- Apr 25, 2020
- 202
- 317
- 25
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Single
(I am not sure if this is the correct subforum to post this; if not, please move it.)
This is going to be a comprehensive study of the things we can do on this earth that will earn us rewards in the Kingdom of God. Often, people teach and discuss the issue of salvation. That is very important; probably the most important thing to discuss within Christianity. However, I think also there is another topic worthy of much discussion, and that is the prospect of eternal rewards.
First of all, when I often talk about eternal rewards in person with people, I get weird looks. I've been told they had never heard of the concept of being rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven for our deeds on this earth. However, it is biblical. Let us turn towards the scriptures, and I will show you.
I bring to your attention, my friends, Matthew 6. I would encourage you to read it before continuing, unless you understand it well enough. Now, what did you read? The first thing Jesus teaches us is how to properly do alms. (Alms, as defined by the dictionary, is the act of giving food and money to the poor.) He told us to do it in secret, (or rather, to not do alms to be seen,) because if we do it to be seen, we already have our reward. But if we do it in secret, our Father will reward us openly.
I also think the concept of alms applies to nearly any good deed you can do for the direct benefit of another person. For example: starting/volunteering in a soup kitchen, housing the homeless, giving clothes to people, visiting the elderly and widows, etc. These things are surely alms, at least to me.
He also teaches similar concepts with praying and fasting: pray in secret, fast not to be seen. And that if we do this, we will be rewarded openly. A good question is, "When we will be rewarded?" Some may tell you that we follow God today to get rewards in this life. I am here to tell you today, that I believe it is in the next life in which we are rewarded.
I now turn your attention to Matthew 6:19-20, where Jesus says:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal"
Jesus first tells us three things to do to be rewarded. Jesus then tells us not to store up our treasures upon the earth. I think a wise assumption would be that Jesus must mean our alms, prayers, and fasting, will follow us into eternity.
That's all well and good. What else gets us rewarded? There are several other things Jesus and his disciples/apostles said we would be rewarded for.
1. Being persecuted. (Matthew 5:11-12.) Rejoice when people mock you!
2. Loving your enemies, lending expecting nothing in return. (Luke 6:35.)
3. Being generous; as in, giving. (Luke 6:38.) Jesus recommends to sell all that you own and give to the needy. (Luke 12:33-34.)
4. Being hospitable to those who cannot repay. (Luke 14:12-14.)
5. Obeying God's laws and teaching others to do so. (Matthew 5:19.)
6. Faithful Endurance in our walk with Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Matthew 24:13.)
7. Loving God and His coming to earth (2 Timothy 4:8)
8. Serving God in the roles of the clergy, as an elder, "feeding the flock" (1 Peter 5:1-4)
These things I have mentioned so far are worth doing throughout our lives. That way, in the Kingdom of God, we will get considerable rewards.
This is going to be a comprehensive study of the things we can do on this earth that will earn us rewards in the Kingdom of God. Often, people teach and discuss the issue of salvation. That is very important; probably the most important thing to discuss within Christianity. However, I think also there is another topic worthy of much discussion, and that is the prospect of eternal rewards.
Alms, Prayer, Fasting
First of all, when I often talk about eternal rewards in person with people, I get weird looks. I've been told they had never heard of the concept of being rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven for our deeds on this earth. However, it is biblical. Let us turn towards the scriptures, and I will show you.
I bring to your attention, my friends, Matthew 6. I would encourage you to read it before continuing, unless you understand it well enough. Now, what did you read? The first thing Jesus teaches us is how to properly do alms. (Alms, as defined by the dictionary, is the act of giving food and money to the poor.) He told us to do it in secret, (or rather, to not do alms to be seen,) because if we do it to be seen, we already have our reward. But if we do it in secret, our Father will reward us openly.
I also think the concept of alms applies to nearly any good deed you can do for the direct benefit of another person. For example: starting/volunteering in a soup kitchen, housing the homeless, giving clothes to people, visiting the elderly and widows, etc. These things are surely alms, at least to me.
He also teaches similar concepts with praying and fasting: pray in secret, fast not to be seen. And that if we do this, we will be rewarded openly. A good question is, "When we will be rewarded?" Some may tell you that we follow God today to get rewards in this life. I am here to tell you today, that I believe it is in the next life in which we are rewarded.
I now turn your attention to Matthew 6:19-20, where Jesus says:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal"
Jesus first tells us three things to do to be rewarded. Jesus then tells us not to store up our treasures upon the earth. I think a wise assumption would be that Jesus must mean our alms, prayers, and fasting, will follow us into eternity.
Other rewards
That's all well and good. What else gets us rewarded? There are several other things Jesus and his disciples/apostles said we would be rewarded for.
1. Being persecuted. (Matthew 5:11-12.) Rejoice when people mock you!
2. Loving your enemies, lending expecting nothing in return. (Luke 6:35.)
3. Being generous; as in, giving. (Luke 6:38.) Jesus recommends to sell all that you own and give to the needy. (Luke 12:33-34.)
4. Being hospitable to those who cannot repay. (Luke 14:12-14.)
5. Obeying God's laws and teaching others to do so. (Matthew 5:19.)
6. Faithful Endurance in our walk with Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Matthew 24:13.)
7. Loving God and His coming to earth (2 Timothy 4:8)
8. Serving God in the roles of the clergy, as an elder, "feeding the flock" (1 Peter 5:1-4)
These things I have mentioned so far are worth doing throughout our lives. That way, in the Kingdom of God, we will get considerable rewards.
I must say however, that if you recognize any things we can be rewarded for that I did not mention, to say so, and I will add them to this post. I love you all. I want you all to get glorious rewards in God's Kingdom. I want you to have more rewards than myself. I want you all to bring more glory to God than I ever could. God be with you, and may His peace overtake you.
