missmuffet Posted May 26, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 34 Topic Count: 1,995 Topics Per Day: 0.48 Content Count: 48,693 Content Per Day: 11.71 Reputation: 30,343 Days Won: 226 Joined: 01/11/2013 Status: Offline Share Posted May 26, 2019 (edited) 1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). 2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “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?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 3) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “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.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord. 4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV). 5) The Crown of Life – (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.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25). James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us. https://www.gotquestions.org/heavenly-crowns.html Edited May 26, 2019 by missmuffet 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael37 Posted May 27, 2019 Group: Servant Followers: 21 Topic Count: 246 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 7,078 Content Per Day: 3.28 Reputation: 5,003 Days Won: 2 Joined: 07/05/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 09/23/1954 Share Posted May 27, 2019 Also worth a mention but if only to appreciate the poetical usage in Psalms, the humanity of Christ in Hebrews, and a composition called "Humiliation". Psa 8:4-5 (4) What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? (5) For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honour. Heb 2:5-9 (5) For unto the angels has he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (6) But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man, that you visit him? (7) You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honour, and did set him over the works of your hands: (8) You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Humiliation..... HUMILIATION..... Humiliation Who is this who mocks, Who is this who scorns, Who is this who makes for me, A crown of prickly thorns ? Who is this who whips, Who is this who flays, Who is this who bruises me, Until I'm in a daze ? Who is this who injures me, With nails through my hands, Who with spike impales my feet, While no-one understands ? Who is this who wounds me, With barbs around my head, Who is this who makes me bleed, And suffer 'til I'm dead ? Who has worn this crown, Who has known its pain, Who has died like Jesus when, He took away our shame ? Tell whoever mocks, Tell whoever scorns, Tell these I forgive them all, Beneath my crown of thorns. Everyone who wounds me, And messes with my head, Everyone who makes me bleed, I bless them back instead. 27-07-05 © 2005 Author & Website 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael37 Posted May 27, 2019 Group: Servant Followers: 21 Topic Count: 246 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 7,078 Content Per Day: 3.28 Reputation: 5,003 Days Won: 2 Joined: 07/05/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 09/23/1954 Share Posted May 27, 2019 10 hours ago, missmuffet said: 4) The Crown of Glory Thanks for posting this thread, BTW, missmuffet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmuffet Posted May 27, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 34 Topic Count: 1,995 Topics Per Day: 0.48 Content Count: 48,693 Content Per Day: 11.71 Reputation: 30,343 Days Won: 226 Joined: 01/11/2013 Status: Offline Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 1 minute ago, Michael37 said: Thanks for posting this thread, BTW, missmuffet. You are welcome and God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debp Posted May 27, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 52 Topic Count: 1,033 Topics Per Day: 0.15 Content Count: 12,414 Content Per Day: 1.80 Reputation: 16,447 Days Won: 92 Joined: 07/19/2005 Status: Offline Share Posted May 27, 2019 Yes, thank you missmuffet, it was a very good topic and post! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvelloustime Posted May 27, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 15 Topic Count: 206 Topics Per Day: 0.10 Content Count: 5,608 Content Per Day: 2.79 Reputation: 11,415 Days Won: 33 Joined: 11/26/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted May 27, 2019 That is wonderful! Thank you for posting that @missmuffet I found it very encouraging. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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