Living in light of eternity

  The Apostle John, who is sometimes called "the disciple that Jesus loved", had a front row seat in the earthly ministry of Christ.   He was the youngest of the disciples and brother to James.   James and John, along with Peter, were the "inner circle". They were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-2) and with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-37).    John leaned on Jesus' breast in the Upper Room (Jn 21:20) and took responsibility of Mary at the cross (Jn 19:26). C onsidering this very special and close relationship John had with Jesus during His earthly ministry, it is surprising to see what he wrote in 3 John 3-4:    I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. I'm sure there are many things John could point to for joy.  Certainly, his relationship with the risen Lord would be at top of this list.  But alongside the many things he could rejoice over, he specifically mentions ...

  The doctrine of "rewards" is easily misunderstood.  Suffice it to say that we serve a fair and just Savior  " who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS" (Romans 2:6) For those who trust Christ as their Savior, our sins are forgiven and we anticipate an eternity with God in heaven.  But at the "Judgement Seat of Christ" our lives will be evaluated and appropriate rewards given to the deserving. (2 Cor 5:10)   Various crowns are mentioned throughout Scripture for meritorious service, b ut another type of reward is frequently mentioned by Christ.  It is somewhat harder to understand.  When Peter asked about this issue Jesus gave a startling answer: Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thr...