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Hello Every One Got a lot of questions yesterday and today about the different crowns we will receive From Jesus when we get to heaven. I must apologize, after further study this morning I have found that the Bible specifically talks about 5 (not just 4) crowns and as I said yesterday there are probably a lot of different crowns that will be given to some of God’s people when they enter into heaven. I have found an article on BIBLEKNOWLEDGE.com that really gives a lot of insight. If you look closely at what these crowns are going to be for – they will be for work that is done for God that is beyond the normal scope of what the average Christian may attempt to do. This is for work that goes far, above and beyond what the average Christian may actually strive for. The following are some idea’s scriptures for deeper thought and discussion

Pastor Larry

1. The Crown of Righteousness“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) This crown will be given to those who have lived a good and righteous for God while living down here on this earth. I believe there are two definitions of the word righteousness in the Bible. The first definition is that we have now all been made righteous before God the Father as a result of Jesus dying on the cross for all of our sins. The righteousness of Jesus has now been imputed to us. However, the second definition of the word righteousness refers to us living a good and righteous life for God the Father with what time we still have left down here. There are Christians who are righteous before God the Father as a result of being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ – but they are not living righteous lives in their actions, words and behaviors. They are out committing adultery, scamming people through their jobs, abusing their spouses and children, doing drugs and abusing alcohol. These people may be saved in God’s eyes, but God is not too happy with the way they are living their lives. We all know Christians who are like this.

No one is perfect. We all have our character flaws, weaknesses, and certain temptations that we have a hard time in dealing with. God is not looking for total God-perfection. The Bible says that all men have sinned and have fallen way short of the glory of our God. But what God does want from each one of us is at least some kind of concerted effort to try and live our lives “right.” To stay out of the heavier sins like adultery, stealing, cheating, and the abuse of alcohol or drugs. This is what is meant in Scripture in trying to live a righteous life. In other words – just do the right thing as best as you can and as often as you can.

2. The Victors Crown (Philippians 4:1, 2 Timothy 2:5) also known as…The Incorruptible Crown(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)“Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an IMPERISHABLE CROWN. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)Bottom line – run whatever race or call that God has set out for you. Run that race with certainty, purpose and intensity. Run that race to win. Run that race to be the best you can be for God at the position that He has called you to be on His team. Be willing to make whatever sacrifices it may take to successfully complete the mission and call God has set out for you.If you are willing to do this for the Lord, you just may receive an “incorruptible victor’s crown” for going the extra mile for God and accomplishing for Him what many Christians would be to lazy to shoot for.

3. The Crown of Life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the CROWN OF LIFE.” (Revelation 2:10)

This next crown has been called by many the “martyr’s crown.” Jesus Himself says that He will give this crown to those who undergo severe hardship, testing, tribulation and/or physical death on His behalf.The Bible doesn’t say anything about whether or not these 5 crowns are ranked in any way as to which is greater. However, if they are ranked in any way by God the Father in heaven, then I believe there is a very good chance that this next crown will be ranked #1 out of the 5 crowns available to all believers for special service.I do not think there is any question that being willing to die for your faith in God and Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice! It is the greatest act of bravery and courage that you can show God the Father. And I believe that all of the Christians who have been martyred for their faith in God and Jesus throughout history will not only be given this crown of life, but will also be given some real special rewards once they enter into heaven 4. Crown Of Glory “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

This verse is telling the elders of the church to “shepherd” the flock of God. Shepherds lead the flock into the ways and knowledge of God. They are teachers. These could be the Life Group leaders, the pastors and ministers who teach the Word of God in their ministries or people appointed by God into the office of a teacher. 5. Crown Of Rejoicing“For what is our hope, or joy, or CROWN OF REJOICING? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

This next crown has been called the “soul winner’s crown.” The apostle Paul is calling those that he has saved his “joy” and his “crown of rejoicing.” The word “crown” seems to be implying that God will be giving a crown to those who have been instrumental in getting other people saved and led to Him through the blood of His Son. If you compare this level of service with some of the other levels that will be rewarded with crowns, there is no doubt in my mind that God will be rewarding those who will try and get others saved with this special crown.

Life Group Study: Heaven (click here for this week’s study)

“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Revelation 21:1-4, 27

In Heaven there will be no….

1)Death 2)Sorrow 3)Crying 4)Pain 5) Sin

In Heaven we will….

1) be UNITED with Christ “…For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” REvelation 19:7

2) SERVE God. “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on thei foreheads.” Revelation 22:3-5

3) WORSHIP God. “Then a voice from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” Revelation 19:5

4) Be REWARDED “…Son of Man…will reward each person according to what he has done” Matthew 16:27

5) KNOW and will be KNOWN “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

Name 5 People You Want God To Speak To

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Early in his career, John Wooden embraced the belief that success, as measured by each one of us individually, is the peace of mind derived from making the absolute and complete effort to do the best of which you are capable. The quality of your effort to realize your potential counts first and foremost. For John Wooden that is success.

This morning I would like to discuss the effort that we put fourth when it comes to serving God, particularly in the area of Sunday mornings. God wants our best each and every time.

One of the greatest challenges that we have in our Pitts program is that each of us has the ability to jump up on stage on any given Sunday morning and deliver a sound series of announcements, prayer, time of giving without a whole lot of effort. This is where the challenge comes in.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” –Colossians 3:23-24 Excellence – Is your level of excellence the same as it was last year?

What does God really want from us when it comes to our service to him?

What does it mean to offer the best? (have a brief discussion)

A plan for Sunday morning service:

Be prepared through prayer – Colossians 4:2-4

Be prepared by allowing God to develop the idea through you over time (this can only be accomplished if you seek God’s plan early and often)

Have a place to save your thought and illustrations

Be prepared to be concise (It doesn’t take a bunch of words to say how great God is)

John Wooden said, ‘Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.’