Together # 15
A Together for Church Cohesion
A Together for Church Cohesion
Live as Citizens of Heaven,
as Foreign Ambassadors on Assignment
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Live as aliens on a mission to this ungodly planet. Have values, desires and ways of dealing with people that are radically different from those of the world.
Phil 3:20; Heb 11:13-16; l Peter 1:17
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Christians no longer belong to this world. Earth is no longer our home – our primary citizenship is in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven.
And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Phil 3:20-21
And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Phil 3:20-21
We are to live together as citizens of heaven. We secondarily live within another nation and culture, but we are not to be under the influence of the world’s cultures or values when they conflict with the culture and values of the kingdom of heaven. The ways of the world are often not the ways of Christians.
I have given them your word and the world has hated them,
for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one.
John 17:14-15
for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one.
John 17:14-15
As citizens of heaven we no longer belong to ourselves. We belong to God. And that should be what we want. Birthrights of heaven are far more extensive than rights of citizenship in any country of this world, no matter how good they may be.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Cor 6:19-20
For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord
is the Lord’s freed person;
similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
1 Cor 7:22-23
who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Cor 6:19-20
For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord
is the Lord’s freed person;
similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
1 Cor 7:22-23
As citizens of heaven belonging to God, our desires and our relationships are to be radically different from human society. Sometimes we try to fit in too much.
We need to be okay as citizens of heaven and comfortable with living as God’s children. Let those outside the faith watch how citizens of heaven live with one another. To do this, we need to make the kingdom of heaven a distinct priority so that there is something to see. Together within our Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages, we need to live openly before and peacefully with those who are not citizens of heaven.
We need to be okay as citizens of heaven and comfortable with living as God’s children. Let those outside the faith watch how citizens of heaven live with one another. To do this, we need to make the kingdom of heaven a distinct priority so that there is something to see. Together within our Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages, we need to live openly before and peacefully with those who are not citizens of heaven.
This is how Saint Patrick brought 30 of Ireland’s 150 tribes of ancient Ireland to Christ and planted about 700 churches. He did not protest their ways, he and his Christian friends merely lived God’s way next door to barbarian tribes for them to watch. (If interested, get The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III, Abington Press, Nashville, TN, 2000.)
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The 65 Togethers of Scripture are God’s commanded way for Christians to live with one another. If Christians saw themselves first as citizens of heaven and lived out the Togethers, they would live quite differently from the secular culture. Do we pay enough attention to Christian lifestyle together? Or has individual holiness edged out that to which the world would pay most attention?
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
John 13:35
if you love one another.”
John 13:35
One of the main things that should be most visible and quite shocking to those outside the kingdom of heaven is the way we deal with one another's sinfulness. We help! We do not condemn. We do not turn away from another as long as we can find a way to rescue that other Christian from sin.
Christ's death for our sin sets us apart as truly different people. We are new creatures in Christ.
Christ's death for our sin sets us apart as truly different people. We are new creatures in Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Cor 5:17 (ESV)
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Cor 5:17 (ESV)
We truly must believe in the saying, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Then, unlike the other citizens of earth, we can readily forgive sin, face the consequences of one another's sinfulness together, and humbly help each other become more righteous.
Furthermore, we need to embrace our heavenly kingdom citizenship and help other citizens of heaven conform their lives to God’s rules.
Furthermore, we need to embrace our heavenly kingdom citizenship and help other citizens of heaven conform their lives to God’s rules.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
We Christians need to help one another not get too attracted to the world’s charms. On the other hand, Christians should not go overboard in being different from the world as did the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. Our difference is freedom to not sin, not having a bunch of rules that are disputable from Scripture. We should avoid behaviors and activities that do not honor God. But, living together guided by the Togethers of Scripture will be much more impressive to a watching world. Obedience to the instructions of the Bible regarding inter-dependent relationships among believers is remarkable and what we want to show those outside the faith. Hopefully, they will see that Jesus has made a impressive difference in us that they want.
Christians need to be careful with their priorities of time, activities and behaviors. We have to look at whether we put games on our phones ahead of being spiritually involved with one another. Do we take time for other Christians? Do we make sure we are meeting with non-Christians to share God’s love?
We must challenge ourselves to live as citizens of heaven, especially in our friendships, families, and marriages where changes will be most splendid and profound.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Christians need to be careful with their priorities of time, activities and behaviors. We have to look at whether we put games on our phones ahead of being spiritually involved with one another. Do we take time for other Christians? Do we make sure we are meeting with non-Christians to share God’s love?
We must challenge ourselves to live as citizens of heaven, especially in our friendships, families, and marriages where changes will be most splendid and profound.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Once a week Ray, Moreen, Laura, and Derek can be seen having lunch together and studying the Bible in the work lunch room. Office gossip assures that they are known to be Christians.
But these four each separately eat with other people they work with the other four days. They do not invite others to their Bible study for evangelistic reasons. Instead, they openly are overheard talking about how Scripture convicts them to be more like Jesus Christ. Bible facts are seldom what they talk about. They are overheard helping one another change. The non-believers are curious as to what this is all about. And, they occasionally get a chance to see. For example, one day Derek was being rude to another worker. Moreen overheard and intervened. She pointed out to Derek that his speech was hurtful and also dishonoring to Jesus. Those watching it all expected Derek to get defensive. After all, that is the way of the world, isn’t it? But Derek was more loyal to Jesus than to his ego. He stopped his behavior cold because he had given Moreen permission to help him live for God. Derek apologized and in the lunchroom that week others overheard the group gently helping Derek to live more faithful to the kingdom of God. Guess what was the talk of the workplace? And it was not resistant to Christianity. Jesus and the kingdom of God was intriguing. |
To Jesus all that mattered was the kingdom of heaven. Just listen to one of his parables:
“the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value,
he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matt 13:45,46
When he found one of great value,
he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matt 13:45,46
If we are to be becoming more and more like Jesus, then we have to value the kingdom of heaven above all that we have. It is so valuable that, like the pearl merchant, we should want to give our whole life to it. We do this by continually searching for something not yet known to us about the kingdom and then committing to making it permanent in our lives. This is a job for Christians together.
Most of us grasp the simple things of the faith. We study the Bible. We pray. We assemble for the usual Christian activities. But, there is more. The Togethers of Scripture identify at least 65 aspects of the kingdom of heaven. Delving into each of them, you will find hundreds of marvelously valuable kingdom things to add to your life.
In Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages, there are great opportunities to live as Jesus did with respect to the kingdom of heaven. Discoveries of the kingdom of heaven can be best fleshed out through obeying the Togethers in these smaller relationships where we are more personally invested.
Most of us grasp the simple things of the faith. We study the Bible. We pray. We assemble for the usual Christian activities. But, there is more. The Togethers of Scripture identify at least 65 aspects of the kingdom of heaven. Delving into each of them, you will find hundreds of marvelously valuable kingdom things to add to your life.
In Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages, there are great opportunities to live as Jesus did with respect to the kingdom of heaven. Discoveries of the kingdom of heaven can be best fleshed out through obeying the Togethers in these smaller relationships where we are more personally invested.
CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIPS can walk in the world together as Jesus and his disciples did. Wherever a Christian friendship interacts with the secular world there are opportunities to show what Christianity is all about. Most of the world knows what Christianity believes, but they do not know what we are all about, often because we are not doing much of what we are supposed to be doing.
By the words of Jesus, those outside of the faith need to see Christians loving one another as Christ did with his disciples. This means love up close and personal, very interested in helping one another live for God in God’s way. Let us look over and over again at John 13:34-35 until we really “get it” thoroughly. |
“A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34,35 |
Self-sacrificing love at the very personal level is what non-Christians need to see. The Togethers of Scripture are the script for that kind of love. Friendships can learn more and more about the kingdom of heaven between friends by ordering our Friends Together with Jesus Discipleship Pack above under the Resources & Applications tab.
CHRISTIAN FAMILIES have unlimited opportunities, especially if they get the kids involved, in showing the kingdom of God to their neighborhoods and school friends. There are many families that could witness Jesus-like behavior if Christian families would make a point of inviting other families into their homes or into their lives at school or sports events. Then, in the up-close-and-personal world of family dynamics, they can see a God-centered love between family members that will amaze them. Families can learn more and more about the kingdom of heaven in family life by ordering the Family Together with Jesus Discipleship Pack above under the Resources & Applications tab. CHRISTIAN MARRIAGES, with or without children, can show other couples what extraordinary love from interdependent biblical relationship looks like. We have many examples of putting the Togethers into practice in marriage at our website www.ChristiansTogether.org. Those outside of the faith who see our marriages will then know that we are Jesus’ disciples. It may be their only insight into what God through Christ can do for them. It may be their only hope. Our light must shine out in our marriages. They must speak of the kingdom of God. Couples can learn more and more about the kingdom of heaven in marriage by ordering the Marriage Together with Jesus Discipleship Pack above under the Resources & Applications tab. |
Do we realize that the whole of the Sermon on the Mount was about the kingdom of God and how its citizens are to approach life? Look at how it ends:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father
who is in heaven. . . . “Therefore everyone who
hears these words of mine and puts them into practice
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:21, 24
will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father
who is in heaven. . . . “Therefore everyone who
hears these words of mine and puts them into practice
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:21, 24
And, if there is a comment in the Sermon on the Mount that underlies all that Jesus said, it seems to be Matthew 6:33. It is an admonition to trust God for food, clothing and shelter.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 6:33
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 6:33
Let’s not pass this opportunity to live in the kingdom of heaven like Jesus did. After all, that’s how we are going to end up living.
Opportunity to Worship God
Opportunity to Worship God
The Christians of Central Church know that Earth is not their real home, so they do not rely on their church services and programs as their main expression of the kingdom of heaven. They know that church services and programs are like the doorway leading into the treasure room of the kingdom.
So church leadership has taught much more about the kingdom of heaven using the Togethers to point to the relevant scriptures. They have explained how living as citizens of heaven through the Togethers is worship. They have warned that not living as citizens of heaven is disregarding God and the opposite of worship. As a result, Christians of Central Church live radically different lives. They own fewer things than the average non-Christian. They deal with each other's sins in a loving and forgiving way. Being harshly judged for a mistake doesn't happen at Central. Members always remember that they are, first of all, citizens of heaven in the kingdom of God. Their values are just plain different than most of the citizens in their town. For example, they might not be able to stop abortions among others, but they do all they can to help the Christians under their care to live in purity. And, if necessary, not to abort a living soul. Sometimes they are appreciated by the secular community and sometimes they meet criticism. Isn’t that to be expected? Isn’t that the way it is supposed to be? |
God has given us citizenship in heaven so that together we can live as foreigners within the cultures that surround us. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him the way Jesus lived the kingdom of God on earth and brought us a message from heaven.
When we live as citizens of heaven, we reflect back to God the likeness of Jesus who walked this earth like he did not belong to it. When we live out the scriptures for biblical relationships (the Togethers spell those out), we also bring a message to the world that Jesus came to save.
God the Father, through the very death of his only begotten Son, purchased for us citizenship in his kingdom. If we do not live like kingdom citizens, is our life truly worshipful? We must understand the spiritual disbelief and ingratitude if we live like we belong to this culture. Let’s not insult God that way.
We can live within darker secular culture but not be of that culture. Then we can radiate the light of the kingdom of heaven, and it will be seen in the darkness. In doing so, Christ will be seen in us. We will be the salt of the earth bringing the loving care of God to those who believe and those who do not. We will also be the light of the world radiating the Light of Jesus and broadcasting the gospel to those who have ears to hear.
Church worship services, hymns and choruses are a good start. But only a start. If we want to worship God further, we must ask Him what we have in our lives from the culture we live in that belongs in His kingdom and what does not. Then, with one another’s help we must let go of what does not belong in the society of the church.
Each of the Togethers of Scripture is an aspect of the kingdom of God. To embrace the kingdom of heaven, we must search the Togethers and find something new every few weeks to bring into our lives. As the people of God, we must continually let the kingdom of God grow in our lives and the lives of our friends, families, and marriages. Those close relationships are the relationships in which we experience the kingdom more fully.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
When we live as citizens of heaven, we reflect back to God the likeness of Jesus who walked this earth like he did not belong to it. When we live out the scriptures for biblical relationships (the Togethers spell those out), we also bring a message to the world that Jesus came to save.
God the Father, through the very death of his only begotten Son, purchased for us citizenship in his kingdom. If we do not live like kingdom citizens, is our life truly worshipful? We must understand the spiritual disbelief and ingratitude if we live like we belong to this culture. Let’s not insult God that way.
We can live within darker secular culture but not be of that culture. Then we can radiate the light of the kingdom of heaven, and it will be seen in the darkness. In doing so, Christ will be seen in us. We will be the salt of the earth bringing the loving care of God to those who believe and those who do not. We will also be the light of the world radiating the Light of Jesus and broadcasting the gospel to those who have ears to hear.
Church worship services, hymns and choruses are a good start. But only a start. If we want to worship God further, we must ask Him what we have in our lives from the culture we live in that belongs in His kingdom and what does not. Then, with one another’s help we must let go of what does not belong in the society of the church.
Each of the Togethers of Scripture is an aspect of the kingdom of God. To embrace the kingdom of heaven, we must search the Togethers and find something new every few weeks to bring into our lives. As the people of God, we must continually let the kingdom of God grow in our lives and the lives of our friends, families, and marriages. Those close relationships are the relationships in which we experience the kingdom more fully.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
When Satan saw that Tony and Paige enjoyed gambling at the casino with non-Christian relatives, he saw an opening to disgrace God. The devil was looking for people at First Church who did not yet understand the kingdom of heaven and its values. At that point, Tony and Paige only gambled a small, limited amount. But, Satan set his mind to not only get them hooked on enjoying gambling more than going to church, but to also lead others away from devotion to the kingdom of heaven through them. In time, Tony and Paige were seduced to making casino gambling a major part of their lives.
However, the devil, not having foreknowledge, could not see George and Mindy noticing that Tony and Paige were withdrawing from church involvement. George and Mindy reached out to Tony and Paige by taking them to see a play at the Center for Performing Arts. Afterward, they noticed Tony and Paige’s excitement about the gambling casino and accepted an invitation to go to the casino with them. George and Mindy lost $10 each as slowly as they could, and then the four of them went to the casino buffet for dinner. While talking about the gambling experience, George and Mindy expressed that they did not feel gambling fit their understanding of the kingdom of heaven. This sparked the kind of conversation they were planning to have with Tony and Paige. They did not address whether or not Tony and Paige should gamble, only that as they understood their duty to live as citizens of heaven, they themselves wondered what the boundaries should be in gambling. They wanted to point out that if gambling was something looked forward to more than loving interaction with other believers – that was a big problem. A few weeks later they noticed a spiritual change in what Tony and Paige looked forward to doing in the way of recreation. George and Mindy felt good that they had to some extent introduced others to the joys of living together as citizens of heaven. |
In a way, this Together to live as citizens of heaven on assignment to citizens of earth strikes at the heart of what Satan has always wanted to do. It has been his goal to steal God’s kingdom. From convincing fellow angels to rebel in heaven before mankind was created to tempting Jesus to serve him in the wilderness to the final battles of Revelation, Satan has always wanted God’s kingdom for his own.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him
all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matt 4:8-10
all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matt 4:8-10
Having been kicked out of heaven, Satan cannot take heaven away as he once planned. But, he can take away the kingdom of heaven from the lives of Christians. The evil one can get them to stay in the secular culture and leave the kingdom of heaven and its values and activities for later.
Merely believing that we are in the kingdom of God delights the devil. But we can defeat Satan by actually living as citizens of heaven with kingdom values and relationships. Furthermore, we can be on assignment to other Christians and to the wayward culture rather than just passing the time waiting for heaven.
Satan attacks the people of God the same way he defeated Adam and Eve. He separates people so that they cannot help one another obey God. Even though God’s ways in the Garden of Eden were the very best for Adam and Eve, Satan was able by talking only to Eve to keep she and Adam from working together.
Therefore, Christians must keep in mind that the devil is quite afraid of what Christian friendships, families and marriages can do for God. These small power units of the church can march against the devil’s strongholds – right up to the gates of hell. While alone we are too weak, together we are too strong for Satan.
If Christian friendships are on the attack against evil, they not only can resist the devil, they can defeat him. If Christian friends just enjoy time together in fun and Bible study, they should know that Satan will attack them before they get their nerve up to do something that requires active faith. The same is true of Christian families and Christian marriages. The devil does not want these Christian power centers to gear up for action.
We must remember we are called to help Jesus destroy the works of the devil. We are at war. But, unfortunately, we can act either like there is no war or that other Christians will do the fighting. In most cases Christians do not see the negative results of their traitorous behaviors because they will not be aware of what happens because of their negligence.
Two or three friends merely enjoying life together are not fighting for the cause of Christ. They may never see this side of the great judgment seat the damage done by not befriending someone sent by Jesus to cross their path. But, if those friends were to be aware that Jesus is with them, not just to bless them, but to use them in destroying the works of the devil, they will hear his calls for action. Christian friends must get to the point where they exult more in doing something difficult to help others than in doing something exciting and fun. And the same is true of Christian families and Christian marriages.
We really are aliens and strangers on a mission to this ungodly planet. We can drive the devil from the edges of the kingdom of God by living together as citizen-soldiers in the kingdom of heaven.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
Merely believing that we are in the kingdom of God delights the devil. But we can defeat Satan by actually living as citizens of heaven with kingdom values and relationships. Furthermore, we can be on assignment to other Christians and to the wayward culture rather than just passing the time waiting for heaven.
Satan attacks the people of God the same way he defeated Adam and Eve. He separates people so that they cannot help one another obey God. Even though God’s ways in the Garden of Eden were the very best for Adam and Eve, Satan was able by talking only to Eve to keep she and Adam from working together.
Therefore, Christians must keep in mind that the devil is quite afraid of what Christian friendships, families and marriages can do for God. These small power units of the church can march against the devil’s strongholds – right up to the gates of hell. While alone we are too weak, together we are too strong for Satan.
If Christian friendships are on the attack against evil, they not only can resist the devil, they can defeat him. If Christian friends just enjoy time together in fun and Bible study, they should know that Satan will attack them before they get their nerve up to do something that requires active faith. The same is true of Christian families and Christian marriages. The devil does not want these Christian power centers to gear up for action.
We must remember we are called to help Jesus destroy the works of the devil. We are at war. But, unfortunately, we can act either like there is no war or that other Christians will do the fighting. In most cases Christians do not see the negative results of their traitorous behaviors because they will not be aware of what happens because of their negligence.
Two or three friends merely enjoying life together are not fighting for the cause of Christ. They may never see this side of the great judgment seat the damage done by not befriending someone sent by Jesus to cross their path. But, if those friends were to be aware that Jesus is with them, not just to bless them, but to use them in destroying the works of the devil, they will hear his calls for action. Christian friends must get to the point where they exult more in doing something difficult to help others than in doing something exciting and fun. And the same is true of Christian families and Christian marriages.
We really are aliens and strangers on a mission to this ungodly planet. We can drive the devil from the edges of the kingdom of God by living together as citizen-soldiers in the kingdom of heaven.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
Nate and Becky were worried about their son Zach. Of their four children, 10-year-old Zach is going the way of the world more than the others. Zach was far more attracted to owning things than much of anything else. And he seemed completely shut off to sharing any of his toys with his siblings, even though they were good at taking care of anything they borrowed. He had little concern for others, even his friends, unless he benefitted. And he was ruthlessly competitive.
Most parents would be concerned about a son like Zach, but as Christians who took heaven seriously, Nate and Becky had additional fears that had to do with eternity. They understood that Zach would need to live more like a citizen of heaven if he was to receive better rewards in heaven. Nate and Becky decided to mirror heaven’s future rewards with similar rewards in their home for good behavior, especially if done by the kids with the welfare of others in mind. They designed reward coupons that had different perceived value. Once a week during a family meeting, Nate and Becky gave out rewards, always thanking a child or teen for the family contribution and for thinking of others. Everyone had their own chores as contribution to family life. Rewards were for voluntary contributions. Nate and Becky posted a list of things that could be done for the family on the fridge. Kids could choose one if they wanted to do it for the family. If they wanted hints on how to do the job well, they could ask a parent (like in prayer asking God for help) or ask a sibling (like Christian community is supposed to be). Eventually Zach wanted to go fishing and changed his way of living, increasingly taking on the role of a servant as the Bible teaches. Then Nate and Becky sat the family down and explained about serving Jesus now and receiving better rewards in heaven. |
If in heaven we will all be good citizens of heaven, what is the value of having lived as really good citizens of heaven beforehand here on earth?
On the other side of the pearly gates we may not be aware of having been poor citizens of heaven beforehand. That will probably be forgiven and forgotten. However, there will be rewards handed out in heaven. Those will be based on what we did with what was assigned to us before death. These rewards will relate to having been good stewards of heavenly citizenship back before death when it was tough to do so.
A person who has a habit of showing up to work consistently late will not be made a supervisor. Past performance signifies what we are capable of doing. The same principle applies to places of service for all eternity in heaven. For what jobs will we each be qualified?
Here is just one specific example. Consider a Christian who hardly ever took a risky step to encourage another Christian to stop sinning in some particular way. In heaven, it will unlikely that Christian will be assigned any responsibility having to do with leading people in anything that requires a difficult step of growing faith. Perhaps in heaven everyone will have the opportunity to sky dive. It will not be a sin to not want to do it. But, many hesitant to do it because of timidity would enjoy it if someone would just give them patient encouragement. But, many in heaven will not have the spiritual resume from before death to be rewarded with the job assignment of helping people take fuller advantage of what heaven has to offer.
The point is that in civilizations there are jobs to do and offices to fill. Jesus told a parable where a servant who increased the master’s wealth was given ten cities to lead. Now is the time that together we can help those in our Christian circles to live bravely as citizens of heaven and qualify for better rewards in the never ending life to come.
When we are with those closest to us, why not point out to one another the things in our culture that will not be in heaven. It might be attitudes, goals, activities, behaviors, way of talking, and, especially, priorities. This will help separate us from that which does not belong in our lives as citizens of heaven. These things are prerequisites for many rewards in heaven.
When gathered with Christians, it can be fun to identify things that should not be something citizens of heaven give themselves to. Television advertisements show some things that should not be a part of our lives. Often the thing advertised, say a luxury car, would be okay for an exceptional case but the attitude in the ad definitely not be the way citizens of heaven should think or be motivated. Implications that a car is a sign of success or a way to attract the opposite sex could safely be labeled as a way we Christians should not want to think. And the implication that parties with beer or hard liquor are one of the great enjoyments of life don’t seem to belong in the kingdom of heaven either.
Christian friends, family members and spouses can truly enrich the quality of eternity for us. They need to help us live like good citizens of heaven here on earth now. In helping one another grow in all of the Togethers, we help each other qualify for better rewards of service in heaven.
Remember, forever is at stake. Let’s not let each other down by thinking we are doing such a good job with each other that we don’t want to push further. Especially in relationships with one another, there will always be higher levels of obedience to Scriptural instructions.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
On the other side of the pearly gates we may not be aware of having been poor citizens of heaven beforehand. That will probably be forgiven and forgotten. However, there will be rewards handed out in heaven. Those will be based on what we did with what was assigned to us before death. These rewards will relate to having been good stewards of heavenly citizenship back before death when it was tough to do so.
A person who has a habit of showing up to work consistently late will not be made a supervisor. Past performance signifies what we are capable of doing. The same principle applies to places of service for all eternity in heaven. For what jobs will we each be qualified?
Here is just one specific example. Consider a Christian who hardly ever took a risky step to encourage another Christian to stop sinning in some particular way. In heaven, it will unlikely that Christian will be assigned any responsibility having to do with leading people in anything that requires a difficult step of growing faith. Perhaps in heaven everyone will have the opportunity to sky dive. It will not be a sin to not want to do it. But, many hesitant to do it because of timidity would enjoy it if someone would just give them patient encouragement. But, many in heaven will not have the spiritual resume from before death to be rewarded with the job assignment of helping people take fuller advantage of what heaven has to offer.
The point is that in civilizations there are jobs to do and offices to fill. Jesus told a parable where a servant who increased the master’s wealth was given ten cities to lead. Now is the time that together we can help those in our Christian circles to live bravely as citizens of heaven and qualify for better rewards in the never ending life to come.
When we are with those closest to us, why not point out to one another the things in our culture that will not be in heaven. It might be attitudes, goals, activities, behaviors, way of talking, and, especially, priorities. This will help separate us from that which does not belong in our lives as citizens of heaven. These things are prerequisites for many rewards in heaven.
When gathered with Christians, it can be fun to identify things that should not be something citizens of heaven give themselves to. Television advertisements show some things that should not be a part of our lives. Often the thing advertised, say a luxury car, would be okay for an exceptional case but the attitude in the ad definitely not be the way citizens of heaven should think or be motivated. Implications that a car is a sign of success or a way to attract the opposite sex could safely be labeled as a way we Christians should not want to think. And the implication that parties with beer or hard liquor are one of the great enjoyments of life don’t seem to belong in the kingdom of heaven either.
Christian friends, family members and spouses can truly enrich the quality of eternity for us. They need to help us live like good citizens of heaven here on earth now. In helping one another grow in all of the Togethers, we help each other qualify for better rewards of service in heaven.
Remember, forever is at stake. Let’s not let each other down by thinking we are doing such a good job with each other that we don’t want to push further. Especially in relationships with one another, there will always be higher levels of obedience to Scriptural instructions.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
Tim and his family members going back three generations are having a reunion in one of the beautiful kingdom parks of heaven. Everyone has been given the bodies they will have for all eternity. This is after the old earth and heavens have been replaced by the new ones.
The scenery is pristine. There is no litter anywhere. Other citizens of heaven who proved their careful love of nature back during the sinful centuries of the old earth have received the reward of taking care of the park. Naturally, they are the best ones to have been assigned this service by God to protect the beauty He created. The whole family reunion is fun! Lots of activities and fantastic conversations. About those conversations. Tim is aware that while everyone is enjoying themselves, some seem to be enjoying the relationships more and some the scenery more. A few like Tim are enjoying both at a high level. That is how he can recognize the different levels of appreciation. So, Tim does some research. He goes around and talks with people. Tim discovers that those who seem to be relating at a deeper level are those who before death put a lot into their Christian relationships. They seem to have understood citizenship in heaven and had limited their involvement in secular and recreational things. Those enjoying less the relationship aspects of the reunion are those who thought that going to church and Christian social events were enough. They had never discovered the deeper relationships of the kingdom of heaven . Tim also found that those who were most thrilled with the scenery were those who back in the sin-affected world before death spent time in nature and always picked up trash along trails and volunteered in park or forest maintenance. They were good stewards of God’s creation during the time when others were harming it. They saw themselves as citizens of heaven living on earth as salt to make life better for everyone. Those like Tim more fully understood that the kingdom of heaven was present among the sin on earth. As a result they pursued both relationships and the care of God’s creation. |
Heaven will be really good for those who prior to death were already in the habit of helping other Christians live as citizens of heaven under the temptations of worldly citizenship.
The spiritual growth that comes with each of the Togethers allows us to enter heaven at a better starting point. In some cases we will enter heaven with qualities that cannot be gained in the sinless environment of heaven. Where spiritual qualities can grow in a sinless environment, we will always be catching up with those who entered heaven with that quality developed a little more previous to death. Whatever our situations, we will be happy. But, don’t we want to have as many citizenship skills, attitudes, thinking and feeling abilities as we can have upon entering heaven?
Obedience to living like citizens of heaven on assignment now before death will give heavenly benefits that might not be accessible after we get to heaven. It would appear that some of the rewards we get for what we have done before death under the pressure of sin might not be available later. Those would be spiritual qualities that cannot be acquired without sinful surroundings.
Those who were too attached to worldly culture and less to heavenly citizenship will go to heaven with less of the things they cherished. But they most likely will not miss them because the old self will be left behind. However, they will not experience the joy of finding in heaven the wonderful things of heavenly citizenship they cherished so much before death.
Some of us will, instead, have separated ourselves for the kingdom of heaven to a greater degree and found aspects of our citizenship to be very special. Those heavenly things in the midst of the trials brought on by sin will be precious. Things like peace and hope in heaven will be amplified by a previous life that desperately needed and found them because of a greater awareness of the kingdom of heaven’s nearness.
Those of us, for example, who really appreciated truth in the midst of a culture where half-truths and deceit entered into so much of life will be excited when we see everyone truthful in heaven. Those caught up in the deceitful nature of the secular world will appreciate that whatever is said in heaven will be trustworthy, but they may not experience the same level of gladness.
To understand this principle, consider the following. Those seeing ocean waves for the first time are delighted. But those who loved spending a childhood with those waves upon seeing them will have a more exhilarating experience. They will match the waves with memories and emotions not available to those who are thrilled at seeing them for the first time.
Here is another example. Citizens of heaven while on earth are to examine each other’s faith (Together #38). But secular culture says that we should mind our own business. On earth we have to choose one or the other. Unfortunately, it appears that most Christians think everyone’s spiritual growth is their own business. In heaven we will not have to be making sure that people are growing spiritually. But those who cared enough to go with God’s way of examining the faith of Christian friends, family members and spouse rather than just focusing on their own life will enter heaven as far different people. First, they will be entrusted with reward assignments requiring more developed other-centeredness. Second, they will enjoy the spiritual progress of others for all eternity at a much higher level. All that earthly practice of examining the faith of others and helping them through love to grow in Christ will give them greater ability to be happy for someone else.
Now is the time to choose if you want that higher quality of life in eternity. It is like becoming an adult and deciding if you want to live happy without vacations or deciding to live a certain way so that you can have the luxury of taking some time off later. Let’s not be shortsighted. The price of not embracing heavenly citizenship now is very expensive – for ever and ever.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
The spiritual growth that comes with each of the Togethers allows us to enter heaven at a better starting point. In some cases we will enter heaven with qualities that cannot be gained in the sinless environment of heaven. Where spiritual qualities can grow in a sinless environment, we will always be catching up with those who entered heaven with that quality developed a little more previous to death. Whatever our situations, we will be happy. But, don’t we want to have as many citizenship skills, attitudes, thinking and feeling abilities as we can have upon entering heaven?
Obedience to living like citizens of heaven on assignment now before death will give heavenly benefits that might not be accessible after we get to heaven. It would appear that some of the rewards we get for what we have done before death under the pressure of sin might not be available later. Those would be spiritual qualities that cannot be acquired without sinful surroundings.
Those who were too attached to worldly culture and less to heavenly citizenship will go to heaven with less of the things they cherished. But they most likely will not miss them because the old self will be left behind. However, they will not experience the joy of finding in heaven the wonderful things of heavenly citizenship they cherished so much before death.
Some of us will, instead, have separated ourselves for the kingdom of heaven to a greater degree and found aspects of our citizenship to be very special. Those heavenly things in the midst of the trials brought on by sin will be precious. Things like peace and hope in heaven will be amplified by a previous life that desperately needed and found them because of a greater awareness of the kingdom of heaven’s nearness.
Those of us, for example, who really appreciated truth in the midst of a culture where half-truths and deceit entered into so much of life will be excited when we see everyone truthful in heaven. Those caught up in the deceitful nature of the secular world will appreciate that whatever is said in heaven will be trustworthy, but they may not experience the same level of gladness.
To understand this principle, consider the following. Those seeing ocean waves for the first time are delighted. But those who loved spending a childhood with those waves upon seeing them will have a more exhilarating experience. They will match the waves with memories and emotions not available to those who are thrilled at seeing them for the first time.
Here is another example. Citizens of heaven while on earth are to examine each other’s faith (Together #38). But secular culture says that we should mind our own business. On earth we have to choose one or the other. Unfortunately, it appears that most Christians think everyone’s spiritual growth is their own business. In heaven we will not have to be making sure that people are growing spiritually. But those who cared enough to go with God’s way of examining the faith of Christian friends, family members and spouse rather than just focusing on their own life will enter heaven as far different people. First, they will be entrusted with reward assignments requiring more developed other-centeredness. Second, they will enjoy the spiritual progress of others for all eternity at a much higher level. All that earthly practice of examining the faith of others and helping them through love to grow in Christ will give them greater ability to be happy for someone else.
Now is the time to choose if you want that higher quality of life in eternity. It is like becoming an adult and deciding if you want to live happy without vacations or deciding to live a certain way so that you can have the luxury of taking some time off later. Let’s not be shortsighted. The price of not embracing heavenly citizenship now is very expensive – for ever and ever.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
In heaven Jesus actually runs up to me. His greeting shows that He knows me well. He tells me that He appreciates my participation as a citizen of heaven. I mention that I have just entered heaven, having died only minutes earlier.
Jesus replies to me, “Oh, no. You have been acting like a great citizen of heaven long before you got here.” He pauses and adds, “And I have appreciated your quality of citizenship ever since you turned your life around after I allowed your bones to be broken on the skiing trip.” |
While on earth, Jesus was closest to those who lived God’s way.
Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him,
but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.
Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers
are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those
who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Luke 8:19-21
but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.
Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers
are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those
who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Luke 8:19-21
Since God’s way is fulfilled by living as a citizen of heaven, doing so is critical for a closer relationship with God.
Do we want to enter heaven already having a close relationship with God? What will happen if we put off living in such a way until we actually get to heaven? Does it really make sense to say, “I think that I will wait until I get to heaven to try to please God and become closer to Him in relationship?
Do we want to enter heaven already having a close relationship with God? What will happen if we put off living in such a way until we actually get to heaven? Does it really make sense to say, “I think that I will wait until I get to heaven to try to please God and become closer to Him in relationship?
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them,
he is the one who loves me.
He who loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I too will love him
and show myself to him.”
John 14:21
he is the one who loves me.
He who loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I too will love him
and show myself to him.”
John 14:21
Will we be able to get as close to God the Father and Jesus if we wait until heaven? The above verse says, “No” because obeying Jesus’ commandments with the competition of sinful temptations brought special love and manifestation from God.
Some of us who have been together with each other during stressful times experience a special closeness. Maybe we have been in the military together. Or both lost a loved one. Or both been through long periods of unemployment together. This is quite similar to the closeness we will have in heaven with God, if we lived as citizens of heaven while in the painful environment of earth.
There is a thrill in meeting someone for the first time. But often there is no relationship. Imagine going to a reception for a famous Christian known personally by your companion. When you both are greeted by this famous person, is the experience the same for both of you? Not likely. The renown person will greet your friend more warmly with statements that witness prior relationship. Your friend will experience more inclusion. On the other hand, you will be greeted with formal pleasantries, a wonderful experience but not as wonderful as that of your friend’s. You will be excited to have made the person’s acquaintance and experience no hurt or disappointment. But, you will probably be aware of the deeper experience for your friend.
We don’t want to meet up with God in heaven with barely a relationship. We don’t want to meet the King in his palace not having lived like His citizen before getting there.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Sovereign King of the Kingdom, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to live as citizens of heaven before we get there. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory by believing and behaving like we already have citizenship in heaven, which we do.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and elevate the kingdom of God and our citizenship in that kingdom so that it is more important than our citizenship in our country. Jesus understood that the kingdom of heaven is more valuable than priceless pearls and jewels. May all in my Christian Inner Circle be helped to so value it.
May our lives worship You more because we value Your ways in Your kingdom so that in our interactions with unbelievers we show that we belong not to this world, and value this world in different ways than they. Help us to let unbelievers peek into Your kingdom, especially when they can see our extraordinary and supernatural love of other believers.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by living as citizens of heaven living Your way, not his. Satan has always wanted to steal Your kingdom and glory from You, beginning in heaven and corrupting angels into demons and then bringing sin to Earth. So, empower us through the Holy Spirit to not live with errant world values, but live out heaven here on Earth.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by learning how to live in Your kingdom in heaven before we get there. Help us to guide one another to follow the Holy Spirit and live as citizens of heaven under the temptations of worldly citizenship. Since it does not exist in heaven, empower all of us to give up selfishness. Watching out for the good of others is the way of heaven, so let it be that way with us.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.
Some of us who have been together with each other during stressful times experience a special closeness. Maybe we have been in the military together. Or both lost a loved one. Or both been through long periods of unemployment together. This is quite similar to the closeness we will have in heaven with God, if we lived as citizens of heaven while in the painful environment of earth.
There is a thrill in meeting someone for the first time. But often there is no relationship. Imagine going to a reception for a famous Christian known personally by your companion. When you both are greeted by this famous person, is the experience the same for both of you? Not likely. The renown person will greet your friend more warmly with statements that witness prior relationship. Your friend will experience more inclusion. On the other hand, you will be greeted with formal pleasantries, a wonderful experience but not as wonderful as that of your friend’s. You will be excited to have made the person’s acquaintance and experience no hurt or disappointment. But, you will probably be aware of the deeper experience for your friend.
We don’t want to meet up with God in heaven with barely a relationship. We don’t want to meet the King in his palace not having lived like His citizen before getting there.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Sovereign King of the Kingdom, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to live as citizens of heaven before we get there. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory by believing and behaving like we already have citizenship in heaven, which we do.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and elevate the kingdom of God and our citizenship in that kingdom so that it is more important than our citizenship in our country. Jesus understood that the kingdom of heaven is more valuable than priceless pearls and jewels. May all in my Christian Inner Circle be helped to so value it.
May our lives worship You more because we value Your ways in Your kingdom so that in our interactions with unbelievers we show that we belong not to this world, and value this world in different ways than they. Help us to let unbelievers peek into Your kingdom, especially when they can see our extraordinary and supernatural love of other believers.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by living as citizens of heaven living Your way, not his. Satan has always wanted to steal Your kingdom and glory from You, beginning in heaven and corrupting angels into demons and then bringing sin to Earth. So, empower us through the Holy Spirit to not live with errant world values, but live out heaven here on Earth.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by learning how to live in Your kingdom in heaven before we get there. Help us to guide one another to follow the Holy Spirit and live as citizens of heaven under the temptations of worldly citizenship. Since it does not exist in heaven, empower all of us to give up selfishness. Watching out for the good of others is the way of heaven, so let it be that way with us.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.