Heaven: The Privileges Christ Gives His Faithful Children When the New Testament speaks of heavenly crowns, it is not describing believers competing against one another for status. Salvation itself is never a trophy earned by human effort; it is God’s gracious gift through Jesus Christ. Yet Scripture also teaches that our loving Father delights inContinue reading “Crowns That Never Fade”
Category Archives: Faith
When God Makes Us Wait for the Word
The Bible in a Year “It came to pass after ten days, that the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah.” — Jeremiah 42:7 There are times when the hardest part of seeking God is not asking the question. It is waiting for the answer. Jeremiah 42 brings us into one of those uncomfortable moments.Continue reading “When God Makes Us Wait for the Word”
Training Now for the Kingdom to Come
Heaven Most of us learned early that responsibility is something we earn. A child who faithfully cares for a small task may eventually be trusted with a larger one. An employee who handles one assignment well is often given greater responsibility. Scripture suggests that something similar is happening in our Christian lives right now. TheContinue reading “Training Now for the Kingdom to Come”
When God’s Warning Becomes History
The Bible in a Year “Now the Lord hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you.” — Jeremiah 40:3 There is something sobering about hearing truth from an unexpected voice. In Jeremiah 40,Continue reading “When God’s Warning Becomes History”
Created to Reign With Christ
Heaven: The Reward of Sharing the King’s Rule When most Christians think about the rewards of Heaven, we naturally think about rest, reunion, worship, and being forever in the presence of God. All of those are wonderful biblical hopes. But Scripture describes another reward that we may not think about nearly as often: God intendsContinue reading “Created to Reign With Christ”
When God Moves In
On Second Thought There is a difference between visiting somewhere and living there. A guest may come into your home, sit at the table, share a meal, and leave before the evening is over. A resident is different. A resident has a key. A resident belongs there. A resident knows what is in the closets,Continue reading “When God Moves In”
When God Has Already Spoken
The Bible in a Year There is a scene in Jeremiah 37 that feels remarkably familiar even though it happened more than twenty-five centuries ago. Jerusalem is under pressure from Babylon, King Zedekiah is frightened, and suddenly the prophet he had allowed to be imprisoned becomes very important. Zedekiah secretly brings Jeremiah out and asksContinue reading “When God Has Already Spoken”
Still in the Family, but Missing the Prize
Heaven — Loss by Disqualification There is something both encouraging and sobering about watching an athlete prepare for competition. The athlete may already belong to the team, wear the uniform, and have a place in the locker room, but that does not automatically mean he will receive the prize. Participation requires discipline. Victory requires perseverance.Continue reading “Still in the Family, but Missing the Prize”
The God Who Still Says, “Call to Me”
The Bible in a Year “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 There are verses we know so well that familiarity can sometimes soften their force. Jeremiah 33:3 is one of them. We quote it when we want encouragement toContinue reading “The God Who Still Says, “Call to Me””
Dressed for the Wedding
Why Heavenly Rewards Matter Heaven — Key Questions About Heavenly Rewards When Christians talk about heaven, we naturally think first about being with Christ. We think about the end of sorrow, the absence of death, and the joy of finally seeing our Savior face-to-face. Yet Scripture also teaches that something deeply personal will take placeContinue reading “Dressed for the Wedding”