The Crown of Faithfulness

December 29, 2024

Dr. Paul Cannings

By the grace of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we have completed another year. No matter the challenges or the pain of losing loved ones, the Lord has provided the strength and wisdom to make it through. I would like to thank the elders, deacons, staff, ministers, ministry leaders and all those who served faithfully all year long. I would also like to thank those who faithfully by way of their finances and prayers supported the Lord’s ministry. It is your faithful service, giving, and prayers that have blessed us to make it all year long.

Being faithful does not mean that everything in these individual’s lives went well, by no means! This is why the Apostle Paul describes faithfulness as a ‘pressing to the mark’ (Philippians 3:12-16), ‘the fight of the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:8), and the writer of Hebrews would say is a ‘race to run’ (Hebrews 12:1-3).  Faithfulness takes courage to remain obedient during life’s challenges, commitment to the Lord’s vision, and a willingness to endure suffering while using one’s spiritual gifts to bless others. It is for this reason faithfulness provides great eternal rewards.

Everyday we go to work and receive a temporary paycheck, it can consume our lives. Like I said repeatedly when teaching Revelation, Satan cannot stop those who are saved from going to heaven, but he can use the challenges of this life to take away our heavenly rewards. This is why after taking us through the ‘Hall of Faith’ in Hebrews Chapter 11, the writer instructs us ‘to keep our eyes fitted… .’ Paul remained so purposeful he said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 2:21) This is not a temporal gain, it is eternal and does not require any more work once earned.

There is so much to gain; the ‘Crown of Life,’ (faithfulness through trials; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; 3:11), the ‘crown of righteousness,’ for ‘fighting the faith of the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:8), the ‘incorruptible crown,’ (1 Corinthians 9:25) for being discipled to apply God’s word daily in the midst of life’s rat race, and the ‘crown of glory,’ for faithful elders (1 Peter 5:4).

Not only do we receive crowns, for all those who faithfully served, they will wear white robes (Revelation 3:5,18; 6:11; 7:9,13), and not be naked, and poor (no rewards; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15) in heaven (Revelation 3:17). Those who remain faithful despite numerous trials, will sit with Christ on His throne as overcomers (Revelation 3:21-22; 21:5-7). This is why Paul says, “discipline my body and make it my slave, so that ….., I myself will not be disqualified.’ (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Thanks to all of you, including your children and youth who did not hesitate to serve the Lord. I pray that God blesses you and your family, especially as we approach this new year!!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!