January 2013
Happy New Year! As Christians, our calling is to share God’s love through every available means. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 1
iTunes Connect Books
For years, my books have been available for reading and printing on this website, but now, they are available to download FREE at Apple’s iTunes Connect.
You may download the iTunes application here. Again, the books are FREE!
Tell your friends! It is one thing to have them available, but promotion is the key for them to be read. I need your help to spread the word.
“And he [Jesus] told them, Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” 2
Sowing Gospel Seeds…
We are not saved by sowing seeds, but others are saved by the seeds we sow. The seed is God’s word. We may not know how to share the message of salvation with a family member or friend, but we can refer them to a book that shares the gospel message.
Again, we are not saved by our good works, but by grace [the power of God], through faith in Jesus Christ. 3 But our works will be judged as Christians according to the Apostle Paul, who wrote:
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 4
We won’t be judged nor punished for our sin, “For God made Christ; who never sinned, to be an offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 5 Rather, we will be judged for the seeds we sow, plus we will reap eternal rewards, called crowns.
Sowing and Reaping Crowns…
Our motive for sowing is not to reap a crown. We share God’s love for the lost. Besides, we will lay our crowns before the throne and say,
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you please.” 6
But here are the crowns for us to consider:
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Crown of Life: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterwards, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” 7
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An 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 in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with certainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 8
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Crown of Rejoicing: “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy!” 9
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Crown of Righteousness: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 10
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Crown of Glory: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”11
Don’t Miss Out!...
Now is the time to share the Good News by sowing a seed. This will add to your crowns stored up in heaven.
Jesus exhorted the Church in Philadelphia, saying:
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have [faith in God’s grace] so that no one will take away your crown.” 12
Won’t you be faithful today by sharing your faith with those you love?
A Prayer For You...
Heavenly Father, Your word encourages us to build each other up in our most holy faith, by praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, and awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring us eternal life. In this way, we will keep ourselves safe in God’s love.
May you empower me to show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Use me to rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Help me to not be contaminated by their sins.
Now all glory to You, Father, who is able to keep me from falling away and will bring me with great joy into Your glorious presence without a single fault through our Savior Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are Yours before all time, in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. 13
Scripture References:
1. John 3:16
2. Mark 16:15
3. Eph. 2:8-10
4. 2 Corinthians 5:10
5. 2 Corinthians 5:21
6. Revelation 4:11
7. James 1:12, Revelation 2:10
8. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV
9. 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20
10. 2 Timothy 4:5-8
11. 1 Peter 5:2-4
12. Revelation 3:11
13. Jude 20-25
Acknowledgement: A special thanks to Evan for transcribing this months view!