https://www.joshuaorian.co.uk/blog-1-1 daily 0.75 2022-11-05 https://www.joshuaorian.co.uk/blog-1-1/q13kn57mkmq6ax14bkme1d4l9vp5dq monthly 0.5 2022-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/1667644849266-S8QJVUF1WOOFYRV337NT/IMG-3351.jpg EXTRA READING - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/1667644230878-PJZMQVDY97XXPVO71CTU/blackgrapes_blog.jpg EXTRA READING - Make it stand out First, Christ tells us what God wants from us. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become (or prove to be) my disciples” (John 15:8). God wants us to bear fruit. But what kind of fruit are we called to bear? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/1667645112551-EF2JQ7A8P37Y0UKWQ2HG/IMG-3352.jpg EXTRA READING - Make it stand out Scripture describes our eternal rewards in terms of an inheritance and responsibility. These rewards are symbolized in Scripture as five heavenly crowns. They are badges of honour reflecting the glory upon Christ who worked through us to achieve the good works in our life. ◦ The Imperishable Crown “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” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). All things on this earth will one day perish. Jesus urges not 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). ◦ The 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?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). The apostle Paul tells us to always “rejoice always in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. This reward will go to those who have witnessed to others and who have built up the church. ◦ The Crown of Righteousness “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 4:8). This verse does not refer to righteousness we achieve by works, as Scripture makes clear that our righteousness is found only in the imputed righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:19). Rather, this reward is given to those who eagerly await the appearing of the Lord. As believers, we should always be expectantly looking for the return of our Lord. ◦ The Crown of Glory “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” (1 Peter 5:4). These crown collectively represent our tangible rewards, which we receive in the Kingdom. 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). ◦ The Crown of Life “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 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. 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). https://www.joshuaorian.co.uk/home daily 1.0 2024-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/f81d2d57-3522-4f84-bc87-3e64f57fb269/2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/45470f97-5db4-4dc4-b252-f8d16309ea72/unnamed.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63540a7301c557236d1bbf60/8582028b-3985-406f-810f-00f519a58ad2/63FF7778-96E4-4913-9C6C-F58EC21D1416.jpg