How can we apply the concept of spiritual birth in our daily lives? Born in Zion—Our Spiritual Birth Certificate Psalm 87:5 says, “And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her,’ and the Most High Himself will establish her.” God records every believer as spiritually “born” in Zion—His chosen city, His dwelling place. The verse is literal: God Himself marks us down as native citizens of His kingdom, no matter our earthly birthplace. Linked passages • John 3:3 – Jesus: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” • Hebrews 12:22 – Believers have “come to Mount Zion.” • Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Seeing Ourselves the Way God Sees Us • Identity first, activity second. Because we are born in Zion, we live from acceptance, not for it (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Freely call God “Father” (Romans 8:15-16). His Spirit confirms the ledger of Psalm 87:5. • Reject labels that clash with God’s record. Speak Scripture aloud: “I am a citizen of Zion, established by the Most High.” Living Out the New Birth in Everyday Moments Morning reset – Thank God for establishing you; set the tone with 1 Peter 1:3. – Ask the Spirit to guide choices that honor the family name. Work & school – Serve “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Carry heavenly values: honesty, diligence, compassion. Home life – Let kingdom citizenship shape conversation (Ephesians 4:29). – Model forgiveness, reflecting the grace that adopted you. Temptation – Remember who you are before deciding what to do (1 John 3:3). – Choose holiness because you belong to Zion’s King (1 Peter 1:15-16). Guarding the Family Name • Stay in fellowship; Zion is a gathered people (Hebrews 10:25). • Feed on Scripture daily—“like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2). • Pray in the Spirit; that keeps citizenship consciousness fresh (Jude 20-21). Inviting Others to Be “Born in Her” • Share the gospel naturally: “Join the family—God will write your name in Zion too” (John 1:12-13). • Live so others taste heaven’s culture now (Matthew 5:16). • Support missions and church planting; every new believer fulfills Psalm 87:5 anew. |