Roger Thrower

Crisis: a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or worse, is determined; turning point.

1. The Crisis of Sin.
* 17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. 18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. Ps. 38:17-18
* Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Ps. 32:1-2
* Until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, you won’t change.

2. The Crisis of Faith.
* These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have not root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Mark 4:16-17
* Hebrews 11: 24-26, 2 Cor. 4:17-18, Phil 3:7-21, 2 John 1:8
* The Bible teaches the delay of gratification

3. The Reward of a Crown.
* Crown (stephanos) a Greek word for crown or wreath, a mark of exalted rank, the eternal blessedness, which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ
* I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Rev. 3:11

Believer’s Crowns

Title: An Imperishable Crown
Reason: For leading a disciplined life
1 Corinthians 9:25 (NKJV) 25 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.

Title: A Crown of Rejoicing
Reason: For evangelism and discipleship
1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV) 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Title: A Crown of Righteousness
Reason: For loving the Lord’s appearing
Reference: 2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV) Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

Title: A Crown of Life
Reason: For enduring trials
James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 2:10 (ESV) Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Title: A Crown of Glory
Reason: For shepherding God’s flock faithfully
: 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV) shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory