There are many things that the Lord will be looking for at the judgment. I believe he will look at how we use our talents and opportunities to better the kingdom, engage in evangelism, and edify the brethren. I think a good reference passage is Lk 19:12-13 (NKJV) which reads.
Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas,[a] and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.
We all know the story about the person with the five talents whom used his talents, and then the person with the one talent that did nothing. I believe that this parable (and many other scriptures) tell us what we should do on this earth, and how what we do will impact our rewards and responsibilities in the next life. There are some that think that paying off every debt is the most important thing in the entire universe. It is important to be financial responsible, however for those that made mistakes earlier in life, and do not have the financial resources to pay back their debts, then they need to pay back what they can. However to be honest all of us have sin issues, and grace forgives, legalism does not. None of us would have received Christ, if it were not His grace. Yes we all deserve Hell, but grace is what we needed, and by it we came to faith in Christ.
Of the things the Lord will be looking for I believe that evangelism will be one of the greatest.
Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mark 16:15 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matt 5:14-16 (ESV) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Besides evangelism I believe that edifying and building the church is very important
Eph 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
1 Cor 10:23-24 (NIV) Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
I believe in doing these things we will be rewarded.
Ps 62:12 (NIV) and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
Mk 9:41 (ESV) For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Rev 22:12 (ESV) Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
NIV says "reward" but recompense seems to be a more literal rendering of the Greek word used here.
Anyways does anyone agree or disagree with what I have said here?
John
Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas,[a] and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.
We all know the story about the person with the five talents whom used his talents, and then the person with the one talent that did nothing. I believe that this parable (and many other scriptures) tell us what we should do on this earth, and how what we do will impact our rewards and responsibilities in the next life. There are some that think that paying off every debt is the most important thing in the entire universe. It is important to be financial responsible, however for those that made mistakes earlier in life, and do not have the financial resources to pay back their debts, then they need to pay back what they can. However to be honest all of us have sin issues, and grace forgives, legalism does not. None of us would have received Christ, if it were not His grace. Yes we all deserve Hell, but grace is what we needed, and by it we came to faith in Christ.
Of the things the Lord will be looking for I believe that evangelism will be one of the greatest.
Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mark 16:15 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matt 5:14-16 (ESV) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Besides evangelism I believe that edifying and building the church is very important
Eph 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
1 Cor 10:23-24 (NIV) Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
I believe in doing these things we will be rewarded.
Ps 62:12 (NIV) and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
Mk 9:41 (ESV) For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Rev 22:12 (ESV) Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
NIV says "reward" but recompense seems to be a more literal rendering of the Greek word used here.
Anyways does anyone agree or disagree with what I have said here?
John
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