A Life God Rewards: Why Everything You Do Today Matters Forever Reviews

• Serious Implications!

  
  By A63J0AG4NV10B on 2002-09-19
  Bruce hits it hard with this book about the little things we do or don't do every day...at the office, at home, on the road. Does God really see the small things we do? If we believe he only cares about our final decisions concerning eternity (you know, "Smoking or Non?"), we're wrong! A Life God Rewards explains some of the easily missed verses in the Bible about how we'll be rewarded in Heaven for each thing we do on earth. And how the opposite is true as well. Is Heaven going to be the same for me as for Mother Teresa? Not on your life! (I better start looking for elderly ladies who need help crossing the street...) Excellent book, meaty teaching, and if you think there's a God watching over us, as I do, this will affect your daily life!
  
  

• Poor offering from Wilkinson

  
  By A1H08044VA32C7 on 2004-01-22
  This book frankly amazed me. I was amazed at the price for such a small book; and even more surprised by Wilkinson's central thesis, that what we do here on Earth affects how we are rewarded in Heaven. The book seems to have basked in nothing but positive reviews - which are simply misleading. I know this is popular teaching in the US - less so in the UK. Why write a theological book when you can get to the top of the NY Times Bestsellers list with this?

  Wilkinson organises the book around two "keys" to eternal reward. The first key is belief (chapters seven onwards), and the second is how our works affect our repayment in Heaven (chapters one to six).

  The author presents a number of interesting concepts - such as the idea of property ownership in Heaven:
  "What is surprising is what Jesus promises a faithful steward of His treasure. It is not, as you might expect, that you'll steward more treasure in Heaven, but that you will own it." (p. 86)

  Wilkinson's argument rests upon the verse in Matthew 6: 19-20:
  "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal..."
  The problem some might have with this verse is Wilkinson's literal interpretation of it. Surely the treasure in Heaven is to be able to worship God continually. Without evangelism...?

  There are a number of other ideas, which are cause for concern.
  For example, in `Hell by Degrees' (p.97), the author `demonstrates' how eternal punishment is related to how bad we have been on Earth. However, I think for me, Wilkinson's understanding of Hell is woefully inadequate. How would his argument stand up if we begin to conceptualise hell as simply being the eternal absence of God? What worse punishment could there be than that? Would Wilkinson modify his argument along the lines of Very bad=No access to God, Just a bit bad=some access to God? It is submitted that that just does not hold water.

  Tough questions such as: "will directing your giving to a high-profile civic fund please Him as much as giving it top your church's missions fund?" (p.88), miss the mark, and do little to encourage social action.

  But then, not completely unexpectedly, Wilkinson seems to spot the problem with his argument, and adds that belief fills the gaps that our good works miss. A bit like Tort fills the gaps in contract. Since, "no amount of good works can save us" (p.97).

  So where are we left at the end of the book? Well, I was confused by Wilkinson's contradictions. I understand the points he sought to make, but the Bible verses and other quotations were shoehorned in, as if to prove his points. God's grace is almost completely overlooked - something find rather odd. This book comes in no less than seven different English-language editions. Why? It's more of a door wedge than a doorstop.

  Wilkinson's focus is on Heaven being the goal: but I would argue that God's glory is the goal - Heaven's the bonus.
  
  

• A much needed reminder that God rewards our deeds!

  
  By A1U0KH1K52P754 on 2003-05-30
  I was very pleased to see Wilkinson address the topic of rewards from God. One of my Sunday School teachers asked me for a book on this very topic just before this book was published. At that time, I could find nothing on God's rewards for Christian service. Now, Wilkinson has given us his take on the topic.

  To be honest, I wasn't grabbed by this book in the opening pages like I had been with the previous two in this series. However, from about page 30 on I really wanted to keep going.

  The book is not, as some have suggested in other reviews, a claim that salvation is by works. Wilkinson makes very clear in this book that faith determines your eternal destination, works determines what you do once you get there. So many people think we'll just throw our crowns at Jesus' feet and then all be equal in heaven. Wilkinson shows this is not even close to what the Bible teaches.

  He deals well with the passages that speak of rewards in heaven for our works on earth. I had never heard anyone discuss the possibility of suffering loss in heaven based on one's works. He explains the idea well and defends it ably, though the reader is not told what suffering loss in heaven is like.

  The very best part of the book comes between pages 60-70. Every Christian should read those ten pages if they read nothing else this year. The whole point is that we are judged based on how we did compared to how we could have done. The section is excellent!

  While this little book does not cover everything I wish it covered (nor does it say everything I wish it said), I am very thankful that Wilkinson has brought this topic back to the forefront. I hope several more authors will follow his lead on expounding this topic for us. I encourage you to read this book.
  
  

• The Big PIcture

  
  By on 2002-10-08
  I agree with the other reader who said that this book has really helped put some perspective on this important issue. It's shown me how God's Grace extends beyond who we are to what we do. I've also come to understand an important aspect of the character of God. God as a perfect parent. A Life God Rewards has also given me a fresh perspective of how I relate to my own kids and pour righteousness and grace into their lives. It's really given me an accurate sense of how I should respond to God in the day to day.
  
  

• His first book, Secrets of the Vine, was much better.

  
  By A1P5MWZEI2GMQM on 2002-10-25
  We were disappointed with the topic of this book and wasn't really sure why the author decided to write about it--actually, was turned off. In our walk with the Lord, we've realized that many Christians don't care about what God gives them in heaven. The issue of "heavenly rewards" is about as IRRELEVENT as someone writing a book on what the Kingdom of Heaven is like, don't you think? Will one of your mansions in heaven have burgundy or gold-accented drapes? Will your floor tile be made out of diamonds or saphire? What is the cut, clarity, color, and carat of each stone? Will you have a large Italian marble fireplace in the great hall? It's all pretty irrelevent. As well, please leave the reward issue up to Him. Jesus' disciples missed the mark COMPLETELY in their walk with God when they bickered among themselves as to who would be greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that is exactly what Satan anticipates that we will do, and even ENCOURAGES us to do so, to think about our greatness--our rewards that we each can or did earn--on an occasional basis. After all, Lucifer did. Has anyone thought perhaps that thinking about this is a sin? Asking God who will sit next to Him at the table is equivalent to asking Him who He favors, and shall shower with a multitude of blessings and rewards. Like many sequels in Hollywood, this one turned out to be a poor one. The author's first book was much better. There's no comparison and it's certainly not in the same ballpark. We were actually looking forward to this book, but were greatly disappointed. Part of the vision for our church this year is to be a Christian family that makes a difference by bringing nonbelievers or people who have wavered back to Christ. As our pastor said in his beautiful sermon last week, "I don't care if I get a reward, just as long as I can bring one person to Christ, towards salvation." Picture God looking down and saying to His children, "Well said AND well done, my good and faithful servant."
  
  
• I really felt the idea in this book is misdirected.
  By AWY7M0NP07CVS on 2002-09-23
  I would rather focus on the race than the "rewards". I would rather be the disciple that pours his heart towards Christ and His ministry than the Christian who is constantly thinking about his/her eternal gain. The Bible mentions MANY times about our "rewards". But as Christian, we need to look beyond that, as God intends for all of us to set our spirit on the race. My love and joy will be in His presence, not His "presents". When I come home for Christmas, I come home to share my love and be in the presence of my father and mother, not to pick up my "Christmas presents." If there is anyone among you who can stand before God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all of the Heavenly Hosts and "proudly" state, "Give me my inheritance", then let them claim their rewards.
  
  
• rewarding read
  By A2NFA5NNGE3M6X on 2003-12-05
  I remember when I first learned that good works would not get me into heaven -- that the only way to heaven was accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Immediately a question popped into my head. If accepting Jesus is the only way into heaven, and I have that taken care of, why not just coast for the rest of my life? After all, if good works won't get me into heaven, then how important could they really be? This book has the answer -- very!

  Backing everything up with scripture and quotes from the likes of Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis, Charles Swindoll, Charles Stanley and Billy Graham, Wilkinson explains that our behavior doesn't determine where we will spend eternity, but it definitely determines how we will spend eternity. He assembles a solid case to show that our eternal reward is determined by how well we manage our lives.

  Would you approach life differently if you knew that everything you did ultimately mattered? Would you live a richer life as a result? Would you be a blessing to more people? If you are looking to live a life worthy of reward, pick up this book and get excited about the possibilities. Life will take on a whole new meaning.

  Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
  
  

• Our struggle is not against flesh and blood...
  By on 2003-02-18
  I was very disappointed in this book. It was given to me by a friend and I was excited to read it. However, once I read it, it was clear that the enemy was at work here. This book should serve as a reminder that the enemy can and will infiltrate if allowed. We serve God because we love Him. We follow Jesus because we love Him. If we continue to serve because we love, the rewards are incidental and will take care of themselves. This book encourages one to take their focus off of God and re-focus on themselves. THAT is not from God. This book creates doubt and confusion. THAT is not from God. It emulates the secular mindset of "it's all about me and what I can achieve". It touts a merit system in heaven. Scripture has been taken out of context and the subtle twists and turns are not hard to see once you look closely. We need to be ever vigilant of the tactics of the enemy. This is one.
  
  
• Saved By Works?
  By A3KX6XLZTU4I9C on 2002-12-26
  I got my copy of this book as a freebee from "Crossings Book Club". I'm glad I didn't spend any money on it because in a nutshell, this book is totally wrong. If you listen to Bruce Wilkerson, your heavenly reward is based on your works. Nothing in scripture supports this.

  I always refer people who are lulled into this kind of thinking to the parable of the laborers. Those who were hired at the end of the day received the same pay as those who started at six o'clock.. And didn't Jesus promise the thief on the cross that he would be with him in paradise? He didn't tell the thief that since he was a "Johnny-come-lately" that he would be in a lesser place in heaven. He said "you will be WITH ME."

  Once we have committed ourselves to Christ, the Holy Spirit will guide our works. We don't have to keep our own scorecard. We just have to be obedient to the Spirit and he will show us what our work is to be.
  
  

• This is one of the Key Concepts in Scripture to be Grasped
  By AJXC6P36A3L83 on 2003-07-05
  This book just focuses on what Jesus focused on....Eternity. We are not living for this world but for the next. A Life God Rewards helps you understand that Jesus so often spoke of not only what to do but why you should do it.

  Rewards are not the only reason, but they are a completely valid reason to live for Christ. As a matter of fact, Christ commands us to Store Up Treasures in Heaven, so that Rust and Moths will not destroy.

  Why do so many Christians have a problem with Jesus saying this? Why do they take shots at Bruce Wilkinson for repeating it and getting us to think more about Christ and Eternity? Not sure. But, I did read one negative review that said Bruce should follow in the footsteps of Mother Theresa and move to Asia or India....well FYI, he is working to save Africa, feed Africa and help rid the nation of Aids..all for Christ's Glory. I would be very careful in judging this man of God. For as A Life God Rewards points out, one day, we will all give account.
  
  

• A LIFE GOD REWARDS
  By A3ON9040O0K5O6 on 2002-09-24
  I just finished reading it last night and it gives me an new perspective of my after life. I knew I was assured heaven if I believed that Jesus was the Son and that He died for me, but I was unaware that there were rewards in heaven for what I am doing on earth right now. I know that God is gracious and merciful so I want to reflect that in my life as I go along. Now I see that these things will count for eternity. I no longer need to be concerned with recognition here. It is far better to be recognized by my heavenly Father. This book is so encouraging for now and future. I don't ever have to look back. A truly life-changing book! I highly recommend it.
  
  
• The book that turned me into a Christian!
  By AY8IWWGKXTX1L on 2005-05-13
  I think this book addresses the subject very well. Wilkinson covers it as thoroughly as possible while staying within the boundaries of the Bible. It is very direct to the point, which is my favorite part, since all I'd heard about rewards had been wishy-washy like good intentions, good works, good faith etc. This book totally changed my thinking about what it is that God actually rewards. This book has made it so crystal clear to me the distinction between works and faith that I realized I'd never used the first key - accepting Christ as my Savior and Lord. This book changed me from years of "pretending" to be a Christian to becoming an actual follower of Jesus. Everyone has a choice to either accept Christ or continue relying on themselves. Do you know how many people in our life are still confused about this subject of works vs. faith, just like I was?! Thanks to this book, I was able to use Wilkinson's explanation to help some friends understand.
  
  If you didn't like this book, it's probably because you expected it to fulfill YOU, but I think it can be a great tool to reach to the minds of our not-yet-Christian friends for God's glory.
  
  
• getting ready for the Big Day
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2003-11-25
  This little book if full of morsels of truth, that will give you much food for thought, and inspire you to make the very most of your talents, every day of your life.
  Dr. Wilkinson has a way of putting wisdom and principles for a life that pleases the Lord into words that make them immediate and so easy to grasp.
  No matter how familiar I am with the subjects he writes about, I always get startling clarity on something vital that I had not noticed before. There is also much insight given into the many parables of Jesus, which is most helpful.

  In Chapter # 1, "Keyhole to the Stars", the first subjects mentioned are the two keys that indicate the "where and how" of our Final Destination; the first is belief, and the second is behavior.
  The following five chapters deal with the behavior part, and are about the purpose of life, and how our choices and "works" are so important, what is meant by "repayment" for works done, those opportunities for good actions that we might have passed by, and much more. Also discussed are our motives, and how well we steward what God has given us.
  Chapter 7 brings us back to the essential key of belief, and the final chapter ends with a pledge of allegiance as a "citizen of heaven"; the last six pages have quotes from Christian leaders, from Augustine to John Wesley, on the subject of eternal rewards.
  Dr. Wilkinson gives us all a challenge, "...to see your true calling today and to seize the opportunity that is right in front of you. Don't waste another day living for less".
  
  

• Summary: Give for what you can get
  By A1NKRY8MFTQXVI on 2004-01-09
  Book's key point: God will reward you 10,000 fold in heaven (in heavenly possessions and stature) for what you give up and away in this life.
  
  If you want to learn more than a spirit of greed, "Give for what you can get from God", you'll learn a lot more elsewhere.
  
  God won't likely give you a good return on your giving if you give from a motive of personal greed for heavenly rewards and stature, as this book came across to me as promoting. The author also came across as noting clearly more than once that his ministry would be delighted to be the recipient of your giving.
  
  The book would have done better by instead inspiring a spirit of "love", as in "love your neighbor as yourself", as the motive for giving. That motive I'm sure God will honor and reward.
  
  
• A Reality Many Are Unfamiliar With
  By A1HOLJW15Q5S5V on 2005-01-25
  A Life God Rewards explains a simple concept---God really is planning to reward His children for their good works. Although many Christians, including me, feel somewhat apprehensive about thinking that there are consequences in heaven for what we do or not do here, this should be good news---it should fill us with anticipation, vision, & perseverance: "Live with an unshakable certainty that everything I do today matters forever." In the end he faces the reader with 2 questions: What treasure has God given me? What is God asking me to do with my treasure?---and challenges you to search for the answer.
  
  
• Excellent Book For Spiritual Motivation
  By A3IWOKKMMB18U8 on 2005-02-20
  A Life God Rewards is an excellent book that focuses on "how" we will spend eternity in heaven. Christianity teaches that Jesus is the answer to "where" we spend eternity, but Bruce Wilkinson talks more in this book about how that life will be and how we can improve our time there.
  
  Wilkinson takes us through how our choices here on earth will affect the rewards we are given. It also goes on to say that many people who believe they have great rewards stored up for them will be mistaken because their intentions aren't right.
  
  This book is a very easy read and quite short. I'm not impressed with the price for such a short book and some of the text was repetitive when he should have been giving more examples or practical advice.
  
  However I still think this book is worth the read. It will definitely help set your heart on service and get you thinking about how you want to live your life in eternity. 4 out of 5 stars.
  
  
• Great, better than Jabex or Vine.
  By A3K2TCCG53G6FW on 2002-11-05
  I was excited to get this book. If you are a Christian, just getting by ... read this book! It will challenge you, and make you re-think about your walk with Jesus. It is top notch, and lists many verses to study on the bible.

  Get it, read it, and get closer to Christ!
  
  

• "The Jones" do not live in the Kingdom of Heaven
  By A3T8OWPNSANMH6 on 2003-01-19
  I've been to a few Promise Keeper Conventions where "many" men (not all) pour forth their hearts to God. If you've never had the awesome experience of listening to 48,000+ people worship and sing songs such as "Holy, Holy, Holy" to their Lord, you won't understand. It's truly awesome and unique, very different from worshipping with a group of 30 or 700 people in church. That said, if you're not "satisfied" with what heaven has to offer and you have to think about rewards during a Promise Keeper Convention, then your life is meaningless. In the presence of God, you're there to do only one thing: worship Him. That's what the Promise Keeper Convention is all about, worshipping Him and losing your old self and desires. I have two siblings. Much like that one reviewer said, one of my sisters is more interested in getting "rewards" from my parents whenever she meets up with them. They always anticipate this. The other could care less, as she's only there to love them. Which one of these is found with favor? My heart bled with love for God at the Promise Keeper Convention because my entire focus was on my Father. My heart will bleed when I can bow down in Heaven and worship in His presence, amongst an infinite sea of love. At that point, "who gives a rip about the rewards." "The Jones" do not live in the Kingdom of Heaven, so you won't have to keep up with them.
  
  
• C.S. Lewis' needed to get a reality check.
  By AHAB0NXQESPJK on 2003-03-14
  No one is arguing whether it's ok to accept God's rewards. That's a moot point. C.S. Lewis' needed to get a reality check. We're merely stating that you need to take the focus off of the "me" and place the absolute focus back on God, period! This is the real world with Christian struggles, not a Christian fantasy land of verbose semantics and philosophy. So here is THE BEST real-world illustration I have: When I worked at EMC Corporation in "the real world", I had a lunchtime conversation with a Christian brethren in which he praised God greatly--greatly--for his dad's $10,000 gift. He stated that God was good to his family and that he felt immensely blessed. [Does this sound familiar, in your particular life?] He was so tickled. I rejoiced with him. The following day, during lunchtime, he told me that he became infuriated when he found out that his "non-Christian" brother also received a $10,000 gift from his father. With his anger boiling over (literally, beet-red face) he emphatically stated, "That [reward] belongs to me!!!" I would never forget that moment, the voraciousness of the anger that came from a Christian. It was a subtle reality check, as I realized then that we've all become desensitized in our Christian walk...I leave you with a couple of thoughts. In Hebrew, when the phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used, it is a phrase that has been transformed into an idiom that most often means "people of God." In the beattitudes, when Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Jesus meant that of those whose hearts yearn for their Lord and Savior, they shall be called the "people of God". You see, God sets those people aside to become His bride. You don't inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Interestingly enough, as human beings by nature, we seek rewards. God seeks us, His kingdom. Learn to be godly. Lastly, in the real world, when Christians pray for God to bless their finances, how many of them would prefer to hear the words "Ka Ching! Ka Ching!" over their spiritual well-being? It's a rhetorical question, that can be answered if authors would more often reference Jesus in their discussion instead of someone like C.S. Lewis. Here we go, Jesus said, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Jesus was referring to the rich man's selfish attitude, not the status of the rich man. After all, your mind is a "Civil War Battlefield" in which Satan attacks (picture a Civil War Battlefield). I'd like to ask a rhetorical question to all of those who think that talking about rewards in heaven is a good thing. So, here it is: As you stand before God, and He gives you a choice between collecting the rewards you've amass throughout your Christian walk, or to give them up and refocus your entire life on bringing others to Christ, which would you choose? If you pray that God would guide your life towards the latter selection, then lose yourself COMPLETELY. How your Lord chooses to pay you (method, plan, or criteria) for your day's work in the hot field is ENTIRELY up to Him, so why are people writing books about this? My father and mother are non-Christians. I am a first generation Christian. My only desire is for them to know and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, not to lose their souls to Islam or Buddhism, in the real world. That said, if my Father rejoices in heaven to give my parents a greater reward in the end, as the angels shout with joy over their salvation, it is His will.
  
  
• This book does not breakthrough to anything new.
  By AA1W2CLNHK4AA on 2002-09-25
  Having read Wilkinson's previous two books, I thought it might be beneficial to read this newest one. The book has a few bright moments, but is a general disappointment containing some confused theology, especially in the area of what the Bible teaches about death and resurrection. His logic often leaves you thinking, "Huh?"

  One example of the confused theology is when he quotes Luke 14:13-14 on page 30. He is trying to make a point about eternal rewards that believers supposedly receive immediately after death, yet in the text Jesus says believers will be repaid "at the resurrection of the just." The Bible plainly teaches that the resurrection occurs at the Second Coming of Jesus which is the end of the world. (Job 19:25-27; Daniel 12:2-4; John 14:1-4; 1Corinthians 15:50-55; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14). At His coming Jesus brings His rewards with Him. (Revelation 22:12). They are not received before that time.

  Though a part of the "Breakthrough Series" I kept waiting for the breakthrough to break through in each chapter only to be let down. The book may have been intended for readers with a basic knowledge of the Bible, but anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual walk with God would do better spending more time in the Bible itself.

  Many will eagerly purchase this book due to the popularity and "frenzy" over the "Prayer of Jabez," though Wilkinson's book, "Secrets of the Vine" is the most valuable/accurate of the three in terms of practical faith and Biblical theology. He might have done better by leaving this newest topic alone. Save your money on this one.
  
  

• A Life God Rewards
  By A1YXJ3D1FSZXGN on 2002-10-09
  You talk about putting Christianity in a nutshell - Dave Wilkinson has done just that! This little book presents everything you need to know to living a life that pleases God plus scripture after scripture of quotes from Jesus. No longer how long you have been a Christian, you'll learn from this book.
  
  
• Awesome book; read it more than once.
  By AZOISZE4V4RVT on 2002-10-21
  It's all about Him and the privileges we will have to rule with Him and serve Him in heaven. It's about using wisely what He's entrusted us with temporarily in order to enjoy forever what He so graciously wants to give us: opportunities to rule with Him and serve Him forever. The returns - the rewards that we will experience in heaven are far out of proportion to what we give to His purposes and for His kingdom...His more is so much more than our more.. This book will cause you to fall deeper in love with a gracious , awesome God and on top of that it's evangelistic. The last couple of chapters describe an encounter Bruce had with a seeker and the simple Gospel presentation that resulted in the seeker's salvation. MUST READ!!!
  
  
• Life based on works?
  By A11RKOUZ0NPCNO on 2003-02-05
  I found this book difficult to be enthusiastic about. It is definitely the most controversial of Wilkinson's books so far. Wilkinson maintains that in order to be rewarded in Heaven we must have good works. It seems like he is saying that we must have rewards in Heaven in order to be satisfied. This is off the mark. We should be striving for God's will and do as He would have us to, but not only to get rewards. The books reasonings seem selfish. There is little information about faith. I expected much better.
  
  
• Someone should write a book on John the Baptist
  By A1USBB83FITW0I on 2003-10-04
  By the "equation" set out in the author's two books, someone like John the Baptist
  should have been more blessed than King David. But, God chose to bless each
  of us according to "His Plan". After all, Paul was chosen to carry forth the
  Gospel with many other brethrens. According to the standards set "by men"
  today, Paul, a predator who hunted down early Christians wouldn't have had a
  chance of being elected as a major contributor for the New Testament. Would
  you anoint a serial killer with wisdom, and cleanse his sins with the sacrifice
  of your only Son? No, because our society cannot even forgive an adulterer or
  a serial rapist. But God chose to bless Paul according to His Plan. I am glad
  Jesus did not pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, "God, give me your entire
  'warehouse' of blessings now!" Rather, our Lord said, "Your will be done." Do
  you know of any Christians today who would be willing to follow in the footsteps
  of Jesus and give up his/her possessions, or better yet, John the Baptist, live
  out in the desert and eat locust? Think about that: That is an even greater
  blessing than Jabez experienced, and yet nothing is written about it. John had
  nothing coming into the world except the Holy Spirit and had nothing when he
  left but the Holy Spirit. Someone should write a book on how John the Baptist prayed and see how popular that book becomes
  in today's society.
  
  
• Connecting Heaven and Earth!
  By on 2002-09-21
  Bruce Wilkinson connects the dots, showing how our actions on earth impact life in heaven for eternity. It is both sobering and exhiliarating! It reminds me of an interesting explanation of the connection between heaven and earth that I read in a powerful novel every parent should read called The Gravel Drive by Kirk Martin: "heaven and hell are merely eternal extensions of what you have experienced on earth. If you have a relationship with God here, that will continue into eternity." Both books reinforce the fact that eternity does not begin at some later date, it begins now! I emailed the author at thegraveldrive.com and even received a personal response saying that he hopes the book can be used as a tool for evangelism. I would recommend both of these books and ordered five copies of The Gravel Drive to give to my unchurched friends - what a powerful way to put into practice what Bruce Wilkinson teaches in sharing your faith.
  
  
• A breath of fresh air
  By A3RYFKILL8BBGZ on 2002-10-03
  Now I know why it matters what I do here on Earth. It's slowly starting to come together and this book (as well as his other 3 and Philip Yancey's books) have really dialed me into forming a cohesive picture of who God is and what He wants to accomplish in my life. If there is any weakness, it would be that it was too short. It's such a huge subject, but I think Wilkinson handles the material deftly.
  
  
• A Huge Paradigm shift
  By A3RYFKILL8BBGZ on 2002-10-02
  I had no idea! That's what I felt after finishing this quick read. I found the theology very solid and eye-opening. (As a matter-of-fact, I've found that this message is nothing new. Spurgeon preached this, Calvin preached this, Wesley (really) preached this, St Augustine preached this, D.L. Moody preached this, Martin Luther preached this. Somehow it's just been lost under the dust of neglect). Wilkinson elegantly brings these ancient truths to light once again. And they are life-changing truths, if we just believe what Jesus said. That God wants to further pour his manifold blessings upon us at every opportunity is a further indication of the breadth of His grace. I guess some people assume Heaven will be kind of a communist state, the same for everyone, that it doesn't really matter what we do here. I understand now why that is so wrong. We have painted God, as we would like Him to be, rather than letting Him reveal His character to us. I also understand how tainted our western aspect of theology has become. This is a message that will especially ring true for all the believers around the world that are suffering, are being persecuted, and are in great distress. God will reward them greatly. Much more I fear than most of the milk-toast Christians who in their hearts really don't believe that what we do here on earth really matters. This book has not only encouraged me to work hard at the race of life, with the finish line always in sight, but to relish the day of that victory when all I have done will count for something, and I see Him face to face and in deep humility and awe find His Grace further lavished upon me for who I am and what I have accomplished with the time He has given me upon this Earth. Highly recommended!!!
  
  
• To the reviewer who wrote about focusing on the race...
  By A1P5MWZEI2GMQM on 2002-10-23
  I have to agree with the reviewer who wrote about focusing entirely on the race. If I understand correctly what the person is trying to say, those of us who focus entirely on the race aren't even concerned with our heavenly rewards, much less our earthly rewards. So I don't know why people are so upset. What's the big issue? And besides, many of us who marvel at our earthly rewards wouldn't go and sell everything we had anyway, and vow to a life of poverty. I seriously doubt Bruce Wilkinson would follow in the footsteps of Mother Teresa, clear his bank account, move to India or Asia (or even the inner city), and pour the rest of his life into ministering to the poor and afflicted. The difference between Mother Teresa and us is that she did a lot of "walking" for Christ, whereas we just do a lot of talking and look to an eternal reward. As someone with a child-like heart once told us in Bible class, "What difference does it make what you get in heaven?" The key to the answer is in your heart. That is, search your "true" heart and see what matters to you. Think about those words for a while. That is wisdom at its VERY best. I did.
  
  
• It's ok to accept God's reward
  By A2HHHQ72PG1YWC on 2003-03-07
  In the back of this cogent little book, C.S. Lewis is quoted:

  "If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is not part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak."

  Through sound exposition, Wilkinson demonstrates, in a gentle yet rigorous way, the radical nature of God's grace:

  Our limited minds struggle grasp the simple but awesome truth that we are true heirs to the Kingdom and we should act accordingly. That is, we should act with the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing that we live according to God's will, with unconditional love and sacrifice of self, even for our enemies, yet joyously accepting his undeserved favor now and in eternity.
  
  I'll be giving this book to many of my friends.
  
  

• Liberating
  By A1ZCJYPEMMQXMQ on 2005-09-25
  Get your head out of the world and breathe some heavenly air and you'll get God's perspective on your life, aspirations and things you cherish. Beware, this book will change your life.
  
  

• Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance (Breakthrough Series)
• The Dream Giver
• Beyond Jabez: Expanding Your Borders
• The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
• The Prayer of Jabez, 5th Anniversary Edition: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life (Breakthrough Series)