Search the Community

From The Voice Of The Martyrs.... In Muslim nations today, speaking on a religious subject considered to be contrary to Islam can mean death. Ironically, Muslim worshipers face a death penalty themselves. The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is spiritual death. Apart from Christ, everyone faces eternal death. Thankfully, however, Christ has paid the death penalty for all who believe, even Muslims. Jesus Christ took our place at the hand of the executioner by being crucified on a cross. His death enables us to have eternal life with God in heaven. Thank God today that your death sentence has been commuted and that you have been pardoned. And pray for those in Muslim nations who may kill Christians on earth, but without Christ, face their own eternal death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (New International Version) Any (Kind) Thoughts? “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (New Living Translation) ~ Love, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27 (King James Bible) Your Brother Joe

love to you all. my intent in creating this topic is to : a) discuss the differences between the 5 Crowns mentioned in the Scriptures. b) discuss which Crown(s) you are striving for daily, and which you believe Jesus Christ will place on your head on the day of recognition. --------------- 1) The Incorruptible Crown! (emphasis: mine) 1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. this Crown is awarded to those of us who like Paul, faithfully run the race! those of us who with the help of the Holy Spirit, strive to crucify EVERY fleshly and selfish desire in submission to Christ. and in doing so, continually point mankind to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! the Crown that can never perish.. the imperishable Crown. what types of Crowns can we speculate are referred to here as perishable(corruptible) then? 2) The Crown of Rejoicing! (emphasis: mine) 1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1Th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy. it appears this Crown is a soul winner's Crown! awarded to those of us who faithfully witness God's saving Grace through the blood of Jesus Christ, and lead others to the foot of the Cross! those who are anointed in bringing the lost to become found as new creatures in Christ will shine like the STARS in the heavens for eternity in glory to the Father! Hallelujah! Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 3) The Crown of Life (emphasis: mine) Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. whew praise Jesus for Matthew Henry! trials, tribulations, sufferings, and even unto death! the martyr's Crown! Oh what a love so grand Christ has placed in the hearts of His children! And they will be rewarded accordingly! Hallelujah! Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. whew...thank you Jesus! 4)The Crown of Righteousness! (emphasis: mine) 2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,I have kept the faith: 2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Come Lord Jesus come! all who anxiously await His return in all His glory for His saints! all those who have fought the good fight of faith will wear this Crown of Righteousness! Hallelujah! 5) The Crown of Glory! (emphasis: mine) 1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, andalso a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. a Crown of Glory awaits those appointed leaders in the Body of Christ who tend to the sheep of God FAITHFULLY! Oh LORD, bless our ministers of faith, and guide your shepherds that they may rejoice in truthfully feeding the flock of God! Hallelujah! -------------- I am striving for them ALL! How about you?! may the LORD Jesus Christ continue blessing you all, and hopefully we won't look too funny at the wedding supper with all those Crowns! love to you all and God bless. :heart: