Tag Archives: crown of life

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Eternal Reward

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On October 28, 1949, missionary Jim Elliot penned in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” On January 8, 1956, Elliot gave his life to bring Christ to the Waodani people in the jungles of Ecuador. He was faithful until the very end.

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Revelation 2:10

But Jim understood the importance of eternal life and how his earthly home was temporary. Today’s key verse reminds believers to remain true to God. The author, John, describes trying times very similar to events happening today: tribulation, poverty, slander, prison…yet he reminds you to stand strong during adversity, for your reward is “the crown of life.”

You may not be a missionary in South America, but you are a messenger of the gospel wherever you live. Christians are facing more persecution than ever right here in America. Remember, God has already written the end of the story, and He wins. Ask God to strengthen your faith and the faith of all believers as biblical morality is continually placed on the stand in this nation’s courts. Pray, too, for wisdom of both judge and juror.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 6:11-19

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Greg Laurie – Nothing to Show

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“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.” —Revelation 3:11

Did you know that it is possible to have a saved soul and a lost life? A saved soul means that you are saved because you believe in Jesus and not because of the works you do. You have turned from your sin and put your faith in Christ. And God has a plan for your life: He wants you to serve Him.

But a lot of Christians don’t do that much for the Lord, though they should. And this means they have a lost life. The Bible says that we will stand before God one day, and our work will be tested to see what sort it is (see 1 Corinthians 3:12–14). If it is built on the wrong foundation, then it will be burned up, but our soul will be saved.

Jesus said, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown” (Revelation 3:11). Hold fast. Hang on. Don’t let go. Don’t relax your grip. If you do, you could lose your crown.

The crown is a symbol of rewards that are awaiting Christians. To lose your crown means to lose your reward. The Bible speaks of a crown that God gives for our faithfulness to Him (see Revelation 3:11). First Thessalonians 2:19 mentions a crown of rejoicing, which would appear to be a crown for winning souls. Then, in 2 Timothy 4:8, there is a crown of righteousness. James 1:12 speaks of a crown of life for enduring temptation and persevering under trial.

These are the rewards God will give to each of us. But how sad it will be for those who stand before Him on that day and have nothing to show for the life that was given to them.

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Greg Laurie –Not All There Is

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12

Not long ago, I had a conversation with two people after church.

One was in a wheelchair with a severe disability, and the other was speaking at length. I listened to her for a while, and then I turned to the woman in the wheelchair and said, “Well, how are you doing?”

“I am doing fine,” she told me.

But then her friend said that she actually had just had two brain surgeries to remove cancer, and they were successful.

I looked at this young woman with her disability, someone who had just come through such a difficult time, and I thought, “And where is she now?” She is at church.

I think of all of the excuses people come up with as to why they can’t make it to church. They have a cold, or it takes too long to get into the parking lot, and so forth. Yet here was this young woman who, despite her severe disability and recent surgeries, was at church, praising God and saying she is doing fine. I was touched by her example.

So I said to her, “You know, the Bible promises a special blessing and crown to those who have suffered in this life. I admire your faith. You are an inspiration to me.”

James 1:12 says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (NLT). It all will be made up to us in the life to come. Have you lost something to follow Jesus? Whatever losses you may have incurred for following Christ will be more than made up to you.

Make no mistake about it: Our life on earth isn’t all there is. There will be rewards for our faithfulness to God.