Jeremiah 29:4–7 (NLT) — 4 This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
- The correct IDENTITY - “The captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem”
- Philippians 1:27 (NLT) — 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
- Keep your heavenly culture, while living here.
- Keep your heavenly identity.
- Become an ambassador for heaven.
- Don’t let anything come between you and other heavenly citizens.
- Don’t fear or fret.
- You can’t leave until it’s time!
- The correct PERSPECTIVE
- Build Houses - Philosophy: Long-term commitment; building relationships, caring deeply for the value of the place you live.
- Plant Gardens - Philosophy: Do Godly business in the marketplace. Lead in all fields. You will eat from the ground you are sowing.
- Marry and Have Children - Philosophy: Family speaks louder than anything else. Whoever builds a family has the future.
- Psalm 112:1–2 (NLT) — 1 Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. 2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
- Multiply - Philosophy: Proclamation, this speaks of the idea of evangelism, being a light, bringing others to Christ.
- Work for Peace and Prosperity -
- Philosophy: Constructive Engagement
- Value: Involvement (active participation in societal well-being)
- The correct SPIRIT
- 1 Timothy 2:1–4 (NLT) — 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
- Don’t just vote once every few years. PRAY
Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT) — 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Revelation 11:15 (NLT) — 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”