HOW TO LIVE A FRUITFUL LIFE

First, Christ tells us what God wants from us. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become (or prove to be) my disciples” (John 15:8). God wants us to bear fruit. But what kind of fruit are we called to bear?

THE WAR IN HEAVEN

The war in Heaven was the grand conflict between the rebel angels under Satan and the loyal angels under Michael. In the Bible, it is widely regarded as the first war in creation. This conflict that took place in the pre-mortal existence is among the spirit children of God. The war was primarily over how and in what manner the plan of salvation would be administered to the forthcoming human family upon the earth. The issues involved such things as how to gain salvation and who should be the Redeemer. Satan, though vice-regent, the chief archangel and the anointed cherub, was to hold a lesser position than Christ. When it became evident to Satan that he was not to have the supreme position, he saw his ambitions frustrated. “But God in His eternal plan had reserved this exaltation not for Satan but for Christ.

It was given to Christ alone to sit down with the Father on His throne (Revelation 3:21). It was Satan’s responsibility to have guarded the interests of God's kingdom and to have been on the alert against anything that might have jeopardized its security. Alas, that Satan should have betrayed the trust imposed in him, and thus have become the arch-traitor of all time. He declared, “I will ascend above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High”
(Isaiah 14:13-14).

Concerning Satan and the one third of apostate angels, it appears that their expulsion from heaven oc­curred before the earth was created. The ac­count of Satan's first contact with humanity, as given in Genesis three, shows that he was had no scruples whatsoever against the use of falsehood and slander in fomenting disloyalty and disobedience to the Creator; and that he was cruelly bent on the enslavement and ultimate ruin of humanity by sin. Jesus Christ was sent as the redeemer of Israel. Moses and the prophets spoke of Him before the gospels and the apostles revealed Him. He purchased our salvation with His death on the cross. Then He redeemed every tribe and language and people and nation by His resurrection. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people who are truly His, who are eager to do good” (Titus 2:11-14).

the five heavenly crowns

Scripture describes our eternal rewards in terms of an inheritance and responsibility. These rewards are symbolized in Scripture as five heavenly crowns. They are badges of honour reflecting the glory upon Christ who worked through us to achieve the good works in our life.

◦ The Imperishable Crown
“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 [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
All things on this earth will one day perish. Jesus urges not to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you”(1 Peter 1:4).

◦ The Crown of Rejoicing
“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?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). The apostle Paul tells us to always “rejoice always in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. This reward will go to those who have witnessed to others and who have built up the church.

◦ The Crown of Righteousness
“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 4:8).
This verse does not refer to righteousness we achieve by works, as Scripture makes clear that our righteousness is found only in the imputed righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:19). Rather, this reward is given to those who eagerly await the appearing of the Lord. As believers, we should always be expectantly looking for the return of our Lord.

◦ The Crown of Glory
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing” (1 Peter 5:4). These crown collectively represent our tangible rewards, which we receive in the Kingdom. It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the Kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

◦ The Crown of Life
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us - eternal life” (1 John 2:25).

James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations - as long as we live - may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

THE LION AND THE LAMB