Podcasts about eternal reward

Series: One-Off Sermons —

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:  God's Hand in Hardship – How can a loving God allow suffering? Why do good people suffer? Can any good come from our suffering? Joni Eareckson Tada addresses these and other challenging questions in the 14-page pamphlet “God's Hand in Our Hardship.” Having searched for answers to her own suffering, Joni offers the reader hope and strength from God's Word.  Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping! *Limit one copy per person* --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

We would love to hear from you! Please send us your comments here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

A rich young ruler wants to know how to have eternal life. Unwilling to follow Jesus, he departs sorrowfully. Jesus compares earthly riches with eternal reward.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible. Visit the radio station website. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Subscribe to Pastor Daryl's daily devotional and listening plan. If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot! Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley now meets Sunday mornings in a tent on our church property at 3853 E Lake Hazel Road in Meridian. For service times, online messages, and info on small groups meeting throughout the week, please visit our website at calvarytv.org.

Matthew 6:2-4

Use promo code: FREEMONTH to get the first month free until the end of 2025.⁠⁠https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/?coupon=FREEMONTHIn this unforgettable message, "Helping With the Journey", Pastor Greg Mitchell challenges every believer to be “useful” in the Kingdom of God by partnering in the journey of global evangelism. Preaching from Titus 3:13–14, Pastor Greg draws a compelling comparison between WWII resistance networks and modern-day church planters: both require a supply line.https://TakingTheLandPodcast.comSUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM FOR MORE:• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/3vy1s5b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You'll hear: • Stories of supernatural transformation from Cambodia to Colombia. • How your giving funds church planting across nations. • Why the real measure of your life isn't your career or bank account, but your impact on others.Are you willing to be useful?

In this stirring and deeply encouraging Advent message, Pastor Karl continues the series The King Has Come with a raw and life-giving exploration of the second great gift Jesus brings: peace.Turning to the familiar yet profound scene in Luke 2:8–20, Pastor Karl invites us into the midnight terror of ordinary shepherds—suddenly confronted by the blinding glory of God—and shows how the very first words from heaven that night were not “Merry Christmas,” but “Fear not.” That first Christmas did not begin with sentimental calm; it began with paralyzing, mega-fear. And right there, in the middle of stacked-on-stacked fear, the angel announced good news of great joy: a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord, the Prince of Peace.With pastoral tenderness and unflinching honesty, Pastor Karl unmasks fear as the mortal enemy of peace—how it magnifies threats, shrinks our view of God, and paints our future in colors darker than God ever intended. Yet the gospel is stronger: peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of a Person. Peace is not something Jesus gives; peace is who Jesus is—and He gives Himself.Through the shepherds' journey from terror to testimony, we're given clear, scriptural paths out of fear and into the unshakable peace of Christ: speaking God's truth over fear's lies, refusing to agree with the spirit of fear, drawing near to Jesus through spiritual disciplines, and taking bold steps of obedience that move us against comfort and toward surrender.This is a word for everyone whose heart has been ruled by anxiety, worst-case scenarios, or the quiet fears that steal joy—especially in this season. A tender yet urgent call to stop trusting the unknown future to our own control and start trusting it to the known God who entered our fear as a baby in a manger.Because the King has come, fear does not get the final word. Peace does. And when the Prince of Peace takes over a life, what spills out is no longer fear—but praise, testimony, and unshakable confidence in the goodness of God.Essential listening for anyone who longs to trade fear for the peace that passes all understanding this Christmas.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Living for now or living for forever.What you chase determines what you gain.

Consider the life of an Olympian athlete: they are some of the most  disciplined people on the planet. That discipline and focus on competing in the games take over every aspect of their lives. So it should be for us, as Christians, as we run our earthly race, with a unique promised eternal reward waiting for us at the finish line, all because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This is the wisdom Abi Byrd delivers today as she discusses the dedication that Christians should have in their pursuit of holiness and wisdom. Abi is an author and speaker who helps women understand integral Biblical texts like the book of Romans. She decries the god of “busyness” and advises women to take a step back and let God do the striving for us. She also encourages parents to model Christian charity and grace for their children and participate together in community service.TAKEAWAYSRomans can help women who struggle with insecurity or broken relationshipsIn the book of Romans, Paul draws the readers' eyes back to the fulfilled promises God made to AbrahamStop comparing yourself to unrealistic expectations on social media and focus on God's WordUnderstanding the historical context of the Bible is essential when applying it to our modern-day lives

Join us for this powerful sermon from Alliance Church on November 2, 2025, where Pastor explores the faith of Moses from Hebrews 11:24-28. Discover how Moses rejected the treasures of Egypt, embraced mistreatment for God's people, and persevered by fixing his eyes on an eternal reward. Drawing from the Exodus story, this message unpacks how true faith is rational, forward-looking, and empowered by our weaknesses—perfect for anyone seeking deeper biblical insight on living by faith in challenging times.Key highlights:-Moses' choice to identify with God's people over Pharaoh's palace (0:00)-The rationality of faith: Doing the math on obedience vs. sin (5:45)-Looking ahead to God's rewards, inspired by Jesus' endurance (12:30)-Embracing weaknesses as vessels for God's power (18:15)-The Passover as a picture of salvation by faith in the blood of the Lamb (22:40)-Celebrating baptisms and real-life faith stories (28:00)If you're searching for sermons on faith, Moses in the Bible, or Hebrews 11 explained, this video will inspire you to align your life with God's Word. Subscribe for more uplifting sermons, Bible studies, and messages from Alliance Church. Like and comment below: How has faith shaped your decisions?

This week Pastor Jeff begins a new sermon series called "Lessons from the Life of Moses." Moses is one of the most impactful figures in both human history and spiritual history. We're going to learn so much from him -- practical lessons that we can apply to our daily lives.

This week we conclude our intensive study of the New Testament book of Colossians by focusing on Paul's closing words. At first glance, our passage just appears to be a litany of personal notes directed at different individuals. But as we dig into it, we'll see wonderful glimpses of what spiritual community is supposed to be -- and why we need it so much. This Sunday we'll also celebrate our 34th Anniversary with our All-Church Picnic that takes place right after worship services at 12:30 pm. Join us for the celebration!

In this episode, we walk through Luke 14:1–14 where Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaches about choosing humble places, and urges us to invite those who cannot repay. We'll see how His lessons on mercy over legalism, humility over pride, and eternal reward over earthly repayment speak directly into our modern lives. A call to live with compassion, humility, and selfless love.

Send us a textBlessed Are the Faithful (Revelation 14:13)Revelation 14:13 Daily Christian Devotional – Blessed Are the Faithful, Rest, Perseverance, Comfort & Eternal Reward @160 Daily Prayer PodcastRevelation 14:13 – “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' ‘Yes,' says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”SUPPORT THE MISSION

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're addressing the troubling reality of the Epstein list and Donald Trump's failure to bring it to light, holding it up to the standard of biblical justice. God's Word commands that evil be exposed, not hidden in the darkness. I also take time to answer a variety of questions from you, my beloved audience.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

What does it look like to finish life well? In this episode, we explore the final words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6–8 and reflect on what it looks like to live with intentionality in our final season. From confronting death with conviction to committing to lifelong faithfulness, and ultimately chasing the eternal prize, this message calls us to a legacy worth leaving. Whether you're near the end or just getting started, this episode will challenge you to live today in light of the end—because the way we finish matters.

Jim Osman unpacks the beauty of Psalm 16:5–8, revealing Yahweh our treasure and eternal reward. He illustrates how God is not only our portion and inheritance but also our wise guide and powerful guard. Throughout this passage, Osman emphasizes the joy found in knowing Yahweh our treasure, encouraging believers to find full satisfaction in Him alone. His message challenges us to delight in God above all else. ★ Support this podcast ★

The immediate post death Eternal Reward for the Righteous, the righteous live forever and will be honored by יהוה.

The immediate post death Eternal Reward for the Righteous, the righteous live forever and will be honored by יהוה.

Theme: Faithfulness in Kingdom Service Key Components of Faithfulness Scriptural References: Luke 19:11-27 Hebrews 10:23 Matthew 25:21 Proverbs 28:20 Psalm 101:6 Revelation 2:10 Genesis 39:2-4 Key Points Faithfulness is the greatest requirement for sustained Kingdom service. Unfaithfulness is the greatest danger to Kingdom work. It is not about how you start; it is how you finish that matters. Faithfulness is executing commands and assignments diligently and efficiently. Attributes of Faithfulness Devotion Steadfastness Trustworthiness Dependability Loyalty Consistency Constancy Benefits of Faithfulness Divine Promotion and Increase – Faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities and blessings from God. (Matthew 25:21) Divine Favor and Blessings – Faithfulness brings divine favor and supernatural increase in life. (Proverbs 28:20) Access to God's Presence – God is drawn to the faithful and grants them access to His presence. (Psalm 101:6) Protection and Preservation – God protects and sustains those who are faithful to Him. (Psalm 31:23) Fruitfulness and Success – Faithfulness leads to divine success and prosperity, as seen in Joseph's life. (Genesis 39:2-4) Eternal Reward and Crown of Life – Faithfulness secures eternal rewards, including the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) Inheritance of God's Promises – The faithful inherit God's promises because God Himself is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23) Faithfulness is Required in: Small Things – Example: David's faithfulness in small things led to his promotion as a giant slayer and keeper of Israel. (1 Samuel 17:14-28) Money – Faithfulness in finances ensures God's blessings. (Genesis 14:18-24, Malachi 3:8-10) Other People's Goods – If you are not faithful with what belongs to others, who will entrust you with your own? (Luke 16:10-12)  

In Psalm 37:37, 39–40, Jim Osman describes the refuge of the righteous and the eternal blessings promised to them. While the wicked will be cut off, the righteous are remembered, rescued, and rewarded. Their salvation and strength come from the Lord, who delivers them from danger and preserves their legacy. Osman urges believers to trust in the refuge of the righteous—Yahweh Himself, who grants eternal peace and protection. ★ Support this podcast ★

When Jesus said you cabnnot serve God & mammon He meant it just like when he seperated darkness & light in the beginning. That being said, we all have bills to pay. How to balance need and covetousness in God's word.

Faith and perseverance

Thanks for listening to this week's episode where Alan continues our talk series "Living for the Line"! To join us for our Weekly Meeting, we meet every Tuesday night at 8:00 in Memorial Hall. We'd love to have you! For more information about us, please visit www.cruuga.org. To get more connected or if you have questions, please fill out this form: cru.typeform.com/to/ixJ2S6aS

We have entered many finalities. Protect your eternal reward!

Pastor Jack speaks of a new perspective when we live our lives by faith. The struggles that we experience, our perception of current events, and the way we interact with others are all affected by this new point of view. Learn what it means to live by faith in today’s podcast episode. (00:00) The Purpose of Suffering and Redemption(16:34) The Essence of True Faith CONNECT WITH PASTOR JACK: Get Updates via Text:  https://text.whisp.io/jack-hibbs-podcastWebsite: https://jackhibbs.com/Instagram: http://bit.ly/2FCyXpOFacebook: https://bit.ly/2WZBWV0YouTube: https://bit.ly/437xMHnTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/RealJackHibbs Did you know we have a Real Life Network? Sign up for free for more exclusive content: https://bit.ly/3CIP3M9   (00:52 - 01:56) Christian Suffering and Eternal Reward(06:37 - 07:32) Fine-Tuned Universe and Creation(11:38 - 12:34) Reward of Giving to God(18:06 - 19:23) God's Foreknowledge and Personal Adoption

Here are the three sermon points: Self-Righteousness (v 16-22) Worldly Riches (v 23-26) Eternal Reward (v 27-30) You can watch this message here.

Sermon Audio

Whether you're rich or poor in this life or live a long or short life, you can faithfully serve the Lord in a way that will result in an eternal reward. How do you receive this eternal reward? It starts with you thinking ahead. You must live, serve, and give with eternity in mind.

On today's Out In The Garage episode we look at one of the most convicting portions of Scripture where we learn what a disciple of Jesus looks and lives like. For those who think that Jesus went around patting people on the head and making all wrong right, take a look at Mark 8:31-39. Build your own Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builder-the-gospelsTo get more PoM Podcast content and join a global community of men who help support PoM join The Herd: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herdSecure your spot at our Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2024-mens-retreatThe OITG podcast is sponsored by Dark Water Woodwork. Right now, Dark Water Woodwork is offering a discount code exclusively for the OITG listeners. Make sure to  listen to this weeks episode to save 15% off the Dark Water Beard Products. With Dark Water Wood you will get well made products, a great smelling beard oil and save some money while doing so. Visit DarkwaterKC.com today. https://www.darkwaterkc.com/Support the show

Today's devotion is written by Tricia Tembreull.

In this episode of Pray the Word on 1 Corinthians 9:25, David Platt teaches us to live disciplined lives for the sake of the gospel.

This episode is a sermon on Psalm 49 which I (Jackson) gave at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on August 20th, 2023. This is a Psalm that confronts us with the reality of eternity, shows us the insufficiency of earthly wealth, and points us to the greatest of all treasures, which is the person and work of Jesus Christ!Psalm 39:4-5 4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

In this episode of Pray the Word on Romans 2:6–8, David Platt explains to us the eternal consequences of our daily decisions. 

God promises eternal rewards for his people's present obedience. But does every sin cost us one of those rewards?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3279340/advertisement

God promises eternal rewards for his people's present obedience. But does every sin cost us one of those rewards?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3279343/advertisement

Jesus promised an Eternal Reward for every believer who finishes the race. He calls these believers overcomes. This Eternal Reward comes with Eternal Legacy as well, and this is a Legacy of Authority and Identity in the Kingdom of Jesus.In this sermon Pastor Monte unpacks Revelation 3:12-13, teaching us the difference between simply acknowledging GOD and truly living an overcoming life that results in Eternal Legacy.Support the show

There's an Eternal Reward that Jesus has prepared for His Bride for faithfulness and patient endurance.In this sermon Pastor Monte unpacks more in Jesus' Letter to the church in Philadelphia, teaching us the difference between true faithful belief and simple acknowledgement.Support the show

#gracecity​​ #psmayrarodriguez #PSMayra #ETERNAL REWARD . Grace City Church Las Vegas | Ps Mayra Rodriguez |ETERNAL REWARD . . “God can’t be anything other than first.” A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God. Tim Keller. . . March 26 ,2023 Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracecitylv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracecitylv/ http://www.gracecty.com/ Download our app: Grace City Las Vegas Google play - app store. #gracecity #ilovemychurch #lasvegas #irresistiblechurch #PastorMayraR #mayrarodriguez #weareone

The Pasuk says in this week's Parasha Teruma, “דבר אל בני ישראל ויקחו לי תרומה – Hashem tells Moshe Rabbenu to tell the people to take a donation for Him.” The commentators ask, why doesn't it say to give a donation? One explanation is because it is not possible to give anything to Hashem; everything already belongs to Him – “לי הכסף לי הזהב נאום ה' – Hashem owns all the money in the world.” When a person makes a donation, he is taking from Hashem's money. Hashem, in His kindness, gives us the opportunity to get credit for our decisions to give tzedaka, but it is His money that we're giving. It is so important to remember that every dollar that we have in our possession has come to us only because it was the will of Hashem. Investments are not what make us money; customers buying our products are not what make us money. Only Hashem gives us money and the way we get it is just a camouflage. Therefore, we should not involve ourselves in second guessing business decisions and the like. The bottom line is, if we were meant to make money, the decision we made would have produced it. I read a story about Rav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld. He once had a baby boy but didn't have the funds to make the Brit Mila. He had a certain lottery ticket that he received from a bank in Austria and he sold it to his doctor for a few gold coins and used that money to make the Mila with. A couple of weeks later, the doctor came back to the Rabbi and told him the ticket won 100,000 gold coins, a huge sum of money. He said to the Rabbi, “It was really your ticket. I feel guilty. I want to give you some of the money because, technically, you deserve it.” Rabbi Zonnenfeld immediately replied, “A ticket is not what wins a lottery. A person wins a lottery. Hashem wanted you to win the lottery and that's why you won. If I would have had that ticket, it would have lost.” Simple, pure Emunah. Our money comes to our possession only because of Hashem, not because of the means we chose to make it. But Hashem does let us choose what we want to do with that money and, when we give tzedaka with it, we are the ones gaining the most. A man told me he had a baby and received a bill from the hospital for $3200. This was a hospital who accepted his insurance so he called them to ask why they're charging so much, and maybe reduce the fee, but he wasn't getting anywhere with them. This man's brother learns in a Kollel and, from time to time, he calls the Kollel to donate some extra money to help support his brother. A couple of weeks after he had this baby, he donated $500 dollars to the Kollel towards helping his brother. The administrative office of that Kollel told him his brother encountered some unexpected expenses and could really use a little extra help. He thought about it and he really wanted to give more, but he wasn't able to give what he wanted to at that time. He told the administrator, “I'm a little tight right now, but nonetheless, I'm going to commit myself to giving $250 a month for the whole year plus the $500 now.” Three days later, the hospital calls this man and says, “Your insurance company just paid us more than we expected so we're going to reduce your $3200 bill to a zero balance.” The man thought to himself, “I just stretched myself to donating $3250 and then Hashem said, ‘Don't worry about your $3200 bill anymore, I'll take care of that for you.'” Hashem is in charge of our finances. Everything we have is His, but we can take the money and use it for good and earn Eternal Reward. Shabbat Shalom.

In this episode, Sam and Dan discuss the biblical reality of eternal reward. God promises to reward Christians on the Day of judgment according to how they stewarded their lives. This means that every moment as a Christian counts. God gives us real incentive to take seriously our life in the body. Do not waste your time. Do not waste your faith. For more information about our ministry and to support us, visit:afci.us

Stretch your soul's capacity for heaven by investing in the kingdom of Christ here on earth. Obey the Lord and serve others through your actions. Each act of obedience stretches your soul's capacity for joy, worship, and service in heaven!

Tarienne Mitchell, a professional archivist, and Scott Hales, the lead writer and a General Editor of Saints Volume three, join us in this episode to discuss marginalized Latter-day Saints and the ways in which they lived the gospel. We talk about how Latter-day Saints in different areas of the world maintain their faith despite the hardships they faced.