Samples of my most popular Biblical Messages
Five Crowns in the Bible for Believers
1. The incorruptible crown: 1 Cor. 9:24,25. This is also called the imperishable crown. This crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race, who crucify every selfish desire in the flesh and point men to Jesus. God calls some people to do things that will require some sacrifice in the way they will live and conduct their lives. Some people may be called to be a missionary in a far off and poor country. They will literally be working for almost nothing in earthly terms. They will have to sacrifice the money, possessions and life style they could have had, if they stayed home in their own country. This verse also implies that these people will also receive this crown for the sacrifices they were willing to make for God in order to successfully complete the call and mission God had called them to do.
2. The crown of rejoicing: 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. & Dan 12:3 To those who faithfully are witnesses to the saving grace of God and leads souls to Jesus. This crown has also been named the soul winner's crown. It seems to indicate here that God will be giving a crown to those who have been witnessing to others and leading people to Christ. God will judge you by your willingness and desire to be used by Him to witness to others.
3. The crown of life: James 1:12. For those believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death Rev. 2:8-11. This crown is also referred to as the martyr's crown. Jesus says that He will give this crown to those who undergo severe hardship, testing, tribulation and/or physical death on His behalf. Probably being willing to die for your faith in God would be the ultimate sacrifice.
4. The crown of righteousness: 2 Tim. 4:8. To those who love the appearing of Christ, who anxiously wait and look forward to the day when He will return for His saints. This crown is given to those who have lived a good and righteous life for God while living down here on earth. This means that the righteousness of Jesus has now been imputed to you. Second is that it refers to us living a good and righteous life for God the Father with what time we have left down here.
5. The crown of glory: 1 Pet. 5:1~4. This is the pastor s crown and will be given to the ministers who faithfully feed the flock of God. This probably could also include preachers, teachers, Sunday School teachers, missionaries and all those who teach the Word of God in their respective ministries. This crown may signify the importance and sacrifices of bringing up others into the ways of God. God wants those who are saved to grow and learn as much as they can about Him, His Son and His Holy Spirit and to do that he uses mature believers who are willing to each others.
A more elaborate message on this topics here: The Five Bibilical Crowns
Moral and ethical issues for Bible believers
Christians often face areas where many would question 'What does a Christian do'? You really desire to do the right thing, but in some areas it is difficult to understand what the Lord would want of us to do.
When considering the question 'Should a Christian' and what God s Word says about any particular subject, we sometimes find no direct commandments on that matter; then we will have to look into biblical principles to give us direction on moral and ethical issues for Bible believers. Further, what do we do when we find God s Word silent on a particular area.
The Bible would not have enough room to include every possible situation that we could be faced with. It is with careful study of the Word, with guidance from the Holy Spirit, and sometimes some loving guidance from other mature Christians that can help steer us, when we are faced with tough sticky situations or dilemmas.
What does the God's word in the Bible say about these and many other matters. To look at all individual matters is not even remotely possible but to consider what scripture has to say about some topics; then applying these principles to everyday life dilemmas is very possible. Asking the question 'What should a Christian do about' or 'What should I do'; that will glorify God and be of a good witness to man is the primary goal.
A more elaborate message on this topics here: Moral Issues
How Should a Christian Dress and does God Care
WHAT SHALL I WEAR? Does God have a dress code? Is it legalistic even to talk about it?
Let us consider the verse in 1 Sam. 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his height or his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart..- Here it appears that the Lord is speaking about the outward appearance, or the pysical form of the person, whom he created; and not the clothes he weares, or how he grooms or takes care of himself. This is different as to how one takes care of himself and how one dresses.
Being modest in your appearance is just as great a witness to those around you as your words. If you are preaching about purity and modesty to others while wearing revealing clothes you may be seen as a hypocrite. By being modest you allow people to see your inner faith rather than your outer appearance.
A Christian is to be salt and light in this world, and our attire is an important part of our testimony. The way a person dresses is a indication of that persons character and spiritual maturity. Dress for both man or woman should respect the Bible principles of modesty, non-conformed to the fads of the world; and express humility and simplicity. Now, we're not talking about modest in your neighbour's eyes, or friend's, or even family's--but modest in God's eyes.
Clothes should not be a conforming fit or expose areas of the body that normally draw attention from the opposite sex. A Christian should not attract undue attention to herself. Clothes should not be provocative or suggestive, should not expose large areas of the human anatomy nor have a conforming fit with suggestive intent. Also in our appearence, we should generally be well shaven or have a beard, mustache and/or hair reasonably in place as not to look sloppy or uncaring in physical appearance. This also can draw undue attention to yourself. In general your overall appearance should not draw attention to you that would hinder another from focusing their attention to worhipping the Lord.
Improper dress should not be a problem for the Christians. The person who is born again, and having taken up his cross to follow Christian should lovingly and joyfully follow the Word.
A more elaborate message on this topics here: Does God Care about my Appearance
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