The Evangel Dean Basic Training Resource Handbook

S EMINARS • 89

1 Cor 3.10-15 (NASB) – According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. [11] For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—[13] each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. [15] If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. A. Smart investments in God’s purposes pay real tangible dividends in the quality of life, relationships, and ministry that he has given to us. B. The promise of God is categorical regarding sowing and reaping; if we sow wisely, we will reap a harvest of return if we persevere and do not give up. C. Ultimately, Christ himself will reward our faithfulness to him, which goes beyond anything that our family, church, denomination, or religion can muster or comprehend.

Remember . . .

Nothing sacrificed or stewarded for the Lord Jesus will be in vain!

1 Cor. 15.58 (NASB) – Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

The story is told by the chief accountant for one of the wealthiest men who ever lived – John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Someone asked the accountant one day, “How much did John D. leave? We know he was an immensely wealthy man.” Without a moment’s hesitation, the accountant answered, “Everything!”