Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 81

March 21;         I Corinthians 3:12;         136/260;        ‘Rewards in Heaven’

1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

The Apostle Paul tells us that he laid a biblical foundation wherever he went.  The biblical foundation that he laid was Jesus Christ.  We are told that there is no other foundation for Christians to lay than Jesus.  As we continue the ministry of Jesus, we are amassing in heaven, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and straw.  The gold, silver and precious stones are our works done for the Lord in love, that bless and help others.  Things like obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit, biblical accuracy in what is shared with others, our attitude towards those we minister to and our sincere desire to be used by the Lord all make up the rewards we will receive of gold, silver and precious stones.  These rewards reflect doing what we do for Jesus with love, joy and all of our heart.  When we stand before the Lord Jesus at the Bema (Rewards) Seat, He will give these gifts to us and tell us, ‘well done, My good and faithful servant.’  The wood, hay and straw are also our works done for Jesus.  These however will ultimately be burned in the presence of the Lord.  Our salvation is never in doubt, but there will be unnecessary humiliation as we stand before Jesus, seeing the marks of the crucifixion on His resurrection body, knowing He gave His all while we did not.  Ministering out of obligation, not love, is wood, hay and straw.  An improper attitude, and ministering to be seen by others, as well as other similar improper motives are all wood, hay and straw.  May there by no fire to burn away what shouldn’t be.  Only Jesus’ praise.