I am a born-again Christian. My husband and I took our friends to a service, they are also born-again. We both belong to non-denominational churches. Yesterday, at church, our pastor was talking about the ultimate financial freedom, our "treasures in heaven".

He said that the Mormons believe that one of their treasures will be 72 wives. Is this true, if so where can I get documentation to support this? My friends think we are being lead astray by our pastor because he also said that he believes that in Acts and other books, God shows that we each receive different rewards in heaven, depending on our works. He does firmly believe that the only way to heaven is through salvation in our Lord Jesus, but he thinks that our treasures will differ depending on our works here on earth.

This kind of makes sense. If someone murders and rapes and then turns his life over to Jesus, should he receive the same rewards as the person that has spent their whole life spreading the gospel and ministering for God? I'm so confused.

We love our pastor and want to show our friends that he is not leading us astray? Can you help me or show me where he is wrong so that I may discuss this with our friends?

Thank you for your help.

Jane

Your pastor is partially right in both instances. As to Mormonism, his estimate is way too small. Mormons believe that polygamy goes on forever in heaven and that worthy males will sire up to billions of offspring through "celestial (polygamous) marriage." Polygamy has only ended temporarily here on earth.

As far as the Rewards in Heaven: There are scriptures which support that thinking. For example:
I Cor. 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

I am not much into speculating about what or what not heaven will be like. It will be _good_. I know angels will be there, redeemed men and women will be there, and I hope animals (like my two dear Chihuahuas will be there, but it isn't covered to well in scripture.

The only thing I would say is that if you pastor makes a habit of preaching about things that are not well covered by scripture I would hope he would move into more established areas. However, nothing you told me sounds like he is in any kind of error.

Hope that helps. Be ever vigilant to detect error, but always give people a break. Upholding sound doctrine is not the same as knit picking.

Jim