheba?
    * Can you identify the "junk mail" that arrived in his mailbox?
    * Read the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 11:5-17. Identify some of the other junk mail that came to David's box.

Fortunately, the story doesn't end there. When confronted by Nathan the prophet, David repented and got rid of the junk mail. We read about this in Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12.

"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin! (vv. 1-2).

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit (vv. 10-12).

    * What was David's response to God?
    * What did David desire?

My Thoughts

David had allowed his life to be filled with junk mail. It had begun with laziness, then lust, followed by immorality, deceit and even murder. As a result, the "good stuff" (the joy of God's salvation) had gotten lost underneath the bad.

Fortunately, the prophet Nathan brought David to his senses. David then turned to the Lord to help him sort through and clean out the junk in his life. Then and only then was he able to experience the real joy that comes with salvation.

My Part

Have you allowed the joy of your salvation to be smothered by all the junk? Maybe it's not as serious as immorality or murder, but even seemingly harmless activities such as spending hours in front of the TV or playing computer games can rob you of the joy that should be yours as a Christian.

If so, follow David's example in Psalm 139:23-24 (another psalm of confession):

    * Ask God to help you sort out the junk from the good (create a clean heart).
    * Seek His cleansing from all that is robbing you of your joy (wash me).
    * Focus on those things that will bring you joy in the Lord (restore the joy of Your salvation).

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 22, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Worthy of Reward

How do you feel about pop quizzes? What about taking a test when you're unsure how the instructor or teacher grades? What if you're not sure what material will be covered on the test? Doesn't seem fair, does it?

When God grades, He is always fair and just.

What Does God Say?

God tells us that at the end of life, there is going to be a test, an evaluation. He lets us know that our lives on earth will be judged. If you're a Christian, you will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you don't know Christ, you'll be judged at The Great White Throne Judgment.

"But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:13-14, NLT).

For each Scripture below, list the criteria the Lord gives us so we know what is worthy of reward.

"The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
They are a warning for your servant;
a great reward for those who obey them" (Psalm 19:9, 11, NLT)

"So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT)

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else" (Galatians 6:4, NLT).

My Thoughts

The prospect of rewards should lead to:

    * Diligence.

"Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" 2 John 1:8 (NLT).

    * Dedication

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).

    * Endurance

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NLT)

My Part

Suppose you won a contest at your local bank. The prize is this: You have three minutes to gather as much money as you can from two vaults. One vault holds $5 bills and the other vault contains $100 bills. Where would you begin? Easy choice, right?!!

If you only have a limited number of days to earn your rewards from the Lord, doesn't it make perfect sense to begin now and do all you can in His service?

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 23, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Performance Review - 1

Have you ever heard of the "boss key"? Not long ago, when computer games were still fairly new, a lot of them were programmed with a boss key. The idea was that if you were playing a game at work and your boss happened to walk by, you could press the boss key and the game would disappear from the screen leaving behind something that looked like company work. When the boss went away, you would press the key again and resume your game.

Life doesn't come equipped with a boss key though. And it's impossible to hide anything from God.

What Does God Say?

"He will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives" (2 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

With that in mind, read what Paul had to say to the Corinthians: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

It's easy to read those words and think, God's always watching; He's waiting for me to mess up so He can punish me! But Paul took it as a positive: "God's always watching, and everything I do that pleases Him will be rewarded."

As we look closer at 2 Corinthians 5, notice that this knowledge enabled Paul to live with confidence.

My Thoughts

As you read through 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, think about the following questions:

1. How does Paul describe his "earthly home"? What keeps him going?
2. When we die, who will give us new bodies?
3. Describe a time in your life when your longing for heaven was nearly overwhelming.
4. We want to put on our new bodies so these dying bodies will be swallowed up by what?
5. What should be the goal of all Christ-followers?

My Part

Our day at the Judgment Seat of Christ will ultimately be a day of blessing and rejoicing. Our salvation won't be in question, only our rewards. If there's anything bad about that day, it will be the realization that we wasted some opportunities. What can you do today to increase your joy when that Day arrives?

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 24, 2008
Topic: God's Care, Heaven


Performance Review - 2

Do you remember being disciplined by your parents? Can you recall a time you were scolded by a school principal? By your boss? By the coach? I would be willing to make a guess that no matter how stern the lecture, if it were done publicly, it seemed a lot more humiliating than a private upbraiding.

But what about our final life-performance review? Will it be held before an audience?

What Does God Say?

Romans 14:10,12, "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." (ESV)

Second Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (ESV).

    * Who is going to have to give an account?
    * What will be the result of this judgment?
    * How does this make you feel?

My Thoughts

Both of the verses above refer to the Judgment Seat of Christ. Christians are the only ones who will appear at this judgment, and it will be a private one-on-one encounter between you and the Judge. Romans 14:12 says, "each of us will give an account" and 2 Corinthians 5:10 says "each one may receive." Every Christian must stand before that one Judge. But Jesus is the judge of individuals, not the masses. He's not going to put up on a screen or read aloud all the things we've done so others can know, because, quite frankly, at that point nobody will much care what others have done. We're going to be concerned about how we fare at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

My Part

Draw a picture of Christ's judgment seat. Using a stick figure, place yourself in relationship to this judgment seat--the farther away you are, the more fearful you are. Now take a few moments to think about what you could do to be less fearful and draw closer to Jesus (Hebrews 10:22). Ask God to remove the fear and replace it with a confidence in what Christ has done for you.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 27, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Saved for a Reason

Some years ago, when the The Merv Griffin Show was a popular late-night program, Merv had a body builder as his guest. During the interview, Merv asked, "Why do you develop those particular muscles?"

The body builder simply stepped forward and flexed a series of well-defined muscles from chest to calf. The audience applauded.

"But what do you use all those muscles for?" Merv asked. Again his guest flexed his biceps and triceps which sprouted to impressive proportions.

"But what do you use those muscles for?" Merv persisted.

The body builder was bewildered. He didn't have an answer other than to display his well-developed frame.

Some Christians have the same confusion. They've received Christ as their Savior, but that's where it stops. Yet the Bible says God saves us for a reason and that reason is more than simply going to heaven. Let's see what the reason is.

What Does God Say?

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10, ESV).

    * How are we saved?
    * What are we saved for?
    * What is special about this?

My Thoughts

Those works which take place as a result of our salvation are called "fruit." Look at the following verses and determine what kind of fruit God wants us to bear:

    * Romans 1:13
    * Galatians 5:22-23
    * Hebrews 13:15
    * Colossians 1:10
    * Ephesians 5:9

My Part

Consider the different areas of fruit bearing from the list above. Select a "fruit" that needs to increase in your life. Determine what "good work" that God may have prepared for you that will encourage this fruit to grow in your life.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 28, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Obedience/Discipleship


Motivation for Service

A loaded station wagon pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four youngsters leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up a tent. The boys then rushed off to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father: "That, sir, is some display of teamwork."

The father replied, "Well, I have a system. No one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

There are many ways to motivate people; the one God uses is rewards.

What Does God Say?

The Lord Jesus Himself lists rewards as a motivation for service (Matthew 6:1, 10:42, 16:27). But how can you serve in such a way that you will be eligible for rewards? Here are three ways:

Diligence: "Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" (2 John 1:8, NLT).

Read 2 John 1:7-9 and answer the following questions:

   1. Who are the "deceivers" and what are they teaching?
   2. What do those who remain faithful to the teachings about Christ possess?
   3. How are we to treat those who hold false teachings?

Dedication: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).

   1. Why is it important to focus your energies on the future?
   2. What is Paul working for?
   3. Through whom does God call us to heaven?

Determination: "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NLT).

   1. What part of you is being renewed every day?
   2. How does it encourage you to know that your troubles today are temporary and short-lived compared to eternity?
   3. What do today's problems produce?
   4. How successful are you at "fixing your gaze on things that cannot be seen."

My Thoughts

Every Christian should hope to someday hear Jesus personally say to him or her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, NLT). The greatest reward of all is to know that you have pleased your Lord and Master. But that can't be won lightly. Determine today that you will strive with all your might to be one of those who will be received with such a commendation.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV).

My Part

What is your strongest motivation for service to the Lord? Identify what motivates you, and then ask the Lord for sensitivity, opportunity and strength for service for Him--our Lord and our God.

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 29, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Run the Race

As the world reels under the impact of what some have called an "economic tsunami," one thing is pretty clear: Many corporate leaders made decisions based on greed rather than wisdom. They were lining their own pockets at the expense of everyone else.

So, it's only natural to wonder if considering rewards as a motive for service is not the same issue. Could it be a sign of greed or is it something the Bible approves of? Let's see what God's Word says.

What Does God Say?

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV).

    * What is the prize that Paul is talking about in this verse?
    * Paul compares the Christian life to a race. How are we to run it?
    * In light of the comparison Paul makes, what are some of the implications if you want to win the prize?

My Thoughts

If you answered the first question as "salvation," think again. Salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), not something that we win by our own efforts. Instead, Paul is talking about rewards. And, instead of seeing it as a sign of greed, he actually urges us to do everything that we can to win them.

My Part

Consider today how you might be able to run the race better and win the prize. Take a sheet of paper and divide it down the middle. On one side, list some of the attitudes/activities that need to be cast off to run the race well (see Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 3:8 ). On the other side, list some of the attitudes/activities that you should put on (Colossians 3:12).

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 30, 2008
Topic: Jesus, Pain/Suffering, Service/Servanthood, Heaven


The Reward of Praise

Sir Philip Sidney, a 16th century English statesman, said, "It is great happiness to be praised by them who are most praiseworthy."

Who is most worthy of all praise, honor and glory? Jesus, of course. So, whose praise would you most like to hear for your service? The answer should be Jesus'. In fact, when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and hear Him say, "Well done," that will be a "great happiness" which lasts for all eternity.

What Does God Say?

In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about a master who entrusted his wealth to his servants while he was away. On his return, the servants were judged and rewarded. "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'" (Matthew 25:21, ESV).

Jesus will do the same with us. One day He will return to judge our service, and He will commend the faithful, fruitful work we've done. He'll reward us in a number of ways, but that personal praise will be worth it all.

The apostle Paul focused on this future praise in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5. "It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (ESV). This praise can be a great motivation for service.

On the other hand, if you do good things so that people here and now notice, you're working for the wrong praise. In Matthew 6:1-2, Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (ESV).

If you're serving or living righteously so that everyone around you see you and thinks you're the best Christian ever--if their praise is all you want, then that's all you'll get. And you will miss the more worthwhile praise of Christ.

My Thoughts

These passages offer further insight into our motivation for praise and service.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

    * What was the service done here?
    * What motivated them to speak?
    * What was not part of their service or motivation?

Colossians 3:23-24

    * Who is the focus of your service?
    * How should you do the work (attitude)?
    * Where does the reward come from?

1 Peter 1:6-7

    * What will result in praise, honor and glory?
    * How does this help you view or deal with present-day troubles?

In Matthew 25:21, the Master praises the "good and faithful servant."

    * "Good" means what is acceptable, excellent, what has integrity, quality or a moral uprightness. What do you think Jesus sees as "good" in your life today?
    * "Faithful" can also include being consistent, persistent, committed, unwavering, believing, trusting and obedient. How do you think Jesus would view your faithfulness today?

My Part

So, whose praise are you working for today? There's nothing wrong with graciously accepting praise from someone who recognizes or appreciates your service or your example. Just check your motivation. Did you do it expecting people to praise you? Are you hoping everyone notices how good your spiritual example is? Are you disappointed or even angry when your service isn't recognized?

In his book, Facing Your Final Job Review, Woodrow Kroll writes "How much a commendation by our Lord means to us after the judgment seat will depend on how much we love and respect him." We put more stock in praise from those we love and respect. So, are you content to settle for the temporary praise of the people around you? Or does your love for Christ compel you to desire and work for His perfect and eternal praise?

(Facing Your Final Job Review, p. 161)

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 31, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Wonder of Heaven

There was a time in my life when I had an "amusement park" mentality when it came to heaven. I looked forward to the mansions, the streets of gold, meeting famous historical figures and so on. Jesus was there, of course. But in the amusement park mentality, He never amounted to more than the guy at the ticket booth granting admission to the wonders of heaven.

But now that I'm older and I've spent more time in the Bible, I realize this: Jesus is the Wonder of heaven.

What Does God Say?

In Revelation 22 we have John's vision of heaven. "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (22:3-5, ESV).

We will be in a place where there will be no more evil, where all manipulators, deceivers and exploiters have been shut out forever, where we no longer have to be afraid of darkness in the lives of others (or ourselves), where all the fears and uncertainties of life will be obliterated by the perfect, always present love of God.

Mansions and rewards will be nice, but the real Wonder of heaven is the God who made it all possible. The more I think about it, I don't think I'll have any problem casting my rewards at the feet of my Savior and praising Him forever.

My Thoughts

As you read Revelation 22:1-21, think about the following questions:

1. What did the angel show John in this passage?
2. What is the angel's response when John turns to worship him?
3. Who does this passage say are "blessed"?
4. Who did the angel tell John to worship?
5. What encouragement does Jesus give us as we wait for His return?

My Part

Have you ever heard the phrase "heaven on earth"? If heaven were only streets of gold and crowns of glory, it would be impossible to experience any of that today. But part of heaven will be praising and worshiping our Creator. And you and I can praise and worship God right now. It doesn't matter where you are--Paul and Silas were in prison when they sang praises to God. Make it a point today to experience just a little bit of heaven by praising Jesus.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 3, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Heaven


Crown of Victory; Race of Life

During the Olympic Games, we see gold, silver and bronze medals hanging on ribbons around the necks of athletes who accomplished their goal. All that training, time, energy and money was invested over a period of years just so these young men or women could get a piece of metal.

And it's true, those medals will last a long time...but not forever. They can be stolen or lost; the ribbons will one day disintegrate and the moment of glory will be long gone. It's a fleeting honor.

What Does God Say?

However, the Bible says there is a medal--a crown--that lasts forever. And to get this reward, you must run a race, not in the Olympics but in life. Paul talks about this race and the crown we can earn in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (ESV).

God has a crown of victory for every Christian who runs the race of life well. It's His eternal reward for faithfulness, for enduring hardships, for keeping on when it's rough, for treating this race as a marathon and not a sprint.

It takes commitment and the understanding that a few "wins" or spiritual victories doesn't mean you can coast through the rest of your life. Writing to Timothy, Paul urged commitment and determination to see the race through, no matter how much it hurts, how severely you are tempted to get sidetracked by other things or how much you want to change the rules. "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:3-5, ESV).

My Thoughts

So, how do you receive the crown of victory? The Bible tells you. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 again and answer the following questions:

    * What does the spiritual athlete need to exercise?
    * What is our goal?
    * What are we not to do?
    * What are the keys to successful training?
    * When have you "run aimlessly" or "beat the air"?
    * What requires discipline and self-control in your life?

Go back to 2 Timothy 2:3-5.

    * What is the aim of the soldier or athlete?
    * What gets him off course?
    * What are some things in your life that "entangle" you?
    * What do you think some of the "rules" may be?

The Bible uses words like faithfulness and perseverance to show you how to run the race. Use a concordance and do your own word study to see how you can run for victory.

My Part

No Olympian just shows up on the day of the games to compete. What you see on the track or in the pool is the result of years of training and competing. In the race of life, you can't just "show up," but you need to train...and race every day of your life. God has provided you with a coach--the Holy Spirit--and His training manual, the Bible.

As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you need self-control, added discipline in your training or a renewed focus or goal for the race. Look for instructions on what pleases the Lord and what He expects to see in your life. Take your training seriously; it's the key to staying the course and winning the crown. Use Hebrews 12:1-2 as a daily reminder of the race and the goal.

Commit your life today to running in a way that pleases the Lord, so that you, like Paul, can one day say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV).

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 4, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Evangelism


Crown of Boasting

Have you ever heard someone say: "He's so heavenly minded, He's no earthly good"? It means that someone is so focused on spiritual things that he or she doesn't get anything practical done and sometimes doesn't even remember the everyday details of life. But when it comes to the heavenly reward of crowns, there's no way to be too focused, especially when it comes to one particular crown. That crown is often called the "soul-winner's crown" or the "crown of boasting." Paul talked about it in 1 Thessalonians.

What Does God Say?

"After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!" (1 Thessalonians 2:19, NLT).

Others places in the Bible speak glowingly about the work represented by this crown:

"Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20, ESV).

"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3, NLT).

"They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin" (Malachi 2:6, NLT).

    * There are three promises in the above verses. What are they?
    * Who can earn this crown?
    * How can it be earned?
    * Which promise appeals most to you?

My Thoughts

Everyone who knows the Lord has a message to share. Are you committed to receiving this "soul-winner's crown" or "crown of boasting"--a crown that is going to allow you to boast about what God has done through you to take the message of the Gospel to other people? You can earn this crown if you will seek opportunities to share your faith with other people. Paul tells us that's what he did.

"To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:20-23, ESV).

My Part

Witnessing isn't all that difficult; all we have to do is tell our story. But some people are better at it than others, have you noticed that? Make a commitment today that you will one day receive this crown--becoming so heavenly minded that you do the greatest good that can be done on earth--winning others to Christ.

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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