Ever wonder why people of faith have to suffer in this life? Paul declared this, by the way: "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." But why does this have to be the case? Two reasons: 1. People sense that Treasure in heaven is the opposite of earthly treasure, and 2. The Crown of Life is our Bema Seat reward. Let's take the first point: People sense that treasure in heaven is the opposite of earthly treasure. When you step into a situation in this life, most people want to be compensated, which means money. If you share the seed of God's word in this life and stand against all forms of sin and ungodliness that the money pays no attention to, the people involved know what you're doing: you are taking seriously your commitment for treasure in heaven to give them God's spiritual standard. So how can they react to this but to set you up to take your earthly treasure? They'll never explain it that way, because they don't know the Holy Spirit is working conviction through their experience! John's gospel promised that "“And when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment” (John 16:8). So they're reaction to withhold earthly treasure when you are seeking heavenly treasure is nothing more than their living reaction to the Spirit's conviction that you are, in fact, earning God's approval!!! This accomplishes two things: firstly, confirmation that the seeds are sown and God's word will not return void at some future time. Secondly, confirmation that your calling and election are made sure by the eternal treasure that you are working for in your salvation. Peter instructs this work is directly connected to your entrance of the Kingdom of God at the Bema Seat of Christ: "So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Paul uses a great descriptive phrase for the agenda that the entire doctrine of the 5 Crowns of Reward places in the life of every believer as "the upward call of God" in our lives (Phil 3:14). Notice the flow of the "5S Cleanup" in Paul's life (scholars call this a "discourse" flow of information ): 1. he's not there yet (study), 2. he presses on in this life (suffer), 3. sets his mind toward "the standard" of service (serve), 4. his "pattern" to win souls is to be emulated (share) and finally, 4. mentors others to "join in following my example" (shepherd). Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal that also to you. 16 However, let us keep walking in step with the same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us (Philippians 3:13–17). What an excellent summary of the process driving the 5 Crowns of Reward! That process begins with the Scripture (Crown #1), moves toward serving the Church (Crown #2), embraces suffering in this life (Crown #3), wins souls (Crown #4), and shepherds others in these crowns (Crown #5). See our earlier posts on the set of these crowns and the process driving them.

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Here's a question: do you get credit for someone changing their practices for the better bc they read your material? Quick answer: YES! You know what precedent we have to say that and be confident? Why... the entire Bible, of course. God inspired the authors of Scripture, and their works have been inspiring countless millions to understand their dispensation in God's redemptive program and properly live for it. So if you have written a book, an article, an online post (yes, the internet counts, too!!), and that text makes someone more productive or becomes edified on any level, you have treasure in heaven, my friend! Remember the original church in the centuries before Constantine (ca 30-300 AD)--they inundated the entire Mediterranean with theological works, letters, speeches, and symbols (like the fish symbol, see our Rumble channel, 5 Crowns Outreach) in order to bring everyone to the truth of Christ. It is your same job to do likewise. You may never get credit in this life, but remember that Jesus Christ sees all, and He is coming with His reward, the 5 Crowns of Reward.

Christ is winning over many Muslim populations in today's ministry landscape and using these wonderful men to make Christ's further appeal for more souls, amen and amen. Christ is Winning Muslim Populations! God bless these champions These 5 Crowns of Reward are the process that makes leaders in Christian fellowships