Refined By Fire

Tag: Chuck Smith

  • Building for Eternity: The Reward of Spirit-Led Works

    Introduction

    Our journey through Refined by Fire has revealed the transformative power of faith (Post 8), the sacrificial works of seeking the Kingdom (Post 9), the call to love in action (Post 10), and the readiness required for judgment (Post 11). Now, we conclude our initial series in Part 3: Judgment at the Bema Seat, reflecting on Chapter 18’s theme of eternal rewards for Spirit-led works. The Parable of the Faithful Servants taught us to be ready for the Master’s return, but what awaits those who serve faithfully? 1 Corinthians 3:14 promises, “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward” (ESV). This truth prepares us for the Bema Seat, where our works in the Kingdom of God now will determine our rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s explore this promise through Stephen’s faithful witness and learn how to build for eternity.

    The Reward of Spirit-Led Works

    In the 1st-century Corinthian context of 1 Corinthians 3, Paul wrote to a church struggling with divisions and fleshly works (1 Corinthians 1:11), urging them to build on the foundation of Christ with works of gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:12). He warned that their works would be tested by fire at the Bema Seat, but “if the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14, ESV). In this Greco-Roman city, known for the Isthmian Games where athletes competed for perishable laurel crowns, Paul contrasts fleeting rewards with the eternal reward of the Bema Seat. This aligns with Dual-Realm Dispensationalism, where Spirit-led works in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13) lead to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 22:12). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies this truth. In Jerusalem, amidst opposition from the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:12), Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5), served widows and preached boldly (Acts 7:52). His martyrdom—forgiving his enemies as stones fell (Acts 7:60)—built a work of gold, securing an eternal reward as he saw Christ standing to receive him (Acts 7:55). Chuck Smith reflects, “Stephen’s faithfulness built gold, a work that endures” (Old Testament Study Guide, 1981, p. 134).1 Stephen’s example shows that Spirit-led works—marked by love, faith, and obedience—survive the Bema Seat’s fire, earning an eternal reward.

    Stephen’s Eternal Crown

    Stephen’s story illustrates the eternal reward awaiting those who build with the Spirit. Despite facing death, he remained faithful, proclaiming Christ and forgiving his persecutors (Acts 7:60). His works, rooted in the Spirit, were gold—enduring the fire of judgment to receive a crown that never fades. 2 Timothy 4:8 describes this reward: “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day” (ESV). In the 1st-century context, crowns were symbols of victory, but Paul emphasizes an eternal crown, awarded at the Bema Seat to those whose works endure. Stephen’s faithfulness challenges us to build with the Spirit, ensuring our works are not wood, hay, or straw (1 Corinthians 3:12), but gold that survives the fire. John Walvoord notes, “Spirit-led works endure the fire, earning a crown that reflects the glory of Christ” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 1983, p. 515).2 Stephen’s eternal crown calls us to live with eternity in view, building works that will receive the Master’s approval: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

    Practical Application: Building for Eternity

    The promise of reward at the Bema Seat challenges us to build for eternity through Spirit-led works. In our modern context, this means serving with love, witnessing with faith, and giving with generosity, knowing our works will be tested. Matthew 5:16 urges, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV). Practically, this might look like sharing the gospel with a friend, even when it’s uncomfortable, or giving sacrificially to support a missionary, trusting God to multiply the impact. For example, mentoring a new believer or volunteering in your church’s outreach program can be Spirit-led works that endure the fire, earning an eternal reward. Tim LaHaye writes, “Spirit-led works secure a crown that endures, a testament to the Spirit’s guidance” (Spirit-Filled Life, 1997, p. 108).3 Build with the Spirit—let your works reflect His sanctifying power, securing an eternal reward.

    More to Explore

    Building for eternity through Spirit-led works concludes our initial series, preparing us for the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. Join us starting April 7, 2025, for a new 24-part series, diving into each chapter of Refined by Fire on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule. We’ll begin with Chapter 1, exploring faith in the Kingdom of God, and journey through to Chapter 24, culminating in the eternal Kingdom. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).

    Endnotes

    1. Chuck Smith, Old Testament Study Guide (Costa Mesa: Word for Today, 1981), 134.
    2. John Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983), 515.
    3. Tim LaHaye, Spirit-Filled Life (Eugene: Harvest House, 1997), 108.

  • The Mustard Seed: Kingdom Growth

    A Seed in Galilee

    In a Galilean field near Capernaum, a farmer held a tiny mustard seed, barely noticeable in his palm (Matthew 13:31, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field”). The rolling hills, dotted with wildflowers as described by ancient travelers like Josephus (Wars of the Jews, Book 3), framed this scene—a humble setting for Jesus’ teaching. Yet, this seed’s potential revealed human doubt: small beginnings often seem insignificant. Christ’s parable offers hope through growth. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), showing how faith in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”) grows into the expansive Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 20:6). Charles Ryrie writes, “The Mustard Seed illustrates the kingdom’s growth from humble origins to global impact” (Dispensationalism, 2007, p. 145). Trust humbly—small faith yields great growth.

    The Seed’s Growth

    The mustard seed, though “the smallest of all seeds”, grew into a plant so large that “the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:32). Botanists note the black mustard plant (Brassica nigra), common in Judea, can grow 10-12 feet, towering over other herbs. This growth mirrors the Kingdom of Heaven’s expansion—from a small band of disciples to a global faith (Acts 1:8, “you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth”). The kingdom begins in the heart (John 3:3, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”), but its fruit reaches far (Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others”). David Guzik reflects, “The kingdom grows through faithful witness, small acts compounding into eternity” (Matthew Commentary, 2013, p. 56). Grow steadily—your faith expands God’s kingdom.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The Kingdom of God, accessed by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), starts small but grows through Spirit-led works (Colossians 1:10, “bearing fruit in every good work”). The mustard seed’s growth reflects this—believers, rooted in the Kingdom of God now, bear fruit that prepares for the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 20:6, “they will reign with him for a thousand years”). The birds nesting symbolize the kingdom’s reach, offering shelter to all (Isaiah 11:9, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord”). Shine brightly—your faith, though small, can shelter many.

    The Centurion’s Seed of Faith

    A centurion in Capernaum planted a small seed of faith (Matthew 8:5-13). He sought Jesus to heal his servant, saying, “Lord… only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled, “with no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10), and the servant was healed. Chuck Smith observes, “His faith, though small, grew into a testimony of God’s power” (The Gospel of Matthew, 1982, p. 45). This seed of faith entered the Kingdom of God (John 3:16, “whoever believes in him should not perish”), a model for growth. Believe simply—your small faith can grow mighty.

    Hope for the Kingdom of Heaven

    The mustard plant’s growth foreshadows the Kingdom of Heaven, where Christ’s reign brings global glory (Revelation 20:4). The Rapture marks this transition (1 Thessalonians 4:17, “caught up… to meet the Lord in the air”), leading to the millennial kingdom where believers reign (Revelation 20:6). John MacArthur writes, “The kingdom’s growth culminates in Christ’s return, a hope for every believer” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 1989, p. 347). This hope inspires us to plant seeds now, ensuring rewards later. Hope confidently—your faith today grows into eternity.

    More to Explore

    The Mustard Seed challenges us—are we planting seeds of faith? Upcoming posts will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) and readiness (Matthew 24:45-47) in the Kingdom of God now lead to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).

  • The Wheat and Tares: Judgment’s Preview

    A Field in Judea

    In a sunlit Judean field, wheat and tares grew side by side, their roots entwined beneath the soil (Matthew 13:24, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field”). The rolling hills of Judea, dotted with olive groves as noted by Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 15), framed this scene—a fitting setting for Jesus’ teaching near Capernaum. Yet, an enemy sowed tares, revealing human failure to discern good from evil. Christ’s parable offers hope through judgment. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), linking works in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”) to the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13), shaping our role in the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 20:6). John Walvoord writes, “The Wheat and Tares preview the separation of true and false at the end of the age” (Matthew: Thy Kingdom Come, 1974, p. 98). Discern wisely—your works face God’s fire.

    The Sower and the Enemy

    The sower planted good seed, but an enemy sowed tares (Matthew 13:25). When the plants grew, servants asked, “Did you not sow good seed in your field?” (Matthew 13:27). The master replied, “An enemy has done this… let both grow together until the harvest” (Matthew 13:28-30). The harvest separates wheat (righteous) from tares (wicked), reflecting the Bema Seat (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, “the fire will test what sort of work each one has done”). David Guzik notes, “The tares mimic wheat, but their fruit reveals their nature at judgment” (Matthew Commentary, 2013, p. 54). This parable warns that works in the Kingdom of God now determine rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven later. Work faithfully—bear fruit that endures.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The Kingdom of God, accessed by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), calls believers to works reflecting Christ (Colossians 1:10, “bearing fruit in every good work”). The wheat symbolizes Spirit-led works—gold, silver, precious stones—that endure (1 Corinthians 3:12). The tares, works of the flesh, perish (Matthew 13:30, “gather the weeds… to be burned”). Fruchtenbaum teaches, “Works reveal the heart—only Spirit-led deeds survive God’s judgment” (Israelology, 1989, p. 456). Live righteously—let your works shine as wheat in God’s harvest.

    The Faithful Servants

    Two servants in a Judean household exemplified enduring works (Matthew 24:45-47). The faithful servant, tasked with feeding others, was diligent, earning, “Blessed is that servant… he will set him over all his possessions” (Matthew 24:46-47). Chuck Smith reflects, “Faithful service in small things leads to greater reward” (The Gospel of Matthew, 1982, p. 134). Their works, like the wheat, endure (1 Corinthians 3:14, “if the work… survives, he will receive a reward”). Serve diligently—your faithfulness now shapes your eternity.

    Preparing for the Bema Seat

    The harvest points to the Bema Seat, where works are judged (2 Corinthians 5:10, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ”). Wheat endures, tares burn—Spirit-led works gain reward (1 Corinthians 3:14), while fleshly works face loss (1 Corinthians 3:15, “he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved”). Tim LaHaye writes, “The Bema Seat evaluates our works, not our salvation, for the Kingdom of Heaven” (The Rapture, 2002, p. 89). This prepares us for reigning with Christ (Revelation 20:4). Prepare now—let your works be wheat, not tares.

    More to Explore

    The Wheat and Tares challenge us—are our works wheat or tares? Upcoming posts will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) and perseverance (Hebrews 12:1) in the Kingdom of God now secure our place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).

  • The Parable of the Sower: Faith’s Foundation

    A Sower in Galilee

    In the bustling region of Galilee, a farmer walked through fields near Capernaum, scattering seeds with practiced hands (Matthew 13:3, “A sower went out to sow”). The Sea of Galilee glimmered nearby, its shores alive with fishermen and merchants, a fitting backdrop for Jesus’ teaching. Yet, the soils—rocky, thorny, fertile—revealed a deeper truth: not all hearts receive God’s Word equally. This parable, spoken to a crowd on the shore (Matthew 13:2), exposes human failure to heed the gospel, but Christ’s grace offers hope. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), showing how faith plants us in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”), preparing us for the Kingdom of Heaven later (Revelation 20:6). Charles Ryrie notes, “The Sower parable underscores the varied responses to the gospel, a foundational truth for kingdom theology” (Dispensationalism, 2007, p. 112). Believe now—let the Word take root in fertile soil.

    The Seed and the Soils

    The sower’s seeds fell on four soils, each revealing a heart’s response to God’s Word (Matthew 13:4-8). The path, hardened by foot traffic, let birds snatch the seed—Satan stealing truth from unyielding hearts (Matthew 13:19). Rocky ground sprouted quickly but withered under the sun—shallow faith fading amid trials (Matthew 13:20-21). Thorny ground choked the seed with weeds—worldly cares stifling growth (Matthew 13:22). But the good soil yielded a harvest, thirty, sixty, a hundredfold—true faith bearing fruit (Matthew 13:23). Chuck Smith observes, “The good soil represents a heart prepared by the Spirit, ready to receive and act on God’s Word” (The Gospel of Matthew, 1982, p. 87). This parable teaches that entering the Kingdom of God requires a receptive heart (John 3:3, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”), a faith that endures.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The good soil reflects faith that enters the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13). This spiritual kingdom, accessed by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), is where believers live in the Church Age. The Sower’s harvest foreshadows the Kingdom of Heaven’s rewards (Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant”), but the focus here is present faith. Fruchtenbaum emphasizes, “The Kingdom of God is a present reality for those who believe, shaping their walk today” (Israelology, 1989, p. 321). A fertile heart yields fruit—righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)—preparing us for future glory. Sow faithfully—let your faith grow deep roots in God’s kingdom today.

    The Centurion’s Faith

    A Roman centurion in Capernaum exemplified good soil (Matthew 8:5-13). Approaching Jesus, he sought healing for his servant, declaring, “Lord… only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). His faith, rooted in humility and trust, amazed Jesus: “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10). Skip Heitzig reflects, “The centurion’s faith crossed cultural barriers, showing the universal reach of the Kingdom of God” (The Gospel of Matthew, 2005, p. 45). This faith entered the Kingdom of God now (John 3:16, “whoever believes in him should not perish”), a model for us. Trust fully—let your faith mirror his, unshaken by storms.

    The Rapture’s Connection

    The Sower’s harvest hints at the Rapture’s role in bridging the kingdoms (1 Thessalonians 4:17, “caught up together… to meet the Lord in the air”). Good soil yields fruit now, preparing believers for the Kingdom of Heaven’s rewards (Revelation 20:6). Tim LaHaye notes, “The Rapture separates the Church Age from the Tribulation, ushering us into Christ’s reign” (The Rapture, 2002, p. 67). The centurion’s faith foreshadows this hope—those who believe now will reign later (2 Timothy 2:12, “if we endure, we will also reign with him”). Prepare now—your faith today shapes your eternity tomorrow.

    More to Explore

    The Sower’s soils challenge us to examine our hearts—are we fertile ground for God’s Word? Upcoming posts will explore how Spirit-led works (Galatians 5:22-23) in the Kingdom of God now produce lasting fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—Scripture holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), waiting to be uncovered by faith.