An Unconventional Kingdom (Matthew 20:1-16)

Our Lord teaches,  “the first will be last and the last will be first.”  If this is the case then why would we want to live or work for the Lord if we are just going to be last?  Why would we pursue the Lord if we are not going to receive immediate praise?  Why would our Lord say such a thing in terms of working in his vineyard?  What is our Lord teaching us about the ultimate joy of the Christian life? 

A Stern Master's Kingdom (Luke 17:10)

Scripture speaks of us receiving crowns and rewards when we get to glory. One of think that our sole motivation is to have a bigger crown, a bigger mansion, or more rewards than another christian. What is wrong with this sort of motivation to obey to receive more from our Lord at the final judgment? Why should we want to conform to the Lord as we journey through this age?

The Paradox of Wisdom (3) (Matthew 10:40-11:1)

Christ has discussed and warned his disciples about the struggles and issues that the church will face in time as they go to carry out Christ’s mission.  The temptation is not to go forward with Christ’s mission.  I mean if this is a kingdom that only involves cross bearing plus suffering then why go?  Christ gives the assurance that we go because we will receive the prophet’s reward.  So, what is that prophet’s reward?

God’s Goodness (Job 42:10-17)

This is the conclusion to the story of Job.  This is a book that has a lot of twists and turns, and we are left in the story a bit curious about the Lord’s plan for this man.  Is this man just going to suffer?  Is this man going to be made whole?  What can such suffering teach us about the Gospel?