CASE OF THE LOST FAITH

 THREE DETECTIVES IN AUTUMN

SARDINE PEAK TRAIL

Jack lead detective, Gloria, and Valerie  hike up Ogden Canyon Overlook trail to the ridge, meeting four mountain bikers taking a break. Sunday at 12 noon.

Jack asks the mountain bikers, saying, "How long did it take you to bike up here from Snowbasin?"

Tony answers, "Less than a half hour."

Sue smiles, "I had to walk my bike a few times around the curves."

Jack begins, "I'm Jack the lead detective, this is Gloria my note taker, and Valerie shoots our videos.  If you have a several minutes, we would like to ask you an important question."

Robbie giggles, "Three detectives!  OK, what is your question?"

Jack says, "We're investigating, why people don't attend church anymore and losing their faith."

Valerie adds, "My pastor and everyone who attends my church takes vacations.  It's not a sin to miss a church service and be with family or friends."

Gloria speaks, "Do you believe in Jesus?"

All four mountain bikers say, "Yeah!  

Sue answers, "I like watching the TV series about Jesus, because he is more human and down to earth."

Valerie asks, "Anyone here attend a church?"

Bill answers, "Yeah, Easter, Christmas, weddings and funerals. Jesus is just another superhero like in the movies."

Tony adds, "Church is for religious people who have nothing to do.  Sunday is my day off, to mountain bike, golfing, pickleball, go fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, and swimming."

Gloria adds, "I gave Jesus 1 1/2 hours this morning, and now I have the rest of the day to play too!"

Sue speaks, "My parents don't go to church.  All my friends don't attend either.  Every Christian I know is imperfect, just like the rest of us.  Why should I attend church?"

Robbie adds, "What turned me off is media preachers begging for money and promising riches to those who give, and later being exposed for their scandals."  

Jack smiles, "You're right, Christians are not perfect, only Jesus is perfect!"

Valerie says, "Not everyone who calls himself a Christian is a true believer."

Gloria reads, "Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’  (Matthew 7:21-23)

Sue replies, "Are you saying there are fake Christians?  Jesus called these people Tares."

Gloria smiles, "He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.  The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.  The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.  Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.  The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,  and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

(Matthew 13:37-43  NKJV ~ New King James Version)

Tony answers, "Science and the Bible disagree with each other."

Jack speaks, "There's Christians who are scientists, geologists, biologists, and paelontogists with PHD's that believe God created our universe."

Bill replies, "Historic science teaches us life began by the big bang.  And we are a product of natural selection and evolution."

Gloria smiles, "Historic scientists?"  Like Sir Issac Newton who formulated the laws of motion and gravitation."

Valerie adds, "Robert Boyle, the father of chemistry?"

Jack adds, "Johannes Kepler, who discovered the laws of planetary motion?"

Gloria speaks, "Michael Faraday, phyicist who discovered electromagentism."

Robbie smiles, "Yeah, they're great scientific men. Case is closed!"

Jack replies, "These men were all devout Christians who believed in the creator God!"

Bill remarks, "What about all the errors in the Bible? "

Valerie talks, "People copying manuscripts sometimes made errors.  But translators today can compare the 5,856 new testament manuscripts can find what the orginal authors wrote."

Bill adds, "What about the Old Testament?"

Jack speaks, "The Great Isaiah Dead Sea scroll written in 125 BC, compares 95% to our modern book of Isaiah."

Valerie adds, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"  (2 Timothy 3:16  ESV - English Standard Version)

Sue speaks, "What about this error.  In one account Judas hangs himself and another account Judas' guts burst opens.  How did he really die?"

Tony adds, "Explain that one!"

Jack reads "Matthew wrote: " And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself."

(Matthew 27:5 ESV)  

Later Luke being a doctor added medical details of Judas death: "Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out."  (Act 1:18  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Gloria adds, "Judas hanged himself, he fell and his guts burst open killing him."

Bill frowns, saying, "What about Jesus meal of bread and fish to a multitude.  Did he feed 4,000 or 5,000?"

Jack answers, "Andrew a disciple of Jesus finds a boy carrying his lunch of 5 loafs of Barley Bread & 2 fish. Jesus prays and God feeds 5,000 hungry souls.

Gloria continues, "A second time a crowd of people needing healing follows Jesus for 3 days without eating.  His disciples find 7 loafs and a few fishes.  God feeds 4,000. 

Valerie adds, "These are two different events, not an error."

Sue speaks, "How did they know it was exactly four or five thousand people?"

Gloria adds, "They sat in groups of fifty and hundreds."

Jack replies, "You're right, we don't have an exact number.  People move around and it's possible they didn't count all the women and children."

Valerie adds, "Most likely an historic estimation.  Can you count how many attend a football game sitting in a stadium?"

Gloria speaks, "We're not looking for people who missed church today and putting a guilt trips on them.  We want to talk to people who have left their Christian faith and find out their reasons for leaving."

Jack speaks, "Do you know what Apostasia means?  Greek word means, 'defamation, revolt or standing away from.  Deserters in the military were called apostates."

Sue smiles, "I call that my religious deconstruction from Christianity.  People on social media are telling their stories of losing their faith."

Valerie adds, "Apostasy is a total rejection, not a temporary struggle with personal doubt or a simple crisis of faith."

Gloria replies, "We call it turning your back on Jesus.  If you don't want to be with Jesus in this lifetime, why would you ever want to live with Him for all eternity!  Jesus loves you!"

Valerie reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  ESV)

Bill adds, "What is your true motive being here?  Does your church need more members?"

Valerie replies, "Jesus has only one church, for those who believe in him and are born of the Spirit."

Jack in serious tone, "We believe there's a 7 year tribulation coming to the earth.  Jesus' church, his bride will be raptured to heaven.  Those remaining on earth will be going through a period of great sorrows and trials."

Gloria reads, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,  who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God."  (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Valerie adds, "The apostasy happens first before the antichrist is revealed.  People will lose their faith in God, turn away from Jesus and refuse to fellowship with Christian believers."

Gloria adds, "Jesus said, 'For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  (Matthew 18:20  LSB)

Jack says, "If Jesus was standing before you right now and he said, "Follow Me," what would you tell Him?  Would you like to go to heaven with Jesus and have everlasting life?"

Gloria says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

(Acts 4:12  NIV - New International Version)

Sue raises her hand saying, "Yes, I will follow Jesus!"

All the guys agree too. "OK, what do we need to do?"

Jack speaks, "If you're willing to repent from your sins, believe, trust, and follow Jesus, I can lead you in prayer.  And he'll will make you a new person in Christ Jesus and you'll receive God's Holy Spirit."

After they pray everyone smiles.

The guys mount on their bikes and ride off up the Sardine Peak trail, saying "Thank You!"

Sue smiles in tears, "Everything is brand new in Jesus!   I thought it was all about religion.  I never knew it was all about life with Jesus!"

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

 CASE OF THE HAUNTED FOREST

THREE DETECTIVES SCARED

On a sunny Autumn day, the Three Detectives hike up a trail in Utah through an Aspen Forest.  Jack asks Gloria and Valerie, "Do you know what the Utah state tree is?  

Valerie replies, "Isn't it the Colorado Blue Spruce?"

Gloria answers, "It's the Quaking Aspen.

4th graders in Monroe county petitioned the governor, stating the Colorado Blue Spruce tree only resides in 1% of Utah, while Aspens grow in 29 counties."

Up the trail they are surprised by a toddler SCREAMING and CRYING all alone.

Coming around a bend, his sister grabs his hand, and waits for mom and dad.

Valerie asks, "Is he hurt?  Is he all right?"

Sister says, "He said he saw a ghost!  He has nightmares at night and has to have a night light on when he sleeps.  I didn't see any ghosts up here!  Probably wind blowing leaves and swaying trees."

Gloria smiles, "I'm more afraid of snakes, than ghosts.  One time I nearly stepped on one."

Jack adds, "I'd be scared too!  Treating a rattlesnake bite can cost from $30,000 to $150,000 for multiple anti-venom treatments."

The little boy's parents arrive comforting him. The family continues walking down the trail.

Jack, Valerie and Gloria hike up the trail seeing beautiful golden leaves clapping in the wind.

Gloria speaks, "God made all these beautiful leaves!"

Walking around some trees they see a Witch standing in the trail, holding out her arms and wiggling her fingers at them, shouting a Witches cry!"  

Secretly someone sneaks behind Gloria yelling, "BOOOO!" 

Gloria jumps, turning around to see a white ghost.

Valerie gazes at the witch and ghost, feeling someone touch her arm hearing a LOUD, "GROWL."  

Turning around, she sees face to face to a ghoul.

  

Witch smiles, "Did we scare you...he, he, he, he, he?"

Gloria replies, "What is your purpose and why are you doing this?"

Ghost replies, "We're preparing for Halloween.  It is Samhain our high sabbath."

Ghoul adds, "For me, I'm practicing scaring amigos for the Day of the Dead.  We celebrate our dead ancestors on November 1st and 2nd."

Witch adds, "Shall I cast a spell on all of you?  Do you want to see the power of the dark side?"

Jack smiles, "You certainly surprised us and made us jump; but you traumatized a 3 year old toddler."

Ghoul shakes his head saying, "Good!"

Jack adds, "You scared us, but is there anything that scares each one of you?"

Ghoul answers, "I'm terrified of bears. They can chase 40 miles an hour after you." 

Valerie adds, "I keep my distance from Bison.  I saw a video of a man being thrown 10 feet up in the air after approaching the buffalo."

Gloria adds, "For me, it's snakes.  Rattlesnakes and Bull snakes freak me out!"

Witch has a wicked LAUGH, "The HOWL of wolves make me tremble."

Jack smiles, "I've seen bears, moose, snakes, scorpions, and even a Wolverine; but do you know what the most scariest creature I ever encounter was?"

Ghouls replies, "Was it a bat?  Ticks?"

Jack answers, "It was a skunk blocking the middle of a trail.  I waited until the stinker moved away into the bushes, then I ran past hoping I wouldn't be sprayed."

Ghoul, "LAUGHS."

Jack adds, "Do you realize that even people in the Bible got scared?"

Valerie adds, "John saw Jesus in His glorified body and this is what he said, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last."  (Revelation 1:17  NLT - New Living Translation)

Jack reads: " Now Moses was pasturing the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.  Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not being consumed.  So Moses said, “I must turn aside and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burning up!”  When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”  Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”  And He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.  (Exodus 3:1-6  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Gloria asks, "Coming close to God's presence on Mount Sinai...'The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear."  (Hebrews 12:21  NIV - New International Version)

Witch replies, "But we don't believe in God!

We believe in Lucifer."

Gloria quotes, "Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn."  (Proverbs 1:7  ERV - Easy-to-Read Version)

Valerie adds, "Fear of the Lord leads to life,

bringing security and protection from harm."

(Provers 19:23  NLT - New Living Translation)

Gloria qoutes, "Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding."  (Proverbs 9:10 ERV)

Jack says,  "I am not here to judge you, but are you involved in any of these things? 

"The result of sin’s control in our lives is clear. It includes sexual immorality, impurity and wild living,  worshiping false gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, having envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not be in God’s kingdom."  Galatians 5:19-21  ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Witch snaps back, "Don't wiggle your fingers at me; you're a sinners too!"

Gloria smiles, "You're right."

Valerie quotes, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"  (Romans 3:23-24  LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Ghoul replies, "I attend mass with grandma.  Maybe I'll end up in purgatory when I die."

Gloria states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 6:23 LSB)

Jack says, "One day we will stand before the Creator of the universe and have to give an account for our life.  For those who don't love God, this will be the most terrifying day."

Valerie reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  LSB)

Ghost begins to panic, "I know, you are trying to scare us with God and the Bible."

Gloria answers, "What if today was your last day on earth.  If you reject Jesus in this lifetime, why would you want to live with Him forever and ever?  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!  By His shed blood on the cross, we are saved, if we follow and believe in Him."

Valerie says, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12  ESV)

Ghoul, Ghost and Witch flee up the trail without looking back, hoping to find new hikers to scare.

Jack speaks to Gloria and Valerie, "Looks like the dark side has influenced their lives.  Ever since Eve and Adam listened to the serpant, knowledge of evil has spread like wildfire."

They hear ghoulish SCREAMING and YELLING coming from futher up the trail.

Gloria frowns, "To think, I use to do this when I was young.  I would visit every haunted house and love to explore corn mazes.  We dressed up in our costumes in school and marched around the hallways for everyone to see us."

Valerie states, "Somebody is going to fall and get hurt.  They are disturbing birds, squirrels and wildlife."

Ghoul, Ghost and Witch race down the trail.

Everyone sees a Moose charging, running 35mph down the trail after them.

In a split second, everyone jumps off the trail, turning their backs to the moose, remaining silent.  

Bull moose runs past all of them without stopping.

The Ghoul pulls off his mask, looking Valerie in her eyes saying,  "I don't want to die today, can you tell me more about Jesus?"

Juicy tears drip down the Witch's face, saying,

"I saw my life fading away.  I want to get married and have a family one day."

The Ghost yanks off his sheet, falling to his knees, trembling, "That was way too close!"

Jack says, "It's your free choice to decide what you want to do in life.  Would you like to follow Jesus?"

The Ghoul looks up into Jacks eyes, saying, "I don't want to end up in hell.  What do I need to do?"

Gloria speaks, "You need to repent from your sins, and surrender your life to God."

Valerie adds, "You need to trust Jesus and follow him and he will give you his Holy Spirit."

Jack states, "Jesus will give you everlasting life.  If you don't want to be with Jesus in this lifetime, why would you want to be with Him eternally."

Gloria adds, "There is no purgatory.   Hell is eternal separation from God... 'Behold now is the acceptable time. Behold now is the day of salvation.' (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV)

There's a moment of silence as dust from the trail settles.

Witch removes her hat, smashing it with her right foot on the ground.  "I rebuke this curse in the name of Jesus."

Ghost removes the white sheet and rips it in two.  "It's time for me to get serious!"

Ghoul removes his plastic mask, crushing it with both feet, burting out, "Satan is not going to wreck my life!"

Jack states, "If anyone serious about wanting to follow Jesus, I will lead you in prayer."

Everyone finds a place off the trail to gather.

Jack leads them in a prayer of salvation.

Witch, Ghoul and Ghost have a new contenance, with kindness, love and joy.

Gloria adds, "It's important to get a Bible and read it daily.  And find a Bible believing church so that you can serve and grow and be a disciple of Jesus."

Valerie adds, "Be baptized and share with you family and friends that you love and follow Jesus."

Witch, Ghoul and Ghost begin to dance in a spirit of Joy, raising their hands to the heavens.

Everyone gathers for a group hug, then returns hiking down the trail.

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN ELECTION INTEGRITY?

 WOULD YOU VOTE FOR JESUS?

PICNIC WITH FOUR PASTORS 

Four Pastors walk to a picnic area in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, to discuss issues and spiritual topics.  Pastor Dave with red hair begins the discussion asking, "Are we all citizens of heaven first, before our United States citizenship?"

Hispanic Pastor Manual reads, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."  (Philippians 3:20-21  ESV - English Standard Version)

Pastor Frank recites, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  (Romans 13:1-3  NKJV - New King James Version)

Pastor Jun De, adds, "We are to submit to God first, then to governing authorities second; only if they don't go against God's commandments and freedoms for public worship and fellowship."

Pastor Dave remarks, "Should believers vote and participate in politics?"  Some religions say no, to political involvement."

Pastor Frank says, "What about separation from church and state."

Pastor Manuel answers, "Yes, I am against the one world religion too!  Everyone in the United States should have the freedom to believe, worship and fellowship."

Pastor Jun De adds, "I believe it is our duty as American citizens to vote and express freely what we believe."

Pastor Manuel states, "You can go online and read where each canidate stands on important issues."

Pastor Dave asks, "Being a citizen of God's kingdom, how should we vote?  Should we vote for one political party?  Should we vote for canidates with the best personality?  Or should we vote on issues according to God's word and pick candidates who stand with Biblical values?" 

Pastor Frank, "There's Christians in every political party.  That's the danger of voting for one party and not examining candidates."

Pastor Dave replies, "But each party has foundational beliefs we need to be aware of.  What issues do your party stand on?"

Do they protect the innocent unborn?

Do they insure freedom of speech?

Do they protect our religious liberties?"

Pastor Manual adds, "Looking at today's issues through the eyes of Jesus and God's word in the Bible will help us select the right canidates."

Pastor Jun De comments, "It's a choice of spiritual examination of issues, or fleshly examining politicians of how well they dress, their skin color and how eloquent they speak."

Pastor Dave concludes, As a citizen of heaven, do you pray and ask God who you should vote for?  Or do you check boxes blindly, without knowing what issues you're really voting for?

Pastor Manuel concludes, "It comes down to this, do we vote for issues or personalities?

Would you vote for Jesus?"

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE A CROWN FROM JESUS?

 TRAIL RUNNERS IN PARK CITY

WOMENS FITNESS TRAINING

Missionary Debra is taking five college age Christian ladies trail running in Park City, Utah. After a steady run uphill, Debra finds a good place to take a break.

Georgina, the black woman says, "I'm not used to the higher elevation, the air is a lot thinner up here than Georgia."

Alicia, sitting with twin sister Sue, says, "I think we're 7,200' above sea level.  Your heart has to work harder up here."

Debra continues, "I've been a missionary around the world, climbing steep hills, daily walking 20 miles to villages, and paddling canoes in rivers.  Do any of you want to follow in my footsteps?  Any future missionaries here?"

Kim, the Chinese sister of Lead Detective Jack, raises her hands with a big smile, saying, "I am willing to go anywhere with Jesus to the ends of the earth!"

Debra smiles, saying, "In ancient Greece, runners who won the race would receive a Stephanos Crown at a Bema seat."

Alicia asks, "Did they receive royal crowns like the ones kings wore?"

Debra answers, "No, a Stephanos crown is a wreath made of laurel, oak, ivy, myrtle, or olive leaves."

Sue comments, "Did they wear it like a sweat band?"

Debra shakes her head, and speaks, "Are you aware that there are five different crowns, Jesus will reward His faithful, only if you earn them?"

Luna, pastor Manuel's daughter blurts out, "Can you tell us what the Five Crowns are, and how we can earn these rewards."

Debra speaks, "Crown of Glory is given to Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Elders, Teachers and anyone who feeds the flock with God's word the Bible, and makes disciples." 

Luna quotes, " Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20  NIV)

Georgina reads from her cell phone: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."  (1 Peter 5:1-4  NIV - New International Version)

Debra adds, "You can lose your reward if you are seeking dishonest gain and use your position to lord over your disciples.  Remember Jesus is the Lord and we are His servants."

Alicia comments, "These crowns do not perish; not like the ones given to Greek athletes?"

Debra continues, "Our next one is the IMPERISHABLE CROWN.  As we discipline our bodies today trail running, if we want to earn this crown we must discipline our lives, body, soul, mind and spirit for Christ!"  

Alicia reads from her cell phone, "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.  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.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27  NKJV - New King James Version)

Debra comments, "We need to have self discipline and use our bodies as a temple to glorify God."

Kim smiles, "Teachers need to set the example and live holy lives too, or they'll lose their reward."

Debra continues, "CROWN OF LIFE, is given to those endures trials and temptations and perserves until the end."

Kim reads from her Bible app, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  (James 1:12  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sue reads from her phone, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (Revelation 2:10  NASB)

Debra comments, "You need to be faithful throughout your life, until death.  Does anyone know what the CROWN OF REJOICING is?"

Georgia blurts out, "I know, it's praising and worshipping God."

Luna reads from her app, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy."  (I Thessalonians 2:19-20  NKJV)

Debra comments, "Paul rejoices for all the people who came to Jesus Christ.  This crown is known as the Soul Winners Crown.  

Does anyone know what are final reward we can earn?"

Alicia raises her hand, saying "CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"

Debra speaks, "Do you remember the Parable of the 10 Virgins.  5 were prepared and waiting excited for the return of the Bridegroom, while 5 were unprepared, sleepy heads.  The Crown of Righteousness will be given to those who are waiting for the appearing of Christ."

Luna adds, "We don't know the day or the hour that Jesus will return. 

Kim reads, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."  (2 Timothy 4:7-8  NKJV)

Debra speaks, "Jesus will return like a thief in the night at a time nobody will expect.  Will you rejoice at His coming, when you can see Jesus face to face?  Or will you be unprepared as a sleepy head?

Georgina adds, "I heard about these crowns, but I never realized this is something we need to earn during our lifetime."

Kim adds, "This is spiritual trail running we need to do every day, to be fit for the Lord."

Debra concludes, "Anyone want to quit running and go home?  Or do you want run the good race, be faithful to God, endure through trials and temptation and be excited rejoicing for the day you will see Jesus."

Debra gets up, and runs down the trail.   All the ladies spring up and rush behind her, trying to catch up.