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Those who are following men (no matter how anointed they are) should begin to repent and seek the Lord Himself for they probably will not even hear the first trumpet sound, so too must those who are allowing others to follow them in an aberrant manner. Let us examine ourselves and repent of the many idols we are so prone to follow, asking God to help us hear and follow Him - for He declares unto us all -- "My sheep hear my voice."

          As we mentioned earlier, there are Five Crowns listed in scripture and thrones reserved in heaven for those who overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.

          These crowns and thrones will be given only to those who earn the right to them. Through their own works (those led by the Holy Spirit) they attained to a higher ground. Paul referred to this calling as a "prize" that is set before all of us -- but will only be awarded to those who "finish the course" that God sets before them.

          It is absolutely certain that achieving one or more of these crowns is a requirement to take part in the Firstfruits Rapture before the Tribulation because all the 24 elders are seen in heaven wearing crowns.

          Since all Christians (dead and alive) will be Raptured after 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation, attaining to Christ's requirements for the first call will only make us that much more prepared and acceptable for Rapture.

          This crown will be awarded by Christ to those elders in the Church who have trained others to walk in the narrow way of discipleship. Through personal subjugation of their own flesh, these Elders entered and taught others to enter the Spirit led life -- following the death of their self will.

          (Phil 4 v. 1) "Therefore my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for -- my joy and crown (1 Thes. 2 v. 19) for what is our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing? Are not ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?"

          This crown will be given to those who finish the course that God sets out before them. (Rather than the course that they set out for themselves). And to "all those who Love His appearing." (2 Tim. 4 vs. 7-8) "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love His appearing."

          This crown will be won and given to all those believers who seek, find and follow the Lord's will for their lives to the end, instead of their own. In addition, many baby Christians can qualify for this crown simply by looking for and loving Christ's return. The