The Crown of Life

There are five crowns of rewards mentioned in the Bible. Last week we looked at the "incorruptible crown" for those who run and finish the race well and the "crown of rejoicing" for soul winners. Now lets look at three more.

"The crown of life."
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance" James 1:2,3. "'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" Rev. 2:10.

Life is tough. Life, not God, is often unfair. Life is full of potholes, obstacles, crosses, heart aches, trials, tribulations, and you name it. Too many fall by the wayside. Too many give up, quit, stop and miss the "crown of life." "In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy" 1 Cor. 4:2. I look forward to seeing YOU get your "crown of life." Remember Churchill's famous speech, "Never, never, never quit."

"The crown of righteousness."
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" 2 Tim.4:6-8. Let this soak in. It is fabulous, rich and eternal. This affects you and me here and hereafter for eternity. Hope to see you get this one too.

We must look forward to and love His appearing. This is one reason I am doing this series on prophecy. It is far more important to know this truth than who the antichrist is!

"The crown of glory."
"Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" 1 Peter 5:2-4. See also 2 Tim. 4:1,2; Acts 22:26-28.

Having been a pastor, this is one of the most humbling and motivating passages in the Bible. I believe this could include those who teach a Bible or Sunday school class. Feed, don't fleece or fuss at those dear people God gives you. They are starving to be fed and led. They need to loved, not scolded, every Sunday. Please don't try to convict them. The Holy Spirit does a good job. We must not preach at them but for them. There is a lot of difference.

O dear preacher and people, what a privilege to know and serve the Lord of glory. And to think we get a crown just for doing what is the most wonderful privilege in the world. And I love you, all because of Calvary, sumner

Prayer: Father bless Your servants who preach Your Word. May we serve hot meals every time, and not quick little cold snacks, for Your glory. In Jesus dear name.

The Race

I love to watch track meets. I love to see runners go all out to win a race. It is awesome to know how they train, discipline themselves, keep in shape and pay such a price to become winners.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" 1 Cor. 9:25-27.

O dear people, the Christian life is a race, and we should all want to be winners. That means we must train, sacrifice, go all out, pay the price, and run the race according to the rules God has put in the rule book, the Bible.

The incorruptible crown.
"The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course (race) with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" Rom. 20:23-24. Paul will receive that "incorruptible crown" and so will you if you keep the rules, pay the price, are a faithful steward of gifts and goals God gives you and finish the race.

The crown of righteousness.
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" 1 Thes. 2:19, 20. There is a "crown of rejoicing" for those you have won to Christ.

"He who is wise wins souls" Prov. 11:30. "And they that be wise shall shine as the rightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever" Dan. 12:3. This is one of the most awesome verses in the Bible and everyone can be a soul-winner. "The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few" Matt 9:37. Please don't forget this great verse.

O dear people. What a joy it will be to have some crowns to cast at Jesus dear feet Rev. 4:9-11. That will be one beautiful and sweet moment. More crowns next week.

Prayer: Father, bless Your dear people and don't let the world or Satan deceive them into not striving for crowns of rewards to lay at Jesus feet. In Jesus name

You are loved by God and me, all because of Calvary, sumner