Treasures in Heaven

Last week we talked on Matt 6:19-21, where Jesus encouraged us to store up treasures in heaven. But I am not sure that I was really clear on one thing: How can we lay up treasures in heaven? (admittedly, that would be an obvious thing to explain!)

So lets explore a few ways that we could "send our treasure ahead." I'll call them "Kingdom Investments."

Kingdom Investment #1 - LOVE

Jesus told His disciples:

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:9-13

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Luke 6:35 NKJV

To love is to be obedient, and obedience in loving and giving, and our reward will be "great" Jesus tells us!

Kingdom Investment #2 - LIVE

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Cor 3:6-8 NKJV

As we live our lives, sharing the love of Christ with others, whether we are planter's, waterer's, or harvesters; the reality if God will give each one reward for being a light to the world.

Kingdom Investment #3 - GIVE
This one is obvious, that "God loves a cheerful giver", and we covered 1 Tim as well;

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim 6:17-19 NKJV

When we are willing to give and share, we are literally making deposits to our kingdom account. This is not just giving to the church, but being willing to give to another person when there is a need.

Kingdom Investment #4 - WORK

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matt 16:24-27 NKJV

We don't always like the word, in that we know we cannot work our way into heaven, or earn our salvation. But the fact is, faith without works is dead! When we are "doing good works", Jesus told us that they will shine before other people, and they can see that Christians are different - they care about others! That communicates a beautiful truth: God cares about them too!

In these uncertain times, people can get very nervous, even frightened about our future. We as Christians have a hope to share: That God loves them, cares about them, and has a future and a hope prepared for them; If they will only come to Him for it!

I hope this helps!

Pastor Clay