Rating: 
Summary: Investing in heaven? Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Lay
Review: The problem with this book is, well, the entire premise. Basically, readers are urged to bank up points in this life, so that heaven will be EVEN BETTER for them. Please. Do you really think that God will reward you more because you've spent the money to buy this book, spent the time to read it, and then started being nicer to people? The Bible tells us that we should love each other and care for each other as a result of that love. The reward for caring is the return of love and a connection to other people, which is what God wants for us. Heaven is a side issue -- something that we can know nothing about -- so why spend time and money debating it? OF COURSE Bruce Wilkinson wants to think that what we get in this life and the next is God's reward for being good people -- how else can you justify making and spending millions of dollars while a substantial portion of the world goes hungry? This book is nothing more than a self-serving justification for disguising a genius for marketing as godliness.And to the reviewer who says that Heaven won't be like a "communist state" -- where do you get that? No, I don't anticipate Heaven being like the USSR, but my Bible tells me that heaven will be a place where the sick are healed, the hungry fed, the naked clothed, the sorrowful comforted. Sounds an awful lot like "to each according to his needs, from each according to his abilities" to me.
Rating:
Summary: $$$
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Poor offering from Wilkinson
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: $$$
Review: This book is way overpriced. I feel that if this is meant to be an inspiring book it should be written for everyone, everyone including those who can afford 10 dollars on a tiny book. WWJD? would He charge people 10 bucks for inspiring them? I highly doubt it.
Rating: 
Summary: This is one of the Key Concepts in Scripture to be Grasped
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: getting ready for the Big Day
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: getting ready for the Big Day
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: Please remove my review of this book...
Review: To the editorial staff, I wrote the following review:
C.S. Lewis' needed to get a reality check., March 13, 2003
Reviewer: Holden from Massachusetts 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... Please remove my review of this book as I feel there are a few
readers who have misunderstood my critique. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: His first book, Secrets of the Vine, was much better.
Review: 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."
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine Are Better
Review: While "A Life That God Rewards" contains some good insights, I liked "Prayer of Jabez" and "Secrets of the Vine" better. Among Wilkinson's more insightful comments include: 1) page 74 - "Ruling in heaven will have nothing in common withe corruption and manipulation we're so used to seeing in displays of power on earth!" (to that I can say "amen" because I'm so sick and tired of seeing flesh on parade both in the world and in the church!). 2) page 85 - "Do you want to store up treasures in the heavens that does not fail? Then surrender it to God's priorities here. That is the only way. (again, amen! we must adjust our priorities and lives around God and let Him have the power to do what He wants to do in and through us). While the two comments above encouraged me, there seemed to be more like comments in the other two books. All in all, a good read that lacks the substance of the first two books in the series.
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