Tuesday, August 18, 2015

The Crown of Rejoicing

Revelation Series
There is a song we used to sing a lot at Celebration Community Church. It goes like this; ”We fall down, we lay our crowns, at the feet of Jesus”.
It comes from Revelation 4:10–11 and is part of the vision Jesus gave John. In this scene of heaven, we see that the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’”
There are five heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. The imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life.
Yesterday we looked at the imperishable crown, one that does not fade away. Today we will look at 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 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, “ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” 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.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
 

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