Scripture mentions five Celestial Crowns as rewards for believers, each with a different significance. Although we cannot earn Salvation, that is a gift from Christ, as followers of Christ our good works will be rewarded. Using metaphors from gardening and nature the following seven presentations unfold the concepts behind each crown. Begin with an introduction to the Crowns, focus on one crown in particular, or select the whole series for your retreat.
Celestial Crowns
Grow your Faith. Grow your Friendship. Grow your Crowns.
Given as a reward of merit to deceased ladies of the church, the distinguishing features of the heraldic celestial crown are the stars sitting atop the five rays of the crown. Used as a symbol of spiritual rewards, we focus on the five heavenly crowns of Scripture that inspired the heraldic image. How do we earn the Celestial Crowns of Heaven? How will God judge believers? What are the five crowns promised to the faithful by Scripture? And what will we do with all these crowns? This presentation offers an introduction to the concept of the Celestial Crowns and can be combined with one or more in-depth presentations on the five crowns.
Seeds to Grow the Crown of Faith
The Poppy Seed Promise.
Every believer receives the crown of faith when we accept Christ, but should we be content with one crown? Or one small seed of faith? Using facts about seed germination this study discusses the seed and sower parables of Matthew 13, and the idea that we are born of imperishable seed (1 Peter 1:23-25). This presentation offers encouragement and tips to grow our faith and our flowers.
Daffodils of Discipline
Coaxing Beauty out of Bulbs.
Like a golden host of daffodils Christians can show the world the beauty of God's Kindgom. Paul advises the Corinthians (1Cor. 9:24-27) that Christians must discipline themselves to run the race and win the prize. What does that training look like? Learn how the Holy Spirit works on our spirits (like a coach or fitness trainer) to help us change and grow into beauty. Refrain, Abstain, and Don't Complain -- we're training to win the imperishable crown!
Growing Quiet
The Princess and the Uncomfortable Pea
The spiritual discipline of silence can be uncomfortable. In this presentation we look at the practice of silence and are challenged to look at the reasons we are uncomfortable in the silence. In our busy lives we often feel guilty for taking the time to be quiet, for pausing to be still with God. But in those quiet moments we encounter His presence. In the stillness we know that He is God, and we hear Him tell us that we are His daughters, daughters of the One True King.
A Crown of Living Water
Do You Know Someone Dying of Thirst?
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 offers a reward, the crown of rejoicing, for sharing the Living Water of Christ with those who thirst for Salvation. When we share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ we offer the water needed for others to live and grow, but so many people don't know where to find Living Water. The cracked cisterns of Jeremiah 2, the woman at the well in John 4, and promises of Isaiah that believers are a well-watered garden come together in this study as we learn to be like water.
Corona
The Shining Crown in Times of Eclipse
During an eclipse the part of the sun that remains visible is called the Corona, the Latin term for crown. When we face times of trial and eclipse in our lives does the light of our celestial crown shine through? Found in James (1: 11-12) and again in the book of Revelations (2:10) the crown of life is a reward for overcoming trials. In this study we look at the life of Stephen the first martyr and the modern martyrs facing persecution for their Christian beliefs -- even today. What is our faith worth? Will it pass the Solid Gold Test? Is our faith worth giving our lives for?
Everlasting Flowers
Flowers are the Jewels in a Gardener's Crown
We serve the Master Gardener when we tend His garden. What are the tasks a gardener does and how do those tasks relate to the work of the church? Study the Crown that "fadeth not" from Peter 5:2-4 and learn why this crown is often called the pastor's crown. We'll examine what work God has asked each of us to do, and how doing even the "bad" jobs can earn us this crown.
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