“The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race.” Quote from spectator sign seen at a marathon event.

The Bible tells us that when we receive salvation from Jesus Christ that we are automatically thrust into a race of faith and life.  Instead of a short sprint, we are encouraged to run a race much like a marathon.  We learn at the end of this race we run, there is an opportunity to receive awards or crowns.  Just what are these crowns, how do we earn them and why?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Just who is this “cloud of witnesses?”  The writer of Hebrews uses “therefore” in this verse which cast reflection upon the prior chapter 11 otherwise known as the “hall of faith” listing examples and commending men and women of the Old Testament who had great faith.  Imagine that.  You are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” that includes among others Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Rahab, David and Samuel cheering us on!  Not only is our race important to run, but so are the results.

Paul goes on to describe the race and its conclusion this way:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1^st Corinthians 9:25)

“Bema” is a Greek term meaning “judgment seat” and in the city of Corinth, a stone platform was constructed to support the Bema seat (judgment seat) of the local officials.  The seat was used to give out awards to athletes based on their competitive performances.  Likewise, as Christian believers we will all one day stand before the Lord and give an accounting of our lives.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2^nd Corinthians 5:10)

It is important to remember that the Judgment Seat of Christ does not determine salvation or worthiness to enter heaven.  That question was settled at the Cross.  Instead, the purpose of the bema judgment by Jesus Christ is to reward believers based on how faithfully they served Him.  Even so, the Bible tells us that this judgment will also deal with the loss of rewards.  The Greek word “bad” quoted above in Corinthians is “phaulos” which means “easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no account.”

Even the minor prophet Malachi reminds us that there is a Book of Remembrance in which God has written down all the things that you have done for Him.  All those times you served Him, prayed for others, you may have forgotten about it.  But God says, “I have not forgotten.” (Malachi 3:16)

It is here at the Judgment Seat of Christ that believers are awarded crowns that are imperishable for eternity.  What are these crowns?

The Bible lists five crowns in the New Testament:

• Crown of Incorruptible or the Victor’s Crown–as Paul describes in 1^st Corinthians 9:25-27 this crown is awarded to “every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.” This is the Christian who keeps under the body and brings it into subjection.  It is the conquering of the old nature, awarded for self-control and having victory over the flesh.  Those believers who do not yield to lusts of the flesh and separate themselves from the world can expect to be rewarded the Incorruptible Crown.
• Crown of Rejoicing-“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? For ye are our glory and joy.” (1^st Thessalonians 2:19-20) This is the soul-winners crown, the winning of the saved to the kingdom. This crown is awarded to those who have been instrumental in leading others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to those who have personally led others to Christ, and those who have prayed for souls and have given financially to evangelistic ministries.  One of the first things a Christian should pray for and seek to cultivate is the desire, ability, and wisdom to help win lost souls to Jesus Christ.
• Crown of Life—this crown is reserved for those who have persevered, endured trials, and even faced death, yet remain faithful. These are believers who have given all their lives for the sake of the Gospel, those who have been martyred for their witness to Christ.  Though some of us may not receive the Crown of Life we will rejoice with those who refused to count the cost and died proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)
• Crown of Glory—“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1^st Peter 5:2-4)  There are many who have been called and ordained by God to preach, teach and minister in His Word.  These are the under shepherds who care for the flock of God during the absence of the Chief Shepherd.
• Crown of Righteousness—near the end of his life the Apostle Paul wrote, “I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I’ve kept the faith, and now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will award to me on that day; but not to me only, but to all those who have longed for His appearing.” (2^nd Timothy 4:8) There is a special crown given to those people who live with an eternal attitude, daily yearning for the return of Christ.

How do we aspire to being awarded crowns from our Lord?  In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus is critical of those who practice righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.  Instead, He encouraged that we practice deeds of righteousness in secret, so “that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  The point He was making is that our good works should not be done for the praise of men.  Rather, we should do our good for the praise of Jesus.

Others might say, “I don’t really care about rewards and I’m not concerned about them.  I just want to make it to Heaven.”  Can you imagine this person standing face to face before the Lord?  He would be saying that he just wanted “Your salvation” but “I didn’t think You were worth living for.”

It is the motive of the heart that only matters.  These crowns are determined only by how we live and serve Him in this life.  One day, Revelation 4:10 tells us that in heaven, all believers will “cast their crowns” before the throne of God out of gratitude and acknowledgment that He was the source and inspiration of our crowns.  And is this a one- time event?  Verse 9 suggests otherwise with “when” or “whenever” depending on the translation.

How are you running your race?

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.  But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7 KJV)

In this life we find that there are often grave inequalities.  So many people today are looking for human promotion, that is, to bask in the approval of others.  But, is there another way? Instead of relying on others, the Bible tells us that there are four characteristics that are critical for a Christian believer to experience God’s blessings and promotion in their life.   What are they?

Once Jesus has first place in your life, the first characteristic that is necessary is FAITHFULNESS.  A faithful person is dependable and will do what must be done with all his heart and with enthusiasm.  “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much….” (Luke 16:10).  Likewise, faithfulness over what belongs to another, gives God the opportunity to give us “our own.”  “And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12)

A second characteristic is a SERVANT’S HEART. He who is willing to do whatever tasks needs to be done, never considering anything to be too menial.  One can never lead others until he has first acquired a servant’s heart.  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant….” (Philippians 2:5-7)

A Christian believer must SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY.  Unless one can submit to authority placed over him by God, he will never be in the position of authority himself.  Authority represents God.  To rebel against God is to give up our power and authority over Satan.  To rebel against those in authority over us is to rebel against God.  “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

A fourth critical attribute is THANKFULNESS or GRATITUDE and is a key to prosperity, promotion and exaltation.  “Godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” (1^st Timothy 6:6) The Bible encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude towards God and to “show yourselves thankful” but not just on occasion, but from having a grateful disposition or attitude on a continual basis.  As 1^st Thessalonians 5:18 imparts, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  A natural byproduct of GRATITUDE is generosity.  “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

Of all the continents of the world, Africa is the most poverty stricken with approximately 750 million subsistence farmers who live undernourished and degraded lives due to poor crop yields.  In recent decades hundreds of billions of dollars have poured into Africa every year and yet the poor are getting poorer

“My people perish because of a lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

Farming God’s Way is a patented process of remarkable agricultural techniques that were developed on a commercial farm in Zimbabwe in the 1980s that teaches four Bible-based principles that greatly enhance crop yields (see December 18, 2018 blog post).  At Sons of Thunder Farm in Zambia, these proven non-till agricultural techniques have been adopted with great success.  In addition, SOT Farm Manager Alexander Mubanga is now a National Trainer for the Farming God’s Way organization and the Sons of Thunder Farm is now one of its regional training centers.

This season has been a marvelous testimony not only to the consistency and soundness of Farming God’s Way techniques but also bears witness to how God has blessed and promoted Sons of Thunder in Zambia as He continues to minister through this ministry.  There has been an awful drought that has impacted most of Southern Africa including much of southern Zambia in the last year.  And yet the Lord blessed Sons of Thunder this season with timely rains and a bountiful harvest of an expanding list of crops. It was as if Sons of Thunder Farm was an oasis within a parched land.  Our praise is all to Him!

And it is with a generous heart that Sons of Thunder has shared and delivered food with our surrounding neighbors who have suffered under this drought.  All the more now they are interested in learning from us the Farming God’s Way techniques!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is part of the first training session of Farming God’s Way.  Sin brought a curse not only on the people but the land.  Jesus’ death on the cross broke that curse and FGW adherents pray not only for their personal redemption but that their land would be freed from the curse as well.  It is all part of submitting to the authority of God.

Doing everything on time, setting high standards and minimizing waste is all part of the faithfulness required within the Farming God’s Way discipline and to employ a servant’s heart.

And one of its major principles is to “do everything with joy and gladness of heart.”  Within this discipline, Farming God’s Way is redemptive and it is also evangelical.  At Sons of Thunder we use Farming God’s Way agricultural training and education as a means to go into all the world.

Within these photos you can see how God has blessed Sons of Thunder with bountiful and healthy crops of maize, bananas, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, butternut squash, okra, tomatoes, lemons, limes, carrots, eggplant, lettuce, onions and bell peppers.  In addition, He is continuing to use and promote Sons of Thunder to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach neighboring Zambians how to use Farming God’s Way techniques.  We are very grateful for the many prayers that lifted up Sons of Thunder!

“You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God,

Who has dealt wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame.”  (Joel 2:26)

So many of our Christian friends today tell us that they are examining the reports of evangelical missions all the more for reasons of accountability and which is understandable.  If there is one aspect of supporting Sons of Thunder that I would emphasize is that you can be assured that you when you support our ministry you are surely enjoining our Lord in a very direct and active work that is transforming thousands of lives in southern Africa.  God is surely stirring hearts allover the world and we are committed to taking full advantage of these open doors, and which is why your financial support and your prayers are so vitally needed now.  Will you help us?

We are deeply grateful for your prayers and gifts–we could not carry out this work without you.  Thank you for all you do in serving Christ and His Kingdom.

Sources: Dusty Kemp, Patrick Cairns, Jerry Beall

Jesus introduces a remarkable set of seven parables in Matthew 13 that are quite unique in their application and portent.  What is more remarkable is that these seven parables in their listed order would correlate perfectly to the seven letters to the churches found in Revelation 2-3 that the Apostle John would receive years later.

These seven parables regarding the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are for a specific period of time.  The key to understanding them is that these seven parables represent the age in between the two advents of Jesus Christ.  They describe the spiritual conditions, both past and present, during the church age, or more commonly, the “Age of Grace.”  They include parables such as the sower, the wheat and the tares, the mustard seed and the dragnet.

 “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given…Therefore, speak I to them in parables; because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand….But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears for they hear.” (Matthew 13:11,13,16)

Just as the book of Acts provides a history of the earliest years of the church age, Revelation 2 and 3 provides a preview of its future, that is an overview of the entire church age.  But the letters found in Revelation are also prophetic and bring closure to the church age. If the seven parables and/or the seven letters to the churches were in any other order it would not make sense.  They are in a precise order for a reason.  Although we cannot discuss the paring of each one, here is their listing:

Parable of the Sower		Ephesus
Wheat and Tares		Smyrna
Mustard Seed		Pergamos
Leaven		Thyatira
Hidden Treasure		Sardis
Pearl of great price		Philadelphia
Dragnet		Laodicea

 “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:20b)

As an example, the parable of the mustard seed, which is the smallest of seeds for garden plants and herbs.  Although it is such a small seed it can grow into being one of the larger garden plants.  Jesus even uses the mustard seed as a basis to describe a person’s faith in Matthew 17.  But in this parable, there is a lesson of humility.  Why?  Because the parable describes a mustard seed that grows into a large tree enabling birds to nest in its branches.  Have you ever seen a mustard tree?  Of course not.  Because a mustard plant was never intended to grow into a large tree.  Not only could it bear no fruit, but it would be a monstrosity.   Who were the birds?  According to the earlier parable of the sower, the birds represent Satan’s minions.

Likewise, this third parable from Matthew 13 aligns directly with the third letter to the church at Pergamos in Revelation 2 which governs the general period of 300 A.D. to 600 A.D.  It was during this time that the Roman emperor Constantine declared Christianity to be the state religion of the Roman Empire.  You might view that as a positive moment, but was it?  Unfortunately, when this occurred thousands of pagan priests became Christian priests almost overnight.  As a result, there were many pagan practices and other Gnostic teachings that were codified and co-opted into the Church.  The Church was never intended to be a government entity.  It was designed to be a body of believers based on the choice of their free will.  “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36a)

Today we cannot help but acknowledge that we are now in the Laodicean age.  It is the seventh and final church age that is the “lukewarm” church.  Unlike the first six churches, this church is not named precisely but Jesus describes it in Revelation 3:14 as “the church of the Laodiceans” as if the people exercised some claim on the church.  In effect, it has come under the influence of the outside world and its values.  It is “neither cold nor hot” and seemingly accepts any doctrine for the sake of compromise as it denies the verbal and literal interpretation of Scripture.  This church believes it is rich and “in need of nothing” but the Lord says it is “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

In one of the most scathing remarks found in the letters to the churches, Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Used so frequently on other occasions to prompt a non-believer to ask the Lord for their salvation, in this final letter to Laodicea it suggests that the Lord sees Himself OUTSIDE the doors of the church and desires to be INSIDE the church, if only the congregants would invite Him in.

Today, the Church has lost much of its identity as a transforming agent by allowing the influence of the world’s values to come inside.  Once the Church stood strong on so many social and moral issues but today is frequently seen bowing to secular pressures.  And finally, today the Church is losing its grip on the assured Word of God in its preaching and teaching. We live in a time when academic scholarship has seriously attacked the integrity of the Biblical text.  No generation in history has been more skeptical of the notion that the Bible is nothing more than a construct of folklore and traditions.  Biblical illiteracy is rampant in today’s churches.

Certainly not all churches today are Laodicean, and there are many churches alive and well that might better resemble the more desirable attributes of the church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).  And our brothers and sisters in China, Iran, Egypt and North Korea might surely identify more with the persecuted church of Smyrna (Revelation 3:8-11).  But the reality of this Laodicean age remains as a general condition.

The seventh and final parable from Matthew 13 that applies to Laodicea is the parable of the dragnet.  It describes a harvest whereby a net is cast into the sea and drawn ashore with the net full of fish that will be sorted.  The “good fish” will be kept and the “bad fish” thrown away.  It is a picture of an impending and final judgement that requires no further analysis.  “He that has an ear, let him hear…”

“..that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” (Colossians 1:9b-11)