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Bible teaching
ministry of
Stephen &
Brooksyne
Weber
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Wednesday,
October 11, 2023
Ester saw this truck yesterday at our local bank.
"The
Forever Crown"
Message
summary:
Our wonderful
future reward
of the crown
of life gives
us hope and
sustains us
when
circumstances
are most
trying.
Keeping a
clear focus on
our heavenly
coronation
where we will
receive our
crown of
righteousness
will help to
properly align
our priorities
on this side
of heaven as
we run the
spiritual race
with our
brothers and
sisters in
mind. We are
not competing
against them,
but spurring
them on as we
run this race
together with
the mutual
goal of
receiving a
crown of
righteousness
from the
righteous
Judge.
Listen
to our message
on your audio
player.
"Do
you not know
that in a race
all the
runners run,
but only one
gets the
prize? Run in
such a way as
to get the
prize.
Everyone who
competes in
the games goes
into strict
training. They
do it to get a
crown that
will not last;
but we do it
to get a crown
that will last
forever” (1
Corinthians
9:24,25). “Let
us run with
perseverance
the race
marked out for
us” (Hebrews
12:1).
This
morning
Brooksyne had
a "crown"
placed on her
back molar by
Dr.
Dinse,
our friendly
family
dentist. For
the last
several weeks
she's been
wearing a
temporary
crown but
today she
received a
"permanent"
crown,
hopefully the
last crown of
that type in
this life.
Years ago I
also had a
crown like
this so I
guess we can
both claim
that we've
been crowned.But
we both
anticipate
getting an
altogether
different,
future,
forever crown!
My
parents named
me after the
only Stephen
presented in
the Bible. Of
course, based
on that and
many other
characteristics,
he is one of
my favorite
Bible
characters. He
was in the
group of the
first deacons
chosen in Acts
6 but is best
known for his
power-packed
sermon and
subsequent
stoning.
Whenever
I feel like
I'm
experiencing a
tough day or
think that
life doesn't
seem fair I
need to
remember
Stephen's
life, and how
God used it to
further the
Gospel message
through the
persecutor and
consenter of
his execution
(Acts 8:1),
then known as
Saul.
Stephen's name comes from a Greek word (Στέφανος) which means "crowned one". The New Testament uses the illustration of a crown seven times* in regard to a future promise and today I want to examine just one of them, the crown that will last forever after we faithfully complete our life's race.
The Apostle Paul wrote today’s first portion of Scripture to the Corinthian believers. Corinth was located in Greece where the ancient Olympic games were held and many of his readers would identify with this illustration that stresses a vital spiritual truth.
It seems that Paul was interested in athletics since he uses sport's illustrations in his writings such as running, wrestling and boxing. In this passage he is urging diligence in the Christian life as that of an overcomer. He urges the Corinthian believers and us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize".
Stephen's name comes from a Greek word (Στέφανος) which means "crowned one". The New Testament uses the illustration of a crown seven times* in regard to a future promise and today I want to examine just one of them, the crown that will last forever after we faithfully complete our life's race.
The Apostle Paul wrote today’s first portion of Scripture to the Corinthian believers. Corinth was located in Greece where the ancient Olympic games were held and many of his readers would identify with this illustration that stresses a vital spiritual truth.
It seems that Paul was interested in athletics since he uses sport's illustrations in his writings such as running, wrestling and boxing. In this passage he is urging diligence in the Christian life as that of an overcomer. He urges the Corinthian believers and us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize".
He
reminds his
readers of the
strict
training
required for
the serious
contestant.
"They do it to
get a crown
that will not
last". The
ancient crown
of victory was
a laurel
wreath that
quickly
withered and
died. Even the
gold medals
received by
the winners in
the modern
games will one
day perish.
Today many, perhaps most, are in pursuit of the various types of temporal crowns that will not last. For the great majority the pursuit of God is placed on a back burner in life to be dealt with at some later date, if at all.
“But we do it to get a crown that will last forever". Praise God! This crown is not for a select few; note the plural pronoun “we”. Earlier in the passage he wrote regarding the competition in the ancient games that "only one gets the prize". Consider all the athletes who endure strict training for many years. They also give sacrificially of their time and money to be in the Olympics yet they don’t receive a medal and may never qualify to be in the Olympics for that matter.
This is not so as it pertains to our future crown. All who faithfully live for Christ will receive this righteous crown! It is not by our diligent works of righteousness; this crown is a gift because of the shed blood of the holy and righteous One! In his final letter Paul expresses a tremendous assurance in God as he prepared for his departure from this life: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Our wonderful future reward of the crown of life gives us hope and sustains us when circumstances are most trying. Keeping a clear focus on our heavenly coronation where we will receive our crown of righteousness will help to properly align our priorities on this side of heaven as we run the spiritual race with our brothers and sisters in mind. We are not competing against them, but spurring them on as we run this race together with the mutual goal of receiving a crown of righteousness from the righteous Judge.
Today many, perhaps most, are in pursuit of the various types of temporal crowns that will not last. For the great majority the pursuit of God is placed on a back burner in life to be dealt with at some later date, if at all.
“But we do it to get a crown that will last forever". Praise God! This crown is not for a select few; note the plural pronoun “we”. Earlier in the passage he wrote regarding the competition in the ancient games that "only one gets the prize". Consider all the athletes who endure strict training for many years. They also give sacrificially of their time and money to be in the Olympics yet they don’t receive a medal and may never qualify to be in the Olympics for that matter.
This is not so as it pertains to our future crown. All who faithfully live for Christ will receive this righteous crown! It is not by our diligent works of righteousness; this crown is a gift because of the shed blood of the holy and righteous One! In his final letter Paul expresses a tremendous assurance in God as he prepared for his departure from this life: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Our wonderful future reward of the crown of life gives us hope and sustains us when circumstances are most trying. Keeping a clear focus on our heavenly coronation where we will receive our crown of righteousness will help to properly align our priorities on this side of heaven as we run the spiritual race with our brothers and sisters in mind. We are not competing against them, but spurring them on as we run this race together with the mutual goal of receiving a crown of righteousness from the righteous Judge.
Be
encouraged
today,
(Hebrews
3:13)
Daily prayer:
Father, we
know that when
athletes go
into strict
training to
reach their
physical
goals, there
is great
sacrifice
involved.
Their
schedule,
appetites,
exercise,
endurance, and
mindset must
be yielded to
their physical
training with
the goal of
winning the
prize. As
believers, we
too must be
willing to
experience
earthly
sacrifice in
exchange for
heavenly gain.
We must lay
aside that
which takes
our mind off
the prize and
fix our eyes
upon the
Author and
Finisher of
our faith who
will reward us
with the
heavenly crown
of
righteousness
as we run the
race to the
finish line.
This crown
will never
perish, spoil
or fade and
awaits us in
heaven. Keep
us faithful
and trusting
till we
receive it on
that appointed
glorious day.
Amen.
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Weber
Daily prayer:
Father, we
know that when
athletes go
into strict
training to
reach their
physical
goals, there
is great
sacrifice
involved.
Their
schedule,
appetites,
exercise,
endurance, and
mindset must
be yielded to
their physical
training with
the goal of
winning the
prize. As
believers, we
too must be
willing to
experience
earthly
sacrifice in
exchange for
heavenly gain.
We must lay
aside that
which takes
our mind off
the prize and
fix our eyes
upon the
Author and
Finisher of
our faith who
will reward us
with the
heavenly crown
of
righteousness
as we run the
race to the
finish line.
This crown
will never
perish, spoil
or fade and
awaits us in
heaven. Keep
us faithful
and trusting
till we
receive it on
that appointed
glorious day.
Amen.*
The seven
crowns in the
New Testament:
1. The crown for those who love His appearance. "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
2. The crown for those who compete according to the rules. "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).
3. The crown for enduring trials. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
4. The crown for those willing to feed the flock. "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
5. The crown for those who are faithful unto death. "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
6. The crown for those who minister to others. "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
7. The crown for those who master the old nature. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24,25).
1. The crown for those who love His appearance. "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
2. The crown for those who compete according to the rules. "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).
3. The crown for enduring trials. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
4. The crown for those willing to feed the flock. "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
5. The crown for those who are faithful unto death. "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
6. The crown for those who minister to others. "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
7. The crown for those who master the old nature. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24,25).
Regarding
her dental
work Brooksyne
shares:
Good dental
care is a
blessing, and
having a good
dentist is a
double
blessing. For
many years our
family dentist
has been Dr.
Dinse. He has
a very
friendly and
gentle
demeanor, is
very competent
and runs the
cleanest and
most pleasant
dental office
we have ever
experienced.
This
pleasantness
is also
expressed by
his staff.
I didn't have my first dental appointment until I was 16. Being raised in a family of seven my parents didn't have the money for dentistry unless there was an emergency which I thankfully never had growing up. In fact I didn't have my first cavity till after we were married.
On that first visit at 16 years of age I recall being very, very nervous and didn't feel any better when I learned that my dentist's name was Dr. Hammer. A few years later Stephen and I married and I went for my second dental appointment in Bolivar, MO. His name wasn't any more assuring; Dr. Tremble. He was way up in years and he did, in fact, tremble as he worked on our teeth. (Thankfully Dr. Hammer didn't hammer.)
I like the tooth friendly name, "Dinse" which rhymes with rinse - sometimes I tell myself while using mouthwash to help fight gingivitis, "Rinse for Dinse".
Now that I have two crowns and Stephen has one it brings to mind a humorous list of hymn titles with double meanings such as the dentist's hymn, "Crown Him With Many Crowns". Humor aside, this hymn is actually an allusion to a powerful verse in Revelation 19:12, "...and on His head were many crowns."
I didn't have my first dental appointment until I was 16. Being raised in a family of seven my parents didn't have the money for dentistry unless there was an emergency which I thankfully never had growing up. In fact I didn't have my first cavity till after we were married.
On that first visit at 16 years of age I recall being very, very nervous and didn't feel any better when I learned that my dentist's name was Dr. Hammer. A few years later Stephen and I married and I went for my second dental appointment in Bolivar, MO. His name wasn't any more assuring; Dr. Tremble. He was way up in years and he did, in fact, tremble as he worked on our teeth. (Thankfully Dr. Hammer didn't hammer.)
I like the tooth friendly name, "Dinse" which rhymes with rinse - sometimes I tell myself while using mouthwash to help fight gingivitis, "Rinse for Dinse".
Now that I have two crowns and Stephen has one it brings to mind a humorous list of hymn titles with double meanings such as the dentist's hymn, "Crown Him With Many Crowns". Humor aside, this hymn is actually an allusion to a powerful verse in Revelation 19:12, "...and on His head were many crowns."
Stephen's
first dental
memory: I
was waiting
in
a dental
office when
the news came
on that
President
Kennedy had
been slain.
Today's
Suggested
Music and
Supplemental
Resources
"When
The Battle's
Over" Listen
on YouTube
Congregational
singing
(dedicated to
Tommy
Carpenter who
lives near
this area and
I am sure has
been to this
church!)
Calvary Church
led worship
yesterday with
the strings
orchestration
which we very
much enjoy. In
this video is
a powerful
song "The
Victor's
Crown" usually
led by the
choir before
COVID so it
really
resonated with
me -
musically,
lyrically, and
spiritually.
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BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
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Weber". We
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can also set
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In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
If
you desire you
can also
donate
directly
through PayPal
using this link.
This will open
to a page that
states
"Brooksyne
Weber". We
keep this
option
available due
to the
familiarity,
convenience,
for
international
supporters,
and for those
who may not
need an
official
receipt. You
can also set
up for
recurring
donations.
Thank
you,
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
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Wordpress
iHeart
radioPermissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. We do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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