by Rick Marin | Mar 22, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
Is it possible that a Christian could lose their eternal reward?
(Matthew 25:20-23; Romans 6:23; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Hebrews 11:6) Blog 18-25 Mar. 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We are children of God by creation and by redemption and God has entrusted us with the care of his resources. Ten percent of our income we are to return to him for the support of his ordained ministers. The 90% remaining is ours to manage wisely for his glory. This includes gospel advance, help for the needy, support of our families, and the care of strangers. Since we are covetous by nature we must rule over the natural inclination of our hearts as we make investments, give offerings, and plan for the future.
Temporal Rewards
1. Does the Bible promise that people will be rewarded in this life? Yes, people do receive some rewards in this life (Psa. 18:23-25; Prov. 11:35).
2. What temporal rewards come from doing good? In this life people receive wages, children, spouses, & multiple blessings from doing good (Gen. 39:5; Job 7:2; Psa. 127:3; Luke 3:14).
3. What rewards did the Levites receive for their service in the temple? The Levites received a portion of the people’s offerings as the reward for their services (Num. 18:30-31).
4. How did Jesus describe the rewards that those who follow him will receive in this life? Jesus said that those who forsake people or things for his sake will receive an hundredfold in this life before receiving everlasting life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:29-30).
5. What earthly joys did Solomon say people could have in this life? Solomon said that in this life people can enjoy marriage, work, food, & drink (Eccl. 9:7-10).
6. Where will unbelievers receive good rewards? The good rewards for unbelievers will only be received in this life (Psa. 17:14).
7. What temporal reward did the thief on the cross acknowledge to be just? The thief declared that their death sentence was just (Luke 23:41).
Eternal Rewards
8. What eternal reward do all believers receive alike? All believers equally receive the reward of eternal life (Matt. 20:9-10; Rom. 6:23; Gal. 6:8).
9. Besides the gift of eternal life, for what else does God give eternal rewards? Besides eternal life God also rewards believers for the good deeds done while on this earth (2 Cor. 5:10).
10. What basis must we first establish before God can give us eternal rewards? Before God can give us eternal rewards we must have Jesus as our Saviour for he is the foundation on which we build (1 Cor. 3:11-15)
11. In accord with what does God give eternal rewards? God gives eternal rewards according to our works (Isa. 3:11; Matt. 16:27; 1 Cor. 3:8; 2 Tim. 4:14).
12. What kind of good deeds did Jesus say would not receive eternal rewards? Jesus taught that the good deeds done to impress others would receive no eternal rewards (Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18).
13. Where will the righteous receive their eternal rewards? The righteous will receive their eternal rewards in heaven (Matt. 5:12; Rev. 22:12).
14. What reward is Paul referring to in Romans 4:4? Paul is talking about the reward of eternal life that is given to all who believe in Jesus & not to the rewards God gives for our service to him (Rom. 4:4).
15. What final reward does God have for those who hate him? God, in mercy, will give eternal destruction to those who hate him (Deut. 32:41-43; Rom. 6:23).
Judgment for Rewards
16. How does God determine what eternal rewards to give people? It is by investigative judgment that God determines eternal rewards (2 Chron. 6:23; Psa. 58:11; 2 Cor. 5:10).
17. What happens to the worthless deeds of the righteous? The worthless deeds of the righteous are consumed by the flames of judgment & only their good deeds are rewarded (1 Cor. 3:11-15).
18. What are the sacrifices that please God that we are to offer on heaven’s altar? We are to offer the sacrifices of praise to God, of giving thanks to his name, of doing good, & of communicating the Gospel to others. These are the sacrifices that please God (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5).
19. What must be added to all our good deeds if they are to be acceptable to God? All our good deeds must be purified by the blood of Christ before they can be acceptable to God (Eccl. 7:20; Heb. 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:5).
20. Is it possible that a Christian could lose their eternal reward? Yes, if they turn away from God & are deceived into earning their salvation by their works then all their good deeds will not be remembered or rewarded (Eze. 18:24; 33:13; Col. 2:18; 2 Pet. 2:21-22; 2 John 1:7-9).
21. What exceeding great reward did God promise Abraham? God promised Abraham that he, himself would be his exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1).
by Rick Marin | Mar 15, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
How might we avoid some financial crises?
(1 Chron. 21:1-14; 2 Chron. 20:1-22; 2 Peter 3:3-12; Revelation 13:11-17) Blog Mar. 12-18, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God is generous, but we are covetous. For us to be generous we must rule over the natural inclinations of our hearts. Only born-again children of God are enabled and encouraged to do this. As we make investments, give offerings, and plan for maturity we will continually need to rule over our covetousness.
When Hard Times Come
1. What are common causes of financial crises? Common causes of financial crises are slothfulness, health problems, bad investments, theft, house fires, destruction by natural disasters, & political upheaval (Matt. 6:19; 24:7).
2. How might we avoid some financial crises? If our crisis is due to slothfulness, we may become diligent by changing our habits. We may avoid health problems by living in harmony God’s laws of health. We may avoid bad investments by seeking godly counsel before making them. But most causes of financial crisis are unavoidable (Ex. 15:26; Prov. 3:5-6; 11:14-15; 19:15; John 16:33).
3. What did King Jehoshaphat do when faced with a great military crisis? Jehoshaphat prayed to God & reminded him of Judah’s fair treatment of their neighbor enemies in the past (2 Chron. 20:1-13).
4. How did God turn a great crisis for King Jehoshaphat into a great financial blessing? God sent Jehoshaphat a message through a prophet & God’s people approached the enemy with singing & the enemy destroyed each other leaving all the booty for God’s people (2 Chron. 20:14-25).
5. What should we learn from Jehoshaphat’s crisis? We should learn that when faced with a crisis we should first seek God’s help & then obey his prophets (2 Chron. 20:20).
6. When David chose to number his troops rather than trust God for his defense, what happened? God punished David for not trusting in him (1 Chron. 21:1-14).
7. What has God promised for those who love and serve him? God has promised not to forsake his children. He has promised to clothe & feed them (Matt. 6:31-33; Heb. 13:5-6).
8. How did God care for the prophet Elijah when he faced a great crisis? God used ravens, a foreign widow, & angels to feed Elijah (1 Kings 17:4-9; 19:5-8).
Financial Priorities
9. How should family members respond when one of their number faces a financial crisis? Family members should help each other when financial crises come (Lev. 25:47-49; 1 Tim. 5:8).
10. How should church members respond when one of their number faces a financial crisis? We are to help others by lifting up the weak, by lending without interest, & by generously supplying their needs (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:12-14; Heb. 12:12).
11. How should the church respond when someone in their community faces a financial crisis? We are to love strangers & help them when they are in need (Lev. 19:33-35; 25:35-36; Deut. 10:17-19; Matt. 25:35; Gal. 6:10).
12. What men in the Old Testament went out of their way to help poor foreigners? When Moses fled from Egypt with nothing Jethro took him in & gave him employment. Job gave poor foreigners a place to spend the night & Boaz went out of his way to help Ruth the foreigner who was in a financial crisis (Ex. 2:15-21; Job 31:32; Ruth 2:8-10).
When we cannot Buy or Sell
13. What financial crisis does the Bible say will come to God’s people in the last days? Revelation says there will come a time when God’s people will not be able to buy or sell (Rev. 13:16-17).
14. Besides losing our source of income, our ability to sell property, and our freedom to purchase food, in what intangible commodities might we also not be able to trade? Like in some countries of the world today we may not be allowed to trade (buy or sell) the truth & we may not be able to purchase the grace of God’s Holy Spirit at that time (Prov. 23:23; Matt. 25:9).
15. What should God’s people do before they can no longer buy or sell? Before we can no longer buy or sell, we should be filled with God’s Spirit & be diligent in sharing the truth. We should dispose of all unnecessary property & belongings & use the proceeds to advance God’s kingdom (Isa. 2:20; Luke 12:33).
16. How will God’s people survive when they can no longer buy or sell? When God’s people can no longer buy or sell God will feed & protect them (Isa. 33:16; Psa. 27:5; 37:39-40).
by Rick Marin | Mar 8, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
How do fools think?
(Prov. 27:23-27; Eccl. 2:14-19; Luke 12:16-21; Rom. 1:21-22) Blog Mar. 5-11, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God is generous with us but since the fall it is not natural for us to be generous with him nor with others. Only those who are born again as children of God are enabled and encouraged to return to God their service of love. This includes tithes, offerings, and acts of love. Our investments, employment, and possessions will all be influenced by the god we have chosen to serve.
Foolish Thinking
1. What inheritance was not uppermost in the mind of the man that asked Jesus to speak to his brother about an inheritance? This man was thinking only of earthly treasure & not of eternal treasure (Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:13; 1 Pet. 1:4).
2. After answering the man that asked Jesus to speak to his brother, what did Jesus say? Jesus said: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).
3. In Jesus’ parable, who did the foolish rich man not think of? The foolish rich man did not think of God nor of others. He only thought of himself (Luke 12:16-19).
4. How does Paul describe people who have a foolish heart? Paul wrote that those who have a foolish heart do not glorify God as God, are not thankful, & are vain in their imaginations, while they profess themselves to be wise (Rom. 1:21-22).
5. How does David summarize the thoughts of a fool? David says that the fool thinks there is no God (Psa. 14:1).
6. What thought of Solomon’s did the foolish rich man apparently not consider? Apparently, the foolish rich man did not consider that he might die at any moment & his wealth would be another’s (Eccl. 2:14-19; Luke 12:19-20).
7. How did Jesus summarize the story of the foolish rich man? Jesus said: “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself & is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).
Preparing for Retirement
8. According to Paul, in what should a person trust for their retirement years? Paul writes that a person should not trust in uncertain riches but rather should trust in God “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).
9. When should a person stop working and enjoy their retirement? A person should never stop working to advance God’s kingdom, whether employed or retired (Matt. 24:44-46; Rev. 2:25).
10. What was wrong with the retirement plans made by the foolish rich man? The foolish rich man’s retirement plans were wrong because he only considered his own pleasure (Luke 12:19).
11. What should the foolish rich man have planned to do for his retirement? He should not have built bigger barns but rather should have shared his bumper crops with the church & the poor & made plans for the distribution of his property should he die unexpectedly (Lev. 23:22; Deut. 15:11; Luke 12:20-21).
12. At what age were the priests in Israel allowed to retire? Each of the families of Levi served the temple from age thirty to fifty (Num. 4:47).
13. How does Solomon say we should prepare for retirement? Solomon said that we should understand our financial portfolio & not waste it, but rather plan how to cover our expenses, including food, clothing, property, & caregivers (Prov. 27:23-27).
Preparing for Death
14. What financial factors should a person keep in mind when preparing for death? In preparing for death a person should consider the goodness of God throughout their life, the needs of their family, & the fact that they can take nothing with them when they die (Deut. 8:18; Psa. 49:16-17; Eccl. 5:18-19; 1 Tim. 5:8; 6:6-7).
15. What simple test does Paul give for telling if something is eternal or not?Paul says, if you can see it, then it is not eternal (2 Cor. 4:18).
16. Who does Solomon include as deserving an inheritance? Solomon says that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children, grandchildren, & wise servants (Prov. 13:22; 17:2).
17. Why is it wise to establish your estate plans early in life? Estate planning should be done early in life because we don’t know when we will die (Eccl. 8:6-8).
18. What does Revelation 14 say will continue to bear fruit after we die? The good or bad works we have done in this life continue to bear fruit after we die (Rev. 14:13).
19. As we consider how to manage our finances what overarching fact should always be uppermost in our minds? We should always remember that in financial planning we are only stewards of God’s blessings for he is the owner of heaven & earth & everything in them (Psa. 24:1; 50:10; Heb. 3:4).
by Rick Marin | Mar 1, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
When will covetousness be eradicated?
(Joshua 7:21; Luke 12:15; John 12:1-8; Ephesians 5:5) Blog Feb. 26 – Mar. 4, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God who provides us with all things that pertain unto life and godliness deserves our worship. This will include our service of love, our tithes, and our offerings, for we desire to have treasure in heaven, in the form of souls who have come to faith through our efforts. Our investments, employment, and possessions will all be influenced by the god we have chosen to serve.
Its Source
1. Where did covetousness first appear? Covetousness first appeared in heaven when Lucifer desired to take God’s throne (Isa. 14:12-14).
2. When did covetousness enter this earth? Covetousness entered this earth when Eve desired the forbidden fruit to make her wise like God (Gen. 3:6).
3. When Adam ate the forbidden fruit who else became covetous? When Adam sinned all his posterity were destined to be born covetous (Psa. 58:3; Rom. 5:12).
4. When does David say he became covetous? David says that at conception he became a sinner (Psa. 51:5).
5. In what way does God tell us what sin is? God tells us what sin is by giving us the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17; 1 John 3:43).
6. Of all the Commandments which one deals with covetousness? The tenth commandment deals with our natural desire to possess something that is not ours to have: covetousness (Ex. 20:17; Rom. 7:7).
7. Where is our covetousness located? Covetousness is located in our hearts (Mark 7:21-23).
8. Is it a sin to have a sinful heart, a covetous nature? Yes, it is a sin to have a sinful nature, a covetous heart (Prov. 16:5; 21:4; Jer. 17:9).
9. How does the Bible express the sinfulness of evil thoughts? God says that our hearts are wicked & the imagination of our thoughts is continually evil from our youth (Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Deut. 15:9; Prov. 30:32; Eze. 38:10; Matt. 9:4; 15:19).
Its Results
10. What kind of men was Moses counseled to put over God’s people as judges? Moses was counseled to put as judges, men who hated covetousness (Ex. 18:21).
11. How did Joseph’s brothers express their covetous thoughts? Joseph’s brothers expressed their covetousness by selling him as a slave (Gen. 37:26-27; 50:20).
12. What former prophet of God does the Bible use as an illustration of covetousness? The Bible presents Balaam as an example of covetousness (Num. 22:21; 2 Pet. 2:14-15; Jude 1:11).
13. Whose covetousness brought defeat in battle to God’s people? Achan’s covetousness brought defeat to God’s people including death (Josh. 7:21).
14. What resulted from Judas’ covetousness? Judas’ covetousness led him to steal money from Christ’s treasury, to sell Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, & to betray him in Gethsemane (John 12:1-8).
15. How were Ananias and Saphira punished for their covetousness? The Lord slew both Ananias & Saphira for their covetousness (similar to what happened to Achan) (Acts 5:3-11).
Dealing with It
16. How did God tell Cain to deal with his sinful nature? God tells Cain to rule over his sinful nature, just as he tells Christians to do also (Gen. 4:7; Rom. 6:12).
17. What hope does Paul give us for overcoming our tendency to let our covetousness express itself in actions? Paul says that God always provides a way of escape from temptation so that we need not fall (1 Cor. 10:13).
18. When writing to Timothy what method does Paul give for overcoming covetousness? Paul wants us to be godlike & contented with what we have, remembering that we will take nothing out of this world (1 Tim. 6:6-7).
19. Why does Paul equate covetousness with idolatry? Idolatry is to esteem something else (ourselves) more important than God & covetousness does just that: it is selfishness (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5).
20. When will the covetous corruption of our hearts be eradicated? Our corruption of nature, selfish covetousness, will be removed at glorification when the voice of God thunders from heaven (the time of the special resurrection), a short while before Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven (Rom. 8:17-21; 1 Cor. 15:42; Rev. 11:15; 16:17).
by Rick Marin | Feb 22, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
(Gen. 2:15; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Tim. 5:8) Blog 19-25 Feb. 2023
What benefits do we receive from working?
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God who provides us with all things that pertain unto life and godliness deserves our worship. This will include our service of love, our tithes, and our offerings, for we desire to have treasure in heaven, in the form of souls who have come to faith through our efforts.
Life’s Choices
1. What important decision should a young person make before choosing their life employment? It is always best if a person chooses who will be their god before choosing their life employment (Eccl. 12:1).
2. How does choosing one’s god before choosing one’s life work direct one in choosing their employment? If a person chooses to serve the God of creation then they have his Word to help them make right employment choices: like only honorable employment, only employment that maintains their health, only employment that allows for Sabbath rest & family time, etc. (Ex. 20:8; Deut. 16:16-17; 1 Cor. 10:31).
3. How does the life of Jacob illustrate choosing to serve the God of creation before entering his life employment? When fleeing the wrath of his brother God gave Jacob a vision of heaven & earth to which he responded by committing himself to God’s service before he began his life work (Gen. 29:9-20).
4. What life choice is always better if made after choosing one’s life employment? The choice of deciding who a person will marry for a life partner is always better if made after choosing & entering one’s life work (2 Cor. 6:14-16).
5. Of what two basic choices should we continually remind ourselves? We should always keep in mind that we have chosen to serve God rather than idols (Josh. 24:15).
The Blessing of Work
6. Why did God give Adam and Eve work to do in the Garden of Eden? Everything God gave Adam & Eve in Eden was “good,” so work was good for them & good for the garden (Gen. 1:31; 2:15).
7. How did work change after sin entered this world? After sin entered God cursed the ground making it only produce with increased labor (Gen. 3:17-19).
8. Who was to benefit from the ground being cursed? God told Adam that the ground was being cursed for his sake. In other words, increased labor would be beneficial to Adam & Eve in their sinful condition (Gen. 3:17).
9. What benefits do we receive from working? Besides remuneration, we receive physical & mental exercise that improves our physical & mental health & a feeling of accomplishment that gives us a positive attitude toward life in general (Gen. 3:19; Prov. 14:23; 2 Thes. 3:10-12).
10. What does the Bible say about the power to get wealth? Moses writes that it is God who gives us the power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18).
11. How were the poor and needy in Israel expected to work even when receiving help? In order to receive the gleanings of the field the poor & needy in Israel had to go out into the field & work to gather the grain, carry it home, thresh it, grind it into flour & make it into bread or porridge. Prepared food was not delivered to their door (Lev. 23:22; Ruth 2:16-17).
Working with Integrity
12. How does Paul say that we are to work? Paul says we are to “work heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men… for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24).
13. How does Peter say that employees are to work? Peter says that employees are to be in submission to their employers (1 Pet. 2:18).
14. What does Jeremiah pronounce on those to pay unfair wages? Jeremiah says that those who withhold fair wages are under God’s curse (Jer. 22:13).
15. What example of an unfair employer is given in the Old Testament? Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, is an example of an unfair employer (Gen. 31:7).
16. What happens to the wages of those who do not help build God’s house? The wages of those who refuse to help build God’s house will vanish away (Hag. 1:3-9).
17. What care should we take for what we earn? With God’s guidance we should carefully plan how we spend our money so as to not exceed our income & to reserve some for future emergencies (Prov. 6:6-8; 15:16; 27:23-24).
by Rick Marin | Feb 15, 2023 | 2023 1st Quarter
How is it that many become poor?
(Leviticus 23:22; Job 29:12-16; Luke 4:16-19; 19:1-10) Blog Feb. 12-18, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God who provides us with all things that pertain unto life and godliness deserves our worship. This will include our service of love, our tithes, and our offerings, for we desire to have treasure in heaven, in the form of souls who have come to faith through our efforts.
Who are they?
1. After returning tithes and offerings to God, where does a Christian’s first financial obligation lie? A Christian’s first financial obligation to others is for the needs of his own family (1 Tim. 5:8).
2. After caring for his own family whose needs should be a priority for the Christian? The needs of fellow church members should come before those of the ungodly (Gal. 3:10).
3. If Jesus died for all men what should that tell us about the value of every human being? Every person is of infinite value to God, for Jesus bore all their sins upon the cross & they deserve our help (Isa. 53:6; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 2:2).
4. How does God tell us that we are to treat the poor? God says that we are to defend, deliver, & have mercy on the poor (Psa. 82:3-4; Prov. 13:41).
5. What specific ways of helping the poor does Moses list? Moses tells God’s people to not charge interest when loaning to the poor, to leave extra gleanings of their crops for the poor, & to let the poor eat from the land during the Sabbatical year (Ex. 22:25; 23:11; Lev. 23:22; Deut. 15:11).
6. What does David say that God does for the poor and needy? God thinks of, sees, hears, & helps the poor, needy, & fatherless & delivers them (Psa. 10:14; 34:6; 35:10; 40:17; 113:7).
Our Example
7. What Scripture did Jesus choose to read at his home church in Nazareth? At the synagogue in Nazareth Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 (Luke 4:16-19).
8. How does Isaiah 61:1-2 reveal Jesus’ mission to earth? Isaiah 61 lists in order of importance the things Jesus was to do while on earth (Matt. 9:35; 11:5).
9. What was Jesus’ mission statement as recorded in Luke 4? Jesus’ mission statement was: “I have come to preach the gospel, to heal, to deliver, and to proclaim the coming of God’s kingdom.” (Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:18-19).
10. What should we learn from Jesus’ mission statement? We should accept Jesus’ mission statement as our own (1 Pet. 2:21).
11. When sending out his twelve disciples what commission did Jesus give them? Jesus told the twelve to preach & to heal (Matt. 4:23; 10:7-8).
12. From the previous ideas, what can we conclude? We must conclude that our work for humanity is not done when we have preached the gospel, but that we must also meet people’s physical needs (Isa. 58:6-7; Matt. 25:34-40).
13. What classes of needy people did Job help? Job helped the poor, the fatherless, the dying, the widows, the blind, & the lame (Job 29:12-16).
14. What should our motive be for helping those in need? All that we do for others should be motivated by love. That was God’s motive for giving us his Son (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13:3).
In what way?
15. What is one way that James says we can help orphans and widows? James says that we can help orphans and widows by visiting them (Jam. 1:27).
16. How is it that many become poor? Many become poor because of the oppression & withholding of fair salaries by the rich (Lev. 19:13; Prov. 14:31; James 2:6).
17. What method did Job use to determine who and how to help? Job searched out the cases of the needy & defended them in court (Job 29:16).
18. Of what is generosity to the needy a sign? Generosity to the needy apart from selfish motives is a sign of true conversion. The stories of the rich young ruler & Zacchaeus demonstrate this (Matt. 19:16-22; Luke 19:1-10; 1 Cor. 13:3).
