Hi Paul,
I think it is important to understand
two things regarding the crowns. First, Jesus lays the foundation for
us. We all get crowns, because of grace:
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the
grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have
laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take
heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than
that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this
foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each
one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it
will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of
what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he
will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss;
but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Our good works that survive the fire will be our reward, that will adorn our crowns with "gold, silver" and "precious stones".
Second, it is important to realize that it is all about what is in our heart, not whether we stumble or not:
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge
nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to
light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the
hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Maranatha!
Amy Van Gerpen
Paul Wilson (16 Oct 2010)
"the crowns and the race"
The apostle Paul talks of the incorruptible
crown and speaks of winning the race to get it. This seems to be a
daily race run each day of your life. Must you always win that daily
race to get the incorruptible crown?? It is a tough race to run and
stumbling happens but in many races stumbling does not automatically
mean you will lose. Or is this race your whole life?? As opposed to
daily races you either win or lose. Again sometimes you will stumble
but can the race be won with stumbling here and there.
I am a
bit confused on the crowns some say everyone will get a crown of life
some say only martyrs. I think the crown of righteousness is for those
looking for the lord so the raptured should get that. Of the five I
think 3 are possible for me(depending on who gets the life one):
righteousness, incorruptible, life. Does anyone know about the
crowns??? I am trying really hard for the incorruptible but sometimes
stumble. I would hate to lose it from stumbling.
I would like
to get responses to this email/post especially from those receiving
this in their mail boxes not just those seeing it on the doves site.
Paul